Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
The moment between breaths is such a small measure of time.
In this small space, big things can happen and in this particular moment, Pyralis’ body finds itself suddenly without a head.
My world has slowed as I watch the massive wolf clamp his jaws down, eliciting a squelching crunch.
Blood sprays, hitting the first two rows of fae and coating Embrys entirely.
A coppery stench shoves its way up my nose and I try not to vomit.
The slow slump of Pyralis’ body feels like it takes too long but it must only be one breath later.
The spot on my wrist where his slave mark was branded tingles for a moment and I know, without having to look, that I have been released from our bond.
I can faintly hear Oleander’s shriek and feel her pull on my hand as she lurches forward. Her searing hand snaps me out of my reverie and our grip on each other is so tight that she pulls me forward with her, nearly flinging me down the steps. Vargs step up to grab us both, holding us back.
Embrys is just sitting there. Why is he just sitting there? Embrys!
His eyes snap to mine. Nuria? Wh – what happened?
Don’t look down, Embrys. The Wolf… he killed your father.
He looks anyway. His lament bubbles up from deep within him and splits the air, our only warning before his whole body ignites.
Before he can do anything stupid, watery shackles are wrapped around his wrists that slowly spread up his arms and legs, encasing his entire body in liquid.
He struggles but stays seated. Perhaps he cannot move enough to stand, I’m not sure, but he does not cease his struggle.
I lose my grip on Oleander’s hand as she is held down by some vargs, the same water shackles are spreading across her body as well.
The Wolf turns back to the dais and takes one big leap that lands himself by my side once more. I don’t dare show my fear, but instead look him straight in the eye.
You monster!
Something akin to sadness flickers behind his eyes and he lets out a barely audible whimper before shaking and shifting back into his humanoid form.
Vargs quickly surround him with a green velvet cloak to cover up his naked body.
I catch a glimpse of something shimmering around his neck but he wraps the cloak tightly around himself before I can make it out.
“Justice is swift and exact in this realm. He has paid in full for his crimes so that his children will not bear his debt to the natural world. Lamenting his demise will not prove fruitful. We are not finished here! Let us all regain our wits,” he calls out to the crowd.
Pyralis’ body and head are swiftly removed from the room and the crowd turns to The King as if nothing has happened. Is this a normal occurrence? Is brutal death really something that just… happens? In a bloody court?!
“Moving on to our last charge. Raise your hand if you believe Miss Oleander Pyralis to be a part of the rebel group that had been reported to be hiding in the caves within said forest.” As if completely unfazed by what the punishment may be, around half raise their hands at this.
Shit. I can’t watch that again. Not my friend!
“No, no! I propose a bargain! Take me in her place! ” I blurt out, before The King has time to dole out his exacting punishment onto my friend. I hear Oleander sob from where she is still pinned down on the ground.
“And who says you are payment enough for her crime?”
“I know you have been searching for me. I am one of the last remaining members of the House of Ether. Your lore speaks of a fae, raised by humans, returned to this realm to guide you. I am the one you seek! You may take me in exchange for Oleander. Let her and Embrys go free.” I hear gasps and exclamations spread through the crowd.
Is this prophecy widely known in this realm?
I stand strong, but don’t dare look at Embrys or Oleander.
Embrys promised to not stand in my way and to help his sister, a promise he is bound to, but I know if I look at either of them, their broken hearts from seeing their father killed and now seeing me taken away might sway my courage.
“I… I cannot just release a known rebel…” The Wolf lowers his voice and takes a step towards me, the closest he has been to me yet.
He smells of the forest in autumn and crisp dewy mornings, his scent is dizzying and my body betrays me by leaning in a little.
I notice a small light near his collarbone shine through his cloak.
He looks down at his chest then to mine.
I can feel my necklace heating against my skin.
Recognition dawns on me. Does he possess the other necklace?
He catches my questioning stare and before I can say anything he interjects –“I agree to your bargain. I will accept you in place of Miss Pyralis. She and her brother are free to go until the sun rises next morning, at which time they will both be known as being part of the rebellion against the crown and will be hunted down. I thank you and I take my leave.” He looks to the crowd, which applauds at the swift conclusion of the trial.
Before I can do or say anything, The King has signaled for his vargs to grab me. He turns and exits the room through the side door that Lillian had entered through. I am swiftly ushered along and pushed through the same door without getting to talk to or even look at Oleander and Embrys again.