Chapter 45 #2
Panic creeps into my chest like cold fingers. Korithax senses it instantly, and he gently tilts my chin, forcing me to look up at him.
“Hey,” he says firmly. “It’s all going to be okay. I’ll deal with the divine assholes. Nothing will happen to you.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about,” I whisper. “It’s your people. Your kingdom. What if they try to destroy Zeriavoss?”
He shakes his head. “Our people. Our kingdom. And I’ll destroy them before they ever get the chance. I swear to you, Daisy, I won’t let them lay a single finger on what’s ours.”
I stare into his eyes, searching for any signs of doubt. But there’s none. Only steel and fire. Only the same ruthless determination I’ve seen in his eyes time and time again.
For the first time in days, the storm inside me quietens. Because I believe him. And gods help anyone who dares threaten what’s his. I saw what he did to Kaelith. I know what this demon of mine is capable of.
I’m escorted through the luminous hallways of the palace, my footsteps echoing softly against the bright white marble beneath me.
The walls shimmer faintly with embedded veins of crystal, casting refracted rainbows with every passing glint of light.
Magical sconces pulse gently with warm light, and the air smells faintly of citrus blossoms.
The guard leading me wears an intricate gold uniform, his breastplate engraved with protective runes that shimmer with faint magic.
His long, silken cape trails behind him, embroidered with a blazing crown set against rays of dawn.
He doesn’t speak, and I don’t try to start a conversation.
My stomach is too tightly knotted up for any form of pleasantries.
We turn a corner and enter a grand chamber.
A long, gleaming white marble table sits at its centre like something out of a medieval TV show where a banquet would take place.
At the head of the table sits Elyistria.
Her serene gaze lifts to mine, and despite her ever-soothing aura, a strange anxiety coils in my gut.
I don’t know why, but something tells me I’m not going to enjoy whatever this is.
“Good morning, Daisy,” she says softly, a warm smile on her face. “Please, take a seat.”
I return her smile politely and walk to the single chair that’s sat at the opposite end of the massive table.
There’s so much space between us, and I can’t help but think that was done purposefully.
I sit just as a beautiful elven-looking woman steps up beside me with a crystal jug of shimmering liquid.
“Good morning,” I say softly, nodding to her.
She pours the drink, and it sparkles like liquid starlight. I hesitate just for a moment. Could it be poison? No... surely not. She doesn’t seem like the murderous type, but isn’t this exactly the kind of thing I should be worried about now?
“It is called eltherai,” Elyistria says, noticing my hesitation. “A sparkling fruit juice harvested from solvine blooms. Everything grown here is born of my magic.”
I don’t want to appear rude, so I lift the glass. The scent hits me instantly—fresh, sweet, and so intoxicating my mouth waters. I take a sip. “Gods,” I gasp. “This is divine.”
She laughs softly, and I blink, startled by how beautiful the sound is.
She looks every bit the angel you see depicted in art—flawless ivory skin, nearly white-blonde hair, and those piercing silver-blue eyes with flecks of gold that seem to see too much.
Her hands fold calmly in her lap, but I can see it now—something in her posture is tight.
Wound up to the point she looks like she may snap.
“So,” I say, trying to sound neutral. “I’m guessing there’s a reason I’m here this morning. Alone.”
“Yes,” she replies gently, “Especially without your king. I wanted to speak of who you are… and who you are becoming.”
The anxiety claws higher. I say nothing, letting her continue. I just want this over with, I hate confrontation.
She exhales slowly. “I know you do not remember. But you will. And all I can do now is apologise for who I was before.” I look at her in confusion, but she doesn’t pay much attention to it as she continues.
“While I am one of the oldest beings in the universe, it took me a very long time to trust in my power. In myself.”
Her eyes glimmer, and I swear I see a tear form. But it’s gone as quickly as it came.
“I am sorry, Daisy. When the truth comes to light, I only ask one thing—that you remember this moment. That I am here now. And that I will not fail you again.”
I frown. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. You seem… afraid of me. Elyistria, I promise, you don’t need to be.”
Is this what it was going to be like now that I was going to be Queen of Hell? People fearing me? I didn’t want that. Not even in the slightest.
“I am afraid,” she whispers. “But not of you. I am afraid of what’s coming. Of the challenges you’ll have to face. And I am afraid that you will forget that I am with you, because last time, I wasn’t. And you died.”
My breath catches, her words settling into my brain. Died.
I grit my teeth, anger coursing through me alongside confusion. “I’m getting really tired of the riddles and cryptic crap, Elyistria. Please forgive me if I sound rude, but either tell me what you mean, or I’m leaving.”
She sighs and bows her head. “I cannot. Not yet. But remember this: I am with you, Queen of Hell. And when you need me most, I will answer your call.”
I push my chair back with a loud scrape, frustration boiling over. “Thank you for your hospitality,” I mutter, standing to leave.
I turn on my heel and head for the exit, tension crackling in my spine like lightning. What a freaking waste of time. Another vague speech. Another warning wrapped in a riddle. Why can’t anyone just give me a straight answer?
I’m halfway down the corridor when I hear a scream. “DAISY!”
I whirl around just in time to see Elyistria sprinting toward me, her gown billowing behind her like a wave of moonlight, her guards not far behind.
Her face is paler than normal, a panicked expression etched across her beautiful face. “The Divine Six are here. Where is Korithax?”
My blood runs cold. “He’s in our room.”
She grabs my hand—her grip almost painful—and a blinding flash envelops us before I can scream.
We appear in the bedroom not a moment later.
I stumble slightly from the jolt of magic coursing through me, my heart thudding in my chest. Korithax is already on his feet, storming towards us.
His eyes zero in on Elyistria’s hand, still gripping mine painfully.
“Get your hands off her!” He snarls, yanking me away from her. His body moves in front of mine, full of rage and protection.
“Korithax, you need to leave. NOW!” She shouts.
“Excuse me?” He snaps.
“The Divine Six are here,” I whisper, dread crawling up my spine. “They found us.”
His face drains of colour. “What the fuck… did you tell them we were here?” He growls at Elyistria.
Her expression flashes with offence. “Of course not. If I had, I wouldn’t have come running to your queen like this. You need to go. They want her dead.”
Her words hit me like a blow to the chest. I knew it. I knew this would happen.
“But—” I begin, “maybe if we just explain that I’m becoming immortal. That was their problem, right? That I was mortal—”
“No!” They both bark in unison.
“It doesn’t matter,” Elyistria says. “They won’t listen. They won’t hesitate. The moment they see her, they will strike. You must leave. Now.”
Korithax is already grabbing the pack from the bed, his movements sharp.
“Thank you,” he says quickly. “I won’t forget this.”
“Go,” she says. “When it’s done, come straight to me. Do you understand?”
He nods once, then pulls me into his arms. Shouts erupt from the corridor outside, and Korithax doesn’t wait a minute longer. With one last look at Elyistria, he teleports us out of the realm of light, straight into the unknown.