Chapter 28
It was easy for his Dread Viper to locate Doggbind. Two jumps from Rowan and she found him standing in the courtyard outside the castle. The fighting commenced as soon as his Bellator emerged into the foyer. Mal and Maeve breezed past them all with sights set on the courtyard.
A rage of emotions radiated from the civilians that lined the halls as they observed him. Some held their fists up proudly. Some clutched their children while muttering prayers to all the Gods, Merlin and King Primus himself. Conflict and fear wracked most of their faces though. Some ran, making for the upper floors of the castle. Mal cast a shield over them all as they passed.
It was their choice if they bowed to him. They certainly didn’t deserve to suffer for his agenda.
Suffering was reserved for certain names on a list. Names Maeve had given him. He was happy to deliver her their heads. He had plans for all of them too, past granting his vengeful Second’s wishes.
Roswyn and Alphard led the charge through the castle, leagues ahead of them when they came across the pair in the entrance hall.
“Found this on her,” said Roswyn as his Magic held Leslie Loxerman down.
He extended Belvadora a small vial with his free hand.
Maeve laughed as Belvadora examined the bottle of poison.
“Couldn’t bring yourself to do it?”Asked Maeve. “You must truly be delusional to think what awaits you is anything less than hell.”
She looked back to Roswyn. “Remember: they all remain alive.”
Roswyn looked back at her, annoyed.
Mal wanted to whip him for daring to glance at her that way. But his hatred for her rolled off Maeve, as it always did. So carefree of others’ opinions.
“As were your orders,” Maeve reminded him.
Mal suppressed a smirk.
Loxerman looked up at her in surprise.
Maeve squatted before Loxerman and answered her unasked question. “I have so many questions for you before you die.”
“And yet you killed the Orator,” she replied.
“Oh no. I wouldn’t dream of depriving you of your place spectating.” Said Maeve dryly. “He has already been drained of his knowledge. Just as I will drain you.”
Maeve stood and addressed Belvadora. “Keep an eye on that one, Bella,” she said. “Can’t have her offing herself before I’ve had the chance to replace all her happy memories with ones made of nightmares.”
Mal wanted to slam her against the wall and bury his mouth in hers right there, forcing that hag Loxerman to watch him fuck her blind.
Electricity zapped between them, and Maeve looked up at him with daring eyes.
He pressed against her mental shields, realizing she had them completely down for him. She smirked in satisfaction and spoke into his mind.
There’s time for that later.
Doggbind stood in the dim courtyard, looking up at the statue of King Primus. Arman was mere steps away.
“Did you think hiding behind a school would stop us from coming for you?” Asked Mal casually.
“You are outnumbered and out-manned,” said Doggbind.
“How terrible,” said Mal boredly.
Doggbind glared over at him and stepped away from the statue.
His expression was wild. That of a desperate animal. Mal pitied him, only for a moment. For he, too, knew what it felt like to be so close to something great. . .and have it sliced from your hands.
“I alone could wipe you and all your traitorous Bellator from existence with the sheer will to do so,” said Mal.
“Then why not be done with it?” He asked, standing tall.
“It is, of course, much more satisfying this way,” replied Mal.
Doggbind took in Moon as he stumbled to his knees behind them. He snarled.
“Arman!” Barked Doggbind.
The Magical Militia Captain stepped in front of the Premier. Doggbind smirked nastily.
“Are you willing to die for your Premier?” Asked Doggbind.
“I always was,” answered Arman, his eyes on Maeve.
“Poetic,” said Doggbind. “Two right hands in a duel for–”
His words stopped short, a gargling noise choked from him as he gasped for air. Maeve pushed him to the edge of asphyxiation far quicker than was normal. In a blink he was within an inch of his life.
Doggbind stumbled forward as she released him. He sucked in desperate air and staggered backwards, his body shaking and limp all at once. Arman caught him as his legs gave way.
Arman’s eyes were on Mal, his hands tightly around the usurper Premier.
Mal didn’t smile as she looked at Ambrose’s former Captain. “Maeve.”
Arman’s eyes snapped to Maeve’s.
“I promised you the victor,” she said. “Take your spoils.”
Arman withdrew his hands from Doggbind. Blood splattered his face as Doggbind gagged and staggered. He crumbled at Arman’s feet. Crimson soaked the floor around him like a shattered wine bottle.
Arman did not watch him fall. He did not observe the blood that poured from his mouth as he took his final breaths.
Arman’s fist formed over his heart, his eyes never leaving Mal as he said, “my Prince.”
Mal’s cold expression remained, but his head dipped towards Arman.
Arman’s gaze slid to Moon. The Orator’s eyes were round at the dead body between them. He had not been expecting Arman’s loyalty to lie elsewhere.
Moon froze, his frantically fearful face paled.
Arman stood tall. “Did you truly think I would stand by you when you tarnished the name of my Premier, my Commander, and used his Bellator to take control for yourself?” Arman spat.
Moon’s shoulders shook.
“Fear looks good on him, doesn’t it?” said Mal casually.
“It is all he reeks of,” answered Arman.
“How many of the disloyal remain?” Asked Mal.
Arman placed his black boot on top of Doggbind and nudged him over with his foot. Doggbind rolled limply beneath him. “I have been busy on Earth, my Prince. All that remain here are loyal to you, except for those who have been gathered in Hellming Hall awaiting your judgment.”
Arman twisted two fingers. Doggbind’s Premier badge ripped from his uniform and floated into the air. Arman’s fist clenched as it shattered.