Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
~ Shade ~
“Why didn’t you tell me about your monster?
” I ask Raith as I lay beside him on the couch.
Reaching down, he lazily strokes his fingers through my hair and swallows his mouthful of cured meat.
We’re back in the guys’ rooms, and Galen is stretched out on the couch opposite us.
Like with the nemins, Thane and Knox left to secure the foxrets, leaving the three of us.
A half-eaten tray of meats and cheeses rests on the coffee table.
“Didn’t wanna scare you,” Raith replies. “He’s not usually a problem.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s been a long time since he’s been able to take control,” my mate answers. “Let’s just say, after the last time I haven’t been willin’ to let him out.”
I frown, not entirely sure what that means. “You say ‘he.’ Is your monster a separate entity from you?”
Raith’s hand stills. “It’s not like that.” He’s thoughtful for a moment before he starts stroking my hair again.
“Raith is still in there when he’s in his monster form,” Galen elaborates further. “But his more rational, human side is suppressed in favor of a more animalistic version of him. So, yes, it’s him, but his cognitive function isn’t the same as the man beside you right now.”
I sit up, and Raith’s hand falls from my hair as I twist my head to peer at him. “Oh, so you’re like a shifter?”
Raith uses one of his shadows to grab another hunk of rolled meat and place it into his mouth. “Yeah, I s’pose so,” he says once he’s swallowed it. “But with less humanity when I turn.”
Huh.
“The more important question is how were you able to satisfy the monster without losing your life?” Galen drawls, his lips curving in a contemplative smile.
Raith tenses like he’s imagining his beast being in control again, and instinctively, I run my hand along his arm, tracing the hard muscles as if to reassure him.
“No idea,” I admit. “Luck?” I feel like a part of me should be horrified that I could handle such a beast, but if anything, remembering Raith’s monster just has my stomach tightening as I think about how good it felt.
“I should have torn you apart,” Raith says grimly.
“That wasn’t luck. You changed for me.” His grim expression melts away, awe taking its place, and I don’t blame him.
Clearly, my vagina is magical. I can’t say having an ultra-accommodating vagina is a shadow power I was expecting, but I’m not complaining one bit.
Galen’s gaze lifts to something behind me, just as Thane strides into view.
“He’s right. That wasn’t luck,” Thane rumbles, stopping to stand near the couch and staring at me with concern. “How are you feeling?”
“I—” My cheeks warm. “I feel…great, actually.” I’m not lying either. I’m a little sore, but otherwise, I feel better than I have for a while. Damn, I guess sleeping with the guys really is helping.
Thane nods like my answer makes complete sense. “You’ve been with three of us now,” he points out.
“It looks like my theory continues to be proven correct,” Galen adds. “The more you’re with us, the more you seem to be able to access shadow magic. Have any more memories returned?”
I’m thoughtful for a moment before I shake my head.
“No, not yet, anyway.” Another thought occurs to me then.
“Hold on, do you think I could handle Raith’s monster, because I might be able to turn into a monster, too?
” I’m not sure how I feel about that idea, but it is tiring being so short sometimes, and never being able to reach the top shelves.
I can definitely see some perks in being able to shift into a larger form.
“Most students gain control over the fundamental shadow magic abilities such as cloaking and the like, though some students are more powerful than others,” Galen drawls.
“Some, exhibit even stronger gifts and different abilities. We have suspected the fact that you’re matched to us means you will inevitably become powerful. ”
“Okay, but what if I can turn into a monster, and it’s the reason I’m destined to destroy you guys?” I say.
“You don’t frighten us, sunshine,” Raith says, clearly not taking this seriously.
“Currently, I’m more concerned about whomever contracted the foxrets to attack us,” Galen drawls. “Obviously, they are not of sound mind if they thought the foxrets could stop us.”
“Do you think they knew about Shade?” Raith asks, anger touching the edges of his eyes.
“I doubt it,” I comment, reflecting on our time in the clearing. “The foxrets didn’t seem like they were expecting me.”
“But you said they had orders to kill us?” Thane asks, his expression serious, like a commander who’s trying to collect all the information he can before riding into battle.
“Yeah,” I confirm, a sinking feeling forming in my gut.
The guys nod, and no one says anything for a moment.
“You’re not worried?” I prompt, concerned by their lack of reaction.
“Truthfully, it’s not the first time someone has tried to kill us,” Galen explains. “When you’re powerful there are always those who wish to tear you down.”
“But we’ve never had an attempt where someone has organized a species of zenali before…” Thane muses as he paces the room.
“Yes, I’ll admit that is curious,” Galen says, stroking his chin.
Noticing my confusion, he explains, “Whomever ordered them to kill us had to know we were planning to visit the foxrets soon. They also must be strong enough to survive a visit to the foxrets, and have enough power to get the foxrets to listen. I imagine, they must have had something to bargain with…”
“Any original could have done that,” Raith bites out. “And there are a handful of stronger warriors who would be privy to that information.”
Thane stops pacing and crosses his arms. “For all we know, it could also be the queen toying with us. Knox is trying to get more information now.”
“He’s in the city?” Galen asks, his brows rising.
“The queen summoned him,” Thane answers. His voice is indifferent, but irritation clouds his eyes. “There have been more attacks.”
Galen nods absently as he stares off into the distance, then he turns his attention back to Thane. “And is the date for the games set?”
Thane blows out a weary breath. “We’ll know when he returns. But it’s been a long night. For now, we should get some rest.”
At that, they all peer at me, and I’m guessing by ‘we’ he really meant ‘me.’ I yawn loudly, not arguing with him. After the encounter with the foxrets, and Raith’s er… attention, my eyes feel like they could fall shut at any second.
Grinning, Raith takes that opportunity to move from the couch. Grabbing me, he lifts me bridal style, and I nuzzle into his warmth as he carries me into the bedroom. “Come on, sunshine. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
~ Knox ~
“You’re making a mistake,” I bite out as I stand before the shadow queen, paying no attention to the armored guards who line the walls of the great chamber. “We’ve told you the students aren’t ready.”
Queen Krosia simply regards me as she leans back on her throne, peering down from her position on the dais.
Broken bones and cracked skulls adorn her throne, the souls of the most infamous deserters trapped and woven between the aged bones and black metal.
The shadows flicker in the air, like they’re desperate for a release they’ll never get. All because they defied her.
Blood stains the queen’s armor like she’s walked straight from the battlefield, and Germain and Ambrose stand on either side of her, the originals looking just as bloody.
Germain smirks at me. “Well, it was your job to prepare them. It just sounds like excuses to me. Are you saying you’ve failed our queen?”
I grind my teeth, not bothering to answer the queen’s lapdog.
Tapping her long black nails on her armrest, Queen Krosia uncrosses her legs and leans forward.
“Now, now, Germain, we all have our roles. The hunt already proved there’s more potential at Shadowbone than Knox and the others want to admit.
Honestly, Knox, at this point I have to wonder whether you’re intentionally trying to keep good warriors from this war. ”
I don’t react to her accusation, keeping my composure. “I’m trying to make sure you end up with warriors who can make a difference. What’s the point of soldiers who will simply become fodder for the Xalgrith?”
She narrows her eyes to slits. “Are you accusing me of intentionally wanting my soldiers to fail?” Her voice is even and deathly calm.
“I’m merely stating that most of the students aren’t yet ready to fulfill the roles you have planned for them,” I clarify.
“And it’s unfortunate those ones will die,” she says, though despite her words there’s no empathy in her voice. “But for the sake of the war, blood must be spilled. Besides, I have faith Lady Fate will select more appropriate candidates once there is more…space at the academy.”
“Your highness—” I start, but I don’t get to finish.
“There will be no more discussion around this,” she says, lifting to her feet.
“In spite of our efforts, the Xalgrith are growing their numbers, and we must do the same. Besides, the warriors need the games. The attacks are frequent now, and we’re losing warriors constantly. The army could use the entertainment.”
For a fleeting second, I think I see fear flicker in the queen’s eyes, but it’s gone in an instant, leaving me wondering if I’d imagined it.
Is it getting that bad? For the queen to openly admit the warriors need a distraction from the war, shows the situation out there is worse than I’d thought, but I don’t let my surprise show.
I’d known the attacks were increasing, but I hadn’t realized things were becoming that dire.
“You mean, the warriors need a distraction,” I say, filling in the blanks.
“What they need is hope,” Queen Krosia replies, her lips thinning. “And that’s something the games always bring.”
“So you’re willing to lose potential warriors to help bolster hope amongst the ranks?” I surmise.
“If that’s what the army requires.” She waves her hand dismissively, shadows dancing around her fingers.
“But I’ll not discuss this further. Return to the academy.
Germain and the others will be at Shadowbone Academy by the week’s end to erect the stadium.
That’s why I summoned you here. I trust you will have the necessary arrangements made and creatures all obtained by then. ”
Anger surges inside me. A week? It’s too soon, but I know better than to waste my breath trying to argue further.
Clenching my jaw, I dip my head, reminding myself that one day her time will come to an end, and I will the one with my blade buried in her throat.
“The creatures will all be there when the time comes, your highness,” I confirm.
“Excellent,” she says, smiling. “Then you’re dismissed.”
Knowing there’s nothing else to be said, I turn, but the queen calls out before I leave. “Oh, and Knox.”
I turn back to her.
“I do hope your friends have managed to train that lovely little pet of yours,” she says with a mocking tone. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she can do.”
An unexpected wave of white-hot rage goes through me, and I only just manage to keep my feelings contained. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy her death like so many others,” I reply coldly, before turning and striding from the room.