Chapter 15 Skell King
SKELL KING
HALLOW LAND—THE PAST
“The land is being searched for the child, my King,” the pathetic Skell guard stammered.
“No one entered, I swear—” His vexing voice halted as the Skell King turned to face him.
Fear slicked his already wet brow as he took a step back, pressing against the stone wall like cornered prey.
The Skell King’s shadows struck, coiling around the guard’s throat in a slow, deliberate constriction. A serpent unleashed.
Weak gurgles left the guard’s lips as the darkness tightened, then tightened more.
His pitiful, fragile heart finally slowed. The King usually enjoyed taking his time, to feel the life drain from their useless meat sacks, but today’s matters were too crucial to waste on indulgence.
A crisp snap sent a pleasing shiver through the Skell King’s core. He closed his eyes, reveling in the delicious sound, replaying it over in his mind like a favorite hymn.
Ribs crunched as he stepped on the body, making his way into Maura’s chambers. The air reeked of fresh death and ghost lilac, a perfume she’d worn.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” His tongue clicked in mock reprimand at the Queen’s soulless body.
Skeletal features whipped to the side, brightness catching his eye. A contrast to the darkness he thrived in.
Bending down, he plucked three white feathers off the floor. They felt soft, delicate. Disgustingly pure.
The Skell King’s teeth cracked as rage took hold. Shadows violently ripped along the walls, slithering down to pool at his feet. Venomous, loyal demons.
The feathery tufts began to wither, transforming to rot in his palm.
The sound that left his mouth took on a life of its own, becoming a nightmarish creature.
“What have you done, my Queen . . .”