Chapter 25 Nyx
Nyx
Idon’t think, I run.
I don’t wait for Ambrose or Lumi. I don’t strategize with them. Don’t ask for their help.
I’m the fastest.
I can get there in ten seconds.
I know it’s a trap. That it might be the last thing I do. But I know if I don’t go, Isolde will kill Amora without a second thought. She’s nothing to Isolde. Just a pawn she can use to get to me.
And Amora is incredible—strong, resilient, kind, caring. She’d do anything to save me, and I her. I love her. She could be my true mate that the world gave to me. The one I’m destined to spend the rest of my life with, even if she isn’t the love of my life nor the one I’d choose for myself.
I see the clearing. See Isolde standing alone next to Amora. Rope strengthened by magic ties Amora’s wrists together. A gag around her mouth and head. Magic surrounds her like a cage. But she’s alive.
“What do you want, Isolde?” I ask, already knowing the answer and the answer I will give. I will do what it takes to save Amora, consequences be damned.
“To trade. Your life for hers,” she says simply.
“Just mine,” I growl.
“Yes, just yours,” Isolde says with a fierce look in her eyes.
I slice my fangs across the palm of my hand.
She rolls her eyes at me, but her magic slices her palm open as well.
“I agree to a trade. My life for Amora’s. You will not hurt Amora. You will release her. You will let her live. And you won’t use me as a trap for Lumi. One life for one life. You don’t get more,” I say.
“I agree to your terms, but I can’t help it if Lumi comes to your rescue.”
I can.
“Kill me fast, and there will be no one to rescue.”
Isolde laughs. “As much as I’d love that, I have better use for you, Nightfall Lord.”
I extend my hand to her. And she transports herself the ten feet until she’s suddenly standing right in front of me. She takes my hand and our blood mixes, sealing our deal.
As soon as we shake, the bindings holding Amora are broken. She’s instantly free.
Isolde smirks. “I’m going to enjoy this.”
My spine arches in pain as the bindings jerk my arms behind my back before tying my wrists together. A gag parts my lips until I can’t speak. And then the cold cage slams around me, isolating me from everyone else.
Isold smiles, pleased with herself.
Just take me already. I don’t want Lumi to see me like this.
“Nyx!” Amora shouts, but Isolde puts up her hand, creating an invisible wall that forces Amora to stop.
“Let him go! I didn’t agree to the trade,” Amora cries.
“But he did. Sealed it with blood and everything.”
Take me, I silently beg again, unable to speak. But my prayer isn’t answered.
Lumi and Ambrose appear—magic transporting them into the clearing. It’s clear that Lumi convinced Ambrose to use his magic. She should be in bed, not here.
“Let him go, Isolde, and you can have me,” Lumi says.
Ambrose steps in front of Lumi like there is no way he’s going to let that happen.
Isolde chuckles. “For once, not everything is about you, child.”
“Everything is about me. Without me, you don’t break the curse.”
“True, but it seems you need proper motivation to break the curse for the right species.”
“Kidnapping Nyx, holding him hostage won’t help your case,” Lumi says.
“You’ll realize that it does in due course.”
Leave, I shout to her. Get out of here. But of course, Lumi can’t hear me. We are both too weak to even use our alpha-to-alpha communication.
“But besides, your little vampire lover here made a blood deal with me. He belongs to me now,” Isolde says.
Lumi’s eyes shoot wide. “No,” she whispers under her breath.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us, I have a vampire to transport to my coven,” Isolde says.
“Don’t hurt him! If you do, I’ll never break the curse for the witches.”
Isolde purses her lips. “I find you’ll do a great many things for love, my dearest. Pain is just part of the deal, but don’t worry, I don’t plan on killing him, yet.”
I tear my eyes from Lumi to Ambrose. “Remember our deal. Don’t let her come after me, it’s not safe.”
“No shit.”
“And don’t leave her alone ever. She—” But before I can tell him, I vanish into the void.
I’m falling. The world is spinning rapidly around me. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Nausea curls in my belly, and I think I’m going to be sick, when suddenly the world stops spinning. I hit the ground hard. Unable to brace my fall with my arms still tied behind my back.
“Welcome to the Moonfire coven. I hope you enjoy your stay, vampire.”