Chapter 36
Ara
The interiorof the tent was lit by one small fae light flickering in a jar on a table near the bed. I could see the king”s sleeping form bundled under the blankets. It was a small soldier’s bed, in a simple room. I expected him to travel with opulence after seeing how he lived in his court. Quietly, I reached for the bag around my neck and began to loosen the draw strings.
The screams outside were fading, but there was still enough noise to mask my footsteps. I crept closer to the bed; afraid my heartbeat was too loud. I could see the gentle rise and fall of the king’s breathing. I was incredibly lucky that he was a sound sleeper.
I took another step closer, then paused, trying to figure out the best way to move forward. What was I supposed to do with the item in the bag? Did I just release it or throw it at him? Was there a trick to using it?
“I’m disappointed by how easy you were to fool. I thought for sure you’d realize it was an illusion,” a deep male voice said.
I spun, reaching for the pouch and tearing it from the cord. The king moved with preternatural speed. He had me on the ground, his knee on my chest, my wrists pinned. I closed my fingers around the pouch, hoping he didn’t notice I was holding something.
“I wondered if you’d come to take me up on my offer,” he said, his voice gravelly and low.
I shuddered, turning away from his warm breath on my face. Then I made myself look at him with defiance. I would not allow him to see how he got to me. “You know why I’m here.”
“Your reputation as a martyr is well known at this point, princess,” the king said, leaning down so his face was directly over mine. “I wonder, could I get my son back if I have you in chains? What do you think he’d do if I hold your life in my hands?”
“He knows better than to fall for that. He’d rather see me dead than work for you again,” I said.
The king grinned, showing straight white, slightly pointed teeth. “I doubt that very much. I know what he did for you in Athos. Imagine what he’ll do this time.”
I moved under his weight, struggling to free myself. It only seemed to make him smile wider. Holding me here was effortless for him.
“You don’t know him as well as I do.”
He laughed. “You think you know him better? I created him. Everyone always thought the minotaur was my monster, but my greatest monster was my son.”
I glared at him, letting all the hate I felt for him seep into me, filling me like a dark creature, hungry for blood. Gritting my teeth, I worked to hold the shadows back, to let them build without the king knowing what I was doing. I wished I could make him explode the way I’d done with the vampire back in Konos but I couldn’t even sense the faintest thread of my own magic.
“Lochlan,” the king bellowed.
A soldier rushed into the tent, his head bowed so low I wasn’t sure if he even saw that the king had a woman pinned to the ground.
I started to slowly move my fingers, working at the little pouch to access the contents.
“Send a messenger to the palace. Tell them that if Ryvin wants his mate back, he’ll surrender to me before the sun rises.”
The round object was cool to the touch as I fished it from the bag. I tightened my fingers around it, careful not to let it roll away.
“Yes, your highness,” Lochlan called with another bow. He quickly retreated.
The king turned his attention back to me. “I should be thanking you right now. You’re going to get me everything I ever wanted.”
“I am nobody’s pawn,” I hissed. Fury swirled, making my vision narrow to the man in front of me. I was done being used by the men around me while they strove for power they didn’t deserve. It was time to do things on my terms.
With a scream, I let the shadows explode, sending all the anger and frustration and hate and fury toward the Fae King.
He was thrown from me, letting out a surprised scream as the shadows sent him across the tent. I reached out, ordering the shadows to catch him, preventing him from knocking the tent over.
Guards burst through the door and I shoved them away with more shadows, letting the darkness wrap them in cocoons of death.
The king was stammering, struggling to get words out. “H-How?” His eyes were wide as he took me in. And this time, he wasn’t looking at me like a prize. Like someone below him. Now he was looking at me with fear in his expression.
I approached slowly, then turned to launch more shadows at two more soldiers. They were smothered by the power I wielded, their bodies vanishing in the embrace of darkness.
“It’s impossible. Ryvin would never give up his power,” the king said.
“He didn’t have to.” I hardly recognized the snarl in my voice. “He’s not you. He’s not the monster you think he is.”
“You’re wrong. You can’t change him.” The king’s nostrils flared. “You can’t kill me with his magic. It won’t work. He tried once when he was young. Did he tell you that? He tried to kill his own father. Succeeded in killing yours. That’s the man you defend?”
I stopped in front of the king, staring at the man who’d taken so much from my people and still wasn’t satisfied. I pinched the little ball between my forefinger and thumb. Without hesitation, I shoved it into his mouth, then sealed his lips with shadows.
I wasn’t sure what the object was or why I knew I was supposed to shove it into his mouth, but it was instantly clear I’d made the right choice.
I stepped back, my eyes widening, unable to hide my disbelief as gray streaks spread from the king’s mouth, expanding like spiderwebs across his cheeks and down his neck.
Startled, I lost control of the shadows and the king fell to the ground. He landed on his knees and clutched at his throat. Gasping and choking, he struggled for breath even though the shadows no longer bound him.
His eyes widened in terror and he dropped his arms, his fingers digging into the dirt as he clawed toward me. The streaks were spreading down his arms and across his hands. He stilled, one arm outstretched, reaching forward as if trying to grab something. He looked up, his eyes locking on mine showing nothing but fear. His whole body stiffened and the streaks of gray seemed to continue to grow, expanding until his whole body was the color of stone.
No, not the color of stone. He was stone.
It was impossible.
The king stared at me with solid gray unseeing eyes. His lips were parted in a frozen attempt at a last breath. His one hand was still on the ground, fingers curled into the dirt, as if reacting to pain we couldn’t see. His other arm was outstretched, forever frozen in a last attempt to reach his killer.
My hands were trembling as I moved closer to him to investigate. Slowly, I touched his elevated hand, then drew back in surprise. I gasped.
It was solid stone.
I knew what had been in that bag. I knew why my mother insisted I not open it until I needed it.
My mother had given me a medusa stone. I thought they were a myth. The stories said they were given by a gorgon and could only be used by women who were in danger. Only the bearer would be unharmed by the stone. If I’d opened this around anyone else, it would have been catastrophic.
And now the Fae King was dead.
I stared at the statue that used to be the Fae King, feeling numb. I wasn’t sure where to go from here. I hoped I could take the king down with me. I didn’t plan on being able to escape with my life.
The ground shook and the sound of screams filled the night, sending me into action. I ran for the door, peering out to find there were no longer any guards outside the king’s tent. My stomach twisted in guilt when I realized I’d killed them all.
Flames shot across the sky and soldiers screamed. Men raced past me, still tugging on their armor as they charged. I looked up just as four dragons flew across the sky, unleashing flames on the tents below.
I paused, taking in the flying beasts, trying to figure out how they were there when the king was gone.
Then I recognized the midnight blue sheen of a familiar dragon’s scales. That had to be Bahar. If that was him and his men, it meant Ryvin and my friends were out there somewhere. They were attacking the fae. My stomach twisted in a mixture of anxiety and excitement. After all this time, we were finally initiating the battle we’d been waiting for.
I ducked back into the king’s tent then ran over to where the statue knelt in the same place I’d left it. Pressing my foot against his side, I shoved until the whole statue toppled over. It cracked when it landed, his arm shattering in the fall.
Somehow, that made me feel more confident that he was actually gone. I glanced around for a weapon and saw a massive ornate sword propped against the small table. I grabbed it and lifted it, quickly realizing it wouldn’t do me any good. It was far too heavy. Then I remembered the training sessions with Rvyin. The only time I won was when I used magic, not traditional fighting skills.
I shook out my hands and made my way to the exit, ready to join the fray.
Smoke filled the air, and the night sky was illuminated by burning tents and streaks of fire coming from the circling dragons above. Fae soldiers ran past me, none of them stopping to notice a woman walking through their camp.
I hurried to follow them and ran right into battle. Steel clashed and fighters brawled. Fae were attacking Athonian soldiers and vampires from Thebes. Dragons attacked those who were trying to flee to the ships.
A fae soldier noticed me, then charged, a sword over his head. I lifted my hand, calling the shadows. They came to me with ease. The man didn’t stand a chance as the darkness swallowed him.
Another soldier standing nearby turned and ran after watching me, but an Athonian soldier shoved his sword through his gut before he could retreat.
I continued through the masses, using my shadows to help where I could while I hunted for my friends. The deeper I got into the battle, the more my anxiety peaked. I kept reminding myself that they were strong fighters, that they were likely in less danger than I was.
A sword swung in my direction and I jumped, just barely saving myself from being sliced open. I glared at my attacker, a fae male with antlers who glared at me in disgust. I gave him a glare of my own as I sent shadows to swallow him whole.
He made a gurgling sound as the shadows did their work, smothering him until nothing was left.
I focused more on my surroundings after that, knowing that my friends were likely looking for me as well. I continued to fight, picking up a knife someone else had dropped. I made quick use of it, stabbing a fae who was toying with a fallen Athonian guard.
“Thank you,” the guard called, accepting my hand as I helped him off the ground.
I didn’t get a chance to say anything back before a knife was plunged into his neck. Gritting my teeth, I stared at the killer.
“What do we have here?” A tall fae in the red uniform of Konos said. He held the bloody knife in one hand and a large, also bloody sword in the other. “They really shouldn’t let humans come play in their battles.”
“I’m no human,” I warned.
“Half-breeds don’t count,” he snarled as he charged me.
I called to my shadows, but he was so fast I had to dodge, which sent the black wisps I’d managed away. He charged me again, swinging with the sword, then swiping with the knife.
His movements were brutal, and it was taking all my concentration just to avoid him. I couldn’t focus enough to call the shadows. I couldn’t use my magic.
“I can’t wait to show Ryvin your corpse,” the man spat. “I’ll show him that his magic wasn’t enough.”
The thought of Ryvin seeing me dead sent a surge of rage through me and I stopped thinking. My vision narrowed until all I could see was the gloating expression on the man sizing me up for a kill. The sound of the battle ceased, the air seemed to still.
Darkness billowed around me and I welcomed them as I charged forward, leaping into the air with the aid of the shadows under my feet, my knife ready. The soldier’s eyes widened as I came down on him, jabbing my knife into his throat.
The shadows caught me before I hit the ground and I moved away before his toppling body could land on me.
Taking heaving breaths, I stared down at the man who’d found so much joy in the thought of seeing me dead. I was glad he was gone. Glad he wouldn’t have a chance to carry that bloodlust any longer.
Suddenly, a cacophony of screaming filled the air, and I spun to see dozens of fae soldiers falling to their knees, clawing at their throats. The screams died as they began to gurgle, blood pouring from their mouths. As they quieted, they fell, unmoving.
In the center of the bodies, covered in blood, was Ryvin.
“Ryvin!” I started running, weaving around fighters without concern.
My mate saw me and the hard expression on his face melted instantly to one of relief. He sent out a wall of shadows on either side of him, knocking everyone in their wake to the ground, then he ran for me.
We met in an embrace that felt like coming up for air after being under water. I kissed him quickly, then pulled away. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
He kissed me hard, his lips almost punishing, then they softened, and he breathed out a sigh before breaking the kiss. “Just stay alive.”
I nodded, then turned, the two of us fighting the men who were charging toward us, all of them coming to take down the Prince of Darkness.
I called to the shadows again, finding them returning with ease. I wondered if it was because he was right next to me. It didn’t matter the reason, I was just grateful I could call on the magic. We moved in a circle, sending shadows after anyone who charged us. Bodies piled up, but I knew we’d killed even more than were showing because sometimes, we sent them straight to the Underworld without a trace.
Finally, soldiers began to come closer, then flinch before charging. Then, they stopped coming at all. They knew coming for Ryvin was a death sentence.
A horn sounded, loud and low, bellowing with a forlorn call. I stiffened, then turned to my mate. “What is that?”
“Retreat,” he said.
I laughed, still gripping the knife in my hands. Nervously, I looked around, not sure I believed it was all over. But all I saw were Athonian soldiers and vampires from Thebes letting their shoulders slump as they took their first deep breath since the battle started.
Fae were running to their boats, but the dragons circled, taking them out as they made their escape. Flaming men ran toward the sea, only to die screaming as the creatures of the deep made them into a meal.
I whispered a thank you to the monsters, and to my mother, knowing that somehow, they knew I was grateful.
Footsteps sounded, and I turned to see Vanth and Laera walking toward us. Vanth was wincing as he limped. Laera was covered in blood, but walking with such dignity I was certain none of it was hers.
“Well done, Ara,” she said as she approached.
Ryvin growled. “You knew.”
“Of course, I knew,” Laera said. “But she’s fine, isn’t she? And she succeeded where all of us failed.”
“He’s really dead, then?” Vanth asked.
I nodded.
“How?” Vanth asked.
“The gift from my mother,” I replied. “It was a medusa stone.”
Laera smirked. “Clever woman. I knew I liked Ceto.”
“You did not,” Ryvin said, a hint of their old sibling rivalry showing in his tone.
“Well, I do now,” Laera said.
“Where are my sisters?” I asked. “Did anyone make it through the shield? Are the people safe?”
“We turned off the shield as soon as Laera told us my father was dead,” Ryvin explained. “They didn’t expect us.”
“I don’t think anyone got past the beach,” Vanth said. “And we did leave a few soldiers, including your Aunt Katerina and Argus, and two dragons behind.”
“Thank you.” I knew I wouldn’t feel better until I saw them myself, but it sounded good. It sounded like we won. My brow furrowed.
“What is it?” Ryvin asked.
“Did we actually do it? Did we actually win?” I looked at my friends in disbelief. It didn’t seem possible that it was over.
Laera chuckled. “Imagine that. I think we actually did.”
Ryvin pulled me into his arms. “No more running off to save everyone, alright? Can we leave that to someone else from now on?”
I turned my head, and he lowered his face closer to mine. “I think I’m retiring from battle.” I rose up on my toes and gave him a kiss.
“Queens don’t typically fight in wars,” Laera said.
I tensed, then turned to her.
She had an amused look on her face. “What, you think I want the Konos crown?” She shook her head. “Sorry, but that’s his, and I’m pretty sure where he goes, you go.”
“I never wanted to be king,” Ryvin said.
Vanth dropped to one knee, lowering his head. My mouth parted in surprise. I was certain Vanth had never bowed to anyone.
“Your highness, I would be honored to serve under you, King of Konos.” Vanth kept his head down, but I could see his shoulders shaking slightly.
Ryvin released me, then shoved his friend. Vanth fell to the ground, bursting into laughter.
“I’ll work on it, I swear. By your coronation, I’ll be able to do it with a straight face,” Vanth said.
“Come on, I want to see the look on my mother’s face when she finds out my father is actually dead,” Laera said.