Chapter 32 #4
Unexpectedly, I get the strange sense that I am being watched and not by Maximinus.
I turn my head.
Then I shiver in shock.
I am staring into the dark, possessive gaze of Aurelius.
Except, it’s not him.
It’s a giant, golden statue of Hadrian.
His hands have been transformed into chains, which are wrapped around Freya and my waists. The statue has bound us against him.
The statue’s eyes are cold.
I can see the destruction of the realms in his dead golden eyes.
The cursed magic of his grip burns my wings. I writhe in agony, attempting to pull myself free.
Why do I feel that part of Hadrian’s soul is inside this statue?
It’s too real.
What if Hadrian’s golden core was transformed into this statue, before the rest of him was turned to ash? What if he has been held in this living death like the creepy statues in Maximinus’ study?
I want to hurl.
I may be the bad guy here — I have played every one of them to revive my Winter Court — but I have still served them. After all, I am saving Aurelius from this fate.
I am saving him from his uncle.
Lanlin, Freya, and I are united in that aim.
Aurelius won’t believe me. He’ll hate me.
Bloody let him.
If I survive and make it to my kingdom, I’ll be the leader, rather than the captive.
Funny, how the tables turn.
Except, that will only be if I make it through that bloody portal.
The statue drags Freya and me higher, dangling us in the air.
Five yowls, swiping at the statue.
“Hadrian,” Freya calls, as if she can appeal to the statue’s cold heart.
Except, this isn’t our Hadrian who would burn down cities to save us. This is whatever remains of the original Hadrian’s golden core, and he’s under a dark curse. He’s been controlled for centuries by Maximinus and his sorcerer ancestors.
Does he even recognize us as his mates?
“She’s your Omega,” I urgently whisper. “I’m your mate too. Other you would kick your arse for hurting us. Let us go.”
The Hadrian Statue merely shakes us.
“I will hang a sign around your neck: Fallen Fae King.” Maximinus steps in front of the statue. “He is metal, and like everything made out of metal, he is mine. I grew up, playing with him like a toy. You mean nothing to him.”
Adrenaline spikes through me. My pulse roars in my ears.
Maximinus lifts his hand, and Hadrian’s statue tightens his hold on me, until my ribs crack.
I take desperate, short breaths.
My gaze grays from the pain.
Please, don’t let me pass out.
Not now.
I can still remember the cool sensation of the snowflakes melting on my skin.
My kingdom was just there.
So bloody close.
I blink away tears, desperately homesick.
I won’t see my land again. I won’t see my featherglass or Frost Clan.
But they are free.
I may not revive my Winter Court. But I have saved my family.
Yet how can I save my Omega?
I knew that I would die soon. Maximinus is already my executioner. I can accept more public humiliation as long as I save Freya.
My mind races.
By the Shadow Devils, what should I do?
“I shall make an example of you before every kingdom in this empire.” Maximinus strolls to stand in front of me.
“I will show them what happens to ex-kings who attempt to rebel. Sweet pets, what a shame that you couldn’t simply accept your place.
I blame my nephew for crowning you. A fae and wolf should never have sat on the dragon throne.
Your rebellion was inevitable, and your deaths will be the stuff of legend. I will start my reign on it.”
“You have been plotting treason longer than we have, asshole,” Freya replies with a fierceness that makes me grin despite my agony.
“Daire is the King of the Unseelie Kingdom, and I am the lost wolf Queen of Fang Kingdom. We’re not pets.
If you attempt to kill us, then you’ll learn what happens to those who’d murder rightful rulers. ”
Maximinus leans closer.
“Was that meant to be a threat? I am the dragon who has brought death to many rightful rulers. You will just be two more to add to my score. What? Have I finally silenced your back talk? I admit that executing you will be special. Can you guess why?” Maximinus’ smile becomes cruel.
My heart speeds up. My mouth becomes dry.
What the hell is he going to say? The statue’s hold tightens further, crushing me.
“It’s rare that I have the pleasure of killing an entire lineage.
After all, I arranged the slaughter of both your parents and your entire courts. ”