by Bailey Dark
“Shut down the city, close all of the gates,” I order over my shoulder.
The guards scramble to follow my orders and I hear the massive iron gates squeal shut. The gates are carved with symbols of death, a scythe surrounded by a ring of fog and stars, to notify travelers that they’re entering Death’s city. My city. The city walls are made of obsidian, and torches line the ramparts, lighting the night. Outside the city, the main highway wanders through a forest. It’s pitch black in the darkness, though there are lamps scattered along it. Some of my best and most powerful creatures are tasked with keeping the lamps lit and the more dangerous creatures off of the highway. I hope Briar will run into one before the Nephilim catches up to her.
It may be her only chance if I can’t reach her in time.
I shake my head, breaking into a sprint. “Fool,” I grind out angrily.
I run quickly, calling on the shadows to give me power and energy despite my fatigued body. Surprisingly, I don’t need much to usher me forward, the knowledge of Briar alone in these woods with a Nephilim on her heels seems enough to energize me. It’s a nervous energy, dotted with fear. And fear is an emotion I haven’t felt in some time. Fear is meant to be my tool, my plaything, but now, I’m just as much a target as anyone else.
Chapter 17
Briar
The guards barely glanced at me when I strode through the gates earlier. I could feel their cold, dead eyes on me, but they made no move to stop me. If anything, I wasn’t anymore interesting than another resident of the Underworld. It was a relief when I stepped out of the castle walls and into the world beyond. I know I should feel frightened, but I’m more curious and excited than anything else. By this time tomorrow, I’ll be home safe and with Laurel and Sera. My heart clenches tightly at the thought of my two best friends.
I spared only a short glance at the castle walls as the sun was setting. The black walls were absorbing the light, making it even darker. I walk through a forest now, moving a leisurely pace. Kane might have discovered my absence by now, but I hope he’s more distracted by other things. If he has noticed, then hopefully it will take him some time to catch up to me. After all, he doesn’t know exactly how I left the city or where I’m going.
I nod to myself, feeling assured by this. Heavy shadows lay across the cobblestone highway as the dim light from the moon and stars fights to slip through the thick foliage above. Tall, intricate lamps with bright flames light the highway, making up for the darkness. At first, I spent some time looking into the forest, admiring it. But the farther I walk from the city the more I feel that the forest is not as peaceful as it seems. Now, I feel queasy when I try to pierce its shadows, and I keep my eyes on the stones of the highway.
To pass the time, I rehearse what I know about the Underworld. If things had been different, I would have asked him to show me Yolnheim or Zculuth. The ancient ruins have always fascinated me; the last remnants of a long-past civilization that rivaled even the most advanced mortal realms, like Ryrn. I wonder if Kane has ever studied them, or if he was there during their golden ages before they disappeared.
Stop thinking about him, I chastise myself. It makes my heart thrum with guilt and something else I don't want to think about; regret, perhaps. I turn my eyes towards the forest to distract myself from thoughts of Kane with fear. My blood goes cold when I see a pitch-black fog rolling towards me through the trees. And eyes. Three pairs of yellow eyes glow out of the fog, locked on me. I freeze, heart beating so fast I feel light-headed. Sweat beads on my forehead as fear lances through me. My hands' tingle as I realize I have no weapon to defend myself. I can fight with my fists, but against three opponents, I don't know how much of a chance I stand.
Slowly, I back into the light underneath one of the lamp posts. I back away from the creatures, towards the city, without taking my eyes from the creatures in the fog. They don’t move, their eyes simply following me. I swallow hard, throat dry with fear. I’ll go back to the city and hire a mercenary—anyone—to escort me to the portal. I don’t have much money now that I’m Kane’s bride, but I at least can offer any jewelry on me. Everything except my mother’s ring anyway.
When the eyes disappear as I round a corner, I turn around, ready to run back to the city. But I’m halted in my tracks by a figure in the middle of the highway. The figure is tall, lean, and robed with the hood drawn up. Their face is hidden in the shadows and I feel a thrill of warning in the back of my mind. Somehow, I fear this person more than the fog or creatures in the forest. It takes a single step towards me my heart stops. Even my soul is trembling. I know this stance, the light gait. It’s the Nephilim.
I throw myself into the forest, a scream lodged in my throat. He found me, I think disbelievingly. I feel pure, infinite fear fill my veins and it’s like I could run forever with this much energy. I lift my arms in front of my face to block the branches slapping against my face as I run blindly through the dark forest. Behind me, the Nephilim’s footsteps are loud and gaining. I hear him crashing through the forest with as much abandon as me, his footsteps crushing twigs and leaves underfoot.
Darting to the side, I dodge a tree rearing up in front of me. I’ve already lost the way to the highway. New fear trickles into me; born of the thought that I might not be able to find my way out of this dark, dangerous forest. If the Nephilim doesn’t kill me first. I hear him behind me, but he’s fallen back a little. The realization brings me hope and my thoughts run wild, a million possibilities streaking through it. I can’t run forever. I spot the light of a lamp wavering through the thick fog and heavy foliage. I feel a wave of relief so intense, tears prick at my eyes. Hide, I decide.
Quietly, I drop to my knees and crawl into a tangle of thick roots. I hold my breath, staring, wide-eyed out at the dark forest. Worms and centipedes crawl over my fingers and I fight the urge to recoil. I must stay completely still. I hold my breath as his footsteps reach me. He slows to a walk and I hear his ragged breath. He curses under his breath, spinning in a slow circle. I stare at his feet and the robe swirling around his ankles. My heart is in my throat and pounding so loudly he must hear it.
But the Nephilim steps hesitantly deeper into the forest. I wait, turning my head to watch him. He disappears into the fog and slowly the sounds of his searching fade. Still not daring to breathe, I crawl slowly out from between the roots. I hiss as my ankle snags on a sharp branch. Eyes darting around the forest for any sign of him, I crawl to my feet. Keeping low, I run carefully through the brush towards the highway. My head is light, soaring with the thought that I may have managed to escape.
Suddenly, a hand tightens around my arm and drags me backward. I cry out, losing my balance. Fear lances through me as I see the Nephilim's red gaze. Tears well in my eyes and I can't stop them from falling as the Nephilim snarls at me. His eyes blaze with anger and I see violence in the curl of his lip. He wrenches me towards him and holds me tight enough that I grimace. The Nephilim strikes me hard on my cheek. I taste blood in my mouth.
Dazed, I go limp, and he pulls me deeper into the forest. I stumble along behind him, blinking to clear my head. I swallow the blood in my mouth, grimacing at the sweet tang of it. His hand is crushing my fingers and I try to wrestle away from him, digging my heels into the forest floor. The Nephilim whirls around, teeth bared. His vicious gaze makes my heart freeze. I lash out at him with my foot, trying to catch him in the knee. He anticipates my attack and sidesteps it with ease. He snatches my raised leg with frightening speed and twists. Whimpering, I spin with his twist, stopping him from dislocating my muscles. He uses his leverage to force me to the ground and I face plant into the dirt and soft leaves covering the ground. The smell of fresh soil would be pleasant if I didn’t feel him on my back, his hands running over me.
He tears my cloak off, snarling like a feral beast. Visions of the Nephilim forcing himself on me fill my mind and I scream shrilly. The sound echoes through the forest and I don’t care how many beasts it attracts. I would rather be torn apa
rt and killed than endure this assault. The Nephilim strikes me again, flipping me over onto my back and straddling my hips. I writhe beneath him, trying to gain some leverage to force him off me. But he’s strong despite his slim size, and he’s fast. He grins when he pins my arms down on either side of my head.
“Hello, little bitch,” he snarls with a wicked smile. I stare at him with wide, fearful eyes, trying to think of a way to escape. But he has me pinned tightly and overwhelms me in terms of speed and strength. “No hello for me?”
I open my mouth to answer him, but I can’t force out the words. The thought of saying anything to him beyond a curse has me sick. My mind is hazy with fear. He pierces me with his red glare, as if offended. I spit at him, spraying his face. Even I’m surprised by my own bravo, and I look in shock at the mess on his face. He growls at me, the noise ripping from his throat. I squirm, trying to wrench my arms out of his grasp but he squeezes me tighter until I squeal like a stuck pig.
“You have no idea how furious you’ve made me,” he says threateningly. “Did you think I wouldn’t find you?”
“Get off me,” I scream, bucking my hips.
“Shut up,” he hisses. He looms over me, only inches from my face. He hasn’t bothered to wipe away the spit. The Nephilim’s eyes dart to my lips and I blanch, knowing he’s thinking of the bit of my soul he leeched. He relaxes a little and a smile blooms on his face. “I’ve been craving you so badly. It’s all I’ve thought of since you ran from me. But don’t worry. I’ll finish you off now. I’ve realized taking my time with you won’t be as satisfying as I thought.”
“Please,” I whisper pleadingly.
The Nephilim ignores me. “I think I’ll do it now, one big gulp.” He shudders, eyes closing with ecstasy. “You are so delicious.”
I scream as he lowers his face closer. Birds erupt into the sky from the trees, screeching wildly. My voice joins them, a chorus of fear. I can’t close my eyes to block the beginning of my own death; I’m too frightened. So, I stare the beginning of the end in its red eyes.
Chapter 18
Kane
Yellow eyes watch me from the dark fog in the forest. I know the ghouls won’t step into the light on the highway, they’ll wait, looking for an opening to tempt a traveler into the woods. I can only hope Briar wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall for any illusions or tricks they may have conjured. They prefer to mimic the cries of infants, and I sense Briar would be the type to barrel into danger if she thought a child needed her. But Briar’s scent is strong on the highway.
I pause on the road, sniffing, my nose in the air. I’ve lost her scent. That sweet cologne is missing. I backtrack, eyes narrowed. But the signs lead to where the trail ends, beneath the lamp. I call on my powers and send them rushing out away from me, searching the forest for signs of life. I catch a faint heartbeat pounding wildly. Fear wells in my chest, surging upwards like a geyser, and I break into a run into the forest.
Briar is smarter than I give her credit for, at least her instincts are. For the most part, she stayed directly beneath the lamps, well away from the tree line. She wouldn’t run into the forest if she didn’t have a damn good reason. And I can still scent the reason. I follow the sound of the heartbeat deeper into the woods, not yet daring to call her name. If the Nephilim is nearby, I don’t want to call attention to Briar. For now, caution is best.
Slowly, the heartbeat becomes stronger, louder. I’m getting close. Branches whip at my face, slicing my cheeks. I ignore the seconds of pain, my attention wholly and completely on Briar. Suddenly, the pounding of her heart ceases. The blood in my veins is frozen with fear and I hear my breath go ragged. And then the beat begins again, much slower this time. She’s alive, but the fear doesn’t dissipate. Something is wrong. I can taste the fear in my mouth.
I surge forward, tearing at branches in my way and leaving a path of destruction behind me. The sight before me makes my heart stutter. Briar is on the ground, arms splayed beside her head. Her eyes are open, but vacant of life or intelligence. I see her chest gently rising and falling as she breathes. A robed figure straddles her, a hood hiding his features but I can feel the evil coiling from him. He lifts his head, leering at me. His red eyes glow in the darkness...
He stands and Briar exhales softly, shuddering. She’s empty now. A husk of what she was before. “You have no idea how delicious she tasted,” the Nephilim rasps, his eyes rolled back as he licks his lips. “I wish I had savored her more, but circumstances, you know.”
“Bastard,” I hiss, nails elongating to claws.
“Every other soul will simply taste like ash.” The Nephilim frowns. “Perhaps I’ll creep through the portal into the mortal realm as my master has already done.”
I narrow my eyes, anger blazing. I can’t let this Nephilim leave the Underworld, it’s too dangerous for the mortals. His words make my skin pock with goosebumps. Something must be done if another Nephilim is already in the mortal realm. They aren’t prepared for such an enemy. Briar’s eyes roll towards me and her lips tremble.
Darkness streaks over the ground towards me, swirling around me like a cloak or wings. Snarling, teeth bared, I draw all of the darkness to my palms. The Nephilim's eyes widen as he realizes I'm preparing for an attack. I thrust my palms towards him before he has time to dodge. The darkness slams into him, streaming from my open palms, and drives him backward. He grunts, flying backwards into the trunk of a nearby tree. I don't wait for him to recover before slipping through the shadows until I'm standing directly in front of him. I drive my fist into his belly and he coughs.
The Nephilim crumples at my feet and I kick him viciously. I hear the satisfying pop of cracked ribs and a wicked grin slips over my lips. “Did you really think you could leech the soul from my bride?” I growl. “Did you think you would live to harm more mortals?”
The Nephilim swipes at my leg and I see the flash of silver from his dagger. I dart backward, barely dodging the blade. It catches my trousers, tearing the fine material. He laughs, as if he's managed to harm me. I wonder vaguely if the Nephilim is mad. But it doesn't matter. I'm going to kill him regardless. He scrambles to his feet, lashing out at me clumsily. His eyes flare with confidence and I wonder just how much Briar's soul has affected his mind. Her soul. I want it back.
I growl and swipe my claws over his chest. He gasps, eyes wide and face crumpled in pain. Blood blossoms over his tunic. He shrieks, rushing me. I swing up with my leg, catching him in the temple and knocking him to the ground. He falls with a cry of pain and I feel a thread of satisfaction. He rolls onto his back, chest heaving. The Nephilim crawls backward, eyes wide with fear. Finally, the realization of his inevitable death is hitting him. Finally, I can taste his fear. And it is good.
“I’m going to kill you,” I murmur, smiling. “And I’m going to enjoy it.”
Without waiting for his reply, I pour the shadows into his gaping mouth. They rush into him, tearing his esophagus with the force of their speed. Blood spills from his throat as he coughs, choking on it and my dark power. The shadows fill his veins, straining against them. Darkness blooms over his pale skin as his veins rupture and blood seeps beneath his skin. His eyes burst next with a pop. Gore coats his face, blood pooling in the crevices of his skin. A gurgle slips from between his gaping lips, the only remnants of a failed scream of pain.
The Nephilim writhes, trying to escape the strength of my shadows. His trembling eases as the darkness chokes the life from him, filling his body with his own blood. He stills, body relaxing into the forest floor. My shadows seep away from him and back into the darkness, sated. I glance at him only long enough to confirm that his red eyes are empty of life.
I whirl around the Briar, fear coiling inside me now that my anger has abated. I kneel beside her, pulling her head into my lap. She stares up at me, lips parted and dry. Her soul is gone, leeched by the broken and bloody creature behind me. Her dark eyes rover over me, searching my face. Her breath wafts over my face. I study her face,
heart pounding wildly. I can’t lose her.
I’ve heard legends that a soul can be restored if the Nephilim left a single drop of it. I hope this Nephilim was clumsy and eager enough to be sloppy. Desperately, I press my lips to her and breathe some of my power into her. Her chest swells as my breath and magic fill her lungs. I search for her soul, burrowing through her empty conscious. My magic prods her, diving into the depths of her to find a single remnant; a single shred.
Suddenly, I feel a slight vibration, a hum of energy. It sounds like music and birdsong. My magic streams towards it, hope building in my chest. When I find her soul, it's hiding in a dark corner, trembling. But the music is like a soothing balm. I coax it out of the darkness until it's close enough for my magic to caress. Briar's soul leans into my power and I can feel it's trepidation.
But I found it.
My own soul is much more easy to grasp. It rises willingly, eager to reach Briar’s. I feed her portions of my soul, building up her own with my magic. My lips caress hers, kissing her gently but wholly. She doesn’t stir as our souls twist in tandem and dance together—searing into one. The sensation is like a drug in my veins. My mind drifts into the pleasure of kissing her, peace easing my muscles. Slowly, her lips move against mine. I slip my tongue into her mouth, tasting her.
Our souls explode inside her, and her body shudders as she comes to awareness. Light floods through me, batting at my darkness. I let the heady sensation run through me. I’ve never felt life without my ever present darkness, and somehow I feel like I could float in the warmth of her light forever. The thought sends warning signals flitting through my mind but I’m drunk on our tangling souls.
Her hands rise, fingers curling into my hair. I pull her closer to my chest and withdraw my power now that her soul has been restored, bolstered by my own. Her breath comes short and fast and she arches into me. I pull away, leaving her keening. She stares up at me, black eyes bright with awareness. I sag into her, shoulders curving with relief. Her eyes are filled with disbelief and confusion, even a hint of fear.