by G. K. DeRosa
A scowl darkened his features. “No, I was not aware of the happy news. I came to discuss a different matter. Last night, a group of demons from your realm crossed over to mine with unbelievable news.” His pitch eyes were like lasers piercing through me. “They claim their new liege has the ability to open portals. I had to come witness that power in person.”
I ticked my head over his shoulder at the mass of guards surrounding him. “And your soldiers just came for the show?”
The ghost of a smile hitched up his lip, twisting it into a sneer. “I frequently travel with escorts. As do Ranker and Jerzy.” He motioned at the dark lords of the first and fourth realms. At least Remy had been right about that. So did that mean the one remaining warlord was on my side, or did he simply not care enough to show up today?
“Oh, and I believe you remember my second in command, Lysen? He’s the new dark lord of the fifth realm. He took Briden’s vacant throne just yesterday.”
I glanced at the beady-eyed varbos demon, standing a few feet behind Drayax. He could’ve passed for human except for the third eye that hovered over the bridge of his nose. “How was he confirmed so quickly?” I hadn’t voted for this guy.
“As your title is not yet confirmed, your approval was not required. It was a unanimous decision.”
I bet it was. Drayax must have threatened the other dark lords before placing his crony on the throne. Now he was here for mine. There was no way I’d let this a-hole hold power over three realms of the Underworld.
“So once I show you my sparkly new powers, you’ll leave?”
He clucked his teeth, throwing a sidelong glance at his second. “Of course. If all of my questions have been adequately answered.”
“Then let’s get this over with. I have some celebrating to do with my mate.” I ran my finger over Talon’s arm, and the dark lord shuddered.
A smile tugged on my lips, and I focused on the swirl of magic awakening in my core. I reached into his mind and swam through the murky depths. Do you hear me, Drayax?
His body strained, his obsidian eyes shooting to mine.
Yes, it’s me. I can get in and out of your mind as I please. Just one of my warlock talents.
“Warlock?” he spat.
“That’s right.” I summoned a ball of witchfire in each palm and tossed them into the air. His eyes widened as he watched the dancing spectacle.
“Female warlocks don’t exist,” he mumbled, his dark brows furrowed.
“Until now.” I smirked. “Perhaps this will make it more clear.” I threw my hand out, and a pinprick of light dotted the horizon. It expanded slowly until the whirling winds of a massive portal appeared from the ether.
Dark hair lashed across my face as the mystical doorway spun and churned. I followed Drayax’s bewildered gaze as it bounced from the portal to me and back to each of the assembled warlords. Two of them inched back a step, but not Drayax, his feet remained firmly planted despite his slackened jaw.
I released Talon’s hand and slapped my hands on my hips. “Is that enough?”
He nodded slowly before turning to his second. “Charge!”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Drayax’s arm snaked out, his fingers curling around my neck at the same instant Lysen’s third eye jutted out and sprayed acid across Talon’s face. His demon guards lunged, and my own soldiers sprang to life.
A growl ripped from Talon’s throat as the biting fluid streaked across his cheek. But it wasn’t enough, not even close to stop his rage. As my demon rushed to the surface, her hunger clawing up my throat to get at Drayax, the crack of bones swung my attention to my mate.
I blinked and the human version was gone, replaced by the pissed-off dragon. The silver beast smacked his lips, and razor-sharp teeth snapped at the air. Lysen took off, darting between the oncoming legion of soldiers.
Dragon-Talon pivoted his gaping maw toward Drayax, and the warlord’s eyes bulged out. He loosened his grip on my neck as terror streaked across the bottomless obsidian. The scent of fear rolled off his quivering form, clinging to my demon nostrils.
I’ve got this. Go. I projected to my dragon.
The gigantic beast nodded his head, despite the reluctance that leaked through the bond, and flapped his majestic silver wings. I watched as they propelled his immense body over the chaos.
Turning my attention back to the ground, I caught the tail end of Drayax’s retreating figure. Ooh, I love it when they run. My demon rushed forward, and for once I let her. Sometimes only a monster could defeat another monster.
I darted through the mass of battling demons, my narkins going head-to-head with Drayax’s soldiers. Tightening my hold on the broadsword, I held it in a fighting stance as I wove through the horde. Blood spattered across my face as I ran, the stench of death thick in the air. Where was Drayax?
I barreled between two demons and an arm snaked out, clawed fingers wrapping around my bicep. My heart rammed against my ribs and adrenaline shot through my veins. The creature jerked me to a stop and spun me into its scaly body. My shoulder blades grazed the creature’s hairy torso, and I struggled to break free of its iron hold. I slammed my elbow into its gut, loosening its grasp and reached for my dagger. Its putrid breath hissed in my ear, sending a wave of goose bumps puckering my skin. Before it could utter a word, I plunged the dagger into its belly.
Its arms fell away, and I sucked in a ragged breath as I continued forward.
Dragon-Talon flew overhead shooting fiery missiles across the sea of soldiers. I scanned the horde for Drayax and the other warlords. I’d end this today. I’d force these beasts to their knees, then compel the remaining two leaders to confirm my position.
A screech rang out. The tortured sound iced the marrow in my bones. My gaze tilted skyward and searched the somber gray for my mate. A volley of arrows shot across the sky, and all the air evacuated my lungs as I followed their trail. “Talon!” I cried.
He banked left and avoided most of the projectiles, but one of his wings drooped, his silver scales coated in crimson. Son of a demon!
From across the host of soldiers, I caught sight of the legion of archers. Red-hot fury exploded in my core, and I raced across the ashy field. They sent up another volley of arrows, and piercing pain lanced across my chest. I halted and buckled over, bracing myself against my knees. Holy hell!
Talon, are you all right? I searched our connection but the bond was weak, barely a flicker. “Talon!” I screeched.
The gigantic dragon floated down toward earth, his movements jagged, his head hung too low. No. No. No.
My demon flared, and the corners of my vision darkened. Murky black eclipsed my irises. Dragon-Talon’s plummeting body caught my eye, and I shoved the darkness back. Pumping my arms like mad, I raced through the battling soldiers, cutting down anyone that stood in my way.
Glimmering silver streaked across the ashen sky before hitting the ground, sending a shattering tremor across the arid land. My knees wobbled as I watched, and my heart plummeted in time with his sinking form.
Half a dozen demons sprinted toward my fallen mate, led by a familiar looming form. Drayax. I’ll rip his insides apart and splatter them across the field for his men to see. Blinding rage swept through me, and my warlock powers flickered to life. An electrical storm of magic seethed in my core. The demon and warlock collided, and sparks rained from my fingertips.
I threw my hands out and bolts of electricity shot from my splayed palm, skewering the fleeing demon soldiers. My legs burned, my lungs constricting, but I kept running. Drayax and his men had nearly reached Talon, and I wouldn’t let that happen.
Inhaling deeply, I channeled the rage, the scorching power and directed the energy toward the ground. The earth rumbled, and I focused my gaze on Drayax and his remaining soldiers. “Apertum!” I shouted.
The ground cleaved beneath their feet, the tremors knocking scores of them into the gaping rift. Screams echoed through the noxious air as demon soldiers plummeted to their deaths
. I raced through the chaos, my heart lodged in my throat. Talon? Talon, please answer me.
I barreled through another group of warring demons, and my eyes landed on Dragon-Talon’s still form. Oh gods, no. I sprinted the final yards and slid to my knees beside his massive head. A faint breath swirled the thick air. “Talon?” Hot tears burned my eyes, the sounds of battle blurring around me. I stroked his cheek. His beautiful silver scales were dull and lifeless. Arrows littered his body, his magnificent wings torn to shreds.
I sucked in a breath, and a choking sob wracked my chest. “Talon, please, open your eyes.”
His lids fluttered, and my breath hitched. I wrapped my arms around his head, cradling the massive dragon against me.
Poison. His faint voice rippled across my mind, and I nearly broke at the frail timbre.
“The arrows!” I cried out, cursing myself for not realizing it right away. Fury exploded in my core at the realization. Drayax had come prepared. He knew how to take down a dragon. I jerked upright and began pulling the shafts from his torn wings, his bloodied body. “Oh gods, Talon, I’m so sorry. I never should’ve dragged you into this. It’s all my fault.”
He huffed out a breath, and a glimmer of his silver irises peeked through narrow slits.
Removing each arrow was like stabbing myself over and over again. I winced but didn’t stop. If I was in this much pain, I couldn’t imagine what he had to endure.
Azara, watch out! Talon’s voice ricocheted across my skull and I leapt up, spinning around.
A bloody and bruised Drayax stood before me, his sword trained at my throat. A sneer curled his lip as he glanced down at my mate. “I will have your throne one way or another,” he hissed.
“I’ll drape your dead body over its jagged spikes for what you’ve done. How about that?” I snarled.
Drayax inched forward, and his blade skimmed my throat. He pressed harder, and the sword pierced my skin. I bit my lower lip at the sharp sting.
Just a little closer, my demon singsonged.
From the corner of my eye, Dragon-Talon’s battered body coalesced, and a surge of fury rushed over me. Waves of dark magic swept my insides, and I unleashed my she-demon. Swirls of deep blue mist seeped from my lips and crept toward Drayax’s gaping mouth.
The azure whisps swirled closer, and my core clenched in anticipation. Before my powers hit a brick wall. A crimson bubble encased the warlord’s head, and a wicked grin darkened his expression.
“I’ve learned your tricks, Azara. You didn’t think it would be so easy the second time, did you?”
My warlock whirled to life, shoving its way past my demon. I scanned the protection spell encircling the dark lord and latched onto its signature. “Romperum!” I shouted and splayed my free hand out. The bubble burst, and my demon took over once again. The glimmering haze encircled its prey, teasing, taunting. Too easy, she murmured in delight.
The warlord’s eyes widened for an instant. But it was too late. His pitch irises glazed over, and his sword clattered to the ground.
His dark soul filled my insides, murky power mingling with my own. I sucked in another breath as his life hung in the balance. No, not so quickly. The thought filled my mind and kept my ravenous urges at bay. Make him suffer. My warlock flared to life, my magical half momentarily eclipsing my demon. The two parts battled a soundless war, battering my insides with their heady power.
I was right. My warlock would keep my demon in check. They were the perfect balance.
Closing my mouth, the blue vapors disappeared and Drayax slumped down in front of me. The faint thrum of his heart reached my ears through the roar of my pulse, and I released a breath. I leaned over the bastard and swept my palm over his forehead. “Dormitum,” I muttered, and sparks sizzled from my fingertips. “Sleep, you a-hole. I’ll see you in the dungeons later.”
The raging anger leached from my body like a punctured tire. I spun to my mate, all the adrenaline coursing through my veins waning. Dragon-Talon’s breath came in slow ragged spurts and something shriveled up inside me. My heart? My very soul? I couldn’t tell. My mate was dying, and I would follow soon after.
I knelt down beside him as tears raced down my cheeks. “Hayden!” I shouted into the darkening sky. “Hayden, please help! Someone help him!” I was vaguely aware of the remnants of battle still surging around me, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Most of the demon soldiers had been swallowed up by the crack in the earth, but still some remained. Let the narkins deal with them.
Dragging my dragon’s head into my lap, I ran my hand over his head, between the sharp horns that had fought for me, killed my enemies. “Talon, please, please, don’t leave me. I can’t live without you.” I cradled my belly, and hot tears burned my eyes. “We can’t live without you.”
Hush, amó. It’s going to be all right. His faint voice was a gentle, lingering caress to my addled mind.
I patted my stomach, thoughts of our child piercing my heart. What would happen to her?
You’re not dying. I won’t allow it.
“You’ll have no say in the matter, my love,” I whispered against his chilly flesh.
A tremor swept his body, and I jerked back, fear gripping my heart with clawed fingers. I blinked, and the massive dragon was gone. I released a shuddering breath and pulled Talon into my chest. His lids fluttered, those mesmerizing irises finally meeting mine. “I love you, amó. Never forget that. I didn’t regret a minute with you; I only wish it could’ve lasted longer. Now you must live for her.” His head lolled to the side, and his lips brushed my belly.
A scream tore from my mouth, the misery and anguish ripped from the darkest depths of my soul. “No, don’t leave me! I won’t let you.”
The tether between us slackened, and a tiny fissure ran across my heart. I gasped, the pain flaying my insides, renting my soul in two. I sobbed, cradling Talon’s head in my lap, rocking him gently as his breaths became more faint.
The cloying scent of ash and sulfur filled my nostrils, and a dark form took shape. Luci. Nausea crawled up my throat at the sight of his perfect form amidst the destruction. “What do you want?” I snarled.
His penetrating gaze raked over me, then darted down to the head I hugged to my chest. Luci’s lips twisted, and grief contorted his features. I’d never seen it before—such raw emotion from my grandfather. “Your blood, give him your blood,” he rasped out. “Hurry.”
My heart jackhammered against my ribs as I reached for the dagger and slit my wrist. I pried open Talon’s jaw, his icy skin sending an unearthly chill down my spine. Pressing my arm against his mouth, I willed him to drink. “Come on, Talon, come on.” My blood flowed into his mouth, until it dribbled over his lips. Gently rubbing his throat, I coaxed the liquid down. “Please, please, please,” I whispered.
My blood pooled on his tongue, and my heart plummeted. “Swallow, come on, amó. You have to swallow it.” I held my breath, willing him back to me.
Talon’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
“Yes, yes!”
I was vaguely aware of my grandfather’s looming shadow, his overwhelming presence, until it suddenly vanished. I hazarded a quick glance away from my mate to the battlefield over my shoulder. Luci. His deep voice boomed, the king of the Underworld asserting his claim over his dominion, and the remaining demons scattered.
Faint pressure against my wrist whirled my attention back to Talon. His fangs grazed my flesh, and he drew in another mouthful of blood.
“Talon?” My pulse skyrocketed at the steady pressure against my skin.
I’m here, amó. I told you I was a tough bastard to kill.
A hysterical giggle tumbled from my lips as the tears spilled over. I bent my head to his and nuzzled his cheek as he continued to drink deeply. “You’re going to be okay.” I repeated the words over and over, more for my own reassurance than his.
I know. I’ll never leave you, I swear. You’re stuck with me forever.
I brushed my lips against his cheek and w
armth tingled over my skin. “Forever,” I echoed.
Chapter Thirty
“How’s he feeling?” Lucifer prowled toward me, abandoning his cozy seat by the fireplace.
My weary eyes bugged out at the sight of him in my sitting room. Lucifer had stayed all night? “Better,” I finally muttered. My shoulders sagged, each muscle in my body aching. I’d exhausted every ounce of magical power in my veins, then I’d spent the entire night awake watching Talon.
Luci snapped his fingers, and my throne appeared behind me. I slumped into it, too drained to argue. “You need to rest up for the confirmation ceremony.” He waggled a finger at me.
“Today?”
“You want those wards sealed, don’t you?”
I nodded slowly. “You really think the other dark lords will come, after yesterday?” Drayax now had a comfy spot in the dungeon beside Thax. They’d keep each other company for all eternity.
“I won’t give them any other option.”
I grunted and leaned my heavy head on the side of the brimstone throne. Its ashy scent filled my nostrils, the unyielding rock digging into my cheek. Still my eyelids drifted closed.
“I’m proud of you, Azara.”
My eyes slowly opened and focused on my grandfather, the King of the Underworld. I hadn’t thanked him for saving Talon’s life. I was still pissed at him for all the lies. But if it hadn’t been for him… I shuddered at the thought. “Thank you,” I blurted, “for Talon.”
He simply nodded, folding his arms across his fine suit. Even after wearing it all night, it still looked impeccable, as did he.
Something still bothered me though. As I’d watched Talon through the never-ending hours of darkness, I couldn’t shake the thought. Turning to Luci, I speared him with a questioning gaze. “Why did you come yesterday? How did you know I needed you?”
A smirk pulled up the corner of his lip, highlighting the fallen angel in all his glory. “I heard your call, and I came. I am the Lord of the Underworld, my dear. It is my responsibility to know what is happening in my lands at all times.”