by Nicole Adamz
I rounded another corner, smashing into someone. Air whooshed from my lungs at the impact. Remembering the drunken Warder, my heart bolted in panic. The scent of daisies wafted up, and relief surged through me. Maewyn.
She grabbed my arms, hissing, “Where have you been? Davin is waiting for you!”
Indignation molded my face angrily, but Maewyn failed to notice. Dragging me toward a building, she pushed me through a door. My eyes watered, burning at the smoky haze filling the room. A spiral of apprehension raked against my ribs, and I squinted around the dimly lit space. Candles were scattered everywhere.
I blinked, clearing my vision. Why is there so much smoke? Davin floated from the hazy depths with a charming smile.
“I’m glad it didn’t take you long to find Ari. We don’t like unexpected…hitches,” he purred, placing a kiss on Maewyn’s knuckles.
A dark shadow materialized behind Davin, and my unease mutated into panic. A tall, muscular man Maewyn had failed to mention sauntered into view. Dread darted down my spine when a slow smile climbed onto the man’s lips, and my mind screamed in panic.
SOMETHING IS WRONG!
Chapter 26
Maewyn
IGNORING THE FLICKER OF REMORSE at Ari’s alarmed gaze, I gave Heir Talon a dazzling smile. Glancing at him beneath my lashes, I swept off my cloak and put it on a rack by the door. I smiled smugly at the appreciative glances sliding down my body. Despite Ari’s irksome disapproval, my outfit will win me the Heir.
I grinned, turning toward Heir Talon. “Ari, you’ve met Davin. This is his friend, Talon. Heir Talon,” I said, emphasizing his title.
Heir Talon smiled lazily, his cerulean gaze scrutinizing Ari. She remained stiff, silently refusing to be social by keeping her cloak on. I burned with embarrassment when Davin arched a brow, shooting me a look.
“Ari,” I said, “We’re here to have fun!”
Ari shot me an accusing look, piercing my heart and rubbing guilt in the small wound, but I pressed on. “We’ll be here for a while,” I said pointedly, “You should get comfortable.”
She stared woodenly at the floor. Oh, skies! Now she’s going to be a stick in the mud. I rolled my eyes in frustration, smiling charmingly at Heir Talon.
“She’s shy,” I explained, ignoring the furious look Ari shot my way as I pulled off her cloak.
“Shy is…refreshing,” Heir Talon teased.
Ari stiffened, keeping her eyes on her boots. Soft candlelight shimmered off Heir Talon’s golden hair in the dimness. I hope the light flatters me like that, I thought. The sweet scent of the room was refreshing after the stench of the streets, and I inhaled deeply. I knew barbiturates when I smelled them, and I hoped they would help Ari unwind.
“What scent is this?” I asked curiously.
“Do you like it?” Davin said, avoiding my question.
“It reminds me of you,” I said coyly.
He took my arm, rubbing my skin with his thumb while he ushered us toward the living room. I inhaled again, my irritation at Ari melting away along with the anxious corner of my mind insisting tonight must go as planned. Davin’s hand snuck beneath the front of my outfit as he helped me into a cushioned chair, and I smiled playfully.
Davin’s eyes crinkled, slowly flashing his teeth in a smile. What a feline expression, I giggled. Ari perched woodenly on a seat, furiously blinking her eyes. It was very unattractive.
I frowned, took another breath, and giggled. The sweet scent was intoxicating. “Ari, you look ridiculous! Relax and have fun!”
Ari looked balefully at me, but Heir Talon smiled generously. He sat on a velvet couch against the wall, and I pouted at the distance. Ari was closer.
“I don’t want to sit here!” I proclaimed.
Hoisting myself from the chair, I hesitated. The room spun, and I teetered sideways, bumping into the table. Leaping up, Ari steadied me. I sighed, leaning against her until Davin appeared from the haze with a tray of drinks. He quickly assessed the situation.
“What’s this?” he joked, “I haven’t even served the drinks yet!”
I giggled again, and the high-pitched and vacant sound annoyed me. I don’t want to look like an idiot in front of Heir Talon! Davin’s image blurred as he passed out drinks, and I slipped out of Ari’s grasp. Pink foam sloshed against the copper cups, and I licked it without hesitation, humming in pleasure.
“What is this?” I asked, happily slurping the liquid.
“A secret concoction. Drink up,” Davin said, downing his cup.
I swallowed a mouthful of the sweet, tingly liquid and licked the foam from my lips. It was warm, burning like liquid fire. I suspected it was a liquid enhancer for the barbiturate smoke. Ari blinked watery eyes, abandoning her cup on the table without a taste. A bitter anger burned in my gut at her refusal to participate in my escapade.
“Oh, give it here! If you don’t want it, I’ll take it!” I said.
“Let her have it. There’s more!” Davin laughed, wrapping an arm around my waist.
Pulling me into a chair, Davin settled me on his lap. His hands roamed across my exposed skin, and I leaned into him. Wait! I jerked up, disentangling myself from Davin’s embrace. I want to be in Heir Talon’s lap! Davin reached for me, but I stumbled, hitting the table. Heir Talon laughed, his dark eyes devouring my exposed flesh. I giggled. His smile, a flash of white through the hazy smoke emanating from a squat burner on the table, was like lightning in a troubled sky.
“I want to sit over there!” I whined, pointing at Heir Talon’s couch.
Heir Talon chuckled noncommittally when Davin wrangled me back into his lap. I struggled, wanting to sit next to Heir Talon, but gave up when I couldn’t remember why. Davin’s thumb traced lazy circles on my thigh. Tingles of pleasure rippled through my skin, and I drank more of the warm, fuzzy enhancer. A relaxing blaze spread through my muscles and I wilted into Davin’s teasing hands.
“Lucky,” Heir Talon drawled sardonically.
Davin’s eyes gleamed in the low light. “Easier than expected.”
Heir Talon eyed Ari’s stiff form with a determined glint before smiling. “I like a challenge. It’s more stimulating.”
Ari rigidly held the cup of pink foam between her hands, staring hard at it. Slowly blinking, she stared into its depths like it held answers. Her gold eye was luminous in the low light, seeing things I couldn’t and glowing innocently in a way only Ari could.
I sighed wistfully, wiggling in Davin’s lap. How long should I wait before using Heir Talon as a chair? I giggled, raising my cup to my lips. It was surprisingly empty. Pouting, I glanced at Ari again.
She still hadn’t touched her drink, so I struggled out of Davin’s lap toward her. Ari’s statuesque form didn’t twitch. She wants to be invisible! I laughed. Doesn’t she know Davin is interested in her? I thought fuzzily. Hands clamped firmly around my waist, and I frowned when Davin drew me toward him. Playfully raising his brows, Davin lightly tickled me—but didn’t let go.
“I want another drink,” I demanded, displaying my empty cup. When the room tilted Davin anchored me. My limbs were thick and heavy, moving slowly.
Heir Talon drawled mockingly, “Perhaps you should take Maewyn elsewhere. I don’t think my odd little bird appreciates the show.”
Glancing at Ari, I noticed rage and disgust plastered on her blurry face. The sight jolted me, and my mind cleared a sliver. Shame crept along my skin, turning Davin’s touch into something filthy. I looked at Heir Talon and my mouth compressed. Indignation burned through my veins.
Why does Ari have to be a True One believer? Why can’t she be like other women? I thought crossly, furious at feeling ashamed. She’s a righteous prude! Following the Old Traditions and being obedient. Why does she always have to be so good? There’s nothing wrong with having fun.
I mustered up the strength to shove Davin away, stumbling towards Ari. I yanked her cup from the table, downed the contents in a few gulps, and swayed. Worry filtered over the rag
e and disgust, softening Ari’s sharp features. My gaze narrowed on her short, uneven curls and I laughed.
“You know, don’ you?” I slurred, teetering heavily. Words thickly coated my tongue, and I concentrated hard on speaking. “Why you’re here? Because he,” I pointed blearily at Davin, “wan’ed you here. I tried to hol’ him off. But no, no. He likes you.” I whispered dramatically.
Ari’s dark brows bunched together, and her bi-colored eyes darted between me and Davin in panic. Panic? Because a man likes her?
I patted Ari’s shoulder heavily. “I’s okay. I’s your first time. Maybe the only time.” I laughed. It was sadly true…and funny. A hiccup escaped. “Oops,” I covered my mouth, giggling.
The wounded expression that darted across Ari’s face was quickly concealed, and she looked at the ground. She breathed in shallow, measured breaths. I frowned, feeling bad.
“I’s okay, you know,” I said sympathetically, “You didn’ choose your eyes. Nobody chooses.”
Tears sprang up and I felt like crying. We don’t get choices in life, I thought morosely. Not our family, our Talent, or our futures. Not even the color of our eyes. Strong hands gripped me, pressing me firmly against a hard, male body. Ari stood woodenly, grabbing my arm.
“I’m getting her another drink,” Davin said. He eased Ari’s hand from my arm.
Heir Talon’s predatory gaze landed on Ari, and a bottomless depth of emptiness lay beneath his eyes. I shivered but breathed deeply, intoxicated by the sweet air and liquid enhancer. All my apprehension was released in one breath.
“Let me know if you’d like to share,” Heir Talon said, smiling dangerously.
Davin grunted, bracing me against his side and moving out of the room. When I protested Davin murmured soothing words about getting another drink. My mind leaped joyfully at the thought.
Chapter 27
Ari
BLUE EYES SPEARED THROUGH ME, and the room spun again. I closed my eyes, breathing slowly. Davin took Maewyn into a different room. I tried not to panic or let the betrayal and hurt consume me. But it was hard. My mind is screaming at me to leave! The smoky haze shifted, and I took measured, shallow breaths. The horrible, saccharine smell permeated everything, creating waves of nausea in the pit of my stomach.
I needed to vomit, ached to scream, and wanted to run. But not without Maewyn. I willed the tilting room to stay still. Maewyn’s complete lack of resistance—to everything—proved something was amiss. So did my own crumbling opposition.
Tossing a baleful look at the empty cups, I ignored the enraged darkness slithering beneath my building terror. Heir Talon shifted, making my skin prickle. Something is wrong! My mind screamed insistently. I’d been fighting a nosebleed since we arrived, but the insistent pounding in my skull was as debilitating as the sickly-sweet smoke.
I watched Heir Talon warily. He casually ruffled his blonde hair, revealing a teardrop earring. The emerald winked playfully, and I instantly hated it. Heir Talon sighed with exasperated charm, and I hated it too. Hated him.
Even though Heir Talon masked the darkness surrounding him, I could see it. Davin is dangerous, but Heir Talon’s darkness swallows him. The silence stretched thin and taught, the room shifting in and out of focus. Heir Talon adjusted the tunic he wore. He and Davin weren’t wearing much clothing despite the Rime weather but compared to Maewyn’s outfit we were all overdressed.
Heir Talon’s teeth flashed, and he broke the silence. “Why don’t you sit next to me? We can entertain each other.”
Liar, I thought viciously. I need to get us out of here! Several ideas liquefied, draining away. My resistance was slowly being chipped away. My shoulders drooped, and a small sigh escaped. What was I thinking? The room tilted sharply. Do rooms do that?
I took a deep breath, calming my jittery nerves. Heir Talon walked around the table and grabbed my hand. I pouted at the unwanted contact and considered his disappointed face.
“Is it finally working?” he murmured.
A giggle crawled up my throat, and I shoved it down wildly. No, I thought in dismay. This isn’t right. Heir Talon tugged me out of my chair, but my hands curled into fists. A malicious grin touched his face.
“It’s more interesting if you fight it,” he said, hauling me into his iron grip. Grasping my chin, Heir Talon looked at my eyes.
“We’re going to play a game. Do you understand?” he said softly, roughly pressing his thumb against my lips.
Drawing in a light breath, I fought the nausea roiling in my gut. My throat clenched, and I tried not to gag. Get away. He’s dangerous. Closing my eyes, I swallowed the bile fighting to get out. Heir Talon’s sharpened nails pressed against my chin, piercing the skin. My eyes sprung open at the stinging pain.
“Do you understand?” Heir Talon said cheerfully, his eyes gleaming. Nodding carefully, I ignored my pounding heart. Don’t panic. Think, Ari!
“Good,” he said joyfully and added, “It’s tiresome waiting for my uncle’s death. So, I find ways to…amuse myself” he said silkily, running a finger across the racing pulse in my neck. I clenched my jaw.
Fear coiled tightly in my mind and I shivered. Can he hear my heart beating wildly? Heir Talon roughly shoved me onto the couch, perching next to me with a feral expression. My rising panic beat back the fog threatening to envelope my mind.
“Do you know who I am?” he said. A domineering smile slid onto his mouth at my tentative nod.
I see you, I thought with dread. I can sense your wrongness. His mask was disintegrating, and the evil beneath it made me flinch. True One help us all, he’s the next High Lord. I winced when Heir Talon’s fingers tightened on my neck.
His claw-like fingers ripped my wool tunic, slashing the skin beneath. The chains of my pendant and Maewyn’s necklace tightened, snapping free of my neck. My short scream mutated into unintelligible gurgles as the Abeyance flared to life. The amber runes pulsed warmly in the hazy room.
Heir Talon’s expression was eerily calm as he watched me twitch and struggle to breathe. Seeing my dangling pendant beneath the emerald chain, his eyes took on a frantic gleam. “You are one of them,” he whispered.
After a final choking inhale, the runes disappeared. Blood trickled down my chest, seeping into the torn fabric of my tunic. The vapor snaking around my mind vanished. Grain fed lowlife! I thought furiously, wanting to snarl.
Heir Talon grinned. “I’ve never taken a True One worshipper. You’re untouched. If I like you, I’ll make you my pretty bird for a while. If you refuse, well…” he shrugged, letting me draw my own conclusions. Leaning in, Heir Talon whispered, “Will you scream for me?”
He nipped my neck, and terror streaked through me. My breathing hitched when he chuckled menacingly. Hot blood gushed from my nose, pouring down my chin. Turning my head, I smeared it across his cheek before standing. Meeting Heir Talon’s violent gaze, I spit on him.
His arm reared back, whacking me across the face. Stumbling over the low table, I landed in a heap. My wing twisted when I hit the floor, and flashes of agony washed over me. Tears sprang to my eyes, and I curled into a defensive ball, turning my head to wretch. My stomach gave its contents to the floor.
Heir Talon towered over me, waiting until I finished before seizing my neck. Choking, I fought to dislodge his grip, hitting him when he settled atop me. Trapped beneath his weight, I barely heard my gasping breaths against the pounding horror racing through my veins. Heir Talon ripped at my uniform, and the sound of shredding fabric jolted through my body.
“You’re ugly, so you should be glad I want you.” Heir Talon said, his emerald earring waving mockingly above my face.
His nails scraped the exposed skin of my abdomen. Mewling sounds of terror and rage mixed with the choking coughs grinding through my throat. No, no, no! My mind howled in rage. This can’t be happening! I yanked at his hair, but he choked me mercilessly.
My vision dimmed with each gasp for breath. Shadows dashed around the room in the vanishing ligh
t. The runes patterning my body lit the room like a lantern, making Heir Talon squint with glee. I bucked upward furiously, and several of my feathers snapped. Rivulets of pain swam down my back as tears slid down my temples.
“It’s an honor to be chosen by me,” Heir Talon grunted.
This isn't happening. My throat worked around silent screams, and my body convulsed. I closed my eyes in terror. No! Don't panic, I told myself. If I panic, I can’t do anything. Opening my eyes, I frantically looked around the room searching for something I could use as a weapon. My gaze landed on the small urn in the middle of the table. It was barely out of reach.
Heir Talon became frustrated at the knotted strings on my leggings. Urging my twitching limbs to cooperate, I flailed an arm around the leg of the table to pull it closer. It barely moved. Losing patience, Heir Talon sliced his nails through the strings. I moved the table again, closing the distance in small increments.
Fueled by rage, I gathered my strength. Twisting, I grabbed the burning urn. Agony speared through me as a sizzling stench filled the air. My skin melded to the hot object, and my vision dimmed. Swallowing the scream climbing my throat, I swung the urn.
The popping coal hit Heir Talon first; singeing his hair and clothes, burning skin and feathers with a gleeful hiss. When the searing metal hit him in the face he screamed, grabbing my neck with both hands and squeezing hard. My vision darkened, bright spots appearing in the smoky haze, but I didn’t let go of the urn.
Don’t let go. I thought frantically, beating the heavy metal urn against Heir Talon’s head and face. The acrid smell of burned flesh filled the room, fueling my panic. His grip slackened, falling away, but I didn’t stop hitting him. When he slumped on top of me, silent and unmoving, I ceased.
The urn was welded tightly in my grip, and I rasped in greedy breaths of sweet air, waiting anxiously for him to move. When the glowing runes disappeared, and he was still immobile, I released the urn. Blackened skin peeled from my hand, separating from the muscle beneath. The heavy object fell to the floor with a cool thud.