The Daath Chronicles- The Complete Series

by Eliza Tilton

  “Regardless of what you believed, you sold out your prince.”

  Rage and hurt pulled at the sides of her face, the turmoil blended. I wondered how a Reptilian could even show such emotion.

  “I never would have sold you out. I planned to tell you why I was in the Royal City, but you never gave me a chance… you charmed me and threw me in a cage.”

  And I had.

  “Why do you bring this up? What happened all those years ago means nothing today.”

  “It means everything!” She shouted and the bomb shook in her hands. “You are going to marry a human. A human! You risk our bloodline.”

  Part of me wanted to share how I was half-human, but that truth could never be known amongst my people. Professing my love for Jeslyn, and sharing that emotion, had to be kept secret. So, I lied, because Terra could not be trusted.

  “My marriage is a political move. Jeslyn is fair and well-loved in Daath. Uniting our two races will ensure our people will have a place in this world.”

  “And what of me? Will you throw me in prison again? Leave me to your slave masters to be tortured, year after endless year?”

  “No. I stand by my father’s words. You are free.”

  Her shoulders sagged. “You’ll allow me to leave? To go wherever I wish?”

  “It is the least I can do.”

  She glanced at Derrick. I swore her eyes glistened. “We can’t leave him.”

  What would Jeslyn do if she discovered Derrick survived the battle in the woods, and I had left him here to die? More so, what would my sister do? Their relationship was one I still wished to know about.

  “Very well. He’ll come with us.”

  I put my sais away and knelt by Derrick. I handed Terra his sword and sheath, which she strapped to her back. Her slender frame almost disappeared under the weight of the big weapon. I grabbed Derrick and flung him over my shoulder.

  “We run, and don’t stop until I tell you to.”

  Her eyes gleamed, and she nodded.

  I took a deep breath, and repositioned Derrick to better run with him. “Time to go home.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Lucino

  Purple runes glowed above the archway leading to the empty square. Derrick grunted. I set him down on the ground.

  “Is this… is this our new home?” Terra’s mouth hung open. “How many made it here?”

  Glancing ahead at the large onyx stone structure of a Reptilian, I thought of all the people still back on Mirth. “The rest will be here soon.”

  With another gate, my people would be free of the destruction dooming our home. The tunnels provided enough space many could stay in their true form, but the rest… we would have to integrate with society. Lucy had a plan, though I was certain Jeslyn would despise it, but instead of killing the prisoners from the war on the west, the mage army would give them to us.

  And we would siphon their auras, and take their place.

  “What happened?” Derrick groaned and sat up, holding his head. “We’re in the tunnels?”

  “How do you know of this place?”

  Derrick rubbed his temples. “Lucy and I took a shortcut through here.”

  “So that’s how you two became acquainted.”

  His blurry-eyed reply showed me nothing more. Did he suddenly desire my sister, and not Jeslyn?

  Terra headed into the square without us. She stood there, back to us, standing in front of the sculpture, running her hand against the smooth stone.

  I had no time to waste. The suns had descended right as we entered the underground tunnels.

  Brother. Lucy’s voice entered my head.

  Impeccable timing, sister. I’m in the tunnels near….

  Jeslyn has convinced the simulacrum to push the binding ceremony until after the wedding.

  Excellent. That gives me more time. Does she know?

  She knows you’re acting strange, and your clone is a bit bolder than you.

  Fury, red and hot, blazed through my veins.

  Though human traditions don’t matter to you, they are marrying in front of the village tomorrow.

  How is this possible? When I had arranged the wedding and binding ritual, the binding ritual would be done first.

  It was the only way she could push back the binding ceremony. You have been difficult with her.

  That disease is not me.

  And yet, he plays the part well.

  My knuckles turned white as I clenched my hands into fists. I am on my way.

  Closing my mind, I broke the telepathic connection to my twin. While Lucy may not agree to this marriage, she would not allow my clone to rule.

  “What is it?” Derrick rose to his feet, the color flooding back in to his skin.

  “The wedding is tomorrow. I must leave now.”

  If I ran, and did not stop until I reached the borders of Daath, I could make it.

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “I don’t have time to argue with you. Keep up, because I will not stop, and if you are not beside me when we pass through one of the underground barriers, you will not pass through our protections.”

  He nodded, and picked up his sword Terra left on the ground. “What about her?”

  Terra glanced back at me and her brow furrowed. She clenched the stilettos at her sides.

  “She is free.”

  With those last words, Terra sheathed her weapons and pounded a fist to her chest in greeting, then held up her palm facing me.

  A sign of respect, honor, and loyalty.

  The spy had many talents, and too many secrets to be fully trusted, but I knew from her response if I called on her, she would answer.

  And I would need her talents once our people were fully here. Though, I planned on a peaceful transition, and would do all in my power to see that through, the mages were a danger if kept uncontrolled.

  Terra would be my eyes and ears in the west, and with her, I wouldn’t just rule over my own people, I’d rule all of Tarrtainya.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jeslyn

  Sweat slid down my neck and back, pooling at the sweetheart neckline of my wedding gown. Mother combed the sides of my hair, tying it back in one long braid that she threaded with baby’s breath. She hummed while running her fingers across my scalp and I wanted so desperately to tell her about Lucino, and have her tell me what to do. My conflicted heart couldn’t make the choice.

  I managed to push back the binding ceremony, but the actual wedding with our guests was happening at dusk. Jezebel sought to take care of the arriving guests, and Gwen had become Calli’s official babysitter—and she didn’t seem to mind watching her play peek-a-boo with Fex.

  Lucy entered my room wearing a long deep-lilac gown with silky waves brushing against the floor. “May I have a moment with my soon-to-be sister?”

  “Of course.” Mother kissed my cheek and ushered Calli out of the room, Gwen followed. “I’ll take Calli outside… the wedding will start soon.” She smiled, and my heart hurt at the lies I kept locked inside.

  Lucy closed the door behind them.

  “What am I going to do?” My voice chirped. I held a hand to my forehead to stop the throbbing at my temples.

  “Be calm,” Lucy whispered.

  “Calm? Lucino is acting like a tyrannical beast and you and Romulus seem to think this will be fixed.”

  “Has my brother harmed you?” Her brow narrowed as she came closer.

  “No.”

  “Has he mistreated you or your family?”

  “Well, no… but.”

  “There is no but,” she said. “Yes, my brother is not himself, but that does not change his love for you. He risks everything to be with you.” Her voice lowered, and I wondered if she finally approved of us.

  I glanced at my reflecti
on in the tall, standing mirror, remembering the day Lucino and I almost wed. I touched the empty space around my neck, suddenly feeling naked without the treasured locket he had given me. I lost the locket when we fell into the ocean and were shipwrecked.

  Lucy appeared behind me and brought a sky-blue pendant around my neck. The single stone sparkled rainbows across the mirror.

  “Lucino once told me your eyes remind him of ice and sky, and whenever you were angry, they would freeze him in place.”

  “That’s silly,” I said, letting a laugh escape.

  “Trust he fights for you, for all of us. I may not agree with his actions, but he always protects the ones closest to him.” She clasped the necklace on.

  I touched the smooth stone. “I miss him. I miss the way he used to be.”

  “I know.”

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “It’s time,” my mother said as she opened it.

  Sadness and fear scratched at my throat. Poppa wasn’t here. Avikar was missing. Who would give me away?

  Mother grabbed my hand. “Don’t be afraid.”

  I nodded, finding the words impossible. One of Lucino’s guards held the door open, and with shaky steps, I left the safety of my room.

  Flutes played outside, their songs drifting in through the open windows, an enchanting melody pulling me towards a moment in my life I would never forget. Would Lucino be standing there smiling, focused on me? What about the guests? Would they be frightened by his appearance? We had talked about him marrying me in his human form, but he refused. How could I say no when it was my idea?

  Willis stood at the entrance and opened the door. “Watch your step, my lady.” He bowed his head, and the tightness in my chest loosened. Willis had proudly shown his disdain for me since the first day I arrived in Daath. Knowing he was giving me his approval somehow lessened my worry. Though it wouldn’t hurt for him to give me a compliment.

  Pink and orange painted the skies. Mother looped her arm around mine and patted it.

  “Breathe,” she said. Her green eyes made me wish Avikar was with us.

  Jezebel smiled from her place at the first rose archway, holding a bouquet of dripping blush-pink wisteria. “Smile! You’re gorgeous.”

  I took the bouquet. Was I frowning? I didn’t mean to.

  The path bent and I spotted Calli swinging a wicker basket. She glanced back at me, waved, and skipped ahead. My heart beat loud and fierce. I thought anyone close could hear it. My mind dizzied with worry. I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. A servant waited by the rose garden, the place where we were having the ceremony. Once I stepped around these last bushes, my life would change, forever.

  Part of me wanted to run, but then I saw Lucy standing there, smiling. A real smile.

  I can do this. Creator watch over me, and bless this day.

  I turned the corner, holding my breath.

  Just breathe.

  Every terrified flutter disappeared the moment I saw Lucino’s smiling face. Dressed in a white doublet, his hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, and his natural green skin on display, I knew whatever problems we faced, we would face together.

  Calli tossed pink petals along the path in front of me. The guests all stood, watching me with glassy eyes. Some smiled; others stared at me wide and lost. An uneasy feeling crept along my arms, and I searched for Lucy.

  Smiling, I kept my fear and nervous questions inside, and held Lucino’s deep gaze, hoping he could give me some explanation.

  “Who gives this woman away?” The robed priest asked. I wondered if he was human or Reptilian.

  “I do.” Mother kissed my cheek and faced Lucino, who took her hand and gently kissed it.

  Mother moved aside and Lucino reached for my hand. When I slipped my hand in his, apprehension tickled my skin.

  “I vow to care and protect her,” he said.

  Was I absolutely sure I should marry Lucino? We faced the priest, and I dug up every beautiful memory of Lucino, trying to grab hold of something to keep me grounded.

  The priest spoke, but I couldn’t focus on anything he said.

  Lucino hadn’t complimented me, and it bothered me. He was going to be my husband, and Poppa always complimented Mother. I studied Lucino’s face: the strong jawline, the brilliant blue eyes that captured me from the first day we met, his full lips turned into a smile. Everything seemed perfect, yet a voice inside me screamed.

  It yelled at me to run, and to run now.

  “Stop!”

  I whirled around at the sound of Lucino, speaking from behind me!

  There he stood with a staff in his right hand, clothes covered in dust and dirt. He raised the staff and pointed. “That is an imposter.”

  Lucino, the one standing next to me, growled. “The only imposter is you. Guards!”

  “Stand down!” the other Lucino yelled.

  My head throbbed with confusion. There were two of them? How? What was happening? The nearby guards turned their heads at both Lucinos, seeming just as confused as me, and not knowing who to listen to. We were in a standstill, and someone had to make a move.

  The golden chain around Lucino’s neck peeked out from his shirt.

  I only had one chance to make the right choice.

  I grabbed the chain and ripped the necklace off his neck, holding the pendant tight in my hand, and ran.

  “Argh!” A loud scream bellowed behind me.

  I lifted my dress with my free hand to run faster.

  “Jeslyn, here!” Lucy held out her hands.

  I threw her the necklace right as someone slammed into my back, knocking me face-first into the dirt. My chin hit a rock and pain shot through me. Screams and loud bangs rang out around me, and my head swayed when I tried to sit.

  “I got you.” Strong arms lifted me under my arms.

  It can’t be.

  Tears pricked my eyes. I turned around to see Derrick. “You’re alive!” I hugged him as hard as I could.

  “I missed you too,” he said, holding me tighter. “Where’s Avikar?”

  “I…” something crashed behind us.

  Lucino and Lucino fought on the ground, wrestling, and punching each other.

  “Get her out of here!” the human one said.

  “Let’s go!” Derrick grabbed my elbow, directing me away from the fight.

  “Wait. My mother and Calli?”

  “I saw them with two girls, a redhead and one with brown hair.”

  “Gwen and Jezebel… okay, what’s going on?”

  “No time to explain.”

  We ran out of the rose garden, guests screaming and fleeing the grounds.

  “Where’s Lucy?” I huffed. The weight of the dress made it difficult to run, my breaths coming shorter.

  “There.” Derrick pointed to the stables.

  Lucy guided Onyx out. The horse bucked, refusing to let her ride. “You stupid animal!”

  “That’s my horse!” I ran over and took the reins from her.

  “I need to get this to Romulus,” she said. “It’s the only way to stop the clone.”

  “Clone?” Sweat fell into my eyes and I caught my breath.

  “It’s the only way to kill it.”

  We both looked back at the garden, listening to the crashing and screams.

  “Give it to me,” I said and held out my hand.

  She furrowed her brow.

  “I can get to Romulus faster than you. Trust me.”

  Lucy tossed me the necklace as Lucino and his clone crashed through the bushes. “Go with her,” she said to Derrick, and leaned down to pull a black stick off her thigh. “I’ll help my brother.” She pressed a button and the stick grew into a long rod, crackling with lightning. “Go!”

  She dashed away as Derrick lifted me onto the h
orse, and saddled behind me. Her dress flew behind her. I watched in awe as she vaulted over a bush.

  I held on and he slapped the reins. “What’s going on? How are you here?”

  “Long story,” he shouted over the hooves.

  He tugged Onyx to the right. We rushed past trees and I looked to the rear, waiting for someone to chase us.

  A clone?

  Then that means….

  A smile, big and wide, crawled on my face.

  I knew it.

  I knew the man who stood next to me was not the one I fell in love with. While I couldn’t even begin to understand the idea of clones, visiting Mirth and learning about the Reptilians taught me to expect anything.

  “Head to the beach,” I yelled.

  We raced out of the woods, over the sand dunes leading down to the shore, and straight into a line of Reptilian soldiers. Eight of them.

  Onyx neighed and Derrick stopped the horse. He slid off and helped me down.

  “What now?” I said. Eight was too many for Derrick to fight on his own.

  “Where is Romulus?

  “On a nearby island, but I have a way of getting there. It’s safe.” I put my fingers together and whistled. “There’s too many.”

  “I can handle it. Go.” Derrick unsheathed his sword.

  Hadda flew in front of the soldiers, causing them to stumble back as her massive wings dragged up sand, blowing it all around her. Derrick took the distraction to charge in and slice one solider down. I ran and jumped onto Hadda’s back.

  “To the island,” I said. “And hurry!”

  She flapped up in to the sky, another blast of sand blinding two soldiers. Derrick slashed his way through them like a hurricane, twisting and stabbing. A red tattoo on his neck glowed, and for a moment, his eyes flashed red.

  What happened to him?

  Hadda tore into the sky. I held on to her and watched Derrick turn the white sand red.