by Jenna Moreci
“Oh, to hell with You.”
Shouldering past, Delphi marched through the portal, and Leila hurried after. A rumbling sounded, and the wall pieced itself together, sealing them in.
Darkness covered them. Leila felt Her way through the blackness, latching onto Delphi’s hand and squeezing.
They ran ahead, charging into the darkness while Leila trained Her eyes on the faraway orb. Step by step, the light became larger, and they slowed their pace to a brisk walk. The back of Brontes’s head materialized, the torch in his hand painting shadows across the floor. Leila and Delphi timed their pace with his.
One step. Two.
Brontes came to a halt, and the sisters did the same, far enough behind to remain hidden. He stood at a crossroads—the same fork Leila had met when chasing Erebus—and waited, eyes trained on one of the faraway paths.
Footsteps sounded, and a light bobbed into view. Brontes dropped his torch into a receptacle and held out the necklace—Leila’s necklace, its gems twinkling in the fire’s glow.
“For you,” he said.
A woman chuckled, the sound a pail of ice water to Leila’s face. The glow grew brighter, morphing into the flames of a torch, illuminating a hand, an arm. Piece by piece, the woman emerged, first her fluffy hair, then her white dress. Leila’s stomach caved in.
Not her.
33
The Culmination
Leila pressed Herself against the tunnel wall, Her stomach rolling. When Delphi squeezed Her hand, Leila half-expected Her bones to collapse, crumbling into dust. She hadn’t anticipated feeling like this—weak and weathered, the sheer sight of the traitor enough to beat Her down. Still, Leila couldn’t look away from her.
From Cecily.
Dropping her torch into its receptacle, Cecily scanned the necklace in Brontes hands. “This looks familiar.”
“I thought you’d like it.”
“You took this from your daughter.”
“All that belongs to Her will soon belong to you.” He strung the jewels around her throat. “How does it feel?”
She fanned her fingers over the piece. “As though it’s finally come home.”
Leila flinched when Brontes kissed her, his mouth firm and unyielding, as if the woman were a roasted boar to devour. Cecily wore a smile Leila had seen many times before—soft and radiant, except now it felt sinister.
“Your father,” Brontes said. “Were you able to correspond with him? What’s his word?”
“Everything’s perfect.” Cecily threaded her arms around his neck. “As soon as you make the call, they march.”
“Good. I have to go.”
“Oh, but stay a while. We so rarely get time alone together.”
“There will be plenty of time once we’re wed.”
Leila’s breath caught. Wed?
“Spare me but a moment, darling?” Cecily took his hand, stopping him as he pulled away. “For the contentment of your future bride and father-in-law?”
Darling. That was Leila’s and Tobias’s word. Brontes wavered, then trudged back into the fitter’s embrace, planting her with another far-too-aggressive kiss. They’re to marry. How is that possible? Perhaps he loved her—except he stood rigid in her arms, impassive and cold, while Cecily beamed brighter than the torchlight, oozing tenderness and warmth.
A weight dropped in Leila’s gut. The affection shining through Cecily days ago wasn’t for Her.
It was for Brontes.
“Your message said the time is near.” Cecily played with Brontes’s drape. “Tell me more?”
“I’ve given the Shepherd his orders. She dies today.”
Delphi’s nails dug into Leila’s hand.
“Today?” Cecily frowned. “But the Culmination is moments away. The tournament will be over, the Champion selected—”
“What’s your point?”
“The original plan was seamless. The wedding is already arranged. We can host it tomorrow, even. She would be out of your hair by the evening.”
“She can be out of my hair tonight,” Brontes said.
“It’s careless.”
“She hid Her title. She dies, and no one knows—”
“Except for your staff.” Cecily came in closer, her tone reprimanding. “Do you know how many servants dote on Her? There are too many traitors to your cause within these walls.”
“So we kill them.”
“You plan to wipe out your staff?” Cecily sighed. “It would be far too suspicious. Imagine if the Dragon had been successful. The headache that would’ve caused. You can’t make hundreds of people vanish. Not to mention, you’d still have to do away with Cosima—two Saviors to manage instead of one. Darling, we’ve discussed this—”
Brontes snatched up her wrist, yanking her into his chest. “You defy my will?”
“No, darling—”
“Your Highness. You think we stand on level ground?”
“I will soon be your Queen.”
“Today is not that day.”
Cecily stared at him without fear. Foolish.
“Apologies, I simply long to see you rise to power where you belong. Everything I do is in aid to you. Brontes, Your Highness—”
“Your Majesty.”
Cecily hesitated. “I look forward to the day when I can greet you with such a title. Once you’ve taken your rightful seat as king.”
Brontes scowled before releasing her, sending her tottering through the dirt. She steadied herself, her composure intact, her face a mask of adoration. Perhaps Leila would’ve pitied the woman if She didn’t hate her.
“I can see your wheels turning.” A smile sprang to Cecily’s lips. “Tell me. I’m certain it’s brilliant.”
Brontes stroked his beard. “We’ll keep Her contained. Once the Shepherd becomes Champion, we’ll have them wed. Tomorrow, most likely. She dies, and we proceed as discussed.”
“A fine plan. My darling is so wise.”
Delphi snorted, and Leila could practically feel her rolling her eyes.
“I have to go.” Brontes grabbed Cecily by the jaw, forcing another kiss onto her mouth. “I have a meeting with the Shepherd.”
“Of course. I love you.”
Brontes didn’t return the sentiment, snatching up his torch. Leila wrangled Her light, certain Brontes would head their way, but instead he took a different path—toward the dungeon, if She recalled the route correctly.
The tunnels fell quiet, save for the crackling of the burning flame. Cecily watched Brontes fade away, then plucked her torch from its receptacle.
This was Leila’s moment.
Holding Her breath, Leila took a step forward. Another. Her sandal crunched against the dirt floor, and something beneath it snapped.
Cecily stopped in her tracks. Glancing over her shoulder, she swept her torch back and forth, casting a light over the depths behind her.
Illuminating Leila and Delphi.
Cecily bolted down the tunnel, her torch clattering to the floor. Leila sprinted after her, plunging headfirst into the all-encompassing black with only Cecily’s footfalls to guide Her. She clawed at the nothingness, raking through empty air, dank heat. Hair. She grabbed a handful and yanked, collapsing Cecily and tumbling with her.
Pain pulsed through Her—nails scratching, knees lurching, or at least She assumed so, Her vision awash in black. She fumbled with the sheath on Her thigh, snatching up Her knife and slamming it into the darkness. A cry rang out, but the thrashing continued, until Cecily wriggled free from Leila’s grasp.
Orange firelight burst through the tunnel, and a fist plowed into Cecily’s face, toppling her to the floor.
Delphi hovered over Leila, Cecily’s torch in one hand as she shook out her opposite wrist. She gestured at the palace fitter. “Go on. Secure her.”
Leila sprang to action, dragging Cecily across the floor and propping her against the wall. Her head flopped over—unconscious—which gave Leila a modicum of time to strategize. Secure her. How? She tugge
d at the slit of Her dress, ripping the fabric into one, two, three strips, and wove them into a hasty braid. After wrapping Cecily’s wrists and ankles, Leila slumped her against the wall. Blood saturated her shoulder, the mark of Leila’s blade steadily seeping.
Rousing her took longer than Leila had the patience for. Finally Cecily’s eyes fluttered, and Leila snapped Her fingers, then slapped her cheeks. “Are you awake?”
Cecily nodded, and Leila stood. “You’re going to tell Me everything.”
Cecily’s lazy gaze panned to Leila. “And why is that?”
“There’s a blade in Her hand, if you haven’t noticed,” Delphi spat. “What do you think it’s for? Picking Her teeth?”
Leila tensed. “Delphi…”
“Don’t Delphi me. She’s a traitor. Been prancing around for God knows how many years, and the whole time she was trying to get You killed!”
Cecily sat unfazed, her hair disheveled, her dress twisted, wet, and red. A small part of Leila ached at the sight—a part She left to die. This woman wasn’t the one She’d known.
“I have nothing but time. My sister and I are happy to stand here while you rot.” Leila eyed the blood creeping down Cecily’s chest. “Starvation or sepsis. I wonder which will get you first.”
Snorting, Cecily looked away.
“Is something funny?”
“You don’t have much time. Not really, at least.”
Crouching low, Leila drew Her blade. “Well then, I suppose I ought to get to work straight away.”
Cecily’s jaw tightened. “Do Your worst. I’ll never betray my king.”
Leila met Delphi’s gaze, a silent confirmation that failed to still Her nerves. This would be a first in many ways: the first time She’d do something so vile in front of anyone, much less someone She loved. The first time Her victim was a friend.
Not a friend. Never truly a friend.
Leila grabbed Cecily’s foot, wrenching it while the woman jerked back and forth. Delphi wrapped the fitter’s legs in her arms, stilling her, and with a deep breath, Leila positioned Her blade.
Toes popped free, tumbling across the dirt like pebbles. Cecily’s screams ripped through the tunnel; perhaps someone would hear them, but no portal opened, not even when she called Brontes by name. The women were alone in the darkness, one holding a torch overhead, another sawing away one, two, three toes. Blood painted the dirt, but Leila deadened Herself to Her work, Her mind sinking into numbness.
“Wait.”
Cecily’s eyes were clenched shut, her chest rising in short spurts.
“Change of heart?” Delphi said. “That didn’t take long.”
Leila stood, towering over Her captive. “Start from the beginning. When did you align yourself with Brontes?”
“Child—”
“Don’t call Me that.”
Cecily’s gaze flitted over her discarded toes before meeting Leila’s. “The stars aligned us. We were meant to be.”
Delphi rolled her eyes. “Oh my God…”
“Elaborate,” Leila said.
“His family estate was near to mine. We grew up alongside one another, the blood of the military coursing through our veins. He never said anything, but we knew our union was inevitable. Two powerful families joining as one.”
“You knew him before he became Sovereign?”
“He chose the path that would lead him to greatness. I can’t fault him for that.”
Leila kept Her voice even, hiding Her incredulity. “You left a life of nobility…to become a servant?”
“I left a life of nobility to claim what is mine.”
“And what’s that?”
“My husband.” Cecily’s jaw became wooden. “And my crown.”
“What makes you think Brontes will give you a crown after killing Me for Mine? He wants the glory. He wants to rule alone.”
“He can have his glory with me at his side,” Cecily said. “I have no intention of undermining his rule.”
“You know he’s promised Cosima the same thing.”
Cecily scoffed. “Young girls will believe even the silliest lies. She’ll be disposed of when the time comes.”
“They’re fucking. I saw it Myself. Right before he met with you, he bedded My sister.”
Cecily’s expression wavered, a flicker of weakness in her gaze. “A man behaving as men do. We all make difficult decisions in the pursuit of our destinies.”
“God, some women.” Delphi paced the tunnel. “Who falls for this?”
“So, that’s it?” Leila crouched in front of Her prisoner. “The death, the deceit. It’s all to make Brontes king?”
Cecily looked Her in the eyes, an unnerving stare. Sweat dampened her brow, and blood crept down her breast, but she didn’t speak.
“Brontes is already Thessen’s Ruler,” Leila said. “He’s the Sovereign.”
Chuckling, Cecily looked away.
Delphi’s glare bore through the servant. “Say something!”
“There’s a plague beneath our soil. My light keeps Thessen alive.” Leila’s heart raced, Her impatience climbing. “You kill Me, and you die. Brontes doesn’t believe, but surely you must know this.”
“Child, there are other sources of light. You are not required.”
Sapphire filled the corners of Leila’s mind—the vials of elixir hidden in Brontes’s wardrobe. Her light, however watered-down, in medicinal form.
“There’s not enough purgar for the whole realm.”
“But there’s enough for a husband and wife,” Cecily said.
The realization sucked the air from Leila’s lungs. She had been wrong about Her father. He was prepared for mass destruction.
“Brontes believes, he just doesn’t care,” She whispered.
“Sacrifices must be made for good to prevail.”
“Sacrifices?” Delphi came forward. “You mean countless innocent people?”
“People die each day, lost to the wind.” Cecily words came out light and melodic. “But men like Your father—they are remembered. Immortalized in the archives. And I will be by his side, living in the comfort he provides to me.”
“Or you’ll be dead,” Delphi scoffed. “Brontes has a habit of killing his wives, after all.”
“You would ruin the realm,” Leila said, “lay waste to millions of people, all because of your unrequited love?”
“It’s not unrequited,” Cecily spat. “He loves me, and we will be together.”
“God, I can hardly tolerate this. Just kill her.”
Leila sighed. “Delphi—”
“She’s delusional. Useless to us.” Delphi resumed her pacing. “There is nothing I despise more than a woman who betrays her own for a worthless cock.”
“Go to the arena,” Leila said.
Delphi came to a stop. “Excuse me?”
“The Culmination begins any moment now, if it hasn’t already. Observe and report back to Me.”
“I’m not leaving You here—”
“I need someone watching Brontes. And I need to know if Kaleo wins.” Leila stood, turning to Delphi. “Tomorrow’s My wedding.”
Delphi gaped at Leila for a long while before succumbing to Her will, casting Cecily a glare as she handed off the torch and trudged off. A pinprick of light appeared in the distance—the portal opening and closing as Delphi made her way to safety—and only then did Leila return to Her task.
“He doesn’t love you.” Leila met Her captive’s gaze. “I know you know this.”
Cecily remained hunched against the wall, her hair a sodden mess, her foot stained with blood. “He gives me what I need.”
“And you’re content with that? What you need. Sounds an awful lot like a dog settling for scraps.”
“You know nothing of the world, child. Nothing of powerful men—”
“Oh, I know of powerful men. Far better than you do, it seems. And if I’d settled for My father’s scraps, I’d be dead. Just as you will be soon enough, either by My hand or his.
”
Cecily smirked. “It’s endearing, how You fancy Your Artist the exception.”
Leila tightened Her grip on Her blade. “You never answered My question. Why does Brontes fight for a crown he already wears? He took My power long ago. Is it really all about the title? The worship?”
“I did care for You.” Cecily cocked her head. “All these years. I’ve grown very fond of You.”
“You conspired to have Me killed.”
“That doesn’t mean—”
“It means everything.”
“I thought I mattered more to You than this. At least more than…” her eyes danced over her battered form, “…throwing me into the dirt, dismantling me piece by piece.”
“Answer My question.”
“There was a part of me that saw You as family, in a way. I’m to marry Your father, after all—”
Leila slashed Cecily across her cheek, sending her crying out. “What is Brontes’s goal? Why seek to rule a realm knowing he’ll inevitably destroy it? I won’t ask again.”
Blood tracked down Cecily’s neck. She cringed. “Thessen doesn’t matter.”
“Then why would he—?”
“Thessen is the beginning.”
The beginning? Leila’s eyes narrowed. “Tell Me about Kovahr.”
Cecily kicked Leila in the shins, then again in the gut, sending Her crumpling face-first to the floor. Her blade. She’d dropped it. Leila scrambled, hands fanning through the dirt, but Cecily snatched the weapon up and hobbled into the darkness.
Once Her breathing normalized, Leila grabbed the torch and ran after her. How had Cecily gotten free? Perhaps she’d loosened the ropes while Leila’s back was turned. How far could she run with only seven toes? None of that mattered. Cecily had traveled these tunnels before. She had Leila’s weapon.
She had the advantage.
Leila slid to a stop, squinting through the darkness. A crossroads. Holding Her breath, She strained to listen, ignoring the ache of Her muscles. Footsteps—to the left. She sprinted down the pathway, hoping it wouldn’t fail Her.