Alamir: Blood of Kaos Series - Book One

by Nesa Miller

  “Bore da, lass.” She smiled, busy smoothing the covers around the sleeping girl. “Old habits… You’ve a rosy glow about you this fine morning. I’d say the rest did you good.”

  Etain felt a flush in her cheeks. “Oh, yes. Yes, a very good rest indeed.”

  “Glad to know Dar heeded my warning.”

  She lifted a hand to run through her hair, but thought better of it and let it drop to her side. “I have a favor to ask. Do you have three blood rubies we can use? Dar says he’ll replace them as soon as he can.”

  Done with her patient, she gave her a long look. “Three blood rubies? What’re you planning to conjure?”

  “I don’t know,” she shrugged. “Dar says it’s a surprise, and he needs them before sunrise.”

  “I do happen to have three such stones, but I must know what they’ll be used for,” Spirit said. “You stay here with Faux while I have a chat with the man. Is he in his room?”

  “No. Mine.”

  She raised a brow. “Hmph. Stay here until I get back.”

  Coming to Etain’s bedroom door, which was slightly ajar, she heard something fall to the floor, followed by words in a language she didn’t recognize, but was certain they were of a profane nature. His tone was unmistakable. She tapped lightly on the door.

  “Come in, mo chuisle. We must get going,” he said, his back to her.

  “Sorry, love. It’s only me.”

  He turned. “Oh, Spirit. I thought you were Etain. Good morning.”

  “Morning. I asked her to stay with Faux while we have a private word.”

  “Please allow me to apologize for last night. It is not my habit to show such disregard to those who have been nothing but generous with their friendship and home.”

  “Apology accepted. No great harm done, aye? The day was anything but normal. Now, these rubies you’re wanting… What’s to be done with them?”

  “I plan to crush them.” At the look on her face, he held out the golden scabbard and motioned for her to draw the sword. “Tell me what you think of it. The crystal has been in my family for many generations.”

  Her eyes widened. “This has to be the biggest crystal I’ve ever seen in me life.”

  “What you hold in your hands is very old…and powerful. There’s not another like it. I made it for her as proof of my love.” Her eyes glistened as he continued. “The rubies will bond the sword to her. Once bound, she will have access to generations of VonNeshta knowledge, and after she has learned how to tap into it, she will have no equal.”

  “Heavens, Dar. All you have to do is tell her your feelings. There’s no need for fancy gifts. If I thought it’d make a difference with me husband, I’d tell you to give it to him.” She slid the sword back into its sheath. “There’s a fine line between protection and possession.”

  “Faults I seem to share with your husband. It is not my intent to be an overbearing oaf,” he said, giving her a smile. “Our new relationship has me acting like a schoolboy. I’ll try to keep myself in check.”

  “I’d think twice about your training tactics, too. Inferno went mental yesterday.”

  “Spirit, I have felt protective of her since we first met, and I will protect her with my life, if necessary. None of you truly appreciates what my brother is capable of. I pushed her hard, and I intend to push harder. She has to know how to fight him. I cannot…we cannot lose her to him.”

  She gave him a thoughtful nod. “Just remember to treat her with the respect she deserves; otherwise, it won’t be just your brother you have to worry about.” At the door, she said, “I’ll get the stones and have Etain bring them to you. Oh, and do me a favor today. Stay out of Inferno’s path. Give him time to cool off.”

  “I shall, milady. Thank you.”

  “Between you and me, Inferno would have done the same in your place.”

  A curious Etain returned to Dar. “The rubies are crushed, so you don’t have to waste any ti…” She saw the great sword strapped across his back. “What’s that for?”

  He picked up the crystal sword and tossed it to her. “Let’s go.” Dar whisked her into his arms and transported them to the inlet shore. As the skies lightened, he cast the ruby dust into the air, chanting, “Ghrian mór, solas ár paidreacha le do ghlóir (Great sun, light our prayers with your glory).” The rich red dust swirled above their heads.

  “Come here, Etain. Point your blade into the sun.” Drawing the crystal sword, she faced the oncoming light, keenly aware of Dar’s body pressed to hers. “Keep your eyes to the east as the sun rises and repeat what I say.” He took one of her hands and turned it over, opening a shallow cut along the palm. “M'fhuil a thabhairt mé dhuit (My blood I give thee).” Repeating his words, she watched her blood drift up, mingling with the ruby dust.

  He whispered in her ear. “The next thing I say will only be in your mind, but you must say it out loud.” They waited for the sun to peek over the horizon. “Be warned. Afterward, your mind may be flooded with images. Do not be alarmed if it happens. It is all part of the spell. I will be here to catch you.”

  As the first rays of the new morning sparked on the blade, Dar mentally recited the words. Etain called out. “Nim’Na’Sharr, ceangal mé dhuit dom (Nim’Na’Sharr, I bind thee to me).” The blood and rubies swirled together, flowing down, circling around her. At last, the mix settled on the blade from tip to hilt. “What is this?”

  He placed a finger to her lips and spoke to her mind. You are now one with Nim’Na’Sharr, my love. Her knowledge is your knowledge. My family is your family.

  Hundreds of images poured into her mind… Krymerian lore, family histories, battles fought, how the Krymerians wielded a sword, effective attacks and appropriate defenses, the history of the crystal. So much information came so fast, Etain used his body as support until she could absorb it. Once satisfied she could stand alone, he backed away, presenting his blade.

  “Let’s test your newfound knowledge, shall we?” His first moves were slow, a volley of attacks she blocked, scoring a hit or two of her own. “Well done,” he said, proud of her accomplishment. Switching hands, he attacked with another series of slashes and thrusts. Once again, she blocked the moves, his last being a low jab she countered with ease.

  Beaming with pride, she looked up in time to see his fist just before it slammed into her jaw, snapping her head to the side. “Good block, but you took your eyes off me. Never take your eyes off your opponent. It leaves you open.”

  She swiped the blood from her lip, planting her feet. “Got it.”

  He moved in with a new sequence of attacks. Defeated at each turn, he swung around with a great slash of his sword, which she blocked. Anticipating his next move, she deflected the fist from the side, but was too slow in dodging the boot in the chest, knocking her to the ground. Dar charged, not giving her time to recover, scoring hits here and there, but receiving several in return.

  As she managed to work her feet underneath her, he slipped up from behind and whispered in her ear. “You let them die.”

  “What?” Unnerved, she watched him spin and come back with another strike.

  “You ran like a scared little girl,” he growled. “You did nothing to save them.”

  His breath was heavy against her skin. Anger blasted through her like a red-hot flame, her senses honing-in on his position. She snapped her head back, connecting with his nose. The bone snapped, pouring blood over his mouth and chin.

  He laughed, spitting blood. “Much better.” Leading her through a new array of moves, his taunts continued. “All you had to do was say yes to the darkness.”

  Something snapped inside her. All cylinders were ablaze in her brain, and her vision sharpened. Her strength and speed increased, matching Dar blow for blow.

  “Shut up!” Electrical charges rolled over her skin.

  He matched her attacks with perfect blocks. Ducking one slash, he moved behind her, opening a straight cut down each shoulder.

  “Such a loving daughter you w
ere, leaving them to their fate. You ran like a coward.”

  “I ran because they were dead.” Electrical charges united into a blue glow surrounding her form, her eyes piercing into his.

  Seeing her reaction to his words, he threw his last taunt. “As for your sister, Faux... I have special plans for her.”

  “If you go near her, I will cut out your bloody fucking heart,” she spat, swinging out with her blade.

  She felt a surge in her blood. Great leather wings extended from her back, their fleshy membrane a deep crimson, darkening into black. Razor-sharp talons extended from her knuckles, forcing her to drop Nim. She staggered back, trying to take it all in.

  Dar advanced again, setting his blade to work, opening cut after cut over her arms and legs to slow her movements before she could adjust. Dropping his sword, he engaged his own demon. Her first attempts at warding off his attacks proved clumsy, but her hit ratio improved with every move. Matching him blow for blow, long gashes appeared on his body. They were evenly matched, but for one exception. Dar was in control. As Etain reached for his throat, he grabbed her wrist, slammed her face down on the ground, and jabbed a foot into her back. The demon grasped each wing, pushing and pulling at the same time. With a quick jerk, bones in both wings snapped, accompanied by a howling screech.

  Her broken wings crumpled to the ground. Dar grabbed a handful of silver hair and pulled hard, a rapid double punch knocking her unconscious. Stepping away, he transformed back to his Krymerian form and bent over her. A gentle touch to each wing, combined with a healing chant, mended the broken bones and repaired the damage. Another chant calmed the demon within her. He carried her to the water’s edge and with her safe within his arms, he splashed the cool liquid on her face. She awoke.

  “Not a bad start, mo chuisle. You did well your first time as a demon, but you were not in control.”

  “Huh? Demon?”

  “Aye. You can call on the demon at will, but you must be in control…of the demon and your anger.”

  “Maybe if you wouldn’t piss me off…,” she said, pushing away. “Your words were cruel and unnecessary.”

  “It was the only way to bring it out completely. I’ve seen the stirring behind your eyes for days now. I had to be sure.”

  “Being a demon was never part of the plan. I suppose I have you to thank for this exciting bit of news.”

  “The blood of Kaos is strong. I can teach you how to use it.”

  “Good, then I can rip your throat out if you ever speak to me that way again.”

  Acknowledging the threat with a nod, he returned Nim’Na’Sharr to her mistress. They resumed their sparring, trading sword strikes for the rest of the day with no further insults or cruel remarks.

  As darkness fell, Dar called it a day. “Shall we go for a swim?” He put away his blade, stripped, and ran into the water.

  She watched from the shore, considering whether to join him or take his clothes and leave him bare ass naked. Knowing he would have no qualms about walking back to the castle in all his glory, she wriggled out of her leathers and swam out to him. The refreshing water cooled her skin and, in turn, helped quiet her emotions.

  “Teach me to turn.”

  “Close your eyes,” he said, intertwining his fingers with hers. “Envision your anger.”

  She peeked out from one eye. “Why?”

  He gave her a stern look. “Keep your eyes closed. Listen to my words. Do as I say. The demon comes from deep inside, much like your anger.”

  She tried again. Her mind went in different directions, not settling on any one thing, constantly on the move, flitting from one thing to the next. She sighed. “It’s no use, Dar. I can’t get it to-”

  “Think on the dark thing that took your family, left you alone, cold, hungry.”

  A spark…small, yet bright.

  “See your anger for what it is, feed it, give it what it needs to grow.”

  A weekend camping in the woods came to her. Her dad teaching her how to build a fire, dried grass, bits of sticks, striking a match, then blowing gently, fanning the infant flame, feeding it, watching it grow until it was ready for the larger pieces of wood that would keep it going.

  “Think of your father, dying before your eyes. Your mother, cut down without a care. Your brother, lost forever.”

  Etain turned her thoughts to the one moment in her life that always stirred the hate and anger she kept hidden away. In her mind’s eye, she relived their murders, watched their blood darkening the ground. The red eyes of the assassin glowed bright in her memory. She felt the anger rise inside her, hot and undeniable.

  “Let it rise up, fill you with its heated glory. Embrace it. Give it life, but do not let it take control.”

  She fanned the flame, its fiery fingertips licking at the tree branches in her head. The hate soon flushed her skin. Reminding herself to keep control, she brought it down.

  “When it feels right, envision your demon. Violet eyes of fire. Crimson wings ready to take flight. Talons…long, white, and lethal. These are your gifts. Keep them in check.” Heeding his words, she swallowed hard, slowing the beat of her angry heart. “Command the demon, make it obey.”

  Her wings extended, arcing over the water, her frame growing to six feet. Lifting her hands from the water, she admired the sharp talons with her amplified vision. Fascinated, she looked at Dar.

  “Now you.”

  He shifted into his demonic form. “Is that bet-”

  Her lips crushed to his, cutting off his words. Long legs wrapped around him, her talons retracting. She pulled back, a seductive smile on her lips.

  “I am not Etain.”

  “Are you not?” he asked, his wings hovering above the water, keeping them afloat.

  “No,” she said, a pulse between her legs throbbing in time with her heart. “You are not Dar.”

  “Then who are we, my love?”

  She slid a hand beneath the water, running her fingers down his side and cupping a firm butt cheek. She sighed with devilish intent. “We are Krymerian demons, destined for an eternity of lust, love, and decadence. We share our blood…” She gave him a long, heated kiss, “and our bodies in celebration of the fight we face tomorrow.”

  “Etain-”

  “No,” she said, placing a finger over his lips. “I am a goddess and you are my god. We are not of this earth.” Her hand came between them, taking a firm hold of his cock. “In this moment, we are free to be who we want to be. I want to be yours…heart, soul, and body.”

  “Mo chuisle, demon or not, it is your first time. It may not be-”

  “Shhhh,” she whispered. “It will be what we wish it to be.”

  His arm went around her, holding her tight. She moaned as his fingers slipped through her wetness, stroking the spot that ached for his touch.

  “It will hurt, but only for a moment.”

  She didn’t care. She wanted him, needed to be one with him. Her body vibrated with desire, aching to feel him inside. Safe within his gaze, she welcomed him into her fevered sanctuary, their wings fluttering with every thrust.

  13

  Crossfire

  Night had fallen before the lovers made their way back to the castle. Dar and Etain heard the shouting long before they came within sight of the house. He was reluctant to leave her alone, but agreed she had more practice at handling Inferno. They parted with a kiss.

  “Call me if he gets out of hand.”

  “Don’t worry,” she said, confident.

  He watched her until she opened the back door to the kitchen. It went quiet with her first step inside.

  He moved toward the door with every intention of following her, but made himself stop.

  Give her a chance. This is her family. She’s not in danger.

  Dar imagined the scene. Etain’s comforting smile. Her patient explanation of how things had changed. Inferno’s quiet acceptance of their newfound love. He thought it must be going well. There were no explosions or loud denunciations
. He smiled to himself.

  Well done, mo-

  Never underestimate your opponent.

  Inferno’s voice boomed through the back door, demanding the whereabouts of the “bleedin’ demon”, spouting his intention of putting “the bastard in his place”.

  Taking it as his cue, Dar burst through the door. “That’s enough. All this yelling will not solve anything,” he said, going to Etain and acting as her shield.

  Seeing Dar shirtless, Inferno’s eyes widened. He flashed a scornful look at Etain. “Bloody fucking wanker!” Flames lit in his eyes. “I’ll be sending ya back to the hell ya came from.”

  Dar held up both hands, ready to push back if things escalated. “Inferno, think about what you’re doing. Etain or Spirit could get caught in the crossfire.”

  “By the looks of things…” He pointed a flaming finger at Etain, “I’d say our girl’s been caught up in yer lustful crossfire already.” The decibel level rose, his enflamed gaze on Dar. “What the bloody hell gave you the right? This ends right now. Let’s take it-”

  Etain stepped from behind Dar. Her wings rustled, settling on her back. She waited, obviously affected by Spirit and Inferno’s shocked reactions. Dar smiled, his expression a mix of pride and satisfaction. “There will be no crossfire,” she said, breaking the silence. “This is who I am now. There’s nothing you or anyone else can do to change it.”

  Although he had witnessed her transformation earlier, Inferno stood with his mouth open, staring first at Etain, then Dar.

  “Yer takin’ the mick!” His flames subdued, but didn’t extinguish. “Nothing can be done, my arse. Once this bloody bastard’s dead, you'll be our girl again.” He turned and stormed out of the room.

  Etain looked at Spirit. “I'm sorry.” A tear ran down her cheek as she and Dar returned to their regular forms. Without a word, Spirit eyed Etain, shot Dar a contemptuous look, then followed her husband.

  Dar brought Etain close. “Don't cry, my love. Let's go for an evening flight. Give him time to cool down. Come…” He tugged her out the back door. “You’ll find it cathartic.” In a matter of moments, the demon couple was airborne, sweeping out over the sea, the moon their only witness.