A Bond of Venom and Magic (The Goddess and the Guardians Book 1)

by Karen Tomlinson

  “Yes, you will,” Diamond whispered into his palm. A bitter taste washed through his mouth at the conviction in her words. “And if I don’t go back she will punish you—I don’t know much about torture, but I can guess she gave you this scar.” She leaned in and, just like she had done once before, brushed her warm lips against it. “It’s in your eyes and your magic every time I touch it.”

  “What is?” he asked, trying not to pull away from her ridiculous belief he was her saviour, or the feel of her lips against his scar. This was all wrong, she should be repulsed by it, by him, just like he was every time he saw his reflection.

  “Fear,” she whispered.

  He balked and immediately scowled. “I am not scared of anything, not her—and certainly not you,” he snarled, immediately defensive that she should think him weak in any way.

  A small, understanding smile curled her lips, “Of course you’re not, but I don’t want her to give you anymore scars or pain because of me,” she said.

  His defensive walls crumbled immediately. It was strange to know another person was anxious for him. He huffed a wry laugh as he pulled her out of the chair, tensing his muscles when her legs wobbled.

  “She will cause me far more pain by hurting you—so we are not going back. There is one place I can take you. One person who might help us.”

  The tunnel he had used would be their best means of escape. Now Diamond was safe and by his side, the beast inside him had settled along with his magic, and his sight was back to normal. Hugo could blend in with the shadows, become invisible and see well enough to negotiate the pitch black, but Diamond could not. And if her kidnappers had used these tunnels to get here, so might others. Besides, he would likely get lost in the old catacombs without Diamond’s scent to guide him. No, Hugo would explore them another time.

  Diamond looked with disgust at the fallen soldiers, and he waited stiffly for her condemnation. He felt no regret. Diamond was his Nexus and they had tried to take her from him. Their deaths were their own fault…or their lord’s. He needn’t have worried; Diamond said nothing, keeping her eyes averted she stepped over them and peered inside the dark entrance.

  “Where does that go?” she asked curiously.

  “Honestly? I have no idea. I only know the tunnel I took to get here from the wall. There were entrances leading off everywhere and, without your scent to guide me, I think we would get hopelessly lost.”

  She blushed and refused to look at him.

  “Summer flowers,” he whispered in her ear, inhaling and stepping up close against her back. “That’s what you smell like,” he told her, letting his magic glide forward and caress the exposed skin of her neck. A shiver rippled through her body.

  “We should go,” he said huskily, coughing to clear the tightness in his throat. Now was not the time, no matter how much he wanted to pull her against him. Instead he took her hand, entwining his fingers with hers and guided her towards the door.

  They emerged from a rundown little cottage onto a dirty street. The tang of sea salt and fish laced the air, but it was the acrid smoke blowing inland that choked them. A heavy blanket smothered the city.

  “Holy shit!” cursed Hugo, gripping her hand tightly, “I didn’t realise those tunnels had brought me down this far. We’re miles from where we need to be.”

  The small street acted like a funnel for the mass of people running for the docks. Decisively, Hugo dragged her along with the flow. Diamond gripped on tightly to Hugo’s hand, hating the proximity of such a mob. They turned the corner on to the docks. Carnage greeted them. People lined the huge quays to watch. Pushing and shoving each other for a better view of the ships beyond the shield, the burning ships. The magnificent hulls were reduced to floating pyres that sent black smoke billowing skyward.

  A large high-walled harbour and dock buildings loomed to the left, its entrance protected by a solid wall of warrior fae. They were a truly awesome sight. Gold wings held them steady, hovering from ground level to high in the sky. No ordinary fae would get past, and certainly no humans would dare try. Behind the wall of warriors, two huge war galleons were berthed safely in the harbour. Above each fluttered the Queen’s sigil. The green serpents upon the rippling flags seemed almost alive as the breeze whipped them into a frenzy.

  Despite the sight of those two magnificent vessels, Diamond smirked. It was impossible not to feel immense satisfaction at the sight of the Queen’s armada being reduced to ash out on the ocean. Then she saw the bobbing heads of the sailors trying to swim for their lives and any satisfaction she felt dissipated into horror. Screams echoed clearly over the water, heads disappearing by the dozen under the wild, white-crested waves. The sea teemed with bodies, some thrashing and swimming, some floating face down. Fishing boats of all sizes had rallied to pull people from the sea, some already brimming as they returned to the docks. A few brave fishermen even risked the wrath of the dragon to venture beyond the shield to mount a rescue.

  It didn’t escape Diamond’s notice that there were many half-bloods among the rescued and the dead. It was easy to spot them. Although many had fae traits, they still looked slightly different to full blooded fae. Deep yellow wings that were scarred as if they had been burned, hung wet and limp down the backs of some, and many had pointed ears, handsome faces or tall strong bodies. Hugo noticed where her attention lay and yanked her sideways.

  “C’mon. You can’t help them. And we have to get out of here,” he urged.

  Diamond frowned and pulled him to a stop. Rescued sailors from other kingdoms collapsed on the dockside. The dark olive skin and black hair of Houria; the forked, beaded beards of Gar Anon; even the ebony skin of the Southern Hotlands were in evidence. Her stomach tightened in anger at the obvious marks of cruelty on their thin, cold bodies. Lash marks striped their backs and the red welts of manacles discoloured their wrists and ankles. Slaves.

  Fae were not good in the water; the weight of their wings became heavy enough for some of them to drown. It seemed the people of Avalonia were happy to sacrifice the unwanted, the unworthy or the downright unfortunate to the rough seas in their Queen’s armada. How convenient for her to know that her bigoted people did not care enough about half-bloods or slaves to protest.

  Well, they will now, snarled Diamond to herself. There were hardly any ships to protect their vast ocean doorway, and now these men and half-bloods could escape and cause havoc in this city. Diamond grinned and hoped some of them would.

  A scuffle broke out nearby. A deep, heavily accented voice bellowed his rage as two city guards dragged a limp body from a fishing boat.

  “No! She is my daughter!” A man with ebony skin shoved two guards away from the body on the ground and hoisted a young slim girl into arms rippling with hard muscle. He looked around frantically, for a moment his eyes met Diamond’s and she felt the oddest sensation, a tug on her soul as if this man were important to her…. Tarnished blue metal gleamed against the dark skin of his forehead. A blue sun inlaid in his skin like a tattoo. It was impossible not to stare at the flames reaching down his temples to touch his jaw line.

  But Hugo did not have time to study the docks. Ignoring her protests, he dragged her against the surging crowd, leaving the sun-marked man behind. Diamond blinked to clear the smoke from her stinging eyes.

  Together they fought to escape the tightly-packed and aggressive crowd. Hugo growled, shoving people roughly aside. The atmosphere was laced with violence. With every stumble of her feet Hugo righted her, making encouraging sounds. Never once did he let go, and she gripped him back with equal fervour.

  “Through here,” he urged, just when Diamond wanted to give up and collapse to the ground. He pulled her past an upturned cart, weaving between its spilled load of empty baskets. A man lay on his belly next to the cart, his face beaten bloody. Diamond swallowed and did her best to ignore him. Blood and death were becoming far too familiar a sight.

  Beyond the main street, Hugo tugged her into a small alley, then burst into a
run. They sprinted from the noise of the docks, not stopping as they bolted across bigger streets or ran by groups of looters. The city passed by in a blur until Diamond’s lungs burned and the metallic taste of blood lined her mouth.

  Hugo pulled her to a sudden halt. Barely panting, he cocked his head to one side. The distant chime of a temple bell echoed. Four chimes. Hugo frowned and looked up at the strip of sky between the closely built buildings. A whooshing sound approached, becoming louder. Hugo pushed her against a building, flattening his recognisable wings against the wall. Warriors and city guard flew over in heavy formation, heading for the rioting city folk and the docks.

  “She will know we are missing by now,” Hugo said, looking down at her. Diamond didn’t miss the anxiety in his eyes and felt her heart miss a beat. Hugo never looked anxious. “We need to get to the other side of the island,” he told her, yanking her farther into a shadowed doorway as another group of city guard flew low over the roof tops, scanning the ground below.

  “I know you’re tired, but you have to run—as fast as you can, until it’s safe to fly.” Grabbing her hand, he launched into another sprint.

  It was all Diamond could do to keep up with him. With heaving breaths she forced herself to move. Speech was impossible. Another street. Another. Once again Hugo spun smoothly, changed direction and grabbed her around her waist. Diamond found herself in the shadows covered by his body. A split second later inky darkness swirled, concealing them. It was hard to ignore the way her chest heaved against his even as city guards and warriors shot overhead.

  “W-what was that?” she stuttered, as the darkness lifted. Tired. She was so tired.

  “Later,” was all Hugo said, as panicked screaming began in the distance. “They’re clearing the docks. If we’re going to make it, we have to fly now whilst their attention is elsewhere.” Hugo’s voice was urgent but steady. His sapphire eyes scanned her red and sweaty face. “Are you ready?” he asked, opening his arms. She quickly stepped into his warmth and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Legs up around my waist,” he instructed.

  She did as he asked, her heart racing. Metal chinked as he armoured. In the dimness of the alley the pattern of silver rivulets seemed far brighter and infinitely more beautiful than she had ever seen them before. A gasp escaped her as they turned to a pattern of silver flames.

  “It’s the power in the shield,” he said by way of explanation, then hesitated before speaking again. “I can absorb it, feed on it. Somehow that guardian’s attack is making my magic stronger,” he told her, his eyes flicking warily to hers.

  He had expected shock or distaste. Diamond stared right back. He must know that nothing about his magic, or him, disgusted her. She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him, her chin tucked into the curve of his neck. For a few wonderful seconds he just held her tightly, inhaling deeply as he let his magic wrap around them. Diamond tightened her arms and legs and squeezed him back, pushing her face harder into his neck. She wished for courage enough to tell him how she felt. He took a breath as if to speak but no words came out, only a huge shuddering breath as he shook his head. Magnificent and powerful, those wings began to beat against the air and his magic withdrew. Diamond hoped she would not regret letting that moment pass.

  They slowly crested the roof tops, Hugo vigilantly searching the sky. More airborne warriors and guards passed nearby, focused on the distant docks. They ignored the single Queen’s guard and his charge. Hugo rapidly propelled them through the air, stealing Diamond’s breath. Her tunic flapped madly, the cold air cutting straight through her sheer blouse to freeze her skin beneath.

  Everything will be fine, she told herself, preferring to hide from reality by burying her face in Hugo’s neck rather than watch where they were going. His arms tightened around her, his back and shoulder muscles contracting and shifting urgently under her grip.

  The dragon was nowhere to be seen, only the smoking pyres of the dead ships were evidence of its wrath. Hugo headed over the jumbled rooftops, his eyes searching the city. Warily he watched the other fae in the skies, increasing his efforts and changing direction if any came too close.

  Hugo was heading toward the ice moon. East. This side of the island was open to the raging weather blown in from the Rough Seas. Below them lay small battered quays and tiny inlets. Fishing boats and small trade vessels bobbed around on the turbulent waters, safe under the protection of the shield.

  With her back to the direction they were heading and her face still buried in Hugo’s neck, Diamond did not see the lone fae diving down across the slanted rooftops. Golden wings flashing he headed in at an angle that would obscure him from even the Queen’s guard. Diamond snapped her head up as a familiar strong voice bellowed her name.

  “Diamond! Commander! Wait!”

  Hugo back winged and executed a swift defensive turn, holding her with one arm as he reached over and pulled a sword so quickly the blade was up before they faced the oncoming force of General Edo.

  “What do you want?” growled Hugo with eyes black as night.

  The general panted, a slight sheen of sweat on his brow. “Damn it, where have you been?” he blustered, looking at Diamond with concern. “Are you all right?” he asked quickly.

  Diamond could only nod in confusion.

  “Good. By the goddess, you had us worried. The Queen has all her guards out searching for you. The way she reacted when neither of you answered her summons to court was truly terrifying, even for me. Jack has sent out his own men to search for you.” His big chest heaved as he caught his breath. “If you return to the palace, she’ll kill you both,” he warned, his keen grey eyes searching the skies. A group of fae launched over the distant palace walls and dived down over the sloping island city scape.

  “Jack said I am to meet him at the goddess’ temple in the middle district in one hour, regardless of whether we find you or not. Come with me and we will get you out of this mess,” he told them earnestly.

  “Jack sent you to look for me?” Diamond asked, her eyes wide.

  “Of course he did. Diamond, he is beside himself with worry. You saved his life. He always intended to get you out of that palace, but if we don’t go now the Queen’s men will be upon you and there will be no hope of escape.”

  “Hugo?” Diamond whispered urgently.

  Hugo stared at the general silently, suspicion pouring off him.

  “Oh, by Erebos’ balls, commander! We need to get her to safety. I know you care for her. Gods damn it! It’s in your face every time you look at her—even when you try and hide it. Everyone can see, including your Queen. What the hell do you think is going to happen to Diamond when you take her back to that place? Do you think she will be allowed to live? She is as good as my daughter, I helped raise her! At least let her come with me, and she might stand a chance of getting away. Jack has already arranged passage for Diamond on a trade vessel. Hugo, if you want to go too, the captain is all about profit. I’m sure for a few more gold coins he will take you too.”

  Diamond felt Hugo’s body tense with indecision as he looked over his shoulder at the eastern docks, then back at the general who tensely watched the distant group of warriors move closer.

  “Fine,” growled Hugo and sheathed his blade. His arm came back around her and adjusted her weight. “Lead the way, general,” he said.

  General Edo immediately dived down among the roof tops leading them away from the approaching fae. When they had skirted around enough of the city to hide them, he led Hugo back up towards the middle district. Ordinary fae with golden feathered or sheer wings zipped about, their movements urgent. Some eyed the warriors and gave them a wide berth, others did not even notice, intent on their own business. Below, the streets were littered with debris. Horses clattered over the cobbles, as those without wings either urgently returned home or tried to run for the valley. It seemed the dragon did not even need to directly attack the city to cause utter carnage.

  A domed rooftop appeared ahead, its green
and yellow lichen-covered curves a sorry sight. The temple of light sat in its own grounds, just as the one in Berriesford had, and looked equally as neglected. Large trees stood like sentinels, boughs sagging under their own immense weight. The burning pyre had long since fallen into disrepair and lay in a collapsed heap. General Edo circled over a nearby avenue lined with shops and pointed downward. It was large enough to land in and practically deserted.

  Glass crunched under Hugo’s boots as he smoothly landed, his eyes instantly scanning the buildings and shadows. His arms tightened around her shoulders as her feet slid to the ground. Cold kissed her skin as he gently pulled away.

  Diamond was suddenly scared. “You won’t leave me, will you?” she whispered urgently, worried that as soon as they met Jack, Hugo would return to the palace. They both knew the Queen’s search would be unrelenting and her wrath like nothing on this earth if one of her elite guard deserted. Diamond's cold fingers clutched at his forearms as if her touch alone could stop him from going back to that life.

  Hugo smiled reassuringly and cupped the back of her head in one big hand, then leaned down until his lips brushed her forehead. “No. I will never leave you,” he whispered.

  “Come on!” urged General Edo, running past them. “We need to get off this street.”

  They reached the end of the wide avenue within seconds. Both warriors leaned up against the wall of a large corner building.

  Hugo peered out, checking the main thoroughfare. “Go!” he hissed, nodding at General Edo, who grabbed Diamond’s hand.

  “Run!” the general urged.

  Together they surged across the street and darted in through a rusty iron gate. The temple garden was dim and cold. Eerie quiet sat upon it, even the city noise did not penetrate here. Their breathing and footsteps sounded far too loud. General Edo quickly pulled her off the path into the shadows under a Lyca tree. The large red leaves drooped down, almost touching the floor, its boughs creating a dim hiding place. Standing with his back to the red trunk, General Edo narrowed his eyes, searching the grounds and the temple’s many arches. Finally his gaze assessed the main doors.