She registered the sound of the door opening, then clicking shut.
Were they coming in or going out? she wondered vaguely. Not that it mattered, nothing mattered, nobody mattered, not anymore.
“My lady?” queried a warm voice. Gentle arms tried to lift her, but she fought and cried, albeit pathetically. She couldn’t face anyone, not yet.
“Please, my lady,” the voice said firmly. “You have to fight the Wraith Lord’s shadow poison that’s in your body. Get well, then I will take you to Commander Casimir. Please, don’t let the darkness win. Fight it,” the voice urged. A woman’s voice. Diamond didn’t care, she could only screech her rage at the mention of Hugo’s name.
“Stop it! Stop it!” Diamond wailed, putting her hands over her ears. She didn’t want to see his broken, lifeless body. Shaking her head, she tried to rid herself of this person’s intrusion into her thoughts.
“My lady, Hugo is alive,” another voice stated forcefully. “You must fight this poison. For him and your people.”
Cool hands brushed her sweat-soaked hair from her face. “Be patient, son. She is trying.” Then the female voice crooned, “He is right. Your mate is not dead. Your magic saved him.”
Diamond’s heart stilled as the shock of those words sank in.
The hands gently released her head and tentatively pulled the covers back from her tearstained cheeks. Covered in blood and dirt and armour, Elexon smiled grimly. So did the serene-looking lady to his right.
“Hugo is not dead,” Elexon repeated slowly and concisely, his red eyes full of compassion. “You will see him again, my lady. But not until you are strong enough. You have to fight the poison in your body. You have to fight with everything you have left or Ragor will win. It’s killing you.”
Diamond collapsed against her pillows.
“You are safe here. The Queen does not know of this place, and Tallo is guarding your door. No harm will come to you, but only you can fight the corruption that is killing your body,” Elexon said.
“Here, drink this,” the lady ordered gently, holding a glass to Diamond’s lips.
Numbly, Diamond drank. The liquid tasted strange, its bitterness washing over her tongue. Within seconds her head began to spin, blurring Elexon’s tired face.
The lady smiled kindly, drying the tears that lingered on Diamond’s cheeks. Diamond, in turn, had no choice but to fall into a drug induced sleep.
***
Diamond screamed as the god of Chaos came for her soul, his wraiths swirling around him. A dark, endless corridor stretched out before her. But there was hope. A light flickered in the distance, beckoning her.
‘Run!’ ordered an achingly familiar voice.
Her feet stumbled on the grey stone as she followed that order.
‘Diamond! Don’t look back. Don’t look back, just run!’ the beloved voice bellowed again. That voice had saved her so many times before, it had guided her and given her the strength to fight. It had saved her. So she ran—as fast as her shaking legs would take her.
***
The gentle healer did not back away as Diamond screamed with anxiety and frustration.
“Two whole days!”
Elexon threw open the door as she ranted her displeasure, the relief on his face almost stopping her tirade. He loomed in the doorway, his wings and eyes catching the light from the sconces that lined the strange cave room she was in.
Red, she noted.
“Elexon? Let me out of this room!” Diamond demanded, breathless with frustration. Gods, her body was so weak.
“My lady? It’s good to see you awake, but please do as my mother asks. She has made you well again. Surely that deserves some compliance—and respect,” he suggested with a warning glint in his eye, looking meaningfully at the kind-faced woman.
“It’s all right, son. I’m sure my lady is simply anxious for her mate,” she smiled compassionately.
Diamond had the grace to look ashamed. The past two days had been a blur of vomiting and sleeping, not to mention the agony of her wounds. She vaguely remembered gentle fingers applying strange poultices that burned, before they soothed.
Elexon nodded calmly at his mother, and Diamond caught the mutual love and respect between the two.
“I do respect her, Elexon, very much. I just want to see Hugo. Please, I need to know he really is alive,” she said her voice breaking, feeling suddenly exhausted and near to tears. She collapsed back against her pillows, swallowing the ache in her throat.
For a moment poor Elexon looked at a loss, then his mother patted his arm. “Thanks, Elexon. You can go now. We’ll be fine,” she smiled, before sinking down onto the edge of Diamond’s bed.
“Of course, mother.” Elexon bowed to them both and returned to his post outside Diamond’s door. With one last look at the two women, he clicked it softly closed.
CHAPTER 60
“My name is Ophelia,” said the kind-faced healer. Clear brown eyes regarded Diamond steadily.
Diamond gripped the covers, aware she was still too weak to force her way out of this room to find Hugo. She made herself uncurl her fists.
Ophelia noted the move. Her body relaxed and she smiled. “That’s better, my lady. You need to eat and get cleaned up, then I will get my son to take you to your mate.”
Diamond swallowed and nodded, impatiently she rubbed the dampness from her eyes.
Ophelia pushed her grey-streaked brown hair from her face and cocked her head. Green wings peaked out above slim, elegant shoulders. Diamond’s eyes widened. Green wings! Gods, what else—who else, was being hidden from the Queen in this strange place?
Something told her this cave room was not an isolated phenomenon. Voices echoed outside her door; laughter and whispers came and went as though many people passed nearby. Power prickled her skin, irritating her enough that she absentmindedly rubbed her arms. For a moment Diamond closed her eyes. Whatever force rested here, it was feeding her exhausted magic.
“Don’t worry. You get used to it,” Ophelia commented. “It’s the catacombs. They’re as ancient and prickly as my husband.” Amusement sparkled in her eyes as she pushed herself up.
Dumbfounded, Diamond couldn’t bring herself to ask all the questions that ached to fall from her mouth.
“Bath first, then you need to eat or you’ll collapse. I’ll find you some clean clothes too,” Ophelia said. “You will eat won’t you?” Brows raised in question, she stared directly at Diamond.
Diamond could only nod in acquiescence. She had a distinct feeling this perfectly ordinary-looking woman was anything but. She had the air of someone entirely used to getting her own way.
“Good. I will go and arrange food. Now, you rest for a few more minutes. You are quite safe here.” Her long slim fingers opened an old wooden door that was fixed into the rear wall of the cave room. “And just so you don’t try and find your mate before you have taken care of yourself, be aware that my son and Tallo are guarding your room.”
Elexon and Tallo stuck their heads in and smiled sympathetically. They knew this female was a force to be reckoned with.
A frown creased Diamond’s brow but she was too tired to fight. A quiet curse fell from her lips. Tears threatening again.
“Don’t fret, my lady. My mother only wishes to help,” Elexon informed Diamond seriously. “We are all concerned about your wellbeing, and that of the commander.”
“It’s true, Diamond. So please, don’t turn our bones to dust just yet,” added Tallo jovially, but Diamond didn’t miss the hard undertone of the warrior who had trained her, who demanded her respect and compliance. “You are safe from the Queen and so is Hugo; be patient and do as Lady Riddeon asks.”
Diamond wanted to demand answers, to chuck something at them all, even to storm out, but her arms were far too tired; besides she had no idea where Hugo was being kept.
Sometime later Ophelia laughed at Diamond’s shocked expression. The small door at the back of her room led into a small bathing room wher
e a hot spring bubbled merrily. Not even considering her nakedness, Diamond let Ophelia help her out of her robe and stepped into the delightful, bubbling water.
The pain in Diamond’s heart and the aching in her body eased a little as the searing hot water enveloped her body. For a moment she allowed herself to picture Hugo’s eyes laughing at her back in Gorian’s inn, to imagine his wings wrapped protectively around her. She quickly scrubbed away the dirt and blood that lingered on her skin. Ophelia assisted with washing her hair, and soon Diamond was out of the water and heading back to her room.
Feeling better in her soft cotton shirt and well-fitting leggings, Diamond let Ophelia dress her feet and see to her wounds. A young girl arrived with large soft boots that would fit over the dressings on Diamond’s feet.
Diamond bit her lip. She wanted to ask about her friends on the wall, to know if the battle with the Wraith Lord was over, if they had won. She wanted to know if Jack was alive and well.
“All your worries and questions can be answered soon,” Ophelia’s soft voice reassured her.
Diamond gasped as the healer’s eyes softened.
“Before you ask, no, I’m not empathic, not like the pearlescent wings of our kind can be. It’s easy to guess your emotions when your feelings are written all over your face, my lady. Come, we will take you to the commander, then I will ask Elexon to gather news of the prince and the battle.”
Ophelia’s kind and patient demeanour had a fresh wave of grief squeezing Diamond’s tender emotions. Rose and Kitty had been this kind to her once. Determined not to crumble under the weight of her guilt, she thrust away the pain of losing her friends. Instead, she tidied her damp hair, trying to ignore the sight of her pale face and red, puffy eyes ringed with dark smudges that was reflected back at her in the small wall mirror. She bit her lip nervously, studying her reflection.
Is Hugo awake? Will he be devastated if his wings are shattered? She also wondered if he knew what she had done. Was he proud of her? Was he in pain?
Whilst she was fretting, Ophelia spoke quietly, an uncompromising glint back in her eye. “We will go when you have eaten, my lady,” she said, with a meaningful look at Diamond’s full plate.
Stubbornness was a pointless exercise. And Ophelia was right, she needed to replenish her energy and feed her magic. She didn’t know when she would need to call on her power again. Even here, enemies might hide in wait. Diamond remained silent but finished her food as quickly as possible, even though it sat like a brick in her belly.
No one knew how deeply her soul was entwined with Hugo’s. Magic, venom, blood, and the fire of his guardian—they all bound her to him. Tears burned her eyes. They had been apart too long. The image of his blue lips haunted her every time she closed her eyes; it needed wiping from her brain—forever.
“Can we go now?” she asked, standing up and wringing her hands.
Ophelia’s gaze flicked to them. Her hands were warm and comforting as she took Diamond’s in her own. “Diamond,” she said kindly, for once not using a formal term of address. “Hugo is recovering well. He is strong, he is fae. His magic—or maybe his guardian—is healing him.”
Diamond nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. So Ophelia knew about Hugo’s ability to shift. Diamond decided not to dwell on or worry about that as Ophelia guided her to the door. The healer had not offered any information about Hugo’s injuries, and Diamond had not dared ask. Part of her dreaded to know.
When she exited the room, Elexon and Tallo bowed, murmuring a greeting.
Diamond stepped in front of Elexon. Her attention snagged on his glorious red wings that glinted in the light of the sconces. This brave warrior had exposed his magic for all to see. He had declared himself against the might of the immortal Queen and unveiled there were others. Not only that, but he had put everyone associated with him at risk, including his father. She wondered if the Master Commander already knew what his son was. Questions raged in her mind. There was so much they needed to discuss. She ground her teeth, holding her tongue. Now was not the time. All that mattered was he knew how grateful she was for his help and loyalty.
Elexon studied her steadily, if somewhat warily.
Suddenly it was too hard to speak. Raw emotion made the words of gratitude stick in her throat. Tears stung her eyes as Elexon took her hand and touched his lips respectfully to her skin. The look on his face told her he understood her emotions. Releasing her fingers, he fell in beside Tallo.
Ophelia led Diamond down a surprisingly well-lit corridor, past numerous small doors. The smell of salve and magic tickled Diamond’s nose. Neatly dressed, green-winged fae scuttled past, bowing in deference to her escorts. Diamond did not even notice. Her legs wobbled with each step she took nearer to the fae that meant so much to her. She gripped her arms tightly over her chest, feeling a little dazed by the enormity of her feelings. Elexon noticed her stumble and silently offered his arm. Determined to be strong, Diamond shook her head. Elexon merely nodded, though he walked close by, ready to offer assistance again should she need it.
A shiver raised goose bumps on Diamond’s arms as Ophelia’s footsteps slowed, then stilled outside an innocuous wooden door, much like all the other doors they had passed.
“Would you like me to come in with you?” Ophelia asked quietly.
Diamond shook her head. “No,” she replied, trying to control her wavering voice. Her first moments with Hugo needed to be alone. It would be hard enough without an audience. “But thank you,” she added, trying to impart how grateful she was to this female who had done so much for her.
Ophelia nodded, then leaned in and brushed a kiss on Diamond’s cheek, her eyes grave. “Elexon will guard this door with his life. My son is sworn to you and Commander Casimir, as is every warrior in our secret city. You will be completely safe here.” She glanced at her son, her eyes full of love and meaning.
Diamond’s exhausted, emotionally burned mind could not comprehend that silent message, nor did she want to.
“Be strong, my lady. Your journey has only just begun,” Ophelia whispered before she gave an elegant dip of her head and walked away. Tallo also uttered his goodbye, and followed the healer back down the corridor.
Diamond took a shaky breath. Her eyes briefly met Elexon’s crimson stare as her fingers closed around the cold hard metal of the door handle. He pushed the warmth of red magic encouragingly against her hand when she hesitated. Straightening her spine, Diamond turned the handle and opened the door. Holding back her tide of emotions, she lifted her chin, swallowed and took a step towards her love, her mate and her future.
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Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord is hunting.
Sometimes magic can be a blessing and a curse…
Acknowledgements
This novel started as an ending. Sounds strange but it did. I wrote a very long version of book 1 in this series: A Bond of Venom and Magic, and this was the second half of that book. It has undergone an enormous change but A Bond of Blood and Fire has kept all the elements of the original story that I planned and has loads more added adventure and romance. Hugo and Diamond have grown into characters that I love and I can’t wait to see what scrapes they get in, and out of, on the long and dangerous journey they have ahead of them.
I have to thank my lovely husband, Aaron, and my twin girls, Annie and Abbie, first and foremost for helping me complete this instalment of The Goddess and the Guardians. Being a full time working mum and an author, takes up every spare minute in the day (and night sometimes) and you have all been beyond patient with me as I have dived back into my created world once again.
A Bond of Blood and Fire would not be the book it is now without the hard work and honesty of the fabulous readers who joined my beta team. I will not name you ( you know who you are) but here is where I say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to you all for giving me your time and honest thoughts. I appreciated every one of them.
To
Zanny, thanks little sis for your continued support and interest in my writing. Mum and Dad, your copy will be with you soon!
To Jenny Baker, thank you for being such an awesome friend. Your cheerful, positive outlook, your company, and an ear to bend when I needed it most have meant a great deal to me.
I also want to say a huge thank you to the best mum-in-law ever. You were one of the kindest and most patient souls I will likely ever know. We will all miss you. I hope your Eternity is full of the colour and kindness and happiness you brought to us in this life.
Lastly I would like to say a huge ‘thank you!’ to you (awesome reader!) for buying this book. I hope you have enjoyed it and love the characters as much as I do. Please go here or to Goodreads to leave a review, even a star rating will be awesome! A review of any kind really helps with the visibility of a book in the ocean of other books out there in the world.
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Hope to see you all for book three soon!
A Bond of Blood and Fire Page 35