Demon Retribution (Shadow Quest Book 3)

by Kiersten Fay

  Just as the second sun set, they reached the ship. Kyra had already run the prophecy through her mind a thousand times. It wasn’t difficult to decipher the meaning. By simply returning, her home world was in danger. Or worse, she might, by way of her uncontrollable power, become responsible for shattering the planet. It was a hard pill to swallow. Whatever her sisters thought of the prophecy, she couldn’t say. None of them wanted to speak of it tonight.

  Cale read her perfectly, however. When no one else could hear, he spoke to her in an earnest tone she’d never heard him use. “Don’t you dare believe it. You are not going to destroy your planet. That prophecy is bollocks.” She wasn’t so sure, but Cale’s confidence never wavered.

  The next day, Kyra returned to the guild with Ethan and Cale to gather information from Azule while the others set out in search of more guilds. There was so much land to cover, Kyra knew finding another one would be a long shot. The only reason they’d found the Alliance of the Blood was because her father had noted their location in the book.

  She wondered why he had chosen that particular guild above all others. Perhaps they were the easiest to find, or the most trustworthy. Or was there more to it? The Alliance of the Blood was hospitable enough and offered a variety of magical abilities, but nothing that might turn the tide if they went to war. At least none that she could perceive.

  Shortly after arriving, Azule led them to the same common area as before. A spread of meats and refreshments had been set out for them, and a fresh pile of fire crystals gave them warmth and light. It was all very sophisticated, for hiding in a bunker miles under the surface, debating a rebellion.

  Azule, she could tell, had the absolute loyalty of his clan. They looked to him for leadership and protection. And though some of the others showed an interest in joining the cause, they were reluctant to do so without him.

  Kyra could understand their fear. Aside from the discouraging prophecy, it seemed like it would be nearly impossible to unite her people in a timely manner. If at all.

  Azule was unable to provide inside information about the cities, but soon enough, Siella entered the room, bringing with her another male and female. They all greeted Kyra with a respectful bow.

  “This is Ina and Ru,” Siella offered with a smile.

  “I’m glad to meet you both,” Kyra replied, and Azule invited them to be seated.

  Before meeting Ru and Ina, Azule had informed her of their gifts. Ru could sense changes in the weather and Ina read auras. Aside from Siella, they were the only other two in the guild that did not require blood magic to utilize their gifts.

  “Your Majesty,” Ru started. “I was completely beside myself at the news of your return. We could hardly believe it to be true.”

  “I can hardly believe it myself,” Kyra replied. “I only wish we’d been able to arrive sooner. I hate to imagine how my people might have suffered in my absence.”

  “Yes, it has been…difficult.”

  “Can you tell me about your experience in the city? Azule tells me you were near the palace before you escaped.”

  Ru lowered his gaze. “Both Ina and I, yes.”

  Ru did most of the speaking. Ina seemed sullen, as though she were still mourning the death of a loved one. And perhaps she was, but if that were the case, they didn’t bring it up. Ru revealed that some of the places she’d visited as a child were now being run like a prison.

  “The city is divided into sections and under constant guard. The Kayadon watched us always. They are interested in our magic. Make us demonstrate it constantly.” He paused. “They watch the children closely. As I’m sure you know, when a child’s magic begins to develop, it is often difficult to conceal from prying eyes.”

  Kyra was surprised to learn, for the most part, her people were allowed to live a semblance of normal lives, and at times were able to find a modicum of happiness. But they lived in constant fear of drawing the interest of their keepers. If anyone displayed a strong or particularly interesting gift, the Kayadon would claim them.

  “I’m sorry I cannot give you more. Unfortunately, the Kayadon continued to exist under a cloak of mystery, only interacting with the people to instill fear or punishment. We have no idea of their motives. I believe their base is within the castle.”

  Kyra listened, horror-stricken, as she was told that every few years, a handful of Faieara would be picked out of a crowd and brought into the castle, never to emerge again. The reason remained unknown.

  “We all mourn those taken as though they’d passed to the Fields.”

  The Fields, ruled by the Porthina, goddess of transition, where spirits dwelled, waiting to pass to the next life.

  “What of my father?” she asked.

  “The king resides in the palace. We are allowed to see him once in a while, from a high balcony, though many begin to question if it is truly him, or an illusion.” Ru became uncomfortable. “He does not look well, Majesty.”

  She took a moment to school her expression. What were they doing to her father? So many awful images came to mind that she closed her eyes to block them out, but that did nothing to help. Cale placed a hand on her shoulder, which gave her a measure of strength. Plenty of time to break down later. In private. With her father out of commission, she was now the highest authority of her people. And more than anything else, the image of a strong, courageous leader was what led nations to victory.

  She straightened her posture. “Azule, prophecy or no, a fight is eminent. As your queen, I expect you to join us. My father would expect it. He led me to you for a reason. Your involvement could mean the difference between failure and success.”

  Azule remained silent for a moment. “I must consult with my guild.”

  She stood. “Do that. I’ll return tomorrow for your answer.”

  Kyra relaxed in a meadow not too far from the ship as Anya attempted to “connect” with the planet—whatever that meant. A light breeze played in her hair, bringing with it sweet smells of the forest.

  She hadn’t even heard Cale approach, till he was already sitting next to her. Something in him seemed changed, though she couldn’t imagine what. They hadn’t kissed again, but she’d be lying if she said they didn’t flirt constantly. The bastard knew exactly how to drive her wild…with a simple brush of his hand along her shoulder, a look. And he always kept a watchful eye. Wherever she was, he was sure to be somewhere close by, especially if she ventured away from the ship, like now.

  “Ru showed me a good location for you to practice,” he whispered, so not to interrupt Anya. “It’s a few miles from here.”

  Kyra was reluctant to delve back into her gift after hearing the prophecy, but Cale persisted in pushing her. The phrase “what could it hurt?” held a whole new meaning when the consequence meant potentially shattering the planet.

  Just like her sister, she too could feel Evlon. Probably not in the way Anya could, but its power energized her, made her feel stronger. That suggested that if her gift overcame her, as it had before, it might be infused by the planet’s energy. She could literally be an atomic bomb waiting to go off.

  Anya approached with a bright smile, breaking Kyra of her thoughts. “Kyra, look,” she said, tempered excitement in her voice. With her hands cupped together, Anya held them out and then spread them open to show what she’d found. In her palm perched a little knoth, its tiny black eyes blinking rapidly.

  Kyra’s throat tightened and her eyes blurred with sudden tears. Clearly Anya didn’t understand her sudden shift in mood, having retained very few memories of her own childhood.

  “Is it a male or a female?” Kyra asked.

  Anya’s brows knit together, as if recalling something from the past. Then she focused on the little creature. “Female. And she’s not afraid of me in the slightest.”

  “That’s nice,” Kyra forced herself to say, but her heart broke for the life that had been stolen from her little sister. From her people. She glanced over at Cale who was watching the scene with confuse
d interest. “I think I’m ready to practice.”

  Cale waited patiently as Kyra tried to call her gift. They’d been sitting in the secluded area for hours with no sign of improvement. He knew she was holding back, fearing she would lose control. “Be as you were on Earth,” he encouraged.

  She growled. “I can’t stop picturing my planet exploding into a million shards. That tends to stifle the process.”

  Cale scoffed, his irritation with Azule renewed. The moment he’d heard that ridiculous prophecy he’d known she would apply it to herself. He didn’t know what to think of it, but he found it hard to believe her father would have brought them all together if Evlon’s destiny was equal to that of his own planet. No. He’d brought them all here based on his prediction of their triumph.

  “You remember when I told you it felt evil?” Kyra blurted, pulling him from his musings. She was staring aimlessly into the forest. “That’s because it is, isn’t it? …I am.”

  “Don’t be absurd. Evil people don’t have such nice asses.”

  She turned her head to hide her wayward smile. “I’m trying to be serious.”

  “As am I. It is a seriously nice ass.”

  “Cale!” she half scolded, half laughed. At least he’d succeeded in lightening her mood a touch.

  “Now stop being such a defeatist and keep trying,” he admonished.

  With the tiniest of nods, she focused once more. Her target was a large fallen branch. As he waited for her to tap her gift, he shamelessly took in her every feature.

  As if the world around them was truly steeped in magic, she seemed to grow more beautiful by the day. Her hair was shinier and glimmered even in the shade. Her eyes were brighter, their color even more indescribable. Her smile was more radiant. That is, when he could coax it from her.

  In the back of his mind, he was still riled by the hallucination, brought forth by that green haired chit. In it, Kyra had railed at him. Screamed her hatred of him. Spat her disgust, saying she would rather die than become his mate. Then…then she had died. An invisible foe had struck her down in front of him. He’d held her tight, watching her blood flow and her eyes dim, helpless, begging her not to leave him. He realized now that it had merely been a nightmare, but at the time it had felt real, and it had nearly broken him. The only thing that saved him was when Kyra had uttered that she needed him.

  When reality had come back, he was changed. Any desire for revenge was replaced with a single goal. Keep Kyra alive, even at the cost of his own life.

  He sensed she enjoyed being around him again, and he took advantage, being careful to stay away from topics like irritating dragons, or beguiling magic designed to entrance demons. He no longer believed it anyway. Yet he was entranced. With every aspect of her. She was funny, smart, adventurous, and quirky. The sexiest woman he’d ever laid eyes on. She kept him in a constant state of arousal, though he did hold himself back, afraid he would push her away again.

  When no one was around, he couldn’t help to imagine just how he would have claimed her, if it had been possible. Fangs at the ready, he would be buried deep inside her, kissing her in all the places that make her melt. And just when she was on the verge, he would have sunk his teeth into her, increasing both of their pleasure, making her drunk with it. Then she would be his forever. Would have…Would have been his forever…if it were possible.

  Eventually the scenarios began to plague him, repeating in his head every morning, every night, filling him with a thirst that could never be quenched. He would do well to strike it from his mind, for the sake of his own sanity. But, while it was impossible to claim her, the moment she had said she needed him, he’d vowed he would never leave her. Though she could not be his, he was already hers. Whether it was magic or not, somehow she had claimed him, because he was thoroughly and irrevocably in love with her.

  “Ugh,” she groaned. “I can’t do this. Nothing is happening.” Her body slumped.

  “There’s no need to rush. We have time yet. The dragons are a few days out.”

  Just this morning a transmission had been received stating the Legura had garnered the help of two other clans. They were on their way now.

  “Time? They should be here in mere days. I’ve had four hundred years.”

  “It’s not surprising that in all that time you hadn’t learned the extent of your power.” At her raised brows, he explained, “I don’t see it as being much different than trying to master the Edge. A daunting task, especially alone, and you didn’t have anyone who knew what you were going through. Plus, you had to hide among the earthlings. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

  “It’s hard not to when so many are counting on me.” She paused as if a thought struck her. “You were alone?”

  “In a way,” he replied. “I did have Sebastian and Sonya with me, but they didn’t quite understand what I was going through.” He both feared and anticipated her next question. He’d been trying to figure out how to breach the subject for some time.

  “What were you going through?”

  He took in a breath. “A version of insanity, I suppose. You’ve heard of my past?” he asked. When she gave a slow nod, he said, “After I was betrayed by the woman I’d considered to be my mate, I was lost to the Edge for some time.”

  “What do you mean, lost?”

  “I guess trapped is a better term. Part of me knew what was happening. You remember how I was when my eyes would shift?” Another nod. “Imagine me that way for years, no end in sight.”

  To his surprise, she smiled. “You must have been absolutely impossible to deal with.”

  “I don’t imagine you would have had any problem handling me,” he retorted. She tilted her head. “I don’t have many memories of that time, but when my mind did surface, I could see how concerned my family was for me, and it made me want to be stronger for them. Eventually I came to be something like my old self again, or at least I was able to pretend for their sake. And I’ve been pretending ever since. That is, until…” He paused, looking at her.

  She must have seen something in his expression because her breath caught. Her lips parted. “Until what?”

  He hesitated. “Velicia put me on the Edge for a time, but you, I fear, could put me there forever.”

  Brows knit, she shook her head and gazed at him in astonishment, but before she had a chance to respond, a noise froze them both in place. Her eyes widened with fear, while the bottom of his mind dropped out, and he slipped instantly to the Edge.

  “Kayadon,” she gasped in a cracked voice.

  Cale shot to his feet and was to her in seconds. His eyes had already shifted to that glowing lava red. She could see his fangs lengthen ferociously. He jerked his head around, as if hearing something else. Her heart lurched when more clicking resonated. Hellhounds.

  With a firm grip on her hand, Cale sprinted away. She seemed to fly over the rocky terrain, barely able to touch one foot to the ground before her body was propelled forward. Her heart hammered in her chest and adrenaline fired in her blood. He stopped and hissed at something unseen, before turning them in another direction. A moment later he stopped again to adjust their path.

  She realized they must be surrounded. “They had to have known we were here,” she realized.

  Cale snarled, “Run back to the ship! I’ll draw them away.”

  “Like hell!”

  “Damn it, go!”

  The image of him huddled in pain as Kayadon hovered over him invaded her head. He would have died then if she hadn’t been with him. There was no way she was leaving him now. He growled, seeing her resolution, and then once more changed their direction, taking them down a path thick with vegetation. Low branches smacked her shins as they ran at lightning speed.

  That horrific repetitive clicking started to grow louder, echoing all around them, followed by a network of low snarls. The forest was working against them, hiding their attackers from view.

  Her stomach sank like a boulder when Cale suddenly paused to take up
a defensive position at her front. It meant their only course of action was to fight. Palming the gun Sonya had given her, she switched it to decapitation mode and jerked her head left and right, then spun her body as scattered noises erupted around her.

  Something bit into her back, giving her a tiny sting. She twirled around, instinctively shooting twice, but saw nothing. Behind her, Cale cursed and yanked two darts out of her skin. The punctures began to burn. Seconds later, her vision blurred, and she swayed on her feet. The numbing started in her tongue and made its way down her spine. The last thing she saw was Cale’s bleak expression.

  Then there was nothing.

  Chapter 30

  Consciousness came slowly with a repetitive thud, thud, thud, drilling in her skull, irritating her foggy mind. Her body was inundated with a strange numbness, yet there was a deep ache in her joints.

  And still the thudding continued.

  With a surprising amount of effort, she slit her eyelids open. A thick coat of her strawberry blond hair obstructed her sight. She tried to lift her hand to brush it away but her limbs didn’t respond.

  “Are you awake, little Faieara?” she heard a voice say.

  Then Cale growled, “Touch her and I will rend you to pieces!” His voice sounded strange, as if he were speaking from the other side of a wall.

  “I’ve told you already, demon,” the strange voice countered, “I’m not going to hurt her. I’m a prisoner, same as you. Same as she.”

  Finally Kyra managed a hoarse, “What’s going on? I can’t move.”

  There was a scuffling, like someone scooting along a floor. Then the voice sounded closer. “Malachi has injected you with an agent to temporarily paralyze your muscles.” A hand brushed away her hair, and she was left looking straight into the hollow white eyes of a Kayadon. “Don’t scream,” he said.

  She screamed. Until her lungs burned, she screamed. Tears blurred her vision as terror set in. She was lying on a cold floor, unable to move, looking up at her worst nightmare. Who in turn looked…exacerbated?