Balkin’s expression became thunderous. She ignored him, focused on the dragon who had intrigued her from the first moment they’d met.
“The chalice is fused to me and my will, Malek. If you try to take my Seelie magic through my mark, I will never help you find the remaining artifacts. I swear, by blood and magic, I will spend the rest of my life doing everything within my power to end you and the rest of the dragons. Or I can be your ally. The choice is yours.”
Dimly, she recalled the seer’s warning. “A battle on stone streets. The moon fell into darkness. An ancient iron blade forged in dragonfire. Death. Plots within plots. A crossroads and a choice.”
This must be the crossroads and choice Usagi had talked about. But it wasn’t hers to make. It was Malek’s decision whether to embrace her as friend or foe. The air in the room took on a strange weight as though even the universe held its breath while it awaited Malek’s decision.
Malek froze, searching her expression for a long time. After what felt an eternity, he shook his head. “I refuse. I won’t betray you nor will I force this upon you, Sabine. You have nothing to fear from me. I will be your ally, if you’re willing.”
Relief flooded through her. She nodded in acceptance of his vow. Of all the likely places to find a potential ally, a dragon was the only one able or willing to support her wishes and stand against the Beastman.
Balkin’s jaw clenched as he approached her. Reaching out his hand, he cupped her face. “Almost a millennium ago, I swore an oath to protect your family—even from themselves. I will not be forsworn.”
Sabine held Balkin’s gaze and hissed, “Separare.”
Balkin flinched and jerked his hand away from her as though burned. “Our bond is not so easily broken, my darling kitten. I will take your magic and protect you by force, if necessary.”
Her heart clenched, knowing he would do what he promised. Balkin still harbored guilt for not being there to protect her mother, but no one could have predicted the depths of her father’s treachery. It didn’t matter what she said or did. Balkin was determined to save her, even at the expense of everyone she held dear. She wouldn’t allow it.
Sabine closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the chalice at her side. Siphoning the power of the goddess into herself, she expelled it in a shocking blast, scattering everyone away from her. They collapsed, and she darted out of the room in the same direction Dax had gone. She had only seconds until they recovered and started hunting her.
She ran into what appeared to be a large gathering room. It was empty, with abandoned weapon containers and sharpening stones scattered everywhere. She could hear noises from downstairs, indicating everyone was already recovering from the magical blast. Sabine pushed open door after door, trying to find the exit. Only having been inside a few times when she’d visited Bane, Sabine didn’t know the layout of the building.
After what seemed like an eternity, she located the exit and stumbled out onto the street. The sky was cloaked in inky darkness, the moon nowhere to be found. The streets were also empty, as though potential violence hung heavily in the air and acted as a deterrent for anyone considering walking the city streets.
Blossom landed on her shoulder. “I don’t think that was a good idea, Sabine. Balkin’s really mad.”
Sabine didn’t respond, too busy staring at the golden glow on the western side of the city. It was much larger than it had been, indicating the fire was spreading. Scanning the sky again, she caught sight of what appeared to be an approaching storm far off in the distance. It was little more than a flicker of silver amongst the clouds to the east and in the direction of Faerie. She inhaled sharply, recognizing it as wild magic. It was true. The Wild Hunt was stalking her once again, only this time, it would only be satisfied when she and the magic sustaining her was destroyed.
Pushing aside her fears, she ran toward the direction of the fire. Dax would have gone to help Bane’s people protect his territory, trying to draw the Wild Hunt toward him in his magical illusion. She knew he intended to try to use the wild magic to take out some of the city guards and mercenaries threatening his people. Dax had always been practical when it came to killing his enemies.
Abandoning all pretense of being human, Sabine leapt over a stone wall, using the momentum as a springboard to push herself up to the roof. Her foot landed awkwardly, but she ignored the sharp pain and continued running across the rooftops.
Blossom had fluttered off her shoulder at some point, but Sabine could sense the pixie’s magic behind her. Jumping across the space between two buildings, Sabine slipped, forcing her body into a roll to prevent injury. Reaching outward, her fingers caught the edge of the roof before she fell over the side. Her breath caught in her throat, and she swung her leg back up and onto the roof.
The dark clouds of the Wild Hunt were approaching faster than she’d dreamed possible. Lightning flashed, and she could make out the faint outline of individual figures. Tentacles and hooves were visible for a split second before the darkness swallowed them again.
The seer’s warning about the moon’s disappearance came to mind. Sabine may have alerted the magic of Faerie when she tapped into the power of the chalice, but it was the Wild Hunt who was tapping into the power of the moon now.
The Wild Hunt was fueled by the magic of the darkness and moonlight—Unseelie power—the same kind Dax had stolen from her. But neither her brother nor her father could summon the Wild Hunt using Unseelie magic. It was a power they couldn’t access, gifted to her through her mother’s bloodline. They would be using Seelie magic, the same power that still filled her and that Dax had never been able to touch. That was the link the Wild Hunt was following, and she was still in full possession of her Seelie magic.
They were all fools, most of all Balkin. He’d forced Dax to steal her magic for no reason, and his miscalculation might actually get her killed.
Sabine inhaled sharply, using the momentum to push herself upright and run. This time, she ran back toward Bane’s lair and everyone she’d left behind. Dax would be safe enough, provided he didn’t do something stupid to get himself killed fighting the city guards. She wasn’t too concerned. Fueled by her Unseelie magic, Dax would fight like a… well, like a demon. Sabine almost snorted, but she barely had enough air left in her lungs to breathe.
Jumping across another chasm, Sabine dropped to the next building and pushed up off the clay tiles. Part of her was surprised she was still upright. Normally, when Dax took her magic—
Sabine staggered to a full stop, almost collapsing as she tried to catch her breath. She should be much weaker with only half of her magic fueling her. The first time she’d touched the chalice, it had nearly stripped her magic to the point of almost killing her. This time, after losing most of her Unseelie power, she was still able to race across the rooftops.
Sabine rubbed the sharp pain in her side from running too hard, but it was a physical ailment, not a magical one. Lightning flashed in the distance, and thunder followed a few seconds later. Only this thunder had the same cadence as the hooves from Faerie mounts, the sound that heralded the Hunt’s imminent arrival.
She shook her head, lowering her chin and running again. The chalice had done something to her. Either that, or it was Malek’s dragonfire. Those were the only two explanations, but she didn’t have time to evaluate. She had to get to—
A roar and a huge set of wings shot up from the ground in front of the rooftop she was on. Sabine stumbled in shock. She fell backward, sliding toward the edge of the roof. A scream ripped out of her, and she scrambled, trying to find purchase to stop her rapid descent. Hitting the edge of the roof, she started to fall, barely catching herself before tumbling to the ground. The momentum was enough to slam her against the adjacent wall, forcing a strangled cry from her throat.
A clawed hand wrapped around her wrist and hauled her onto the roof. She blinked up at Balkin, and the Beastman dropped down beside her. He wrapped her in his embrace, and she held on, burying her face
against his pelt. Despite their differences, Balkin had always been there for her. Once again, he’d come to her rescue.
Huge wings flapped overhead and a streak of fire lit up the sky, offering either a warning or challenge. Sabine stared and shook her head in disbelief.
“Balkin,” she whispered, part of her hoping she was dreaming.
He leaned back, scanning her up and down. “Are you unhurt, mistress?”
She opened her mouth and then closed it. A hysterical laugh bubbled out of her. “He really is a dragon. I almost slept with a dragon!”
Blossom landed on her shoulder. “I knew you were going to take him as a lover!”
Sabine jerked her head and frowned at the pixie. When Blossom grinned at her, she shook her head and looked up at the sky again. The Wild Hunt would be here any moment, and her Seelie magic was a beacon in the storm calling them toward her. Despite the approaching danger, it was next to impossible to tear her gaze away from the enormous creature from legend.
It was huge, its wingspan more expansive than the width of the tavern and Esmelle’s shop combined. The dragon’s skin appeared leathery, its darker colors blending against the night sky. It moved with an undeniable grace, flapping its wings as it soared above the city. Despite the fear the dragon evoked, Sabine had to admit the creature was beautiful. The dragon screamed, fire pouring forth from its throat and lighting up the sky.
Sabine shook her head. Malek must be trying to distract the Wild Hunt to try to protect her. She bit her lip, doubtful even a dragon as large and powerful as Malek could stand against wild Fae magic. She just hoped the sight of a dragon might help tip the battle near the tavern in Dax’s favor. She doubted the city guards or mercenaries would stick around for long with the threat of a dragon hovering in the skies.
“You never should have asked Malek to steal my magic,” Sabine said to Balkin. “The Wild Hunt won’t confuse Malek’s dragonfire with my power. I don’t believe one dragon could ever stand against the Hunt, not even one as fearsome as Malek.”
“No, but he will serve as a distraction. I’m assuming Bane told you some of my plans, despite my orders. You surprise me, Sabin’theoria. You somehow managed to bind two demons and a witch far better than I expected.” Balkin continued staring overhead at Malek in dragon form as he soared over the city. “Now it appears my darling kitten has charmed a dragon—one who is trying to draw on your Seelie power through your mark and fuel it with his dragonfire.”
She frowned and narrowed her eyes on the dragon. He could try to use her magic, but only trace amounts were able to slip through. “It won’t be enough, and your suggestion may end up getting Malek killed.”
Balkin patted her shoulder. “You will rule the Seelie and Unseelie as your mother planned, should you manage to harden your heart and grow sharper claws. Your mother would be pleased to know her machinations are finally bearing fruit.”
“I’m not my mother,” Sabine snapped. “I will not use and discard those I trust and consider friends. You never should have demanded such from them. Dax stole my Unseelie magic, but the Wild Hunt was summoned with Seelie magic. That’s what it’s using to track me.”
“I know,” he agreed with a sly grin. “Now your allies know the lengths you’ll go to protect them, even at risk to yourself.”
“You manipulative bastard,” she whispered, staring at him in shock. “People are going to die because you’re still playing politics.”
Balkin’s golden lion eyes began to glow with something akin to satisfaction. “Hold tight to that anger and allow it to strengthen your resolve, my darling kitten. If your mother had managed to bind her allies tighter through something other than just fear, perhaps she would have survived your father’s treachery. I won’t see the same happen to you, Sabin’theoria. You will live. And I’ll see you combine both thrones to rule all of Faerie as you were meant to do.”
Sabine stilled. A thousand retorts fluttered through her mind. Lightning flashed overhead and a hot raindrop splashed on her face. Sabine wiped it off, the dark-red color of fresh blood a sharp contrast against her pale, glowing skin. Sabine inhaled sharply, catching the scent of night-blooming flowers. It wasn’t rain. It was her blood, or rather her family’s blood. Her skin began to glow, and the tattoos entwining her arms pulsed with power to the rhythm of her heartbeat. Overhead, the lightning began flashing in the same pattern, faster and faster as her magic and blood called to the creatures of the dark.
It was true.
Her brother had summoned the Wild Hunt, using their shared blood and magic to unleash it. The last shred of hope about her brother’s innocence shattered. He wanted her dead.
Balkin stared at the droplet, his mouth turning grim. “We are out of time. You must find an outlet for your Seelie magic. Go. Now.”
Sabine turned and ran. The enormous dragon overhead roared, the sound piercing the night. Another streak of dragonfire lit up the sky, illuminating the creatures of nightmares that lurked in the darkness. It figured it was her Seelie magic, the magic of the light, that was now calling to the creatures of the dark. In Sabine’s experience, the most terrible monsters weren’t always the ones confined to the dark. Her only living family was proof of that.
Jumping across the rooftop, Sabine missed the edge and rolled again. This time, she caught herself before Balkin did, although she heard him a handful of steps behind her. Somewhere nearby and below her, she could feel Bane rapidly approaching. Dropping onto a balcony, she grabbed the edge of a trellis and slid to the ground.
The thundering in the air was almost deafening. It sounded as though some of the Faerie mounts had landed and were now racing through the city streets. Sabine ran toward the oldest section of the city. She was leading the Wild Hunt closer than she wanted to where the children were hiding in the crypt, but she didn’t have a choice. There was only one possibility that might save everyone, and the rapidly approaching hooves warned she wouldn’t have enough time to make it out of the city.
She ran down empty streets in the direction of the temple. The magic of the Wild Hunt was such that ordinary people, those not drawn into the violence of the night, obeyed the whispers of the darkness encouraging them to stay inside and hide. They were the same whispers a child hears in their nightmares—they were all part of the Wild Hunt.
Sabine turned a corner, spotting the temple ahead. Malek dove toward the temple and then upward, as though trying to steer the Hunt away from the children. Sabine blinked away the emotion gathering in her eyes. She’d sorely misjudged a dragon, believing the stories she’d grown up hearing. Malek was once again proving to her with actions and words who he truly was. She should have known better. She wasn’t what people believed of the Fae either.
Leaping over the fence that led into the temple, she darted across the grass and toward the burial stones. Toby stood there, staring overhead with an expression of shock and petrifying terror. The Wild Hunt could easily steal someone’s will if they weren’t strong enough to stand against it. She would not allow him to die. Racing up to him, she wrapped her arm around him and yanked him against her body. Her shoulder slammed against the wall. Withdrawing her knife, she sliced the palm of her hand and hastily etched a rune.
The wall dissolved, and she shoved Toby inside, resealing the wall behind him with a death rune. The children knew how to deactivate it, but they’d know not to risk it until it was safe. Spinning around, the sight of some of Faerie’s most fearsome creatures raced toward her. Horses, with coats the color of midnight and manes of fire, stampeded in her direction. The riders, with their billowing dark wings, whipped through the air as the specters of the night hunted her. Tentacles, silver and sinewy, peeked out from beneath their robes, tasting the air in search of her magic.
The horses and riders were equally beautiful and terrible, nearly cruel in their ability to beguile anyone who witnessed their awesome power. Few people ever survived laying their eyes on them, and this wasn’t the first time she’d faced them down.
/> “Now, Sabin’theoria! Or all is lost!” Balkin shouted over the sound of their thundering hooves.
Sabine slapped her hand against the ground, the blood from the cut on her palm rushing to meet the rich soil. The magic of the gods lapped against her in this place of power, and she fortified her strength with it. Shoving her Seelie magic into the ground, she screamed as it poured out of her.
The ground trembled as seeds and plants sprouted to life and shot up to impossible heights. Flowers exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors, their heady perfume filling the air. The trees shot upward, turning their limbs toward her, reaching and stretching as though they were trying to touch the sun.
It still wasn’t enough. Sabine cut her other hand and placed her palm against the ground. The Wild Hunt had slowed, but they still approached. Sabine closed her eyes, pouring everything she was into the earth. The soil accepted all of it, eager for what she offered. It had been far too long since the magic of the gods had touched this place, but it still recognized her. It was hungry.
When the last vestiges of her strength and magic left her, she slumped, falling onto the ground. Balkin swept her into his arms, racing away from the temple and the enormous forest she’d brought to life in the middle of the city. A thunderous blast filled the air as her forest caught on fire.
Sabine screamed.
Pain unlike anything she’d ever felt ripped through her as the Wild Hunt began destroying her creation and magic. The riders cut down the trees and plants, the fiery manes of the horses burning away any trace of the magic that had been used to fuel the forest’s birth.
A hooded rider skidded to a halt in front of her and Balkin. His mount pranced in place, tossing its head angrily as the rider gripped the reins with skeletal hands. He turned his glowing red eyes upon her, the rider’s physical appearance bearing more of a resemblance to the demons than to the Fae.
To Kill a Fae Page 29