A ruckus erupted. The other demons attacked, coming at Týr like a swarm of dung flies. Their mouths split wide in their narrow face like they’d been torn open. Fangs rammed into him. He felt nothing. His mind and his body taken over by flames. He bound the demons in a cyclone of fire. Screams rang out but didn’t move him…then, the sounds faded.
Ashy residue drifted down to the dank alley where he stood. Flares coasted over him, occasionally snapping out as if searching for more victims.
“We should leave.”
A faint voice penetrated his flame crackling mind. He cast an impassive glance at the male standing a short distance from him. Narrowed green eyes glowed like neon lights, in warning or what, Týr didn’t know. Or care.
He dematerialized in a blazing flash. As he took form again, soaring heat blasted him, fire licking over his skin where he balanced on the precarious edge of the volcano. Sweat dripped down his face and body like water as he grappled to get himself and his powers back under control…
Kira shut the door behind Wrath after he’d stopped by to check on her after what had occurred. Never again would she touch things in her father’s study.
Inhaling a shuddering breath, she slumped against the wooden panel.
Not even her badass father stopping by to see her could wipe away the nightmare from her mind at witnessing what Týr had endured during his incarceration. God, she rubbed her burning eyes, struggling not to give in to her sorrow. She’d only seen a bit of the horror and was falling apart, while he’d lived it for five centuries.
She had to be strong for him. Týr wasn’t in a good place…yet he’d gone out with her brother regardless. And it had been hours. Oh, God, please let him be all right.
She blinked back her tears, her attention snagged by the clothes and jewelry boxes on the coffee table that had been delivered earlier. Things she’d need for her presentation her father had said. It would be time soon to get ready—no! She had to find Týr first.
Kira pivoted and flung her door open. The guards stood at attention, causing her to falter. Dammit. Too worried to explain what she wanted, she cut past them and took off. Low growls resounded, and heavy boots thundered after her as she leaped down the stairs to Riley’s chambers. Good. They’d learned not to stop her.
She knocked on her brother’s door, impatiently shifting on her feet, hoping they were here… And nothing. Dammit!
“There’s no one in, m’lady,” a guard croaked.
“Thanks, Sherlock.” Like she hadn’t figured that out. She spun around and sprinted back to her rooms, stumbling to a halt at the sight of the dark figure silhouetted near the window. “Týr!” She slammed the door shut and darted across the low-lit living room as he turned. “Are you okay? You were gone for hours, I was so worried.”
He simply pulled her into his arms and buried his face in the crook of her neck. Her fear eased, and she hugged him back. His big body shuddered, breaking through her relief. A strong odor of sulfur clung to him and burned her nose.
“What is it?” she asked softly, her fingers threading through his damp, shaggy hair.
Silence.
Kira eased away from his tight embrace and looked up, barely able to discern his features in the gloom. As she reached out to brighten the lights, he grasped her hand. “Don’t. I’m fine.”
“Then talk to me. You’re scaring me.”
He let her go and lowered to the armrest of the couch, his movements lax, unlike his normally assertive self. And Týr didn’t usually sit. He prowled, marched, or paced. Always too restless to remain still. She turned up the lights a notch. His eyes were dark…vacant. His skin appeared stretched taut over the bones of his too-pale face. And blood smeared his throat, darkening the neckline of his black t-shirt.
“Týr?” she rasped, dread escalating.
His gaze lowered to his boots. “A moment of my past intruded… Demons surrounded me…all I could see and hear was them.”
“From Tartarus?”
He shook his head then recanted with a nod. “I killed them. I killed every one of them today.”
She struggled not to let her dread show. “Did they hurt you?”
“They tried. I’m okay. I didn’t mean to scare you, but I’m okay now…”
After a long minute, he looked up, and his chest expanded as he inhaled a massive breath. “Thank you.” He lifted his hand and gently brushed his knuckles along her jaw. Kira pushed back a sweat-dampened lock from his brow. His vacant eyes were back to their usual melting toffee shade. The paleness beneath his tan had receded, too. “You bring me back. Every time, elska.”
As if she would ever let him endure alone. “I made a promise, Týr. I’m here. Always. But why do you smell so strongly of sulfur?”
“I went to the volcano after—”
“What—why?” Terror garroted her when she recalled what he’d said about preferring death so many times.
“To walk. Calm down.” He cut her a wry look.
“At an active volcano? Where the hell was my brother?”
“Probably keeping a safe distance from me.”
She scowled, not amused.
He sighed and rubbed his jaw. “I’m okay. Fire won’t kill me. I just needed to clear my head.”
Kira searched his face, but she couldn’t pick up much. He still had a lot of damaged fragments inside of him, and he’d likely have moments like these. But he appeared okay for now—
“Don’t fret.” He kissed her mouth then pulled back, his brow furrowing. “The presentation? When is it?”
“Soon. My father had clothes sent for us. Listen, you don’t have to come with me if you need quiet. I’ll go with Riley, do whatever I have to, then I’ll be right back—”
He jerked to his feet. His jaw jutted, that indomitable will of his back in spades. “No. You’re my mate. Mine. I’ll be there with you.”
At his glare, she hastily nodded, a little relieved but still worried. Thank the heavens their stay here would be over in a few hours.
Chapter 22
“This is it,” Riley said, slowing down in the corridor deep beneath the fortress later that evening. He nodded to the massive black door in front of them, safeguarded by two enormous, seven-foot-tall demons.
Týr rubbed his shaven jaw but remained silent. Not like Wrath would need defending. Only an idiot would take on a primordial being.
Since his return from the outskirts of Stygia, he’d been in a really bad place and merely went through the motions of dressing and getting ready. Now, he locked out his past, along with his terrifying destruction of those shit-stirring demons earlier. This evening was about Kira.
“Enter after I take my seat,” Riley said, his gaze softening when he glanced at Kira. “Rules must be followed.”
“I’ll be fine. I have Týr,” she murmured. The hand she’d secured through the crook of his arm tightened fractionally as the mammoth doors swung open.
Riley nodded and strode off to one of the three empty seats at the opposite end of the long table set on a raised dais where Wrath and his demon allies sat.
A pin drop could be heard as Týr and Kira entered the enormous hall lit by a shitload of torches. Thousands of eerie-colored eyes swiveled to them like bouncing lights. Týr ignored the demons, examining the inside of the vast, great hall instead. Mounted on the walls between the crimson and charcoal-gray drapes were tapestry-like artworks depicting brutal, bloody battles.
Despite the gory artwork, the place laid out for the celebration had been lavishly decked out. Gray and red-draped tables groaned with food that looked reasonably edible…but from the far back of the enormous place, the coppery odor of fresh blood drifted to him.
Shit, better not think about that or wonder what their menu was like.
Kira inhaled deeply, her blunt nails biting into his arm as if sensing what he did.
He glanced at her. She cast him a quick look and grimaced, fidgeting with the narrow, black tiara embedded with blood-red stones, gleaming
as if they were on fire—a gift her sire had sent to her.
Her sheer inner strength shone through those hazel eyes that he adored as she took in the place with wide-eyed wariness—a strength that anchored him. She was impossibly lovely. Her auburn hair swayed down her back in spirals, the way he liked it. Untethered. And as free as her giving soul.
For the presentation, she wore a fitted, blood-red outfit—Wrath’s colors, apparently. The shade was a striking contrast to her skin, which bore a richer tan from being in this hot place. The sleeveless top of the gown molded to her tempting breasts, and the long skirt hugged her hips before flowing to her ankles.
As much as he loved her sultry appearance, the eyes of every damn demon male watched her like she was a feast. It set Týr’s teeth on edge. His cold look made his intentions known. He would kill anyone who thought to come after her.
Týr helped her up the dais and led her to their seats at the long table where Riley waited.
Wrath nodded, and the meal commenced. The sounds of cutlery clinking against china filled the hall, along with chatter. Riley explained what the foods were, but Týr barely paid him any mind. Never in his life had he seen this many species of demons in one place, with every stare nailed on them. It corroded his gut. The urge to leave grew. But who the hell went against a Sin’s decree?
He turned his attention back to Kira. Much better. Safer.
The small V between her brows had him frowning. “You okay?” he asked quietly.
She gave him a wry smile, those tempting dimples winking to life. “I am, but all this is a bit intimidating.”
Her gaze flickered to the mammoth hall packed to the brim. She hastily returned to stirring her stew and mashing up whatever was in there, tension oozing out of her. Týr had no idea what the coming presentation had in store. Riley had said it was a mere formality, nothing daunting.
“I’ve known you for a year,” he said, wanting to take her mind off things. “Now, I find out you’re a vegetarian.”
Kira looked up from her bowl of mush. Frowned. “You could have asked.”
It still took his breath away every time her eyes met his, the sheer light blazing in their depths. It warmed his soul. No wonder everyone was drawn to her. How a Sin could have a daughter like her, Týr had no idea.
“Would you have told me?”
“No.”
Riley laughed. “How did you two end up together again?”
Kira smirked, eyes glowing with mischief. “He couldn’t bear being away from me for another minute, and after our friends’ wedding, he came after me, guns blazing.”
Týr bit back a smile. “Only after you eventually admitted, a year later I might add, that you missed me. That’s when I realized you felt the same way about me as I did about you,” he deadpanned.
“Oh, honey pie,” she simpered, blinking her eyes rapidly at him like some cartoon character. Hell, he wanted to kiss her so fucking badly. “You should have said something earlier, I would have swooned at your feet, professing my undying love for you.”
“And I missed out on all of that? Damn,” Týr mock-groaned.
Her smile trembled, her eyes suddenly bright with emotions. “I did miss you.”
Unable to resist her any longer, he wrapped his palm around her nape and dragged her to him. “You tempt me. You always do.”
He put his mouth on hers and kissed her. Just holding her, feeling her warmth, her mouth moving against his, had the knot in his stomach loosening.
“Týr!” she gasped, breaking off their too brief kiss and pushing at his chest. “My father—”
“It’s not like he doesn’t know what we do when—”
“Christ.” She slapped her palm on his mouth, making him want to smile. He kissed her fingers and lowered her hand. Her face gone scarlet, she focused on her food again and finally spooned some of the mush into her mouth. She looked up as she ate, and at her brother’s amused expression, she wrinkled her nose.
“Won’t Saia be worried about you?” She changed the subject.
“I sent her a message.” Riley set his cutlery down and leaned back in his seat. “But she’s aware I planned to accompany you to Stygia once you agreed.”
“Except that idiot, Nicor hauled me here without even telling me,” she muttered. “Wait, did he cause that disturbance outside the bar with the demons?”
Riley inclined his head. “I’m afraid so.”
Týr narrowed his eyes at the scumbag who sported dark hair once more. He’d come to their chambers earlier asking her to fix the color.
“I should have left him with red hair.” She glared in the direction of Sparkles, seated adjacent to Wrath, and opposite a Fallen with long, ropey, white locks.
“Now I have two reasons to kill him,” Týr muttered.
“He’d deserve it, but let’s not. We’re leaving soon anyway. Riley…” Kira lowered her voice. “Did you find out anything about those missing children?”
“About that…” Riley glanced to the head of the table. “Later. Our sire summons you. It’s time.”
Thank the damn stars! Týr didn’t want Kira with them during that dangerous retrieval. He glanced at Wrath, who gave him an imperceptible nod and rose. Chairs dragged back, and the rest of the demons at the main table leaped down and joined the others in the hall. Kira stiffened, panic darkening her eyes.
“It’ll be okay,” Riley said softly. “You are, after all, their princess.”
Týr had already figured that out, but apparently, Kira hadn’t. She stared at her brother, her mouth open. “What?”
Riley shook his head, smiling. “It’s why Nicor referred to you as such. He would give his life to protect you. All Wrath’s warriors would.”
She bit her lip and didn’t move, probably still too shocked.
Týr grasped her hand and squeezed it gently. “C’mon, elska. I’m right here.”
He rose to his feet and helped her up. She was too important to him, and she needed his support. She was his. Everyone in this damn place should know it, too. He escorted her to the front of the dais where her sire waited, watching them. Kira gave his fingers a grateful squeeze as she stopped at her sire’s side.
By the way, Riley’s voice in his mind startled the shit out of Týr, considering those who could do so were a realm away, and telepathy wasn’t viable with the displaced time. He cut Riley a hard stare. Be aware, as her chosen mate, it’s expected for you to want to leave early and claim her as such, Riley added, appearing amused. At the opposite end of the hall, there are many alcoves in the passageway, if one cannot wait to get to their chamber…
The damn bastard was enjoying his crash-course into their culture.
About the missing children? Riley’s tone turned serious. I think it’s best if Kira’s not involved. It’s too risky. And we have to leave shortly…
For that alone, Týr reeled in his irritation. He didn’t want Kira in danger, so he gave a little nod of agreement.
Kira warily eyed the demons crowding the hall, feeling like a bug under a microscope with all eyes on her. Several appeared almost human-like—the Otiums. Others possessed shorn-off horns peering out of their sleek, dark hairline, again human-looking. But the rest had her shifting closer to Týr. They’d probably turned up to scrutinize Wrath’s newly revealed daughter.
Ebony-skinned demons with leathery wings stayed farther back in the hall, their hard, pale stares unsettling Kira. She’d bet her life that they had a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. Guess all the vile, hollow-eyed, skeletal ones were in Hell, then.
The weight of Týr’s warm palm on her back had her breathing easier.
Heck, she was mated to a Guardian. She had a deadly Sin as her father. But she, apparently, was a wuss, with only thoughts of fleeing from all these uncomfortable stares.
Straightening her spine, she focused on Wrath addressing the legion of demons who’d sworn their fealty to him in a strange language. A spooky hum throbbed through the vast hall as he spoke. Near her, Týr te
nsed.
Wrath said something to the legions, his expression hard. Then, he glanced at her, taking both of her hands in his. His gaze softened as he kissed her knuckles. Happy birthday, Kira, his words settled in her mind.
Her birthday. Was it the nineteenth already?
At the sudden stamping of boots on the hard floor, Kira jerked back, her heart crashing against her ribs. A shout came from someone in the front, and the legions raised their daggers. The air thickened as power surged, spreading like a wave of tingles skating over her skin. The demons and demonesses chorused something in the same strange language that Wrath had used, then bows and curtsies followed.
“What’s happening? What is that?” she whispered, rubbing her arms.
“They’re swearing their fealty to you,” Wrath told her. “It’ll remain inside you now. Whoever crosses your path will sense it and know who you are. If any try to harm you, they’ll face a death that is never-ending.”
The torrent of energy pulsating through the hall swept through Kira, and a humming arousal stirred to life. Oh, crap, she inhaled another rapid gulp of air and rubbed her palms down her hips. What was happening to her?
Týr grasped her hand, his grip warm, reassuring. Then, stunning her speechless, he bowed his head to her and raised her hand to kiss the inside of her wrist. Nothing showed on his face, but his eyes said it all. In those pale-toffee depths warm with tenderness and love, his own oath to protect her glowed bright and steady.
Tears crowded her eyes. Her feelings for this hard immortal who concealed so much pain and anger beneath his snarky facade overwhelmed her.
Wrath spoke again, and stares from the demons moved between her and Týr.
“Wrath just announced that you are mated to a Guardian of the mortal realm,” Riley explained.
Týr let go of her hand, his fingers sliding to her lower back and beneath her top to stroke her flesh as if he needed the connection. Her breath caught, her desire hiking.
Wrath called out something, and all the demons stamped their feet again in accord as the ceremony ended. Chairs scraped, and the demons reseated themselves.
Heart's Inferno (Fallen Guardians 4) Page 25