by Bailey Dark
The door opens, and a willowy Fae woman slips through the door. Her bright, emerald eyes rake over me with disdain and I smile, recognizing her gaze. She furrows her brows, mouth twisted into a frown. I’m not surprised that the Fae woman detests the mortal so much, now it all makes sense. The woman’s hand wraps around the hilt of her sword as she closes the door behind her. I look at her expectantly, eyes narrowed.
“Altair has returned, he wants to see you,” the Fae woman says stiffly.
I toss my braid over my shoulder and cross my arms. “Where is he?”
“In his rooms,” she says. I don’t miss the way her shoulders straighten and her jaw clenches.
I flash her a smile, baring my teeth at her. “It’s good to see you again.”
Her eyes narrow. “What?”
“It’s been a while since we last spoke,” I say. “I thought you might even keep in touch. After all, we made a great team.”
Her lips press tightly together as her eyes widen imperceptibly. “You.”
“Me.” I grin. “All the information you fed to us when the mortal was brought into your realm was ever so helpful. Too bad it didn’t work out for either of us.”
“What are you doing here?” She hisses, drawing her sword. “Where is Verity?”
“As if you care,” I scoff. I turn away, swaying towards the balcony. “I’m here on business. Business that could have once benefited you.” I eye her over my narrow shoulders. “Now, I’m going to take away the one thing you love.”
With a sharp war cry, the woman launches herself towards me. Her blade is poised above her, ready to swing down and rend my head from my shoulders. I fling my hand towards her, picturing my intentions. The woman’s body flies towards the wall, crashing loudly into a bookshelf. Her head strikes the lip of one of the shelves, blood spurting from her skull. She sags to the ground, arms draped over the mountains of fallen books. Her sword clatters to the ground beside her and I kick it away under the four-poster bed with a grin.
Exhaustion tugs at my bones and muscles. The exertion of so much magic in this weak body is too much. Another spell like that, and I could lose control of Verity’s physical form. Then I would have nothing. I pause, leaning against the bed to catch my breath for a moment. But I don’t have any time to waste. If Altair is kept waiting long, he might seek me out himself.
I open the wardrobe and draw out a thin, black satin gown. I slip into it quickly, smoothing down my hair and checking my appearance in the mirror. The gown hugs Verity’s curves and has a deep neckline that almost reaches her navel. I smile sinisterly at myself, running my hands over the fabric. It’s the perfect gown for what I have in mind. But the necklace around Verity’s neck isn’t suitable for my needs. Carefully, I pluck it from my neck and lay it over the dresser.
I lock the room behind me and toss the key into a plant in the corner. My skirts rustle around my ankles as I sweep through the halls towards Altair’s rooms. I knock lightly on the door.
“Come in,” I hear Altair call.
I slip through the door, closing it softly behind me. Altair is standing at the balcony, staring out over Desmarais. I sidle up beside me. He hardly glances at me, instead taking a sip of wine from a goblet. I look out over the glowing city, like stars in the night sky.
“We’ve begun preparations for the wedding,” he says, his voice stiff and subdued.
I glance curiously at him, waiting for him to elaborate. “Excellent,” I say.
He’s silent for a moment, eyes roving over the city. “Things will be different soon Verity. You need to be prepared.”
Different? I furrow my brows. “What do you mean?”
Altair looks at me for the first time and I see the shadows behind his eyes. “I flew to Canes today to meet with an old friend,” he says.
“I didn’t know you had any friends,” I tease, smiling.
He eyes me, tilting his head curiously. “I met with King Moritz because everyone in Alnembra, including you and I, will die by the end of the week without his help.”
I widen my eyes, feigning fear. “What are you saying?”
“The Bloodbane have summoned a horde of fifty thousand demons. They’re marching towards us as we speak.” He takes a long drink, draining his goblet.
I narrow my eyes. The horde isn’t supposed to move until Sadal knows I’ve failed. I shove aside my suspicions so I can continue to lead Altair on and fill Verity’s shoes. “Will we be able to beat them?”
“Perhaps,” he murmurs. “My old friend offered us an army on one condition.” Altair purses his lips. “You must abandon completely your studies into the Bloodbane. You have to swear it. The Fae in Alnembra and throughout the continent are worried by your interest. I’m worried.”
I feign innocence and surprise, widening my eyes. “Of course,” I say. “Anything for you.”
Altair looks at me curiously. “I’ve ordered dinner, care to stay?”
“I was hoping you would ask.” I give him a simpering smile and thrust out my breasts, drawing his eyes. “I know things between us have been strange, and I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” He cocks a brow. “I’m not sure you know the word. Every time you apologize you toss it back in my face with new anger.”
I keep my face a mask. It seems that Verity and Altair have been on bad terms, a fact that hopefully I can work to my advantage. “I’m a slow learner,” I say, wrinkling my brows pitifully.
There’s a knock at the door and a servant rolls a cart into the room. I wait in silence as the servant lays out dinner on the table and bows out. I let Altair hold my chair out for me before sitting, casually grazing his thigh with my fingers. His eyes drift over me as he takes a seat across from me.
“So, Canes,” I say, fishing for information as we eat. “You’ve never spoken of Moritz before.” I arch my brow, hoping I’m right.
Altair pours me a glass of wine. “No, we’re not exactly the definition of friends. But Canes has always been good to Alnembra, and vice versa. I knew I could count on him, he’s a thoughtful man.”
“That’s good news,” I say, storing this information away for later. If I fail here, I will at least have information that might be vital to this war. Though I know I can’t fail here.
I try to coax him into conversation, but Altair is subdued. I purse my lips. Since Maaz became obsessed with Altair and Alnembra, all I heard for hundreds of years was of his insolence and his similarities to Sadal. But all I see here is a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I sigh and push my plate away. Altair looks up, chewing slowly as he eyes me. “Is something wrong?”
I look away. “I came here to reconcile with you, but it seems you’re not in the mood.”
“Reconcile?” He cocks a brow. “It was my impression that you apologized, and I accepted. Reconciliation accomplished.”
“I meant to reconcile in other ways.” I trail my fingers over my collarbone and down the slice of skin to my navel.
His eyes follow the soft movements of my hand and I see a flash of desire in his eyes. I rise, swaying around the table towards him. He watches me silently, and I wonder if I wore my Fae ears if I could hear the pounding of his heart. Smoothly, I drape myself over his lap, running a hand along his strong jawline. Altair inhales sharply and he grips my ass, holding me close.
“Forgive me,” I whisper, leaning towards his lips. “For all of it.”
Wordlessly, his lips close around mine in a passionate kiss. I lean into him, my breath stolen away. Desire flares in my body, a sensation that I haven’t felt for many centuries. I curl into him, hardly caring that I’m pretending to be the mortal. I don’t care how she kisses him or how she touches him, I want him for myself. I rake my fingers through his hair, pressing his face closer to mine as he deepens the kiss.
His tongue darts into my mouth and I hiss excitedly. I bite on his bottom lip, tugging on it as we kiss. His hand slips up my stomach towards my breast, easing over it. When he touch
es me, this body shivers with pleasure. I writhe against him, clinging to him as my body begins to truly crave him. Heat pulses through me like lava over a mountainside.
His hand trails from my breast towards my throat, stroking my skin gently. “Where is your necklace, Verity?” He asks with his lips pressed against mine.
I nip at him playfully. “I’ll wear it for you later.”
Suddenly, his hand tightens around my throat and I feel a thrill of fear in my chest. “Who are you?” He hisses.
“Altair, what are you doing?” I rasp, eyes wide with feigned innocence.
He laughs mirthlessly and stands, still holding me tightly. He drags me to the bed as I claw at his hand around my throat. With an icy glare, he tosses me onto the bed. Before I can squirm away from him, his hands are on my throat again, pinning me in place.
“Where is Verity?” He asks, his voice dangerously low.
“I’m right here,” I exclaim, tears springing to my eyes.
Altair smirks at me, seeing right through my lies. I stare desperately up at him, trying to pry his fingers away from my throat. I can’t fight him with my magic, I only have enough strength for one powerful spell before I lose control of Verity’s body. I need her if I’m going to save my people by taking control of Alnembra using her influence over Altair. Just until they marry, I told Sadal. Let me kill him myself and take the throne. I’ll give you everything you want.
But now, Altair has seen through my charade. And all because of one necklace.
“Tell me,” he growls, “Where she is.”
Chapter 19
Altair
My fingers tighten around Verity’s throat. She chokes, her eyes bulging. I feel a hint of shame and fear as I squeeze. What if I’m wrong? What if this truly is Verity – just another one of her faces? But then she begins to laugh, an unpleasant, gurgling sound. She gives me a lopsided grin, baring her teeth at me.
“If you liked it rough, all you had to do was ask,” she says teasingly. “What should our safe word be?”
I snarl, thinking back to the night I saw Verity with the stranger. Anger courses through me. “Shut up,” I snap. “What have you done to her?”
“To who?” Verity asks innocently. “I’m right here.”
I squeeze tighter, fearing that I’ll leave bruises around Verity’s pretty neck. I can’t hurt her, not if this is truly Verity’s body. I lean over her, eyes flashing. “End this charade now and I won’t hurt you further.”
“You won’t hurt me at all,” she whispers. “It’s me. It’s my body. You love me too much.”
“Love you?” My brows twitch together. “Perhaps once I loved Verity, but I don’t know you.”
“That hurts,” she pouts.
Suddenly, the door slams open and Navi stumbles through. Her sword is drawn and brandished towards me. Dried blood coats her face and mats her hair. She turns wild eyes on me. “Get away from her, Altair,” she shouts. “That’s not Verity.”
“I’m aware of that, Navi,” I growl.
She draws closer, her sword pointed at Verity on the bed. Verity blows her a kiss with a wink. “It’s a Bloodbane witch,” Navi says quietly at my side. “We should kill her.”
Navi raises her blade over Verity, and Verity releases a throaty laugh. “Yes, kill me, Navi,” she croons.
“Don’t!” I shout, just as Navi starts driving down her blade. She pauses, the sharp edge only an inch from Verity’s grinning face. “If you do this, you’ll kill Verity.”
“You don’t know that,” Navi growls.
“We can’t risk it,” I say through gritted teeth. “Stand back.”
Suddenly, Verity squirms out of my grip, her leg slamming upwards into my groin. I double over, breath knocked out of me as burning pain overtakes me. Verity cackles and dances away from the bed towards the balcony.
“Altair!” Navi is at my side, crouching.
I wave her away. “Stop her,” I cough.
Navi rises, swinging her sword to the side. “Gladly.” She grins.
“Don’t kill her,” I pant, regaining my breath.
Navi gives me a curt nod before swinging at Verity. Fear floods through me as I watch Verity barely dodge Navi’s blade. An image of Verity covered in blood, a dagger in her belly scrolls through my mind and I feel the same panic and anguish I felt only a month ago when Verity took Maaz’s dagger for me. I rise to my feet and slip into a combat stance.
Verity dances away from Navi, a look of fierce determination on her face. I wonder briefly who we’re dealing with, certainly not Maaz. I lunge towards her as she moves within reach. Her pale blue eyes dart towards me and then suddenly I’m flying backwards through the air. Black clouds my vision as I hit the stone wall with a dull thud. I groan, sinking to the floor. Through blurred and spotted vision, I see Navi turn anxiously towards me. Verity is on her then, clawing at her face. I reach towards them, trying and failing to get to my feet.
Navi’s shouts and Verity’s snarling echo in my ears as I lift a hand to my bleeding head. I’ve cut the back of my scalp, blood matting my hair. I wince as my fingers graze the wound. Navi cries out and tosses Verity onto her back, slamming her thin frame into the stone floor.
“No!” I yell, crawling towards them.
Navi glances at me, concern flashing in her eyes as she raises a fist above Verity’s head. Verity’s leg whips out, connecting with Navi’s head with a crack. Verity jumps to her feet, snarling as Navi tries to regain her footing after the blow. I crawl to my feet, blinking back the blurry vision. Verity is panting heavily, a sheen of sweat on her brow. She’s tiring, I realize.
I take advantage of it and dart towards her. She whips towards me and catches my fist mid-air. With an arrogant quirk of her lips she tosses me aside with supernatural force. Grimacing, I launch myself towards her and slam my fist into her side before she can dart away. She groans and doubles over. Regret lances through me as I see her face twisted in pain. Verity stumbles backwards, away from Navi who is rising to her feet with renewed bloodlust.
She chuckles at the sight of us closing in on her from two sides, backing her into a wall. “You must think you’ll win this little game,” she laughs, panting.
“It looks like I might.” I cock my head at her. “Surrender now, give me Verity, and I won’t hurt you.”
“You think I care about pain?” She tosses her head back, releasing a joyless laugh. Her head snaps towards me again and she bites viciously. “Being a Bloodbane is pain. We embrace pain, we love it, we feed off it. Give me pain and you’ll only see pleasure.”
I twist my lips into a scowl. “I doubt that, Bloodbane.”
Her eyes narrow, her teeth bared towards me. “There are different types of pain. It’s most pleasant when I can hurt others. You understand.”
“I understand,” I murmur, “That you are a sick, evil woman. Release Verity.”
“Do you remember the spy?” She asks. “Do you remember sending Navi, you’re most trusted soldier, to find the spy that was selling out you and your people to Maaz?”
“What of it?” I mutter, glowering at her.
She smiles broadly and tilts her chin towards Navi. “She was in front of you the entire time.”
My gaze slips towards Navi, her face is pale, eyes wide. Nausea sweeps through me and my gut twists. “Is this true?”
“Altair,” Navi stammers.
Verity cackles, cutting her off. “I told you, Navi, we made a good team for a little while. But you’re playing for the wrong side.”
I stride towards Verity with renewed anger, my eyes flashing dangerously. She turns towards me, hand raised. With a shout, she tosses a frigid wind towards me. I dart to the side just in time to avoid the deadly strike of powerful air. Her eyes are wide with panic as I close the distance between us. I wrap my hands around her shoulders painfully as she begins to tremble violently.
Shaking, she tries to wrench free of my grasp. Verity gasps, her face twisted into a pained grimace. And then s
he collapses into my arms like a deadweight. I catch her, staggering, and lay her gently on the ground. Her eyes are closed, mouth open as she breathes softly. I brush Verity’s pale brown hair away from her face, stroking her cheek gently. I can see the bruises forming from our short battle and my choking earlier.
From the corner of my eye, I see a woman scramble away. Navi cuts her off, her sword ringing. I rise and stride towards the Bloodbane. Her red cloak hangs loosely around her shoulders and she stares defiantly at me with Verity’s pale blue eyes. Her light golden hair shimmers in the candlelight – she’s almost the spitting image of Maaz. But her eyes are sharper, more defiant.
She scowls at me, lips twisted viciously. “Kill me then,” she hisses.
“I don’t think so,” I murmur. “Who are you?”
Her eyes widen, straying towards the balcony behind me. A chill wind howls through the air, and fear trickles down my spine. I turn as Navi’s grip tightens on the Bloodbane. The gardener stands at the balcony door, a frightening smile stretching across his handsome face. Maaz’s red cloak catches my eye and I swallow thickly. This is no ordinary gardener, and never was.
Maaz sweeps around the stranger and perches on the edge of my bed. “What a mess,” she coos. “You really should hire new help, Altair.”
“Maaz,” I snarl. “You’ve brought a guest.”
Maaz sighs contentedly, her blue eyes raking over the stranger’s chest. “I brought my Lord, the Dark One.”
My blood runs cols in my veins, like ice. My jaw twitches as I take in the gardener. But he isn’t a gardener. He’s Sadal Melik. My gut twists as I realize that Sadal Melik was in my home, seducing Verity under my nose. I was so worried about the threat of war, I didn’t notice the battle taking place inside my own house. The battle for Verity’s loyalty. I may have lost it already to the Dark God.