“What the fuck are you talking about?” Creed’s voice shook with anger.
She sauntered over to him. “Mr. Creed, it’s lovely to see you again. I see you’ve come back for another taste of Zhobghadian hospitality. The last time you were here, I didn’t get to formally make your acquaintance, but that was probably for the best. I must admit, it was a great coincidence that your dear daughter was stuck here, is it not?” A dark brow rose. “Or perhaps it was fate.”
The older man’s eyes turned blank. “You … who the hell are you? And how do you know what happened to me?”
“It was I who had you captured,” she said. “That nobleman who my father made me marry? Turns out we had many things in common—including the desire to take down my brother and his government and become true, pure-blood rulers of Zhobghadi. And so, we researched all the ancient texts, trying to find a way so our son could have The Great One’s spirit transferred into his body. Despite the fact that all bearers have been born dragons, our research has shown it was not always so. The story of Prince Hammam had some basis, after all. And so, we dug deep into the archives and found that it took at least ten generations before The Great One’s spirit was fully infused in our bloodline and started birthing dragons.”
“This is blasphemy, Zafirah!” Karim bit out. “How could you?”
“Blasphemy? Is knowledge blasphemy? Our forefathers thought it best to keep our people in the dark and locked up in our borders, in the guise of protection. All it’s ever done is keep us ignorant.” Her lips thinned. “After years of searching, we found our answer. The exact ritual that could infuse the blood and spirit of The Great One to any human. All we needed was a test subject, someone no one would miss.” She looked at Creed again. “You were the perfect specimen. So strong and courageous, just like Prince Hammam. Survived each bloodening, growing stronger as you bonded with the spirit of The Great One. It was too bad that your compatriots came and killed my husband before the ritual was completed. Shot him between the eyes and then rescued you.” Her voice was flat and emotionless. “Still, I’m glad that despite the incomplete ritual, you were still able to transform. It gives me hope that my own son will be able to survive and become the bearer, just as my husband and I planned.”
“You’re insane,” Sebastian said. “You would let your own son go through that torture?”
“Torture?” Zafirah shot back. “It would be a great honor! Besides, he will have no choice.” She turned back to Karim. “Once the ‘insurgents’ kill our dear, beloved Prince Karim, my son will be next in line since there are no other heirs. Of course, parliament and the ministers will try to fight it since Arvin is not the bearer of The Great One, but when he shows them that he can transform, then they will have no choice but to crown him as King of Zhobghadi.”
“You’ve planned this entire thing just so your son could be king? Does he even want to be king?” Karim spat.
She shook his chains, making him hiss in pain. “He deserves the crown! All you’ve ever done was flitter your life away. You haven’t even taken the throne yet. Hmph. Weak, just like your English mother. Queen Grace was an insult to the throne and our people.”
“You are not fit to breathe her name,” Karim raged.
Zafirah laughed. “Before you die, I think it would be best you should know the truth.”
“The truth?”
“Yes. Well, I couldn’t just take the risk of her producing a spare, could I?” She sneered. “I had to get rid of her.”
Karim felt the blood drain from his face. “No … you … I saw her.”
Her dress whipping in the wind.
Falling …
Zafirah’s cruel laugh cut into his chest. “You saw her jump. But you did not see who made her jump.”
“You forced her to kill herself?” Rage burned in him like the heat of a thousand suns.
“In a way.” Her smile was mysterious. “Of course, your father was harder to kill. He was always surrounded by the Almoravid. But, oh, I found a way. I tested the method on his little consort first.”
Amaya’s mother? Gods, did he even know this woman? “You are a monster, and I will kill you with my bare hands.”
“Will you now?” Zafirah sniffed. “And what of Amaya? If you try to escape, I’ll kill her.”
“You’ll kill her anyway,” Creed said. “And besides, you don’t have the manpower.”
His aunt’s jaw hardened, but she remained silent.
“You had, what, three or four guys take us down?” Creed huffed. “You had the element of surprise, that’s for sure, but you put us together, and probably all my men together because you don’t have enough people to guard us all. Same with the sister and your son. Hmmm … let me guess. You got your ragtag bunch—probably hired mercenaries with big guns, and locked up all the ministers and members of parliament, threatening their lives and families if they don’t obey. What happens when they realized you don’t have as many goons as they think? I bet this little coup of yours wouldn’t last a day against us.”
“Ah, but there’s your mistake. I don’t need men.” Zafirah cackled. “What was that saying? The enemy of my enemy is my friend?”
“What are you—” Creed growled when more people came inside the cell, just behind Zafirah. “Motherfucker!”
The three men wore red robes that covered their faces. One of them pulled his hood down, revealing a pale, bald head, and red eyes. “Excellent work, Zafirah,” he said. “I see you’ve kept up your part of the bargain.”
“Of course, old friend. You’ve been so helpful all these years. The magic potion you gave me mimicked heart attacks so well, not even the royal doctors could uncover foul play.”
His mouth widened into a sickening smile. “We are glad to be of service.”
Zafirah cocked her head at Creed. “And now that I have the prince, you can have Creed.”
“Fuck you!” Creed cursed. “You’re not taking me.”
“On the contrary,” the pale man said. “We are taking you with us, and you will obey.”
“Over my dead body.”
“No need for that.” His hand reached under his robe and took out a pendant on a long chain. “With the necklace of Magus Aurelius, you will do everything we say.”
“What is going on?” Karim looked from the mage to Creed. “Who are these men?”
“Mages,” Creed answered. “And that nasty little piece of jewelry around his neck allows him to control humans.”
Realization hit him. “You. You made my mother jump.”
The mage said nothing, but merely smiled.
“I always thought were not very smart, but my, my you do surprise me,” Zafirah said. “Years ago, the mages approached me. They figured out what I had done to Creed, and they proposed an alliance. They helped me get rid of everyone standing in my way. In exchange, I was going to give them a dragon of their own and an army of the Almoravid. But seeing as we already have a dragon to spare, I’m happy to hand over Mr. Creed.”
“You fucking bitch!”
“Shush,” Zafirah said. “Please, it is really pathetic.”
“The citizens of Zhobghadi will not stand for this,” Karim said. “I have many people loyal to me. They will not simply accept Arvin.”
“They will when he saves Zhobghadi.” Her nostrils flared. “Oh, don’t you look dumb right now?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “Don’t you know we share so much more with the mages?”
“Family or not, I will kill you,” Karim vowed. “You deserve no less than a long, painful death.”
“Ha, you are delusional. I’ve been brewing this plan for decades. Sewn up every loose thread so there’s nothing but victory for me.” She turned to the mage. “You will have them ready in a month? Once my son has been bonded to The Great One?”
“At our orders.”
“Take your dragon then, as payment.”
“Goddammit!” Creed bellowed. “When I get my hands on you—”
“Save it.” The mage
raised the necklace. “You will soon be ours.”
A loud growl echoed through the cell.
“What in Inana’s name—” Zafirah sucked in a breath.
A humungous black wolf emerged from the shadows, silent as a cat. Its dark eyes glowed briefly, then it jumped, sailing right into the mage who held the necklace. However, another of the mages threw himself forward, and they fell in a fury of claws and fangs.
“Guards!” Zafirah cried. “Get him!”
Footsteps thundered as several masked men dressed in black rushed into the cell. The black wolf, its muzzle covered in blood, snapped its teeth at the men. Two lunged at the wolf, but instead of attacking, the animal backed away and melted into the shadow. Before the attackers could figure out what was happening, the wolf emerged again—from behind them and took the two men down.
“Now, Cross!”
Karim turned his head toward the achingly familiar voice. Desiree stood in the dark corner where Delacroix had first emerged, fists clenched at her sides. In an instant, several more people shimmered into the room. He recognized Cross, of course, as well as Wyatt, Bastian, and Jacob.
“The necklace! Don’t let him get away!” Cross shouted.
“Think you can get this?” The mage slipped the necklace back into his robe. “I don’t think so.” The remaining men and mages converged around him. “Before I go, I’m going to leave you all a sample of power we have amassed. Sorry, my dear,” he said to Zafirah. “Since I’m not getting my dragon, it looks like my monsters won’t be able to wait that month.” He laughed cruelly as he pivoted and headed for the door.
“No!” Wyatt gave an inhuman growl as the muscles under his face crawled. “Get him!”
It was chaos in the small space. Fang, fur, and fists flew everywhere, and even a fireball or two. “Cross!” Creed screamed over the din. “Get us out of here.”
Cross tore through the mayhem to get through them. His eyes glowed like twin turquoise fires as he waved a hand. Instantly, the chains around them turned into rope, then fell to their feet.
Creed cracked his neck. “Thanks. The necklace?”
A muscle ticked in the other man’s jaw. “Got away, damn him.”
“Karim!” Arms wrapped around his middle. “You’re safe,” Desiree whispered, then she looked up at Cross. “Thank you.”
“My sister,” Karim suddenly remembered. He saw Zafirah, trapped in the corner, unable to get through the fighting and lunged toward her, locking his arms around her. “Where is she? Where is Amaya?”
“It doesn’t matter. She’ll be dead. We all will be.” She fought against him, gnashing her teeth and thrashing around. “It’s too late, Karim. You heard what the mage said.”
He only held her tighter. “What in An’s name are you talking about?”
“The power he talked about … the mages, we share a history with them. Who do you think sent the oubour a thousand years ago?”
His grip slackened. “No.”
“Yes.” She staggered away from him. “It’s too late, Karim. They are coming. Argh!” An ear-piercing howl escaped her lips as Desiree wrapped her up in the discarded rope.
“You vile bitch.” Desiree yanked tight. “How could you! And you made me believe we were friends. Pushing me and Karim together.”
Zafirah lifted her head. “I had hoped … if he chose you, then maybe he would be forced to abdicate, since he wouldn’t want you to have the same fate as his mother. Then I wouldn’t have had to kill him.”
Karim saw a hint of sadness in his aunt’s eyes. Did Zafirah still have some remorse in her?
“I feel it.” Cross’s face went slack. “The magic. It’s coming for us. Closing in.”
He could too. A great, dark energy coming for them. “The oubour. Monsters my ancestor faced a thousand years ago. They will consume Zhobghadi until there is nothing left.” His skin crawled. “And then who knows what next. We must stop them.”
“That’s the last of them,” Jacob said triumphantly, blowing the flames from his hands with a flourish. Behind him, Wyatt, Bastian, and Delacroix stood in their Lycan forms, the bodies littered at their feet.
“How do we stop these monsters?” Creed asked.
“Only one thing can destroy them. Dragon fire.”
“Well then.” Creed cracked his knuckles. “Looks like it’s time to fly.”
Karim turned to Desiree. “Amaya, Arvin, and Ramin … they’re upstairs in Amaya’s room. And the warlock and the other Lycans are somewhere here as well.” He bit out a curse. “And the people. My people—”
“We will take care of them and everyone else.”
Her voice was so confident and self-assured that he couldn’t help the pride growing in his chest. “Bring them into the palace walls, it’s the safest place. Find Captain Fariba. He will know what to do.” They had many safeguards in place, of course; evacuation and emergency procedures every citizen of Zhobghadi would know by heart. While it seemed excessive, he was glad for them now. “Stay safe and save everyone you can.”
“I will.” A loud, earth-shattering screech made her wince. “Go now.”
He knew in his heart that his mate would succeed. Her strength and will was as strong as his own, and she would do her best to protect those who needed her most. “I will see you soon, habibti.” He kissed her sweet lips quickly, knowing it would not be long before they were together again.
“Let’s get outta here.” Creed’s eyes flashed gold. “Somewhere with more space.”
He grinned. “Now you are talking.”
Karim led Creed out of the cell, navigating the maze-like dungeon with ease. The moment he could smell the fresh outside air, he called on The Great One. Protect us now again from our enemies, oh Great One.
Flames engulfed his body as he felt the beast inside him start to grow and stretch. His hands elongated into claws, and scales covered his body. Once he was fully transformed, it let out a deafening roar. Beside him, the gold beast gave its own thundering war cry.
The two beasts lifted off the ground, their mighty wings flapping heavily to assist in the vertical takeoff. Once the silver dragon had gained enough height, it darted forward, toward the sounds of bone-chilling shrieks.
Karim could feel Creed’s dragon in their wake. They were almost identical, though the gold dragon had more horns and spikes along its back and on its head. Indeed, The Great One looked almost elegant and refined next to the terrifying creature.
The gold dragon snapped its jaw, and Karim focused his vision forward, toward the large black shapes ahead of them.
There, Karim pointed out.
The oubur.
Massive black blobs, growing and heaving as they approached. At first, Karim thought there were only about a dozen large creatures about the size of soccer stadiums, but upon closer inspection, he saw that each one was composed of thousands of smaller, shadow-like creatures. And they were all headed toward the capital city. The fastest one was already climbing the section of the city wall. Hopefully, the citizens there had already evacuated.
The Great One let out a roar and flew faster.
Now or never.
The Great One opened its mouth, releasing a torrent of fire and lava over the creatures. As the fire hit its target, shrieks of agony and pain rang in the air, and the creatures burst into flame.
Karim whooped in triumph, and they veered around again, going for a second pass at the ones they missed. Glancing over at the gold dragon, it too, seemed to be making short work of the oubour in its way.
They worked in tandem, swooping and swinging around to hit their targets. Even without words or means of communications, they knew which section to cover and where to go to maximize damage. When one dragon finished a line and had to make a U-turn, the other charged forward, making sure the vile monsters didn’t have a chance to rest, breathe, or regroup.
Finally, it seemed that there was only ash underneath them. Creed was still chasing a few stray ones, but when they were gone, he flew b
ack around. Gold eyes met silver ones, and as if in agreement, they both headed toward the palace.
When the great balcony was in their sights, The Great One slowed down, then landed on the tile with a graceful thud. Flames swirled around the massive dragon, growing smaller and smaller as Karim returned to his human body. Looking up, he saw the gold dragon flying overhead, making a final sweep before landing beside him, clawing up the tile as it too, was consumed by fire.
When Creed was fully transformed back, Karim narrowed his eyes at the other man. “You still owe me for the other time.” He cocked his head toward the east side of the balcony where another dragon-sized crater still lay unrepaired from when the gold dragon crash-landed.
“Send me a bill.” Creed was scowling, but then he did something that utterly surprised Karim. He held out his hand. “Nice work, son.”
“You too.” He took the offered hand and shook it. They each squeezed, and held on tight, as if trying to break the other’s hand or dare them to pull back first.
“Dad! Karim!”
They let go as they heard the sound of the female who occupied a space in both their hearts. Desiree was running toward them, and right behind her was Amaya. Others also began to file out onto the balcony to greet them—Ramin, Captain Fariba, several members of the Almoravid, as well as the Lycans. Daric and Cross, meanwhile, appeared right beside them.
“A little help?” Creed said to Daric as he motioned to his naked body.
With a wave of a hand, the two men were dressed in loose pants and shirts. And just in time too as Desiree and Amaya skidded to a halt. His beloved embraced her father first, as Amaya let out a whoop of happiness when Karim lifted her up.
“Are you all right, little one?” He asked. “Are you hurt? Did they—”
“I am good, Karim.” However, her voice still trembled. “I was scared. But I knew you would come for me. And that you would rescue me and defeat the oubour.”
Daughter of the Dragon Page 25
