“Silindra, you’re making a grave mistake.”
I didn’t respond. His error was thinking he could withhold what I wanted or that he could get away with what he was doing down here. In one swift movement I spread my wings, stepped forward, and rammed the palm of my hand into Titan’s chest, hoping to throw him off balance. He held his ground and grabbed my wings in his clammy hands, trying to rip them from my back. I roared in pain and drove the knife directly into the troll’s immense chest, sinking it deep into his heart. He snarled, releasing my wings, clutching his hand to his chest. Black blood poured from the wound, through his large fingers and onto the sterile floor.
He fell to his knees. “You realize I let you win,” he sneered.
The fight seemed too easy, but I didn’t care. “Give me what I want.”
His eyes blinked in pain. “At the top of my brain, between the two hemispheres, is a black nodule. It’s the source of a troll’s strength. You’ll have to use those pincers to crack open my skull. When you remove the nodule, protect it. I fear my kind won’t be around much longer, especially if your sister has any say in the matter.” He took a final, giant breath and collapsed dead.
Pushing back the anxiety rolling off Snow, I lifted Titan’s chin and sliced off his scalp before grabbing the pincers.
This is awful. Why did you have to kill him? Snow rambled as I cracked open the skull. I felt her sadness, smelled her tears.
“I didn’t have a choice,” I growled aloud, wiping the inky blood and other liquids from Titan’s head and locating the black nodule he spoke of. With my fingers I tried to pull it out, but it wouldn’t come. “He’s a stubborn arse, even in death.” I found a set of pincers on a nearby table and used those to get under it. Taking a careful grip, I rocked back and forth to pry it loose. The nodule came out with a pop, flying into the air. I caught it in my palm on the way down. Wiping it on my fur, I studied the thing Titan said held a troll’s strength, holding it between my thumb and first finger. It was perfectly round and reminded me of a black pearl. “Now what?” I murmured, wondering how I would get the small black nodule into the stone. Letting the knife clang to the floor, I took hold of the amber stone.
Touch it to the stone, Snow White insisted.
“How will that help?” I asked aloud but did it anyway. As soon as it brushed against the stone, the gem flared to life and consumed it. “Easy enough,” I said, standing. “Now I need to find Ryden and Envy.”
I hope they’re okay, Snow White said, her voice trembling.
I do too. Running from the room, I entered the corridor and beat my wings, allowing them fly me back to the top, to the door Titan brought me through. No one paid me any heed, and I was grateful. When I reached the door, I pushed it open and flew out into the sunshine. Inhaling a deep breath, the stench of battle stung my nose first, but I also smelled fresh grass, pine, and salt.
I shook my sore wings, grateful they were already mostly healed, and beat them against the air, lifting higher until I passed the edge of the mountain, higher than the tips of the trees. The battle still raged on below, both sides suffering heavy fatalities. Greasy smoke from oil-dipped arrows clouded the sky. “Where could they be?” I wondered aloud.
Finally I spotted Envy, pinned down by a large troll.
“Get off her!” I roared, tilting my wings, aiming for the troll. On my way I picked up a spear jutting from the gut of an elf and ferociously tossed it at the troll’s head. It slammed into his skull and went straight through. He fell forward onto Envy, covering her so that only the tips of her wings could be seen. The troll let out a groan, grabbing his head, and then he lay still.
I landed with a grunt and threw the troll off the unicorn. She lay on her side, breathing rapidly, blowing out air with a snort. “Envy.” I kneeled next to her, tucking my wings. One of Envy’s legs was bent at an odd angle and a wing was torn, several feathers ripped away.
Please be all right, Snow White sobbed. Her sadness tore through me and I growled the pain away.
All that mattered was that I collected the seven magics, I thought, but my insides ached. It was an awful truth about myself.
“Envy, can you hear me?” I asked, gently touching her side.
She winced and opened an eye. “Yes,” she said, the word garbled.
I swallowed. Regardless of my personal desires, I didn’t want this poor creature to suffer. “You can heal yourself, right? What can I do to make it easier?”
She snorted. “I must do what I must, what I can, what is necessary.”
What did she mean? I shook my head. “Let’s get you out of here. I’ll take you back to Devoran’s, where you can rest and heal. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I tried to smile and was surprised when tears gathered on my eyelashes. What was this human vampire doing to me?
Envy lifted her head, her eyes suddenly full of fear. Understanding radiated through my veins and I yanked the spear from the dead troll’s head, stood, and turned in time to jam it into another charging troll. With a loud growl, I used my magic to form a force field around myself and the little unicorn. Envy’s head fell back to the earth.
“Come closer, Silindra.”
I got on both knees, leaning my face next to hers. “I’m here, Envy.” A faint scent of lilacs surrounded her, pushing back the stench of battle.
Envy took a deep breath. A black swirling mist surrounded her, just as it had when she gave herself wings. I hoped this time she was healing herself.
When the mist vanished, her body was still broken—except her horn. It spiraled up to a point, fully-grown and beautiful, swirled with silver and indigo. It was the most exquisite thing I’d ever seen.
“Envy, your horn. It’s stunning.”
She smiled. “It’s my gift, present…” She coughed, and blood dribbled from her mouth.
She’s dying. Oh, Silindra, don’t let her die. Please. Please. Please. She can’t die. No, Snow wailed.
There is nothing I can do for her, I answered, angry her profound grief affected me.
Yes, there is. You have magic. Use it. Do something.
I’m sorry. There is nothing I can do.
“Silindra, in order to possess the healing power in the horn, you must remove it while I still live. I don’t have long. Do it quickly, rapidly, speedily.” She coughed and her lungs rattled.
I searched the terrain for something sharp. There was the spear, but it was only sharp at the tip. I needed a sword or a knife. Plenty of elves and trolls had both, but to get to them I’d have to release the shield I held over Envy and me.
“Hurry, I don’t have long.”
I knew what I needed to do, but it would mean causing the little unicorn more pain. Close your eyes. Shut yourself away, if you can. What I have to do—
You don’t have to do anything! The stupid gem doesn’t save you! It doesn’t help you remain queen. In fact, it lets you die, and if you don’t help Envy, you’ll deserve it! Snow yelled so loudly it was like she banged metal against rocks inside my mind.
Her words angered me. “You have no idea what you’re blabbering about. Keep quiet.”
Envy peered at me; her eyes achingly complacent.
“I’m sorry,” I uttered.
She nodded and closed her eyes.
I grabbed the horn in one hand, wrapped my fingers around the edge near her forehead, and tore the horn off. Like snapping a twig from a tree, it took little effort. Envy and Snow screamed at the same time. Then the unicorn nickered and was quiet.
You are an animal. You’re cruel and evil and you should know that Sharra wins. Not you. And just so you know, you die at the hands of your lover!
Her anger swirled and pulled, and I knew she was taking us forward to her time.
… “Hello, my friend. It’s Valentine’s Day. I hate to admit this, but I’ve thought of no one but you. I want so much to tell you how I feel when your eyes are open. I love the way you look at me, the way your features are always easy to read. You have this naiv
eté thing going on, but I know you possess passion. I’ve sensed it when you’re near and I long to taste it, bring it out in you.
“It kills me that you chose Gabe, that you’ve swapped blood with that sleazy hunter. I’ve no one to blame but myself. Gabe told you how he felt, and I never said anything. Maybe you don’t think of me at all. Maybe I’m just another boy to you. But Gabe, he’s an idiot. He told me he was in love with you, but he’s off doing who knows what with Cindy. I think he’s using her. If that’s the case, he’s going to be in a lot of trouble. I’ve seen the way she looks at him, and she most definitely cares for him. Way more than he deserves.
“Don’t be too mad at her. I think if Gabe pulled his head out of his uppity ass, he’d realize Cindy is perfect for him. And that’s because you are perfect for me. Snow. Sweet, amazing Snow. What can I do to help?”
I knew his voice, but I was too shocked to believe it. He felt those things for me for how long? He never said anything. Never given me a hint.
Dorian loved me?
Chapter 41
“You think I wanted to hurt Envy? I didn’t. It breaks me up inside to know I caused that little unicorn pain. But I had no choice. This is the cost of war. Death.” I forced the angry fear Snow’s words caused to the back of my mind. I touched the horn to the gem, and I watched as it disappeared inside and rested in the center, the pointy end facing upward.
I knew Envy was dead, and I had to bury her. She deserved a more honorable memorial than what I could give at that moment, but I had to do something. With my clawed hands, I dug a deep hole, then using my magic, I lined it with lilacs. Carefully, I picked her up and placed her inside. “I’m sorry, Envy, but I’ll make sure your sacrifice wasn’t for nothing.” With more magic, I covered her in more lilacs. Tears dripped from my eyes and I knew it was Snow crying more than me, but I let them fall. The unicorn had been a bright spot in my life for a few moments and I would never forget her.
All around me, trolls banged against the forcefield, desperate to get in. The sound was annoying, and I ignored it the best I could until I buried Envy. “Let this part of the land never be free of lilacs,” I said, as sorrow rolled off me in droves of magic. I loved the little unicorn and mourned her loss. As soon as my magic touched the dirt, a small grove of flowers grew where she was buried. “Nothing save true love can ever disturb the resting place of Envy, the greatest of all the unicorns.”
I stood, eyeing the trolls who were still trying to get into the force field. Angry now, I shoved them away with magic before releasing the shield. Then I killed my way from one end of the field to the other, the entire time keeping my eyes open for Ryden. When I finally saw her, I nearly fell over in relief. She buzzed above the head of a troll and dropped a tiny pebble on his head. The troll, distracted, looked up, and an elf stabbed the troll through the eye. “Ryden!” I yelled, bashing a troll in the head with a club I picked up as I rushed toward the pixilette.
She saw me and her eyes lit up. “Silindra, where have you been? I was so worried. Gabriel is looking for you. He has news.”
“Gabriel is here?” I turned in a circle, searching for him. When I found him, he was fighting three trolls at once. My skin warmed like I was set on fire, and my cheeks flushed.
He seemed to sense me because he turned, and his gaze held mine until he smirked. In three moves he slaughtered the trolls and ran to me.
Ryden landed on my shoulder just as Gabriel wrapped his arms around my waist. He lifted me slightly and ran away from the battle using his vampire speed. When we reached the other side of Ellavera Pass, he stopped. I took a deep breath, working to forget everything that had happened, and wrapped my arms around Gabriel’s neck.
“Hello, lover.”
He smiled, and it was glorious, immediately lightening my mood. Snow was still upset, but I ignored her.
“Hello yourself.” Leaning in, he kissed me. Soft at first, sweet. But I needed more and pressed my lips to his, pushing open his mouth so I could taste him with my tongue. He reciprocated, his tongue circling mine.
“You two are gross,” Ryden said, and flew off my shoulder.
I smiled against Gabriel’s lips, but only for a moment before kissing along his jaw and down his neck to the pulsing vein. Pulling back my lips, I sank my pointy canines into his soft flesh. Gabriel moaned, pressing my body tightly against his. I drank deeply, my lust for him stronger than ever before. In was several long seconds before I was finally satiated and withdrew my fangs, kissing my way back to his mouth. His lips pressed against mine fiercely. My body ached for his touch and I pushed him into the grass. I knew we couldn’t consummate our love the way humans did, but there were other things we could do, and I hungered for all of it.
He chuckled. “Right here, my love? Aren’t you afraid someone will see us?” He removed the swords at his back and lay down.
“Not even a little bit. Are you?” I straddled him, breaking open his vest so I could touch his taut chest. I undid the string on his trousers and was about to remove them when Ryden flew toward me, her hands covering her eyes.
“I can’t see what’s going on, I swear, but,” she cleared her throat. “The King and Queen of the Fairies and their court are coming this way.”
I growled, standing, gnashing my teeth against my need. “I hate interruptions!” This was a stroke of luck, though. “Ryden, would you please request an audience with the king and queen on my behalf? Gabriel and I will wait here for their response.”
“You got it.” She flew off.
I realized Snow hadn’t said anything while I kissed Gabriel, hadn’t said anything since she yelled at me after what I did to Envy. Are you not talking to me? I asked, stomping around the grassy meadow, flapping my wings sporadically and trying to reclaim my sanity as Gabriel stood and adjusted his clothing.
I don’t see a point, she responded in a sulky voice.
I guess that’s true. We’re almost done collecting the pieces I need for the gem. I’m sure you heard fairies are nearby. I’ll take a heart and then I’ll return home to collect what I need from a vampire and a hunter. Once that’s done, perhaps you’ll be free.
You don’t know anything, she said.
Well then tell me. What do I need to know? I waited for a response, but none came.
Fine, if she was going to ignore me, then I would ignore her. “Ryden said you had news. Why are you here?” I asked Gabriel.
He stood beside me as we waited for the fairies to arrive. “Not news, just information. Sharra is worried you’re working against her. She wanted me to check on you, your whereabouts.”
I put my hand in his. “I won’t be well until I’ve had my fill of you in every way.”
“Yes, my queen,” he said, but he kept his eyes forward in the direction Ryden had flown.
Something felt off about Gabriel. He seemed less willing, less excited. Or maybe it was just all I’d gone through. Not to mention the human girl dwelling in my head. I had no doubt that was making a difference as well. I wanted to ask him about it, knowing one word from him would alleviate my fears, but the fairies came into view before I had a chance.
Ryden introduced us.
“We heard of your plight,” the king said. We would be happy to provide a heart—on one condition.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“When you win, we will seek an audience with you and discuss it then. Do we have a deal?”
“I accept those terms,” I said.
The queen took the heart from one of the fairies in her court, who gave it up without hesitation. As before, I touched the heart to the gem, and it disappeared into the stone. I thanked them profusely, forcing myself not to shed any tears. Snow was getting stronger and it was difficult not to feel her emotions. Afterward, the fairies held a small funeral to honor the one who so willingly sacrificed her life.
When the funeral ended, the fairies bowed and moved on. They truly were the most giving of the magical creatures. As I watched them go, Gabrie
l seemed to stiffen beside me, releasing my hand.
And Snow pulled me from my time and into hers.
… “Ever been let down by those you care about most? I have. Recently. I believed something I did to be honorable, a good thing. And it is… was… is. But Professor Pops and my brothers don’t think so,” Gabe said. He sounded tired.
“It’s so frustrating. I expected them to be supportive, but they said what I did was no better than what the vampire queen is doing. I don’t know what to believe anymore. The other chayot, including Holden and Jaycee, agree I did the right thing by killing the hunter. They’re almost too willing to please, though. Their opinion, while appreciated, doesn’t mean as much to me as Professor Pops. Dammit!”
No! Christopher. He couldn’t be dead. Please no!
“Snow, there’s something else Professor Pops and my brothers aren’t happy about. I… I’m dating Cindy. I don’t love her the way I loved you, but she has become important to me. I thought you should know. Also, Heathcliff, and, well, all of the guys, think I should kiss you. I told them we’ve kissed—a lot. But they believe if you receive a kiss from your true love, you’ll wake. Once, I thought maybe I was that guy. Not anymore. Still, I’m willing to try again. It hurts to see you this way. So… I’m going to kiss you.”
I felt his soft lips feather mine. My body stirred, but I still didn’t wake since my mind and Silindra’s were still fused.
Chapter 42
As the king and queen and their court continued toward their destination, Ryden, Gabriel, and I made good time getting home. We arrived at the castle swiftly and parted ways. Ryden said she needed to get cleaned up. I wanted to do that as well. It was too long since I bathed. Gabriel went to report to Sharra that I was found, and all was well.
When I entered my room two male humans greeted me. Neither wore clothing on their top halves and their trousers hung low on their hips. My mouth watered.
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