by E. Menozzi
Sorcha nodded. Then she turned and guided the others into the passage. She paused in the tunnel entrance and glanced at me over her shoulder.
“Good hunting,” she whispered. Then she disappeared.
I turned and made my way back across the arena. We had a way out. Now I needed to get Evelyn and find whatever was holding Edric here so that I could destroy him. But first, I needed a weapon. I scoured the arena with my magic, searching for anything sharp and made from iron. Something near the wall caught my attention, and I switched directions to investigate.
My ball of light illuminated a hell beast claw lying partly covered in dirt on the arena floor. The claw was coated in a thick layer of dried blood. I’d never had much talent for Elemental magic, despite having such a powerful Elemental for a sire. Still, like any good apprentice, I knew the basics.
Cradling the claw in one hand, I focused on the iron in the dried blood. With my other hand, I reached for one of the metal rings imbedded in the stone wall. Similar rings, likely used to chain up the beasts occupying the arena when they weren’t fighting, dotted the walls at regular intervals. I couldn’t manufacture a weapon from nothing, but I could alter the makeup of the claw, so long as I had a source of additional material to pull from. Recalling an old lesson, I swapped out the organic material from the claw with iron from the metal ring until I was left with an iron claw and an organic ring.
I needed to find the object holding Edric here if I hoped to banish him completely. But even if I could only eliminate him temporarily, it might be enough to get Evelyn to safety and buy time until Arabella arrived. I tucked the claw into my pants and exited the arena the way I’d come in. Then I conjured myself back to my hiding place on the balcony overlooking the party.
15
Nigel spun me around the dance floor. It gave my body something to do while my mind churned through everything I’d learned about Edric and Godda and my eyes searched the room for any sign of Liam.
“Why are you helping them?” I asked, looking toward the Hunters gathered at the edges of the dance floor.
“Why shouldn’t I help them?” Nigel spun us closer to the center of the floor, away from the leering spirits.
“Edric’s illogical and he’s going to destroy the Fae just because he can’t find his dead wife.” I caught a glimpse of a red dress in the crowd and checked to make sure there wasn’t a pointy-eared guy with wavy brown hair hanging on her every word. There wasn’t. I sighed with relief, but then my heartbeat sped up again as I resumed worrying about where he could be and what could be keeping him.
Nigel intercepted my gaze and smiled at me. “You have to admit, it’s a bit romantic.”
“It’s not romantic. It’s insane.” I scowled and turned my head so I could glance past his shoulder.
Nigel shrugged. “If you went missing, wouldn’t you want your true love to search for you to the ends of the earth and beyond?”
I started to reply, but he cut me off.
“Oh, that’s right.” He cocked his head. “Your Fae prince did try to come to your rescue. Though, I suppose that isn’t turning out quite as well as planned, is it?”
“Liam isn’t mine. And he may be trying to help me, but he isn’t killing innocent people.” I shifted my body, trying to increase the space between us.
Nigel kept his embrace firm, allowing only a tiny sliver of air between our bodies. “Are you quite sure about that?”
“Who did he kill?” I asked.
“I was referring to the true love bit, but if you’d prefer to discuss the body count, I’d say it’s not so much ‘who’ as ‘what’ he’s killed in his pathetic attempts to save you.”
“So what if he killed a few of these spirits. They’re already dead, anyway.”
Nigel shook his head. “He didn’t tell you about the hell beasts?”
I snorted. “You can’t be serious.”
“You don’t know the first thing about hell beasts.” He looked down his nose at me. I didn’t think people actually did that.
“You’re right. I don’t. I don’t know about any of this, and I was perfectly happy that way.” Well, maybe not perfectly happy, but at least not in mortal danger.
“Then perhaps you need to be more selective about the blokes you snog.” He grinned.
I narrowed my eyes and scowled at him. “Oh, and I suppose you think you would be a better choice?”
“Of course I would. If that obnoxious Fae hadn’t gotten in the way, we could have had our nice, civilized date, and you’d never be in this mess.”
“No. Instead I’d be dating a demon. Remind me again why that’s better? Are there any men left in England who don’t have supernatural powers? Or is it just my dumb luck to have run into all of you within days of setting foot in this cold and drizzly country?”
Nigel laughed. “Just say the word, and I’ll take us somewhere more comfortable.”
“I’m not leaving without Liam.” I turned my head and scanned the crowd.
“I thought you said he wasn’t yours. If that’s true, then he’s not your problem, love. You should be worried about saving your own skin. Aren’t you at all concerned that he left you here to rot?”
There was a possibility that Liam had managed to escape and left me behind. But he’d said he’d help me escape, and now I knew he couldn’t lie to me. Still, Nigel’s words inserted a sliver of doubt, and I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing it. “He won’t leave without me.”
Nigel started to reply, but cheers erupted at the far end of the room. The music stopped and everyone turned their attention to the source of the commotion. My stomach flipped and fear coursed through me, making my skin prickle. I strained to catch a glimpse past the other guests, hoping I wouldn’t see Liam captured.
Nigel leaned toward me, his lips hovering just above my ear, and whispered, “You better hope you’re right and your Fae prince shows up before Edric finds out he’s done a runner.”
The crowd parted and Edric emerged, boisterous and regal in his finest armor. The Hunters cheered as he passed, calling out to him and shouting his name. He acknowledged them with a wave but continued walking, directly toward me. I gulped. Nigel was right. If Edric knew that Liam had escaped, he’d take it out on me. I needed to stall him and give Liam more time.
Edric stopped in front of me, and I tensed, but tried to keep my face relaxed. Nigel stepped aside to make room, but continued to watch my every move. I ignored him as Edric reached for my hand, lifting it to his lips. Only a brush of air caressed the back of my hand. No skin contact. He lifted his head to meet my eyes, but didn’t let go of my fingers.
“I don’t believe we were properly introduced earlier,” he said. “What is your name, girl?”
My throat felt dry and my skin prickled at his touch. It felt like a damp towel had been wrapped around my hand. There was no pressure or warmth in the touch, and I fought the urge to shiver.
“Evelyn,” I finally managed say.
“Evelyn. What a lovely name,” he said. The other spirits had closed in behind him. They leered at me over Edric’s shoulder.
“And how are you enjoying my humble solstice party?”
“It’s quite impressive,” I said.
“Has your escort been keeping you entertained?” he asked.
I glanced over at Nigel, and he winked at me. I forced my lips into a smile. “Yes,” I said. “He’s been very…entertaining.”
“Good, good.” Edric released my hand and began looking around the ballroom. “Now, where is our champion?”
My heart raced. I needed to distract him. “Lord Edric,” I said. “I have a question for you.”
Edric turned to face me. His hands rested on his hips, just above his belt, and his chest puffed under the armor plate covering it. I had his attention. Now I just needed to come up with a question to ask. A flash near the arched stone ceiling caught my
eye. I assumed it was a trick of the lighting, but I didn’t dare glance away or let it distract me. I needed to keep Edric’s attention on me until Liam returned.
“What is it, girl?” he asked.
“They say that when you were alive, you were the greatest hunter in all of England. Is that true?” A plan had begun to take shape in my mind. If I could get him talking, maybe he might unknowingly give me a clue about the object holding him here.
Edric’s brow wrinkled over his hooded eyes. “I’d say more than just England, girl. Alive or dead, I’m still the greatest hunter. Aren’t I, men?” He opened his arms and glanced around as the spirits surrounding him roared their approval.
I rubbed my damp fingers against the smooth silk of my dress and waited for the cheers to die down. “Of course. I only just wondered if you had a secret to your success?”
He tucked a thumb into the strap on the hunting horn hanging across his chest as he considered the question. “Who needs tricks when you have skill?”
Pieces of what I’d read and what Liam had told me about the artifacts fell into place. “It’s just, I thought you had an enchanted shield that protected you from harm.”
Edric leaned closer, and I took a step back, colliding into Nigel. “Who told you that, girl?”
His nearness reminded me of the knife that had been held at my throat. I shivered, and Nigel slipped a hand around my waist to steady me. “I…I don’t remember…” I shook my head to clear it and find my courage. Then I stepped away from Nigel. “I just thought it odd that such an expert hunter would need an enchanted shield to protect him.”
“Watch it, girl. Your kind aren’t usually welcome here. We’ve made an exception for you on this night, so long as you continue to behave.” Edric glanced around. “Now where are Lilium and the champion hiding?”
Stubby red horns surrounded by black curls bobbed through the figures gathered behind Edric. I panicked.
“Looking for me?” a familiar voice called out, and the spirits surrounding Liam dispersed.
Liam stepped into view, and I reached for him, but Nigel’s strong hand on my waist held me in place. The demon woman emerged from behind Edric at the same time, and she paused to stand just behind his shoulder.
“Lilium,” Edric said without turning to look at her, “I thought you were keeping a close eye on this one?”
“I was, Your Lordship,” she replied, her voice a sultry purr.
“So how is it that he is not with you?”
“The girl helped hide him,” she said.
“Nonsense.” I stepped forward, trying to position myself between Edric and Evelyn. “I just didn’t enjoy being under your spell. It made me a rather dull party guest.”
The demon woman grabbed my arm and pulled me toward her. She placed the fingers of her other hand near my temple. I had a moment to shield my thoughts before she began probing at my mind, reaching for my memories. I couldn’t risk succumbing to the demon woman’s power again. So I avoided her glaring eyes as she searched for a way to break my defenses.
“He’s hiding something,” she said, releasing me in frustration.
Edric stepped closer. “Where have you been, Fae?” He wasn’t close enough to me yet. I needed to draw him within reach so I could stab him with the iron claw.
“In the dungeons.” He knew I couldn’t lie. I could only hope he wouldn’t connect me to Sorcha and ask me about her, or the other prisoners.
“You’ll never find a way to escape,” she said. “We’ve made sure of that.”
“Why would he try to escape?” he asked Lilium before turning his attention to me. “I heard how you fought your way in here, Fae. My men thought it would be fun to put you up against Lilium’s beasts, and somehow you managed to kill them all to become our Solstice Champion. Do you know what that means, Fae?”
I shrugged. “You enchant me and toy with me for entertainment?” I longed to reach for the claw, but the crowd was too close. His lieutenants would be on me the moment I revealed my weapon. I’d only have one chance to stab him, grab Evelyn, and escape.
Edric laughed. “Oh, you’ll be our entertainment. That much is true. And sooner than planned, since you decided to run off without your chaperone.” He shook his head. “I thought I could appeal to your sense of honor, but you and your kind have no honor, do you? Godda broke her promise to me. Why should I expect any different from her kin?”
Rage boiled through me as I lunged toward Edric. “Godda did no such thing. You were the one who broke your promise to her.” I jabbed my finger into his chest armor, but it met with no resistance. Instead, it felt like I’d plunged my hand into a swampy pit. Disgust contorted my face, and I shook my hand as if that would help get the slick feeling off faster.
“What do you know of it, Fae? Hmm?” Edric leaned toward me, pressing his face close to mine.
“I know what happened,” I said. “Every Fae child has heard the story. We know you’re a selfish liar.”
Edric threw his head back and laughed. “I’m sure they tell little Faelings all sort of nonsense. But I was there.” His eyes narrowed. “She left me.” He clenched his fists and raised them between us. “And I will find her and bring her home.” The spirits gathered behind him cheered.
Motion at the edge of my vision distracted me. A quick glance revealed Evelyn struggling with Nigel. He was holding her back, trying to keep her quiet. I would have told her to listen to him and stay out of it, but I didn’t dare take my eyes off Edric.
When the cheers died down, Edric spoke again. “You have nerve, Fae. You insult me and disregard my hospitality. I’m afraid your time as guest is over.” He flicked his wrist, and his lieutenants straightened to attention at his side. “Prepare the champion for sacrifice. Restrain him.” The crowd roared in response.
Before I could move, Edric’s lieutenants slapped shackles around my wrists and tugged at the chains, testing them. Evelyn made a strangled sound as they led me to the platform with the altar at the front of the room. I couldn’t look at her.
I twisted and strained against the chains. Sacrifice did not sound promising. I scanned the faces staring up at me and easily spotted Evelyn fighting with Nigel, trying to pull him toward the platform while the demon woman whispered to Edric. The Hunters had lost all pretense of playing at being human. They floated, hovering above the ground, loosening their hold on the illusions that gave them corporeal forms. Some of them wisped through the air, flitting from group to group in a blur of excitement. The few demons in attendance moved toward the edge of the room and began to cluster near the exit. Only Nigel and Lilium remained in the midst of the chaos.
“Silence!” Edric’s voice boomed.
The room fell quiet at Edric’s command. The blur of movement stilled, but the spirits didn’t regain their human forms. They hovered, waiting for the Master’s next command.
“As is our tradition, one who has shown great strength will be sacrificed so his strength will flow to us and allow us to ride and hunt this solstice. The Lady Lilium has agreed to assist us in this regard.”
The demon woman nodded to Edric, and the crowd cheered. She walked toward Nigel, who was keeping a firm grip on Evelyn’s arm, and whispered something to him. Then she stalked toward the platform.
Evelyn turned her face toward me with wide eyes. She shoved the halfling, trying to break free, and winced in pain when he didn’t break his hold. I pulled against my chains and tried conjuring fireballs in my hands. Light flashed, but the flame wouldn’t burn. The demon woman, Lilium, smiled. She had me right where she wanted me, defenseless and displayed in front of an appreciative audience.
“Remember, Lilium,” Edric called to her. “We need him alive.”
I prepared my mental shields, readying myself for her assault. But instead of attacking my mind, she flicked her wrists, and a long, winding form flew at me. At first, it looked like a scarf, stretched out horizontally a
nd flying through the air directly at my face. As it twisted and drew closer, the form gained roundness and girth.
Moments before it hit my torso, my brain registered the form and I recoiled instinctively. But it was too late. The serpent slammed against my chest and wrapped itself around me. Its body was thicker than my arm, and I estimated its length to be at least as long as I stood tall. It wound around me, scales glinting in the light. Then it began to squeeze.
I sucked in a breath and tried to hold my rib cage firm, breathing shallowly so I wouldn’t give it the chance to crush my lung capacity. But my chest muscles were no match for the lean serpent. I began to sweat and shake as I tried to keep my muscles tense. Patiently, it chipped away at my endurance, tightening its grip as soon as I gave it an opening.
Lilium stepped up on the platform and swaggered toward me. “Fae,” she said. “You’ll pay for what you did to my pets.” She stepped in front of me and ran a hand lovingly over the serpent’s body. It stretched its long neck toward her and flicked its forked tongue. “And you’ll pay for the hell your kin thrust on me and my family.”
Great. Another creature of the Underworld had a grudge against my family. Her nails pierced the shirt fabric stretched across my shoulders and dug into my skin. The punctures burned, sending a red-hot searing pain up my arm. My chest collapsed as I exhaled. The serpent wound itself tighter around me, and my mental defenses collapsed. Another stab of pain, and my vision blurred.
16
I fought against Nigel, screaming at them to stop. Nigel tried to clamp a hand over my mouth, but I bit him and twisted away.
The crowd had closed in on the platform, and I couldn’t see around the hovering spirits. I could see through some of them, though, enough to make out the hazy details of what Nigel’s mother was doing to Liam up on that stage. Why hadn’t he conjured himself away from here? Why was he putting up with this torture?
