The guardian growled but pushed its reserves of magic into him. Hugo gritted his teeth and absorbed that magic into his bones, which stretched and cracked. Scales appeared across his brow, and he felt his wings strengthen as heavy, scaled armour covered them. Praying this would work, he thrust his thoughts inwards to the guardian whose resounding roar of approval rocked Hugo’s soul. He opened the channel to Diamond’s mind, letting her read his intentions clearly.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Now!” he bellowed.
Together the warriors dived.
Hugo gathered his magic and cloaked their rocketing forms in darkness. He thrust out a blast of magic that sent the elite guard tumbling away from them. Behind him Rose screamed. Attion and Tallo both roared with the effort of keeping up. Hugo glanced over his shoulder. They would never escape like this. The others were already too far behind. There was only one way they could leave this city alive. All of their magic was beginning to wane, even his.
Hugo flipped over and, before she could feel his intention, threw Diamond up into the air with all his strength. The others looked on in horror.
Diamond’s scream reached his heart. He would not fail.
Agony saturated his falling body. Bones broke and his skin split. He screamed. It was as painful as he remembered, but he didn’t care. This had to work.
The ground got closer and closer. His heavy body fell far more quickly than the others’.
Diamond screamed, her silver braid flying out behind her. He had to finish this now or she was going to hit the ground. The guardian would not tolerate that. It rammed through his skin. Talons thrust out of his fingertips and feet, scales exploding over his body. Hugo bellowed as white-hot agony took him, driving down his spine as his body morphed into his dragon.
Another scream and a warning bellow from Elexon.
Through his dragon’s eyes, Hugo saw what was happening. His mate was falling, followed by the four diving warriors—no, not warriors: friends.
Hugo flipped his huge body. Stretching out his wings to catch the air, he thrashed them until he was diving like an arrow. Silver fire flared, following the path of swirling tattoos down his neck and back and across his wings, lending him more strength. He dived underneath Diamond, then snapped out his wings, levelling his great body. His roar rocked the city as the wind tried to rip through the armoured membranes, straining his muscle and bones to painful proportions. He had only a moment to look over his shoulder and position himself before Diamond slammed into his back.
Her fingers scrambled for purchase, grabbing onto a silver ridge on his spine. He could feel her body shaking with relief.
His friends slowed and hovered nearby. Attion was pale, his eyes wide and staring at Hugo’s new form, but it was his heaving lungs along with the white-knuckled grip Tallo had on Havron’s huge body that struck fear into Hugo. They were both reaching the end of their strength and would likely drop the unconscious red-wing soon.
Hugo found the connection with Diamond’s mind.
Tell them to get on. I will keep the shadow around us. We will travel swifter and safer by my wings than theirs.
Diamond looked at Attion, then Elexon and Tallo. “Get. On. Now.” she panted.
Hugo could feel her chest heaving against his scales. A snarl rippled through him, his silver-tipped tail thrashing.
Once his friends were on his back, Rose and Havron positioned securely between Elexon and Attion, Hugo flapped slowly towards the edge of the palace grounds, thanking the goddess for the howling wind that disguised the sound of his wings.
In the skies above came shouts of disbelief as the elite guard fought against the storm, searching for the escapees. Across the palace grounds, alarm bells rang and more palace guards lifted into the stormy skies.
None saw the darkness near the rooftops shimmer and move across the city.
Chapter 10
Elexon guided Hugo over the wind-whipped ocean waves to the Narkus estuary. Diamond used Hugo’s warmth to soothe her aching body. She had believed her magic far more recovered than it had actually been. She whispered a silent prayer of thanks to Lunaria for the Nexus she shared with Hugo. They would all be dead without it.
Hugo kept the shadow shield in place until he brought them down at the edge of the salt marshes. A foul stench rose as his talons disturbed the mud. Diamond gagged as a fusion of rotting fish, eggs and the sea assaulted her nostrils.
The shield dissipated, letting in the freezing winds and pelting rain.
Hugo snorted hot breath, indicating she should slide down.
Elexon, still cradling Rose, flung his leg over Hugo’s neck and vaulted down, landing with a squelch. Tallo followed, then Attion, who lowered a pale and semi-conscious Havron to the mud. Tallo pulled Havron’s arm over his shoulders and steadied him.
Twisting his big silver-horned head, Hugo watched Diamond approach. Scaled lips curled back, his snarl gentle as he nudged her back. He wanted her to move.
Cocking her head, she reached out a hand, placed it upon his scaled nose and smiled. “All right,” she whispered. “I’ll move. But hurry, it won’t be long before Griana sends her guards. She still has your blood phials.”
Hugo nudged her more firmly backwards. Diamond squealed as she fell on her behind in the mud.
A snort came from Attion. “I think he’s telling you to move back further, Diamond.”
Red magic flared, pushing under her arms and lifting her back to standing.
“She is your rightful queen, address her as such!” Elexon barked at Attion, thumping the gold-winged fae in the chest with a blast of magic just strong enough to make Attion stagger backwards.
Attion snarled and glared at the red warrior, his fingers on the handle of his sword in a flash.
“Stop!” yelled Diamond, before he could draw it. “We don’t have time for stupidity amongst ourselves. Elexon, if I need your support to discipline any of my warriors, I will ask for it. Do not strike without my permission again.”
Chastised, Elexon nodded his head. “Yes, my queen. I apologise. I am used to disciplining my own men.”
“Yes, well, don’t apologise to me. It isn’t me you hit.”
Elexon’s jaw muscles twitched as he held Attion’s furious glare. Clearly the red warrior still did not like or trust Attion.
Thankfully, Attion relaxed his hold on his sword pommel.
Elexon gritted his teeth then took a breath. “My apologies, Attion. If my queen trusts you, then I will endeavour to do the same.”
Diamond stifled her gasp and tried not to show how Elexon’s immediate obedience affected her. She swallowed hard. “Thank you, Elexon,” she said and turned to the other warrior. “Attion. You earned the right to address me as you wish a long time ago.”
A deep rumble came from the guardian. Approval and pride seeped into Diamond’s mind. Her heart swelled. She squared her shoulders but did not look at Hugo; instead, she approached Attion, leaving Hugo to stomp away.
A pained growl filled the night.
Diamond shivered, stopping herself from running to her mate. This situation needed dealing with. Hugo did not need her help to control his guardian. Attion watched her approach. She trusted him, but her other men needed to know they could trust him too.
“Elexon has a point; I know you have trained me and helped both me and Hugo in the past, and because of that I trust you. But you have also served Griana and been driven to hate magic-wielders all of your life.”
“I do not hate magic-wielders,” sighed Attion wearily. “I have said and done many things because of my role in life, but I do not share the Queen’s views on many things.”
“Good. But her name is Griana, and she is no longer your queen.” She looked him straight in the eye. “I am. Do I have your undivided loyalty, Attion?”
Attion stared down at her, his wings flaring and his eyes flashing almost green in the darkness. “A shadow demon once told me you could set me free
of my hellish life.” He regarded her for mere seconds before dropping to one knee. “I’m glad I believed him. Of course you have my loyalty. You always will,” he glanced at Elexon then up at her, “my queen.”
Diamond grinned at him. “Whew.” Then she leaned down and looked him in the eye, still smiling. “Because if you’re lying, we shan’t have to kill you, you will drop dead if you try and tell anyone about what we’re going to show you.”
Attion frowned.
“It’s true,” remarked a deep voice from behind her.
Diamond straightened and whirled around, her boots slipping in the mud. She grinned at Hugo, who was once again covered in that extremely well fitting sapphire and silver armour.
He smirked at her obvious scrutiny.
Glad the darkness hid her blush, she nudged her magic against his. Stalking forward, he weaved his energy around her. His smirk spread to a grin as she squirmed. His touch set her skin on fire.
Shouts and the cacophony of approaching wings made them all tense. Shadow engulfed them a moment before a legion of warriors passed twenty feet above their heads.
“We need to go. Elexon? I’ll take a look at Havron, then can you get us out of here?” Diamond swallowed as she issued her first true command to this warrior.
Elexon immediately responded, “Yes, my queen.” He turned away clutching a subdued Rose close to his chest.
Hugo raised his brows and gripped her hand, giving it a quick squeeze before throwing Havron’s good arm across his shoulders. “You really have to stop getting injured like this, my friend,” Hugo growled.
“Sorry. Just. Want her. To fix me. With that magic. Again.” Havron huffed a chuckle through gritted teeth.
Hugo turned his eyes on her. They sparked for a split second. “Tough. That magic and its owner are mine.”
Ignoring the clenching of her stomach and pounding of her heart, Diamond stalked up to them and cocked her head, her eyes narrowed. “You are my mate, Hugo. I haven’t decided whether to become yours, so give the possessiveness a rest. I decide who to use my magic on, not you. Remember that next time someone is injured. I am not yours to control. I am a queen and you will treat me with respect—whether or not I agree to become your mate,” she told him.
Hugo scowled at her and opened his mouth, his eyes flashing with fire.
“No. We can discuss this later,” she finished, holding up a hand.
Havron cringed. Tallo chuckled loudly. Even Attion gaped at her, but Diamond just turned away from her soulmate, her heart in her mouth.
Let him stew on that, she thought, hoping her show of independence wouldn’t cause a rift between them. If it does, he doesn’t deserve me, she decided, trying to stay strong. I will not be controlled by anyone ever again. Possessed, maybe, she smirked as a hot flush stained her cheeks, but not controlled.
Diamond used her remaining magic to heal the layers of flesh laid open in Havron’s shoulder and arm. The red wing gritted his teeth but did not moan.
Attion watched with unrelenting focus, observing every movement of her magic knitting and mending that severed flesh. When she was done, he just stared from her to Havron’s shoulder.
“Come on. No time for standing around gaping,” Diamond quipped.
Hugo glanced at Attion, who still hadn’t moved. “Come on, my friend, do not keep your queen waiting,” he suggested with a wry grin. “She gets very testy.”
Diamond scowled, her eyes flashing a deep violet. “Only with you,” she retorted.
“See?” Hugo chuckled.
Attion lifted his head, looking from one to the other. He still looked a little overawed. Then Attion smiled, actually smiled.
Diamond’s heart clenched. She had never seen him smile.
“I can understand that,” her friend said, looking at Diamond with a quizzical raise of one brow. “He is an irritating bastard at times, isn’t he?”
“Don’t encourage her,” Hugo muttered, making Attion’s smile widen.
Joy warmed Diamond’s heart.
“Can you fly?” Elexon asked Havron, who was blinking and swaying badly.
“No,” panted Havron, looking deathly pale.
Diamond looked to Tallo, who vigilantly watched the stormy skies for any troops. “Tallo, you and Attion will take Havron.”
Tallo nodded. “Come on, Attion, we can get this big bastard home before he passes out. We’ll work together again, my friend.”
Attion swallowed at the words my friend coming from the man who had helped train him.
Diamond felt a strange sense of happiness and sadness for him.
“This way,” instructed Elexon, his voice urgent as Rose began to shiver violently. “Don’t worry, Rose, I’ll warm you when we’re inside,” he told her gently.
Diamond stepped into Hugo’s arms, and it was only minutes before they left the marsh behind and entered the tunnels to Catava.
Chapter 11
Elexon wrapped Rose in a cocoon of warmth as soon as they entered the tunnels. Thankfully, she fell into a deep sleep as he hastened directly to the healer’s wing.
Diamond scrutinised her friend’s bruised face and ripped clothes as Elexon carried her down a wide, well-lit corridor. This is my fault, she admonished herself. If I hadn’t befriended Rose, the Queen would have left her alone…
“No, it’s not,” stated Hugo flatly, his own guilt clear in the set of his jaw. He pulled her to a stop and gently spun her to face him. There was a moment of strained silence, both believing they were to blame for Rose’s plight.
“Reading my thoughts, are you now?” she quipped, trying to lighten their mood.
“No, my love, only your magic—for now,” he rumbled.
Diamond swallowed but didn’t look away from his intense sapphire gaze. His mind bloomed open, and she felt his desire for that same intimate connection with her mind.
Their magic flared and instantly fused. As if unable to help himself, his gaze dropped, lingering on her mouth before moving slowly back up her face. Heart hammering in her chest, she waited for his gaze to meet her eyes—and held them.
Gritting his teeth, he took control once more and said, “We will see Rose settled and safe and then, my queen, we have much to discuss.”
Diamond smiled a little but soon stopped at his next, more sombre words.
“You are the true queen of Avalonia, and out there, that evil witch may be punishing the people of this valley for what we have just done. She will not allow us to escape. We need to speak to Erzion and formulate a plan. Our blood phials will tell her Attion and I are still in the valley somewhere.” A frown creased the skin between his brows. “We also need to get word to Jack and warn him of the potential danger to his people in the valley.”
The Lord of Catava knew they were back. As soon as they entered the healing quarters, the Red Wizard marched to greet them. His eyes flashed like hot coals as he regarded his son. Despite the relief in his face, the tightness of his jaw and the magic radiating from him as he eyed Tallo and the others almost made Diamond want to beg for forgiveness.
Quickly she stepped in. “My lord, before you reprimand Tallo, know that he only took us to Elexon on my orders.”
“I don’t doubt that, my queen,” Erzion replied, his voice light, reasonable even. “I am just relieved that all of you have returned safely, albeit not entirely in one piece,” he said, eyeing Havron. His gaze darkened with worry as it landed on Rose. He pushed open the nearest heavy door and indicated his son should enter.
Elexon lowered Rose to the bed, and she moaned. “Where is Mahaida?” Elexon asked his father, his voice tight.
“She is coming,” Erzion answered, placing a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder.
Elexon touched Erzion’s hand. A sign of thanks, of the love they shared, but his eyes did not leave Rose. He knelt by the bed and whispered soothingly to her, his big hand stroking her blood—and dirt-matted hair from her bruised face.
Rose squeezed her eyes shut as if wantin
g to block everything out.
Her heart aching for her friend, Diamond approached the bed. Elexon snarled, but Diamond recognised why. They all did. He loved Rose and was only warning anyone who got near her that he would protect her with his life if necessary. Erzion put a hand back on his shoulder just as Ophelia entered the room.
“It’s all right, Elexon. I will not hurt Rose. I only want to speak to her whilst your mother gathers the herbs and spells that will help Rose heal,” Diamond offered.
Elexon’s face relaxed into an apologetic and shamed mask. “I am so sorry, my queen. I-I don’t quite know what came over me.”
“Elexon, you are fae. I realise how you feel about Rose—even if it’s only just hit you,” she smiled. “Don’t apologise for your heritage or such strong feelings. I know you would never hurt me.”
Elexon nodded, looking relieved.
Ophelia gave her son a kiss on his cheek. “I’m glad you are all back safely.” She looked over her shoulder at Tallo, her eyes resting for a fraction of a second on Attion, but she nodded a welcome.
“Take Havron next door. There is a healer waiting for him.”
“Come on, Attion,” Tallo said, then encouraged Havron to stagger out of the room with their support.
Hugo pulled Erzion to the back of the room, clearly briefing the ancient commander about the events of the night.
Ophelia, having mixed the supplies she needed, began gently bathing Rose’s face.
Diamond tugged on her magic, wondering if she had enough left to heal Rose’s bruised body. As if in answer, warmth spread through her chest.
Hugo’s attention darted to her but he didn’t say anything.
“Elexon?”
“Yes, my queen?” he answered, dragging his gaze from Rose, though he still gripped tightly to her hand.
“I am going to try and heal Rose, just like I did Havron. I am not asking your permission, only warning you of my intention,” she told him, keeping her voice steady.
The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet Page 77
