“Sure thing.”
Walker bounces a bit on his heels, making his ghouls robes sway. He’s dying to race through the South Wing and search for Lianna with me. But she could still be in bed, all naked and with that satisfied grin on her mouth. Some stuff Walker doesn’t need to see. Ever.
I rush toward my bedroom. Sure, I’m moving at preternatural speeds. Still, it feels like forever crawls by until I can get down the hallway and pull open my door. My skin chills over with shock.
Lianna’s not here.
My heart kicks harder in my chest. She’s got to be somewhere in my chambers.
Taking off like a shot, I race through halls and passages, calling out Lianna’s name like a madman. There’s no sign of her anywhere. I end up in the library. A small envelope sits on the bar, right beside my favorite whiskey. I rip it open.
Maxon, I can’t stay here and put your people at risk. Please get the word to Zephyr that I’m gone so he’ll call off his attack. I’ve left with all the Kristalli and will be in touch when I can. –Lianna.
“Someplace safe? Someplace safe!” Part of me knows I’m screaming like a madman. I don’t give a fuck. Lianna’s safest place is with me, period.
I’ve got to find her before she gets too far.
I stride over to the enchanted painting. “Get me Transfer Central.”
The brushstrokes on the world map reform into the familiar image of Diana. She’s pale and pretty, with long brown hair and freckles. Normally, she gets all blushy when I summon her. Today, her mismatched eyes are wide with panic.
“I was hoping you’d contact us,” Diana says quickly. “Are you here to stop Zephyr? Everyone says he’ll cut off our air.”
“He won’t,” I say in a firm voice.
Diana exhales a shaky breath. “Thank heavens.”
“Did anyone named Lianna ask for transfer to the surface?”
“One minute.” Diana starts flipping through piles of paper and leather-bound logbooks. “No one passed through by that name.”
“How about the Monarkki of Water?”
Her voice lowers to a hush. “The goddess?”
“That’s the one, yeah.”
“She left for Pulpitum X. It just got reopened; I figured it was safe.”
“Pulpitum X. That’s Purgatory.” Some of the weight of worry lifts from my shoulders. My grandparents run Purgatory, and they’re big believers in inter-realm alliances. If Lianna steps off that Pulpitum, she’s going to have a reception party waiting. Grandma Cam isn’t going to let her run off after Zephyr without some explanation and protection.
“Do you want me to prep your transfer to Purgatory?” asks Diana.
I rub my neck, lost in thought. Something about this doesn’t add up. Lianna’s too smart to run off to Purgatory if she’s in trouble. She’s got to know that a new monarkki is bound to grab a lot of attention.
No, there must be something else going on.
“Diana, is there a record of her arrival?”
“Why wouldn’t there be?”
“Humor me.”
Diana flips through some more log books. Then, she tears through additional piles of paper. I know her answer before she says it. “There’s no record of her arriving.” Diana’s mismatched eyes grow large with worry. “Do you think she fell off the platform?”
That kind of thing happens sometimes, and it always ends badly. But that’s when a thrax is involved. As an elemental, Lianna’s a different story.
“She’s fine,” I say quickly.
“Where did she go?”
I’m tempted to explain that she probably changed into mist form and went wherever the hell she wanted. Traveling that way will make it a lot harder to track her, which was exactly what she planned.
“Have Ty run a magical trace on her. Send the news to me at the Queen Emeritus’s command center. Over and out.” I wave my arm and the painting returns to its usual map image.
For a long time, I can only stand in the library. At first, my body feels numb with shock. Then the real hurt settles in.
A week ago, I didn’t know if I had a heart. Now, the damned thing’s shattered.
I could kick myself for being such a dumbass. Why did I go talk to G and leave Lianna alone? I should have known Zephyr would try something. I pound my fist into a nearby table. The thing smashes in two. Damn it! If I hadn’t been such a lovesick fool, I’d never have dressed up to see G and gush about my new girlfriend.
Rage and fear battle it out in my heart. Trashing the table felt pretty good, so my tail slices a nearby club chair in half. That feels even better. After that, things get a little crazy. I tear through a few more tables and couches, then I go to town on the wet bar. Bottle after bottle gets chucked against the wall.
Finally, my soul calms enough to start thinking clearly again. First thing I notice is Walker standing in the doorway. He surveys the trashed library.
“I would’ve done the same thing,” he says.
Some of the tension melts from my body. Walker always knows the right thing to say. Turning on my heel, I head toward the door.
“Where are you off to?” asks Walker.
“Visiting G in her new command center,” I reply. “If anything happens, she’ll be the first to know.”
And once I know where Lianna is, I’m heading to her side. Doesn’t matter what enemy she faces. Doesn’t matter the obstacles along the way. Screw it all. Nothing’s more important than Lianna. I see that now. She’s the world to me.
I’m getting her back.
Lianna
I pace around Charybdis, the dry sand crunching beneath my feet. Above me, the full moon casts long shadows across the desert floor. Any shift in the darkness quickly grabs my attention.
Is that a burst of blue mist? Has Fisk finally arrived?
But there’s been no mist. No Fisk. And no question that I’m going nutso with worry.
Fisk should’ve arrived already, especially since I was late to begin with. It took me extra time—and some creative use of thrax transfer platforms—but on my way here, I stopped off in the underground caves of Charybdis. I found the stone chamber where I’d recently been trapped, and that’s where I stashed the Kristalli of Fire and Earth.
A satisfied smile rounds my lips. Out of all the places Zephyr will look for the stones, the depths of Charybdis should be last on his list.
More minutes pass, and my throat constricts with fear. By now, Zephyr must know that I’ve left Antrum. He could show up at any second.
Don’t worry. You know how to escape Zephyr. You did it for years.
At last, a blue haze forms to my left. The mist quickly takes the shape of Fisk. He’s out of his general’s uniform and back to cargo pants and a black Henley. His pale features are unreadable.
“Fisk.” I offer him a shaky smile. “Thanks for your message.”
“Everything would’ve been easier if you’d visited the Water Palace alone.”
Here it comes. Where our conversation goes to hell.
“Maxon isn’t going anywhere. You need to get used to that idea.”
“I’m trying.” A muscle ticks along Fisk’s jawline. Tension thickens the air.
“Try harder. Remember Esau? You and I both know he’s not the only one who’s suffering. How many are dying right now because I’m not wearing my crown?”
Fisk stares at his combat boots. “This isn’t easy for me. The Valta have their concerns. They don’t want a monarkki like Zephyr.”
“And are you worried that I’ll rule like Zephyr?” I step closer. “Tell me Fisk. Honestly.”
He scrubs his hands over his face. “No, I’m not concerned about that.”
“Then, why’s the coronation on hold? It’ll do more than enable me to heal, you know. I’ll stand a better chance against Zephyr once I’m connected to the power of my people. Waiting for my coronation only helps our enemy.”
“I know that. Believe me.”
“Then, what are we doing here?”
“Honestly?” Fisk exhales a puff of breath. “We’re trying to get past how I lost it at the Water Palace.” He forces a laugh. “I guess it never occurred to me that you’d find someone else. I went a little crazy.”
“A little?”
“A copious amount.” He meets my gaze, his sea green eyes glimmering in the moonlight. “Since then, I’ve had time to think things through. The truth is this. I want you to be happy, Lianna. That’s what love really is, right? Wanting someone else’s happiness more than your own.”
My heart lightens a little bit. Not a ton, but this Fisk is a definite improvement. He’s much better than the nutjob version that I met before. Now, I need to check if the new Fisk has actions to back up these nice words.
“What about my Kristalli, Fisk? What about the Valta?”
“I want to set things right.” Fisk pats his hip pocket. “I brought your Kristalli.”
“Thank you, Fisk.” A weight of worry lifts from my shoulders.
At last, we’re getting somewhere.
“And I can assemble the Valta whenever you want. They’re ready to hold your crowning ceremony.”
“They are?” My breath catches. This is too good to be real.
“It took a little convincing, but they’ve all agreed to acknowledge you.”
“Wow.” My eyes sting with tears of pure joy. After so much hard work, I can finally be crowned. “Thanks again.”
“Please don’t say that.”
An uneasy feeling creeps up my back. It’s the prickle of awareness that says someone’s watching us.
“Let’s go to the Water Palace. The sooner I’m crowned, the better.”
Fisk steps away. “One more thing, please.”
I open my mouth, ready to yell my ass off if I have to. We need to move. Then I meet Fisk’s gaze. His eyes look empty and haunted. A pang of guilt tightens my torso.
He’s trying. And hurting. “Sure, Fisk. What’s up?”
“I know Zephyr is attacking Antrum. You can’t go back there. I found a place to keep you secure.” He offers me a half smile. “So, what do you say? Are we off to a new safe house?”
“I don’t know. This is too dangerous. Our people need you. I can’t put both of us at risk. I’ll find somewhere to hide out.”
“Our people need you far more than they need me. My job is to protect you, Lianna. Please, go to the new safe house with me.”
I stare at my boots. Based on Fisk’s note, I knew this conversation was coming. However, it’s one thing to contemplate placing someone you care about in a new level of danger. It’s another thing to drag him headlong into the abyss.
Fisk steps closer. “I can’t stand by without knowing you’re safe. Please.”
And there’s that haunted look again. I’m such a goner.
“All right, Fisk. Lead on.”
“Thank you, Lianna.”
I’m about to follow when a harsh wind kicks up, blotting out the stars.
A half-dozen Air Valta appear in the night sky. Fast as a heartbeat, they grab Fisk and speed off toward the horizon. He struggles under their grip, fighting with everything he’s got.
I take off after them, my body becoming a blur of mist. Fisk pulls out his sword and stabs one of the Air Valta in the chest. I summon a piston made of boiling water and smash another one through his face. Our group tears through the clouds, fighting and lunging as we go. Panic and rage rush through me.
Not Fisk. Not now.
More Air Valta appear. They grab my arms and legs, draining my energy and returning me into solid form. I watch in horror as Fisk is dragged off into the darkness. I thrash under the grip of the Valta, hoping that I can somehow break free. That doesn’t happen. I have greater powers that I can use here. Something tells me to save them for later.
That’s when Zephyr materializes. His gray Roman armor glimmers in the moonlight as he hovers before me. Fresh anger streams across my skin.
This would be the something I was waiting for.
“Hello, little monarkki.”
My face twists into a scowl of rage. “Release Fisk. Now.”
Zephyr pounds on his Roman breastplate. “Do you really think you can order me about?” He eyes me from head to toe. “You’re nothing but a little…”
“Don’t say it.”
“You don’t issue me orders, girl.”
“Seriously? I’ve Namare’s powers and I’m learning how to use them. Your Valta can’t just hold my arms anymore and expect that to stop me.”
I don’t wait for a reply. Instead, I summon two daggers of boiling-hot water and hit Zephyr straight in the face. “Take that, boy.”
With all my focus, I pull every last ounce of elemental energy from my soul. It takes a huge effort, but I’m able to overcome the magic of the Valta who hold me. My body returns into mist form. Since I’m no longer solid, I can easily slip free. Fast as a heartbeat, I conjure bands of ice to hold the Valta in place while I focus on defeating Zephyr, once and for all.
You are going down at last.
Zephyr’s still hunched over, howling in pain. It’ll only take him a few more seconds to heal, so I can’t waste any time. Raising my arms, I summon a hailstorm to ricochet through Zephyr’s body, injuring his solid body further. Zephyr heals himself quickly, but I’m just as fast to tear him apart, again and again.
I can’t keep injuring Zephyr forever, though. I need help. Time to summon the water elementals. With Fisk gone and me crownless, will they answer my call?
My thoughts are so focused on summoning elementals, I barely register the air shift behind me. An oily male voice sounds in my ear.
“Excuse me, Your Eminence.”
Whatever it is, it’s not an elemental. And therefore, I’m not turning around to chitchat with it. “Kind of busy here.”
The newcomer moves to hover before me. It’s a black dragon with two heads spouting from his shoulders. A third neck-stump sits in the center of his chest. The beast’s great ebony wings pump behind it in a slow rhythm. My neck and shoulders constrict with recognition and fear.
No question who this is. Chimera. I’ve read about this guy and his venom sacks. Him showing up here is bad news.
Chimera’s appearance breaks up my concentration. Anything I’ve created with my powers—including the bonds on the Air Valta—now weaken. The Valta use this to their advantage. They tear free from their bindings and reach for me once again. The moment that the Valta touch my misty body, they drain my powers more than ever before. I no longer have enough energy to stay in my mist form. I am solid once again.
With rough movements, the Valta pin my arms behind my back. Pain tears across my shoulders. I twist under their grip, but it’s no use. I no longer have enough energy to break free.
Now that I’m restrained, Chimera closes in. His great black wings pump the air until his two faces are only inches away from mine. Foul dragon breath warms my body. Panic electrifies my soul. Opening one of his mouths, Chimera spews green venom into my eyes.
Which one was it? Acid or paralytic?
Every molecule in my body freezes. New levels of terror careen through my mind, but I can’t even twitch, let alone scream.
Paralytic it is.
Maxon
I stalk G’s command central like I’m a caged animal in need of raw meat. All the pink and yellow in this place makes me want to tear my eyes out. I pause by the entrance and grip the doorjamb so tightly, the wood lets out a soft crack. G looks my way for a second, but she doesn’t say anything. My G knows better than to talk when I’m like this. Instead, she starts issuing orders to the half-dozen or so folks who are running around doing damage control.
Turning around, I glare down the outer hallway. Ty could walk toward us at any second, bringing news of Lianna from his tracking spell. Since it’s an emergency, Ty could even teleport right into this room. He won’t, though. G considers it rude when people enter her chambers without knocking, no matter what the hell is going on. Walker�
�s the only one who portals in whenever he wants. Then again, Walker has some serious balls.
I turn back around to find G standing across from me. She stares long and hard at my eyes.
Still mismatched, G.
Sure, I care deeply about Lianna, but I’m too broken to have it turn into more. Not that I’m having this discussion with G right now. It’s all I can do to keep my staring vigil going with the hallway.
“Let’s give it a rest,” says G. She guides me inside the room and slowly closes the door.
“If you say so.”
“How are you holding up?”
I feel and look like crap. That’s what I want to say. Of course, G looks like she just stepped off the cover of a magazine. You know, if the middle ages had magazines and cover girls.
“I’m fine, G.” And definitely in no mood talk about my feelings. “Mom sent her igni around Antrum, yeah?”
“Of course.” A small, knowing smile rounds G’s mouth. “You know your mother.”
“I know the thrax. They love her supernatural light shows.”
G arches her right eyebrow. “You’ll command the igni one day, too.”
Meaning when I fall in love. When I’m Angelbound. And I’m not having this talk, either.
A heavy knock sounds at the newly closed door. I couldn’t be more thankful for a break from this awkward conversation. A muffled voice carries into the reception chamber.
“Tyberius of Striga, requesting permission to enter.”
I whip the door open. “Come on in, Ty.”
Ty doesn’t meet my gaze. “Hey, Maxon.”
The second my buddy moves past the threshold, I shut the door and push for answers. “What did you find out? Did the tracking spell work?”
Ty keeps on not looking at me. “It’s a little complex.”
This can’t be good.
I turn to G. “Can you give us a sec, here?”
“As you wish, my child.”
Once G’s out of earshot, I round on Ty. “What’s up?”
“Lianna jumped off the Pulpitum and went to Charybdis.”
I exhale a relieved breath. “That’s not so bad. We know where she is now.”
“There’s more.” Ty’s already long face gets longer. “Your parents and Walker are on the way here.”
Maxon Page 18
