by Nicole Adamz
Silver eyes glowed behind the white fox mask, and he nodded in approval. My heart picked up its pace and, determined not to be intimidated by how he made me feel, I nodded in approval of his costume. He smiled broadly, showing a dimple in one cheek.
I blinked. In the light of the lanterns it almost looked like the merchant had…fangs.
Chapter 41
Maewyn
IPANTED, DRAGGING IN an aching breath. Keeping up with Greerson’s grueling pace into the night sky after our Life-Bonding Ceremony was difficult with the additional bulk of my pregnant body. The black dress dragged against my skin, and my wings screamed.
His iron grip bruised my arms, forcing me higher. Summit was a bright, small dot beneath us when Greerson halted and greedily crushed his lips against mine. Tired from the hurried flight upward, I protested weakly and pushed uselessly away. One hand firmly held my neck and the other pressed against my lower back. I turned my head in disgust, locked in his embrace.
“I knew the day you walked into my suite as my Tyro,” Greerson panted, his breath dampening my skin, “You belong to me. You always have.”
Placing my hands against his chest, I pushed against his tight hold and wedged space between us. I didn’t want my slightly rounded belly pressing against him and giving away my secret. When Greerson’s hand slid to the fastening at the front of my gown, I doubled my efforts to put distance between us.
“I thought you said you weren’t interested in mating tonight.,” I said, trying to distract him.
“I lied. I’ve waited so long for this.” Greerson whispered fervently, pressing his face against my neck.
Clutching my gown tightly, I asked, “Waited for what?”
Greerson paused, his fingers stilling. The expression on his tight, decrepit face made me shudder. His eyes regained their oily cunning, and I almost wished I’d kept my mouth shut. Almost.
“To be Life-Bonded. You’re the Second Born, and you belong to me,” he said in a cold, hard voice.
I swallowed, revolted by his words. Touching the extra energy inside me for comfort, I drew a deep breath. Here it was, the moment that would change the path of the awful choice I’d been forced to make.
“I belong to no one,” I said firmly.
Greerson’s voice was ice, “On the contrary, my dear. You, your possessions, your earnings, and your life belong to me. All to do with as I wish.”
Scoffing, I pushed away from Greerson’s embrace, but he clutched the fabric of my dress. I stared into his malignant eyes, shivering at their cunning. This wasn’t a man who could be controlled or manipulated. I couldn’t use emotion or reason to sway him because I was an object. What have I done? I thought in terror.
The excess energy inside of me spooled uncontrollably beneath my skin, jittering into a knot. Pulling harshly on the inner strings, I leaned heavily on the power accompanying the rush. I didn’t have to sweet-talk Greerson because I would make him obey me. The Blood-Bonds I’d created were numerous, and they made me powerful. I yanked away from his hands, putting more distance between us.
“No,” I said forcefully, breaking free, “You might have my body, but you will never have me.”
Greerson’s hands clenched into fists, rigid fury lying beneath his mask. I clenched my jaw at the tiny flutter in my stomach, refraining from placing my hand against the small life inside me. The sharp pull on the Blood-Bonds sang in my veins, but I didn’t want to reveal my hand so soon.
A cruel smile lit Greerson’s face, and his fists relaxed, “You’re my wife now. Soon, you’ll see all I can offer you—and all I can take away. Struggle all you like, in the end all of you will be mine. If I must break you in the process…well, better a broken doll than a disobedient one.”
Dumbfounded, I hovered in the air. Horror and panic streaked through me, covered by outrage. I hissed, drawing my arms across my body while Greerson straightened his tunic.
“I’ll allow you to remain at Ascension until I need you, but you will learn, my dear, that if I require something from you there will be dire consequences for any rebellious actions,” he said with horrible calm.
Inhaling deeply, I squared my shoulders and met his gaze, “You already got what you wanted from me.”
Greerson’s gaze dipped to my stomach, a slight smile playing around his lips, “Not quite.”
My heart stuttered, dropping to my feet in dread. Does he know? Hopeless tears gathered in my eyes, but I refused to cry in front of this man. My husband. The father of my unborn fledgling. Ignorance was the only defense I had.
Swallowing, I asked, “What do you mean?”
Tilting his head, Greerson stared at me, “Surely it’s obvious, my dear. You’re a smart girl. I Life-Bonded with you for the same reason all men Life-Bond—to breed with you.”
I barked a short, hysterical laugh, “And if I refuse?”
Greerson smiled coldly, “I’ve just warned you about refusing me.”
Bleakness washed over me. Greerson might not know it, but I was giving him exactly what he wanted. Biting my lip, I searched the starry sky for answers. Would he leave me alone if he knew I was pregnant? I doubted it. He was unaware of my current condition, but if I wasn’t careful that would change.
“Why me?” I whispered, my throat tightening in anguish.
“You’re the only Second Born to exist. With our Talent we can create a powerful blood-line. It was obvious from the moment you were Claimed that we were destined to be together. That you are mine,” he said with soft cruelty.
I couldn’t breathe past the scream tearing at my throat, wanting to rage at Aeolus for doing this to me. Instead, I swallowed painfully and stared at the stars. Were there other choices I could have made resulting in a different outcome?
Greerson stroked my cheek with a bony finger and I flinched, “There are too many Life-Bonded couples in the sky, and I don’t want to make a scene. For now, I will leave, but when I visit you at Ascension, I expect a more…hospitable welcome.”
I didn’t move when Greerson tucked his wings, descending toward the Main Holding. Cold, I felt so cold inside. The ache in my shoulders, from my wings continuous effort to keep me airborne, pierced the fog settling over me. I stared at the minute silver and white dot Greerson had become, marking the area he flew toward.
My fists clenched helplessly, wincing at the pain. Holding up my hands, I stared at the new markings on my palms. They would remain there until one, or both, of us died.
This can’t be happening. Beneath the soft light of the stars, the Line of Fate cut into my palms by Aerial Prelate Ragnor connected with the slashed double Rascette Lines around my wrists. The three golden lines were permanent.
My stomach churned. My skin was still raw from the quick swipes of the blade Aerial Prelate Ragnor had wielded during the ceremony, quickly tipping my hands over the empty bowl so my blood could mix with Greerson’s. The wide Line of Fate cut up the center of both palms and middle fingers, almost covering the width of both digits. Our mingled blood was spread into the cuts before a powder was smeared into the open wounds.
The powder had flashed brightly, briefly burning, and something inside of me had shifted. An awareness of Greerson that hadn’t been there before now existed. It wasn’t a pleasant sensation—almost like being connected by a rope. I could feel the pull of his existence in the city below.
Dazed, I stared at the other couples. They were completely unconcerned if they were being watched. During the ceremony, I’d seen one of my uncles in the crowd around the platform. He would inform my parents I’d completed my assignment. Nausea swept over me, and I drew in a large breath. I’m in control, I chanted. Thinking back over the past few moments, calm blanketed me.
I had been in control of the situation with Greerson. The moment I’d reached for the Blood-Bonds zinging through me things had gone smoother. I’d completely distracted him from trying to mate with me. Perhaps Blood-Bonding makes things happen the way you want. Excitement skidded through me at the
thought. If that was true, then the evening wasn’t a complete loss. I couldn’t reverse the Life-Bond with Greerson, but I could accumulate more Blood-Bonds.
If I successfully Blood-Bonded to someone who wasn’t Claimed, I would have a larger mass of energy to pull from. My eyes narrowed on the spot I’d seen Greerson disappear into. He was within the Main Holding, but if I went to the Inner Holding, I could take my time selecting another candidate to Blood-Bond with.
Searching the areas farthest from the direction Greerson had gone, I glided toward Summit. Landing at the wall between the Inner and Outer Holding, far away from the mass of bodies, I leaned against the archway to catch my breath. In a few more moons it will be difficult, if not impossible, for me to fly at all.
A soft footfall caught my attention and I turned, half-expecting to see Ari appear and help me. Instead, a man stood in the road, eyeing me curiously. Shaggy, unusually garnet colored hair was the only color in his costume.
His mask had curving black horns that protruded from his forehead. The rest of his costume was in varying shades of brown leather. Aeolus knew his costume wasn’t particularly stylish, colorful, or interesting. Even his wings were dark, like mine.
Obsidian eyes carefully assessed me before moving past. There was something about the man that was…powerful and dangerous. Maybe it was the way he held himself or seemed more hunter than prey in his ram costume.
He was different from the men I had interacted with in Summit—and there’d been plenty. Maybe he’s a Warder, but not on patrol since he’s not in a uniform, I thought. He could be my next Blood-Bond. Calculating, I swayed when he passed by.
He paused in the archway, his hand reaching out to steady me. I parted my lips, ready to provide a gentle, sensual smile, but he wasn’t looking at me. I pouted. The man had paused long enough for me to regain my balance, but his attention was focused on the crowded streets of the Inner Holding.
Irritation skittered through me. His dark eyes took in everything, barely darting from side to side while he examined the people milling in the street and at booths. I pretended to sway again, not wanting him to leave.
Then I saw them. Large knives were tucked into his boots, almost hidden by the fur around them. I guess he is a Warder. Other men wouldn’t bother carrying a weapon.
“You can stop pretending,” the man said, his eyes on the crowd.
I straightened, trying not to flush at being caught. Biting my lip, I straightened my dress and mask, hoping my hair wasn’t a mess. Something about this man made me nervous in a good way. I would enjoy creating a Blood-Bond with him.
“How did you know?” I asked saucily.
“People who faint don’t stumble,” he said flatly.
His voice was low and rich, and I wanted to hear it again, “Then why help me?”
The man’s lips quirked upward, and he finally met my eyes, “A gentleman shouldn’t walk past a lady in need—even if she’s pretending. Besides, I think we can help each other.”
My breath caught, anticipation humming in my veins. “I’m Caelum Maewyn.” I breathed.
The man’s eyes narrowed briefly before he tilted his head, garnet hair spilling wildly over his shoulders, “Hello, Caelum. I’m Drakon.”
Chapter 42
Ari
WHEN THE FIFTH WOMAN simpered up to Niles, I almost walloped her. Especially when she opened her mouth. I settled for grinding my teeth.
“My, what a big tail you have,” the woman purred.
Literally purred, I glowered. She was dressed as a wild mountain feline, her lithe body barely covered by the furs she’d donned. Long, dark hair cascaded around her body, and her flawless dark skin showcased a pair of large brown eyes smeared with kohl.
Niles preened, subtly flexing his muscles when she ran a teasing hand down his furry tail. Of all the…this is ridiculous! We’d moved into the Main Holding, which had been a mistake because it was where all the women had converged on Niles.
They weren’t interested in bargain hunting at the booths lining the walls. No, that was—apparently—for Bonded couples. Instead, they were man hunting. It didn’t matter that I was standing next to Niles every time a she-devil approached.
Their blatant disregard for me was insulting, even though we were friends. When the woman’s hand drifted toward Niles’s thighs, I wanted to gag. Skies! I should poke my eyes out and be done with it!
Niles chuckled, shifting away from the woman’s seeking fingers, “Hello, little cat. Want me to take a bite out of you?”
The woman laughed raucously, placing herself in Niles’s arms. Tilting her head, she gave Niles a catty grin, and leaned back to give him a good view of her chest. I huffed derisively. The sound didn’t faze the woman.
She licked her parted lips, “You look like a wolf who can make me meow.”
Eyeing me nervously, Niles half-heartedly attempted to extricate himself from the woman’s claws. Feigned helplessness covered his face. Please, like you aren’t enjoying the attention. I rolled my eyes, and he grinned wolfishly.
“Well, I would little cat, but I’m with a friend and she’s not the watching type.” Niles said with a laugh.
The woman’s head swiveled toward me, her gaze measuring. Satisfied that I wasn’t competition, the woman nuzzled Niles’s neck. Sighing with rancor, I refrained from kicking one of them when the woman’s words reached my ears.
“I don’t mind if she joins us. She probably doesn’t get many offers,” the woman murmured throatily.
That’s it! Gritting my teeth, I stalked off. I couldn’t take it anymore. If Niles peeled that woman off another one would pop out of the crowd. It was better to be alone than watch a bedroom display. There was enough of that with Maewyn recently. I frowned, shaking my head and walking to the Inner Holding. When I passed through the archway, I was immediately comforted by merchants yelling and the scents of food.
I’d given Niles his gift, which he’d promptly wrapped around his flexing bicep, and I didn’t intend to spend more dosh. I meandered aimlessly through the people mingling in the road, keeping my wings tightly tucked and casually looking at booths. It wasn’t until I was close that I realized why I’d come down this street. His booth was dwarfed by the stalls next to him. Skies! I thought petulantly.
The silver-eyed merchant hadn’t spotted me, so I ducked behind a couple in heavy costumes. Most of the merchant’s items were gone, presumably sold, and he was packing what was left. Puzzled, I watched him. Why is he leaving? There were enough items to fill a medium size sack, but instead of selling them at a reduced price the merchant was departing.
Most people ignored the merchant while he packed, but I waited across the street, hiding among the crowd. When he walked down the road I inexplicably followed. He weaved between people, crossing the Main Holding before circling back through to the Inner Holding again.
He paused at a vendor’s stall and studied the wares, and I ducked behind a corner, so he wouldn’t see me. When I turned back, he was disappearing down the street. Hurrying, I almost plowed into several Elysian. I kept going, not bothering to mime an apology. How will I explain this if he catches me? Am I going to tell him I felt like I needed to stalk him? I thought mockingly.
I needed to follow you—so I did. That doesn’t sound creepy at all. I rolled my eyes, ignoring my inner monologue, and stepping around a smelly puddle in the street. At best the putrid pile was vomit, but at worst it was someone’s waste. The merchant rounded a corner, and a crowd of drunken Elysian swept in front of me. I stepped backward into the mysterious puddle and fumed silently while waiting for them to pass.
When I caught up at the intersecting block the merchant was gone. His monochromatic costume was nowhere in sight. Frustrated, I slowed. I shouldn’t be following him anyway, I chastised myself, deciding to look at nearby stalls.
There was plenty to ogle; exotic materials, spices, intricate trinkets and baubles, and lots and lots of food…that I couldn’t buy. Which was disappointing. I wa
lked toward a small, covered tent at the end of the street.
An eerie stillness surrounded it. The tent leaned into the embrace of the shadows around it, almost invisible aside from a continuously winking light. A gap in the entry flaps emitted a violent pink glow, flickering like a lantern in the wind. The flashing neon light was captivating, beckoning passerby closer.
My instincts screamed at me, and my skin prickled. Maybe it’s a lack of people making it spooky, I thought with a shiver, and stepped into the tent. It was disturbingly empty, but a low, haunting melody made my feathers quiver. What is this place?
Bottles hung unevenly from the ceiling, making the space feel cramped, and two tables sat on opposite sides of the tent. They were cluttered with vials and containers in different sizes and colors. Slowly walking over, I examined a vial.
A green liquid sloshed around inside. I glanced at the other containers but couldn’t make out the labels. The words shifted in the pink glow. Curious, I searched for the source of light. I turned in a circle, noticing a small podium at the back of the tent with a table next to it.
The pink glow originated from the podium, so I put the bottle down and edged toward it. Sitting like a paperweight, almost unnoticeable, was the source of the light and music. I frowned, staring at the smooth glass ball. How is the light and music inside of this crystal? It sat beside a closed tome with a stylus carefully placed across it. Looking around, I touched the glowing ball with the tip of my finger.
The orb changed colors, darkening to red. I stepped back, eyeing it warily. This was crafted by Caelum…but how? When no one appeared I carefully picked it up. It was unlike anything I’d seen in Summit. It fit perfectly in my palm, and when I held it to my ear the music’s volume didn’t increase. So, I shook the orb.
