Tainted Rose (The Starlight Gods Series Book 2)

by Yumoyori Wilson

  “It’s been awhile Azriel, Elyion. Shall we? The Princess is already showing signs of decline. Let us not delay,” he announced. His accent was thick, indication that he was furious.

  All three of them turned their gazes to us, Ryuu taking the opportunity to take control, allowing me to watch.

  “Keep us posted on the Princess’ condition. We won’t take long,” Ryuu requested.

  We had no choice but to hang back. There was no way Kai would be able to teleport us to Heila after doing three trips – one with Winterlya and Karen, another to return back and now taking EliaseAnne, Daniel, and Makoto.

  Anymore would put his life at risk and we couldn’t have that.

  “I’ll clean everything down here. Just focus on stabilizing her. We believe in you three,” Stryker acknowledged.

  We stood there confidently as we reassured our friends that we’d be okay. We needed them to focus on saving Makoto. This must have happened for a reason; the Starlight gods approved such a change.

  Regardless, we wouldn’t let this stop us. We’d save our Princess and fight against whatever darkness was trying to prevent us from fulfilling our destiny.

  “May the Stars protect us on our path to salvation,” Azriel whispered as they dematerialized, vanishing from sight.

  Only the pool of Makoto’s blood remained.

  We stood there in silence. Stryker took a few steps to look at a large amount of blood lingered on the ground.

  We followed, standing next to the demon shifter; my eyes glared at his trembling right hand – the quivering matched my left as it shook rapidly.

  We placed our hand on his shoulder.

  “Stryker. It’s not your fault. We didn’t see this coming. Even Kai didn’t see this. Something must have changed. Someone did this, and we’ll find out who soon enough.”

  He lifted his head to face us; his blank expression worried us. That never was a good sign. He opened his mouth to speak, but the sound of footsteps could be heard, our heads glanced to our right – Leonardo’s figure appeared while the thick fog began to clear.

  Ryuu retreated, giving me control as our anger spiked. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

  “Huh? Ryder and Marcus. What are you guys doing here? What’s with the thick, red stuff on the floor? Is that animal blood or something? I thought EliaseAnne and Daniel were supposed to be here? Did you decide to take their place or something?”

  The questions just flowed out of him as he tried to catch his breath; his hands went on his knees as he huffed; his right hand holding a black orb.

  He glanced back up, smiling from ear to ear before he rose.

  “Can you believe I found the orb! I’m one step closer to becoming a knight. I seriously have to thank Makoto for coming with. Where is she anyways? Maybe Professor Sepherant dismissed her,” he scratched at his chin, looking confused.

  Did he just say Professor Sepherant?

  “What did you just say?” I questioned, praying my ears deceived me.

  He rolled his eyes. “What I just said. You know, Professor Sepherant? I swear, I thought he resigned, but my designated professor bailed out on me. Professor Sepherant was in the area on business and got contacted to help out. He’s the one who helped me find the orb and told me to take the longer route instead of the shorter one, which apparently was filled with traps. I swear, I would have been here awhile ago if it wasn’t for having to take that route. I told him Makoto was down here waiting for me. I guess he was concerned about her after what happened at—”

  He didn’t finish, a fist slammed into his face as his body flew into the air, crashing into the ground a few feet away. I blinked before a wave of power I hadn’t felt in rotations hit me with such force I quivered.

  I glanced to see Stryker lowering his hand before dark flames flickered to life, growing around his feet. His chest was rising and falling in a rapid pattern as he huffed, his eyes so black I was afraid he’d fully shift.

  Leo struggled to get on his hands and knees, coughing up blood as his eyes landed on the shattered orb next to him. He looked up; the anger stormed in his eyes, but then flickered with fear as he trailed the flames that moved around Stryker’s feet in a circular pattern.

  “A knight? You? Do you know what you just committed? Do you know thanks to you the Princess of Heila is on the verge of death because you couldn’t use that fucking brain of yours and put the dots together? Fuck Leo!! I swear to the gods above if Makoto doesn’t...if she doesn’t survive this ordeal. I. Will. Murder. You. Now, you have five seconds to get out of my sight, or these flames will have their fun with you,” Stryker snarled.

  The flames grew bigger as they encircled his body, a large cobra emerging from the flames.

  I didn’t know which one of us was more shocked – myself or Leonardo who paled as his jaw dropped, his teeth covered in blood.

  “But...I...can’t go back? You broke the orb,” he began.

  “5.”

  “I’ll be a disgrace!”

  “4.”

  “I’ll be kicked out! I have nowhere else to go.”

  “3.”

  “You’re my friend! You can’t do this. Ryder?”

  “2.”

  The cobra rose higher as it opened its mouth to hiss, the black fangs large enough to plunge into his body, finishing him.

  He staggered to his feet before turning and running as fast as his legs would carry him.

  Stryker stood there, watching his figure get smaller and smaller until it was no more; disappearing into the fog that faded away, inch by inch.

  He called off the flames – the cobra released a final cry before dissolving into smoke. Stryker retreated, Ryder took over as his eyes dulled.

  I walked towards him; my eye began to twitch as the urge to shift raided my mind. Fuck, I need to shift.

  Ryder glanced my way as I approached; his weak, dull eyes took a slow scan of me before he frowned.

  “You need to shift.”

  “We don’t have time.” I replied.

  “One hour.”

  “Ryder.”

  “One-hour, Marcus. I can’t have you shifting on the transport ship. Let go, burn the fucking place down if you want. Just get yourself in check. You won’t be able to shift again till we get to Heila. Make this moment count. I’ll deal with the headmaster. I’ll meet you at the transport docks.”

  He didn’t wait for my reply, turning before walking away.

  “Make sure you get the stools,” I said quietly into our bond.

  I watched his hand rise up in a wave – signaling me that he understood. I knew at this stage, he was done talking and was now focused on doing.

  I took a look at the vast land around me, hesitating for a moment wondering if it would even be enough. The barriers wouldn’t go down until an hour after the exam time was up, giving me plenty of time to burn it to shreds. Did I care if I damaged this area of Minato? Nope. I didn’t give a flying fuck.

  The thought of Makoto smiling at me flashed before my eyes, her cheeks flushed as she laughed, her long, curly hair whipped around as the wind blew by. The memory of our time on the beach down on Earthala returned to me – our play date together.

  All of that was a memory and I didn’t know whether we’d get another chance to enjoy such time together. That was enough to send me over the edge – my mind drifted as I allowed the urge that ran through me to take over and I shifted. I wasn’t going to linger around. My mind needed an escape.

  It was time to let my animal instinct take over and reign. Ryuu would decide when we had to go. I left it up to him, my mind drifted to the darkness.

  Firefly, be strong once more. We can’t lose you. All of us need you. Please Starlight gods, if you hear this prayer. Save our Princess. She’s our only hope for what’s to come.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  ~RYDER~

  I slammed my hand against the brown, wooden doors – my magic overflowed causing the lock to malfunction. Sparks flew as smoke rose up fr
om the magic circle where we placed our hand for access.

  I grunted, pushing the broken door open as I continued my commanding stride.

  If only I could laugh at the multiple stares that locked onto me; my power flooded the hall as I continued to walk towards my destination – the headmaster’s office.

  I noticed the old secretary’s eyes glanced up before growing wide as she struggled out of her seat.

  “Ah, Ryder? The headmaster is with a knight right—”

  I glared at her, Stryker taking the moment to take over as my eyes bled black – shutting the poor, old lady up.

  I turned the corner, walking straight towards the black door with the gold plate –HEADMASTER’S OFFICE, written in bold, capital letters.

  I turned the knob, not caring to knock as I pushed against the weak door a pair of wide, brown eyes greeted me.

  “Ryder? Uh, I wasn’t expecting you so soon. I’m with a knight right now, he told me about the exam.” The older, plump male started to fidget out of his seat. Another knight?

  I looked to my left; Leo’s wide eyes stared at me. I noticed the tissue in his nose, a large bruise on the side of his face where Stryker punched him.

  I returned my focus to the man in charge. I didn’t have time to waste.

  “I guess he informed you that Professor Sepherant was on site, claiming to be a substitute for the exam professor, who I recently discovered was found unconscious in the auditorium with a large bruise on his face. I bet what Leo didn’t tell you is that Sepherant stabbed Makoto, leaving her helpless thanks to the bracelet you insisted she wear so Leonardo over here could prove his skills, which left her to die in a pool of her own blood. My team, Winterlya the princess of Wintalyn, as well as your step-daughter, are now scurrying around Heila trying to save her from death. What a wonderful way of delivering the lost Princess of Heila to the King and Queen. I can only imagine what they’ll do if their daughter, only daughter, doesn’t survive this ordeal. Even if she does, I’m curious to see what punishment the King will bestow upon you?” The mockery that leaked off my voice pleased my demon nature.

  What pleased us more was the way the headmaster’s body quaked; his eyes grew so wide, I thought those brown irises would burst.

  “What! I didn’t agree to this. I had no idea Professor Sepherant was here or even on campus. I made it very clear to everyone that he should not be on the campus that he was banned. I made an announcement to all the knights!” he defended.

  “I guess Leonardo over here missed the memo.” I gave him a murderous glare, fighting the urge to burn him to flames. He flinched as he backed away against the wall.

  “You inconsiderate f—” the headmaster began to yell, but I rose my hand, signaling him to stop.

  “Leave your insults for when you’re not wasting my time. I only came to give you these.” I pulled out the eight sheets of paper I had rolled and tucked halfway into my back pocket. I flicked them onto the desk, the sheets of paper scattered across the black wood. I could see the horror in his eyes as he looked back up at me, realizing what I was about to declare.

  “As of today, I, Ryder Carter, the son of Alexander and Violet Carter and future heir of Minato revoke our contract. As does the rest of my team of knights, Daniel Moore, Elias and EliaseAnne Kingsley and Marcus Hunt, as well as Matthew Oxwell and Karen Knightly, the first and second commanders of Heila. We will no longer be involved in Knightwood’s affairs. Rosalina Mackenzie Heart or as you know her as Makoto Heart’s enrollment is invalid. All funds deposited into your account will cease as of this moment; our withdrawal forms are now on your desk. Don’t worry. I made sure Elias and EliaseAnne wrote separate forms. It’s a pleasure, headmaster. Pray to the Starlight gods that the princess recovers from this...or my team and I will be back and trust me; it will take all of your knights and more to stop us.”

  I turned around, giving one last lethal glare at Leo before walking away.

  “Don’t forget the stools,” Stryker reminded.

  I walked out of the teachers building; the cloudy sky covered the sun. I stared at the dark grey patches floating away, small flashes flickered from time to time. A storm is brewing.

  I began to walk, making my way towards the forest.

  No more games. It was time to prepare for the darkness.

  ~LEONARDO~

  I walked aimlessly in the rain, the frigid droplets beat against my body as I continued on, dragging my feet, one step after another.

  Why?

  Such a simple word, but it held a thousand questions – none of which would help solve my problem as I continued to walk in the storm raging around me.

  Why couldn’t I be happy?

  Why was I always a failure?

  Why was I a dormant shifter?

  Why did I lose everything I loved?

  Why was I born into such a world?

  Why did the gods always forsake me?

  Why did they allow my mom to be stoned to death?

  Why was I alone...

  Were the tears I shed every night in the comfort of my single room, my bed and a pillow hard as rocks, not enough? Were my failures and multiple attempts to please others, by slaving around the school, not a demonstration of my wish for acceptance?

  For just once, I wanted to be praised. My ears craved for words of acknowledgment as my mind begged to feel what success was.

  My hands wished to feel what power was like; my tongue longed for a taste of such satisfaction as I stood proudly and announced my position of high rank – people falling to their knees in awe and admiration.

  Was my desire too weak to be felt by the gods above? Their bright, twinkling stars shone in the dark sky, mocking me each night as I begged for their salvation.

  “Am I not worthy?”

  I stopped in my tracks, the tears that threatened to spill gave in, the salt like water trailed down my flushed cheeks as I looked towards the sky.

  I let out a loud cry, sobs wracked my body as I cried in place.

  “Why have you forsaken me! You give everyone around me such blessings and hope, yet you belittle me and laugh. Was my rural upbringing not enough to give me a sense of joy? Is my dormant spirit to blame for such negligence? I am a child of yours, too! A being, created by your hands! Yet you leave me here to rot in suffering and agony. How long do I have to pray till you listen to me? Till my prayers are finally answered? Till I die and ascend to meet you face to face!” I roared.

  I fell to my knees, pounding on the ground as if it was my enemy.

  “I hate the gods...I despise you. If only I could make you pay. Yes, make you feel this agonizing pain I go through every day and night. I’d give the same amount of suffering I’ve bared my entire life. No. I’ll give you double, no, triple of my sorrow. You will regret not helping me,” I declared through clenched teeth, my eyes wide. I looked at my bloody hands; the pain gave me satisfaction.

  “Would you like my assistance?”

  I gazed up at the man in the white suit standing before me. His large, red umbrella leaned forward, shielding me from the cold rain that continued to beat harshly around us.

  I saw his red eyes twinkle as his lips curled into a devilish smile. “You…you’re the man from before,” I stated, shivering at the memory.

  “Yes. I’m sorry I had to contribute to such suffering. At the time, my resolve was as strong as yours. I needed to get rid of my targets and you had the information I needed. No hard feelings.” He reached out to me, his open hand stopped in front of me.

  I took a moment to question his motives, but I brushed off such a mentality. I wasn’t a knight anymore. The decisions I made were mine alone. Whoever got affected by them wasn’t my business or concern. I was alone in this world, with no strings attaching me to such morals.

  I placed my hand in his, that strong hand helped me up onto unsteady feet.

  “I can see the determination in your eyes shifter. What is your name?” he questioned.

  “Leo...Leonardo,” I whispe
red, not having the strength to admit that wretched surname that has brought nothing but misery.

  Till this day, my mom being falsely accused of trying to poison the king hung over my family name. I knew she hadn’t done it, that she’d never commit such a criminal act, yet they ignored her pleas as she begged. I had to avenge her and that started with the source: those Starlight gods.

  “What conquest vexes you to the point of defying the gods?” he questioned.

  “Defying the gods? They called themselves gods, yet they can’t rewrite my destiny? They’ve made my life a living hell. They watched as my only family, my beloved mother, was stoned to death. She was innocent, yet they allowed her to perish,” I exclaimed, the tears rolled down my cheeks as I continued.

  “The same gods have watched me trip and fall again and again as I strive to be someone respected. This cruel world has done nothing for me. Why continue to praise such beings when they are nothing but a lie. I’m tired of worshipping them. Instead, I’ll teach them what power is. I’ll make them suffer and feel the pain that bickers and claws at my soul,” I confidently vowed as I stared up at the man.

  He nodded, looking pleased with my statement. “I will help you then, shifter. I see your potential; your conviction as strong as my objective. I too hate the gods with as much passion as yours and desire to see them fall from their heavenly thrones. It won’t be easy. I can’t guarantee that you’ll survive my trials and experiments, but I promise you power and strength. Shifters, young and old will bow down and kiss your feet in adoration as you sit on your throne of power. I will take you as my own. You are now my son, Leonardo.”

  He gave me the most serene smile, kindness fluttered in those vibrant, red eyes as he patted me on the shoulder. A stranger, who knew nothing about me but my new-found purpose, was willing to help me succeed and walk this path of righteousness. I’d devote myself to him and would survive whatever was given to me. I wouldn’t fail. I couldn’t afford such defeat. I’d survive this. I would get my revenge.

  “Thank you, sir.”