Dreams of Darkness
Page 22
She didn’t remember everything, not her name, her past, family, or friends, if she’d ever had such things. But one thing became distinctly clear. Someone close to her had done this. The knowledge burned inside her, and unable to contain it, she shouted it to the sky in a voice that echoed on more than one plane of existence. “Why have you forsaken me?”
And she could have sworn she heard, on a whisper of wind that brushed her cheek, Broken and defiled. You are unworthy.
No longer, she retorted fiercely. I might be forsaken, but I am no longer broken, so watch yourself, because now I’m angry.
Gone was the timid girl who cowered. The warrior had found her way home again, and as her lips pulled back on a feral grin that would have shocked even the hunters she’d taken up with, she planned the vengeance she would wreak on those who’d abandoned her in her hour of need, whoever they were. I will find them and show them the mistake they made.
Epilogue
Fingers drummed on the armrest of the throne. A big, lonely seat with a hollow title. All it caused was misery.
It also meant dealing with people.
He hated people.
Yet, every morning, he was expected to hear reports. To show interest in the spies who watched the surface world and divulged things of import.
Spies such as the one who came striding toward him, looking out of place in his bright red slacks, patterned shirt, and wavy, blond hair.
The incubus had his own sense of style. But at least he wasn’t as annoying as other sycophants currying his favor.
The spy knelt, head dipped deferentially. “My lord.” A title once reserved only for his father, now shared with his heir.
“You have news of interest?” This particular male, showing deference, was assigned to watch one of the Cabal leaders. His role? To observe and report on interesting developments.
“I do, my lord. A necromancer was acting in our city.”
“Stealing the bodies of the dead.” His lip curled.
“No longer, my lord. The sorcerer was dispatched. But there is other news. A strange female has caught my master’s eye.”
“And this concerns me because?” Vampires were always chasing after skirts.
“There is something different about her. She’s not human.”
“Still don’t see why I should care.” He’d lost the ability to give a damn.
“I thought you might be interested because we don’t know what she is.”
That caught his attention. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, she’s unlike anything we’ve ever encountered before. Not human. Not lycan. Not elf or fairy.”
“So, a rare being has emerged.” Mildly interesting.
“Whatever she is, people are going nuts over her. Her scent is…” His spy kissed his fingers as if tasting something delicious. “When her violet eyes pin you—”
He froze. “What color are her eyes?”
“Violet. And bright, too. You look into them, and it’s like you’re ready to lay yourself down at her feet and do whatever she asks.”
It couldn’t be.
She was gone. Vanished without a trace or a goodbye.
“What is her name?”
“Adara.”
It meant nothing. However, for the first time in a while, interest stirred him, and he stood from his throne.
“I want to meet her.” If it was the one who betrayed him…he’d show her what a foolish mistake that was.
The End
…but stay tuned for Awake in Shadows.
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