by JK Ensley
Destroyed by Onyx
“The ones we love the most can cause us the most pain. Were this to prove false, then you never truly loved them. Everyone hurts us in one way or another. Some even leave scars. What makes it all right in the end is learning to only love the people who are worth suffering for, worth dying for. Figuring out which one is which, well, there’s where you fly on faith. If you can accomplish this, your battle is all but won.”
JK Ensley
Destroyed
by
Onyx
Book Four of
A Dance with Destiny
JK Ensley
No longer am I simply Jenevier Olesia Embarr. I am Kagi Naga, Mother of Angels, Guardian of Dragons, Empress of Jinn, unyielding Death Angel, and incompetent Celestial Healer. I have many more mistakes yet to make, Brothers and Sisters.
Copyright© 2014 by Jennifer Ensley
Destroyed by Onyx is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance, similarity, or identification to actual persons, living or dead, events, products or locales is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
Artwork by Claudia McKinney. http://www.phatpuppyart.com
Cover Design by Ashley Dungan, The Bookish Brunette. http://www.bookish-brunette.com
Editing by Toni Rakestraw. http://www.rakestrawbookdesign.com/
Formatting by Jennifer Ensley. http://www.JKEnsley.com
Proofing by Mel Carey.
All rights are reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form, including but not limited to, characters, text, book design, and artwork all owned solely by Jennifer K. Ensley. Any unauthorized duplication and/or distribution of this work, characters, places, and story in whole or in part may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.
Download entire series here.
I cannot be thankful enough for all the blessings I have received along this amazing journey. My family, my friends, my fans… I have not the words. Thank you and sincerest gratitude.
A special thanks to Linda Ingle and Melissa Carey for helping me in every possible way, especially in staying sane. I love you more than you will ever know.
Gratitude!!!
All works by JK Ensley are available in print at Amazon.com, Createspace.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and wherever books are sold. eBooks available in all ereader formats for all devices. Audio books available through Audible.com, Amazon.com, and iTunes.
Also by JK Ensley
A Dance with Destiny:
Cursed by Diamonds
Blessed by Sapphires
Enthroned by Amethysts
Forgotten Grace
Download entire series here.
“I have heard it said… The whole universe is a stage, and all its creatures merely players, rare actors in the grandest of all theatres. When the curtain rises, when we meet one another and begin our drama… none can fathom the true magic that awaits us. Alas, sooner or later the curtain must fall. Everything eventually comes to an end… even the rain. As it should be.”
~Jenevier
Chapter Prologue
“So… Prince Syadar, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Syadar casually glanced toward the large tan cat approaching him, crimson markings blazing brightly in the noonday sun.
“Then you should work on your tracking skills, Prince Alzeen,” he purred. “I cannot be that hard to find. Especially since I never hide… it’s not my thing.”
“It was merely a figure of speech. An icebreaker, so to speak.”
The chocolate cat turned to face his guest. “And now that the proverbial ice has been rent asunder… what is it you wish to break words over?”
“And we go straight to the heart of the matter, then. No chit-chatting or cozy conversation.” The Northern Prince assumed his human form and leaned back against a nearby tree, lazily crossing his arms over his chest, casually examining his manicured nails. “I heard a delicious little rumor concerning you and my future intended.”
“Ahh, did you now,” Syadar said, assuming his perfectly sculpted human form. “Then I’m afraid you have me at a bit of a disadvantage… seeing as I have no idea who your intended might be. Purrhaps you could narrow the possibilities down just a teensy bit. Hmm?”
Alzeen chuckled. “I have great respect for such fierce confidence in a fellow cat. You wear it well, Brother.”
“I dole it out in spades, yes. So… did you come all this way to stroke my already inflated ego, or would you mind terribly getting on with your point?”
“Very well, then.” The flame-marked Prince took a few steps closer to his arrogant chocolate counterpart. “Is it true you became life mates with Jenevier Embarr when last she was on Byzantha? And is it also true you have refused to bear cubs with anyone else in your clan, save her?”
“I am now bonded with my Ajená, yes. She left me little choice in the matter… not that I would have objected. That’s one of the things I treasure most about my sweet, innocent little Angel. She is so impetuous, so demanding.” He cocked one eyebrow up as he smirked. “But oddly enough, it seems to work for me. In fact, everything my Ajená does seems to work for me… deliciously so.”
Syadar could sense Alzeen’s temper rising, it delighted him to no end.
“And as for our cubs… well now, I promise that yours will be the very first invitation for their birth.” He tilted his head slightly. “Oh, that is… unless you would rather be there to witness their conception instead.” He shrugged his shoulders. “An audience has never affected my performance before. But I will have to ask my lovely mate if she would prefer for our highly anticipated consummation to take place in private. You know how women can be, good Prince. They tend to run a bit more on the shy side than do we men. Besides, her complete and utter satisfaction will be my only concern, then and always.”
Alzeen hissed out a purring growl through clenched teeth. “She was meant to return to our clan. You had no right to claim her.”
“Ahh, but I did not claim her, little Prince. She claimed me. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe it was foretold that she would be the tie that bound our clans as one—ultimately uniting the Northern cats and the Southern cats into a divinely universal Byzantha.”
“Which is precisely why she will come to me.”
Syadar purr-laughed. “Alas, my dear fur-friend, you have convinced yourself of a deliberate falsehood. A bit too much wishful thinking on your elder’s part, I should say.” A vicious smirk turned up one corner of his mouth. “You claim the Angel as your blood, boast in the fact her lineage can easily be traced to the Zeenian clan.”
“And it can be,” Alzeen hissed.
“Oh, I know it can. You’ll be getting no arguments from me on that front. So tell me.” His lips twitched just before they curled up in a dark smile. “If her blood is Zeenian, how is it she will unite Byzantha by mating with you or anyone else within her own clan?”
Alzeen narrowed his now venomous gaze, the sight of which thrilled Syadar to no end.
“To achieve her prophesied destiny, Ajená must join with the Crown Prince, yes. But it must be the Crown Prince of the opposite clan, the Darthian clan.” He smiled coolly. “And that’d be me.”
The two impressive cat-men glared at each other several heartbeats more, before the Northern Prince turned to go.
“So… is that a no for front row seats to the fated conception? Or…”
Prince Alzeen didn’t respond.
“I suppose I could ask her if she
would like a go at you… once we’re done, that is. But seeing she was raised human, and you being her uncle and all, she might find the suggestion a bit distasteful. What do you think, good Prince? Do you want I should ask her… just in case?”
Alzeen didn’t turn around. Syadar chuckled when the only response from the Northern Prince came by way of the single raised finger on his right hand.
“Must you always antagonize people so?”
Still laughing, the chocolate cat turned toward the scolding voice of his approaching condemner.
Book Four
Chapter 1
Mangladune
(MANG-lah-dune)
She placed a shaky hand over her racing heart. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. I’ve missed you so much. There are so many things I want to tell you, so many things I want to share with you.” Tears filled Jezreel’s eyes. “We both ended up going on with our lives, separately, without the other one. I never imagined that could ever happen to us.”
“All is well now, Sharna.” Kias ran his hands through his wife’s silky hair. “Your angelic friend has arrived just in time to celebrate with us, to join in our love. You get to share the most important part with her. Be thankful in that.”
“Yes, that’s right.” She grabbed Jenevier’s hand. “Oh, please tell me you’ll stay for our wedding feast. It’ll be the saddest party imaginable if you’re not there.”
“Of course we’ll stay.” Jenevier hugged her again. “The whole reason for us coming was so I could see with my own eyes just how happy you were with your handsome new husband.”
Jezreel only blushed while Kias made a low sweeping bow toward her friends.
Izadori latched on to Alastyn’s arm. “Come with me, Raven Hair. There is much I wish to show you.”
“Umm… I’m sorry, Izadori. I’m here with—”
“Do not let me halt your fun, old friend.” Jenevier interrupted his excuse. “Jezreel and I have lots of catching up to do.”
“Yes, and I promise you’ll be bored out of your gourd with us,” Jezreel said with a giggle.
“You should go enjoy yourself.” Jenevier leaned in closer to him and whispered, “It’ll do you a world of good to release some of that pent-up sorrow. Let a little joy back in that big old heart of yours.”
Alastyn pulled her to him and whispered softly, “Couldn’t you tell, my love? That’s precisely what I was doing in the forest with you, before Izadori found us. We were laughing, truly laughing together. Promise me you won’t wander too far. And swear by every curl on your head you will tell me before you leave.” He tightened his hold on her for emphasis.
“I promise, swear, and vow, valiant knight. Don’t worry about me leaving you unawares anymore. I will not part with you in secret or silence, ever again. If I go, you will know in advance, dear one.” She lightly kissed him on the cheek.
Satisfied, Alastyn released her with a smile and set out arm in arm with the feisty Elven Princess to explore their wondrous city.
Jenevier made to go with Jezreel but Kias took both her hands, turning her to face him. She stared at his onyx eyes, feeling a bit unnerved at the sight of them.
“I have heard so much about you, Lady Jenevier. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.” He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on each cheek. “My lovely wife credits you for all her rare beauty.”
Jenevier stepped away from the admiring Elf and took one of Jezreel’s hands in hers. “It looks like you have done much more for her than I.” She looked at her old friend. “She is ten times the beauty I could ever hope to be.”
“Oh, now you’re just being silly.” Jezreel giggled, squeezing her hand.
“I feel safe in saying we have equally healed her,” Kias said as he reached for Jenevier once more.
She stepped back quickly, causing Jezreel to give her a rather quizzical look. Kias didn’t seem to notice, he only moved closer still.
She held her hand up to halt his advance. “Please don’t come any closer. I do not wish to seem rude. I only pray you will honor my request.”
Kias tilted his head to the side, furrowing his brow in confusion. He reached for her. She dodged him again, slipping behind Jezreel.
“Jenevier, all is well. He only wants to make you feel at home.” Jezreel lovingly ran the backs of her fingers down Jenevier’s glowing cheeks. “The Elves are very touchy-feely people. There is no harm meant on his part. Please do not take offense. They speak as much with their bodies as they do with their words.”
Jenevier turned to her friend’s royal husband. “Apologies, Prince Kias.” She bowed toward him. “But my apprehension is born from a caution to my touch, not yours. I do not wish to make a ripple within this sacred forest, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my dearest friend in the world. So if you will, listen closely to my words. I am poison to all who touch me, especially men. Please honor the space between us and know that I love you as a brother. If I did not, I would let you embrace me without pause.”
He returned her bow. “A truer friend could not live. Mi Sharna is blessed with your devoted love. As am I. Although I must admit, I do feel as if I am slighting a beloved sister. Yet if it is for your comfort, I will withhold my affections.”
“Gratitude, Kias. It seems I do not fare well around rare men who hold great magic. Jezreel is blessed with a charming husband, fair to the eyes, and as beautiful an Elf as I have ever seen. I do wish we could embrace as family. Perhaps one day we shall. Just, not this day. In truth, I’ve never touched an Elf. I know not what effect we would have upon each other.”
“Ahh, but Elves hold great magic… even where Angels are concerned.”
The melodic voice coming from behind her and the soft hands now holding the backs of her arms, caused Jenevier to go stiff, halting her breath within her.
“Father, she wishes to stay at a distance, physically.” Kias smiled as he spoke. “Her heart is not withheld from us. I believe it only gracious we respect her wishes.”
“Kias, my dear son, she was invited into our home.” The Elven King leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I believe it would be a travesty on both our parts if we did not at least try to obey the customs of our ancient race. Especially this day. You agree, do you not?”
His warm, musky breath was hypnotic. He ran his hands down her arms and then slid them around her waist, embracing her from behind. Jenevier looked at her dear friend, but Jezreel was beginning to blur before her eyes. Her voice was barely above a whisper when next she could speak.
“Do not cast your spell here, Milord. The loss of you would be a tragic thing for your people.”
She swayed slightly. He only tightened his arms about her.
Jezreel could see the fear filling her dear friend’s beseeching eyes. “Father, please release her,” she quietly pleaded.
“I cannot, sweet daughter. It seems her magic matches my own.”
The Elven King brushed his lips across her neck and buried his nose in her curls.
Jenevier spoke to her friend through a dizzy haze. “Jezreel… remove his hands… before… before he dies.”
She grabbed Jenevier just as Kias wrapped his arms around his noble father, pulling them apart with great effort. The spell was broken.
Jenevier forcibly released the breath she had been holding and bent over double, resting her hands upon her knees… gasping loudly in-between words. “Why… can men… never… listen?”
“I’ve never felt anything like that before.” The King swayed again, his son held fast his arms. “What are you? And do not say Angel. I know Angels.”
“I am blended.” She coughed as she tried to fill her lungs. “I warned you, did I not?”
Alastyn came running out of nowhere, snatching her up in his arms. “What have you done to her? Who’s responsible for this?”
“All is well, my brave knight,” she whispered. “You can put me down now. It was just a misunderstanding.”
He gently lowered her to her feet, t
ucking her behind him as he turned to face the Elven King.
“Lord Dofarel, is what she says true? Was it an accident? Or does she now have to cover for your selfish actions?”
The King ignored Alastyn as he tried to look around him, searching for the colorful little Angel that now filled his mind. “What do you mean… blended?”
Alastyn cleared his throat, drawing the ancient man’s attention. “She is formed from a mighty Guardian, birthed by a noble woman, and remade together with the Prince of Hell. She is Mother of Angels, Guardian of Dragons, Empress of Jinn, and God’s own Death Angel.”
“And His healer as well,” Jezreel added.
“Yes,” Alastyn continued without breaking the King’s shocked gaze. “She is the Angel of Mercy and the Angel of Death. She is both light and dark. She is the embodiment of heaven and hell. If she says she is poison unto you, heed her words.”
“Apologies.” Dofarel inclined his head toward them. “Elves hold great magic. We can effortlessly commune with all beings. My arrogance alone has caused your discomfort, Empress. I humbly ask your forgiveness.”
Jenevier stepped out from behind her valiant defender. Alastyn wrapped a protective arm around her waist, pulling her close, keeping his body between her and the King.
“Do not bow to me, King Dofarel. I am the uninvited visitor amongst your people. It is my arrogance that has caused your discomfort, Your Grace.” She placed one hand in front of her chest as she quickly bowed and made ready to go. “Gratitude for your gracious hospitality, noble Elves, but I must take my leave now. I should not have come here. Alastyn.” She reached for his hand as she called his name.
