by Angel Lawson
Her dark eyes lock with mine, holding as the pleasure builds. There’s no question in her voice as she says, “You’ll follow my command and together we will shut down the Darkness. Shut the bitch down.”
I’m not a weak man. I’m a warrior. I’ve killed and slayed, but as the ecstasy jolts between us, an intensity of magic, lust and power, a different kind of thrill overtakes me. My Queen is here. Commanding. Demanding even as she succumbs, crying loud enough to echo the bottom floors of The Nead. Shockwaves roll through her body. She bites my lip, trembling, and I cling to her like a lifeline from one world to the next.
I spill inside of her, our bodies twitching in kind. Warmth runs through my veins—her cheeks are red. I hold her face between my hands and say, “As you wish,” although I have no idea what the next days will hold.
She smiles, regal and wise, a different look than I’ve seen on her before, and says, “Thank you, Guardian. Soon we will rule the world together.”
Chapter 18
Morgan
He follows me to my room and I ask questions. So many questions.
“Tell me everything about the Otherside. Tell me about the Morrigan. How did you get away? What are her soldiers like? The dungeons. Describe the dungeons.”
Dylan grits his teeth and answers, out of obligation. Hesitation tugs on every word—each answer. It goes on for hours.
“In her realm, the Morrigan looks like a woman. A queen. Her castle is where she spends the majority of her time as the lands around it are desolate and spoiled.”
“Why is it so cold?”
He shrugs. “In general, I think she wishes it to be that way, but I have theories that go back to her relationship with Cu. When she was a young goddess falling in love. There’s a heat to passion and when she shifted and embraced her title as Queen of Ravens, her blood ran cold. She thrives on it.”
“So she’s afraid of heat?”
“She’s afraid of everything.”
“Tell me about the dungeons,” I ask, leaning forward.
“Do you want to know about the dungeons or about the prisoners in them?”
He can’t say their names. I’m not sure I can, either.
“Both.”
The dungeons are under the castle, he tells me. Deep in the belly, under the tower on the north side. There is no daylight. No plumbing or electricity down there. The air is a different sort of cold. “Although we reside in human vessels, we were molded into cold-blooded birds. The cold doesn’t help. The inflicted wounds simply freeze. The blood hardens into ice. Because we can survive the conditions, it just provides more opportunity for torture.”
I ask the question I’ve kept to myself for weeks. “Do you think they’re dead?”
“I believe they pray to the gods that they were dead.”
So no. Just like Anita implied.
“Why would she keep them alive—give us any hope to get them back?”
He reaches for me, taking my hand and resting it on his chest, above the heat of his heart. “We’re bound. Connected. In all the ways we can help one another, we can also hurt each other. She’ll use their power for her own gain. The longer they are away from you, the more damage it does.” He chuckles. “I am a strong and virile man, Morgan, but even I can’t fulfill your ravenous needs.”
“But if I get them back,” I say. “I can heal them, right? I can fix this?”
He gives me a hard look. “It’s not so easy.”
“What makes you believe I think anything will be easy? We don’t even have access to the Otherside yet.”
“If you ever, by a miracle of the gods, got to the Otherside, the Morrigan would capture you in moments. Her guards and soldiers are legendary.”
I glance at the scars on his wrists. “You beat them.”
“I had one chance and I took it. I have little faith that if I saw Casteel again I would survive.”
“Casteel?”
“The Morrigan’s Commander. She may have eschewed love, but if she has anything close to a partner, it’s him.”
“And he did that to you?” I point to the scars.
His blue eyes have become hard like sapphires. He stands and walks across the room. “I paid him back.”
“So it is possible to fight back—and to escape.”
He shakes his head. “Don’t get your hopes up, Morgan.”
“So you’ve just given up?” My anger flares.
“I’m doing what they would want me to. Keep you safe. Fight to stop the virus.”
“Did they not come for you? Is that what this is about?” As soon as the words leave my mouth I know they are the wrong thing to say. He clams up and strides for the door. “Dylan, wait. Stop. I didn’t mean it.”
He looks at me sadly, neither of us happy or content. We’re in a shitty situation. A mess that is drowning us both. But unlike Dylan, I refuse to sink any further.
*
Fortified on the strength of my guardian, I spend the afternoon preparing for my mission. I got Dylan’s approval—at least for the moment. Sure, I know he basically agreed under the duress of magic and pussy, but it’s the best I could do. I wanted him to know. I need his strength. Most of all, I must have his cooperation.
As afternoon nears, I ask if he’ll visit Hildi and Andi and see if they need anything. While his jaw has the lax muscles of a man freshly fucked, his eyes carry shadows of concern. He’ll try to stop me, it’s in his nature and I adore him for it, but I need Dylan out of the way.
He leaves out the front door and I wait behind my closed door until he’s gone. His keen sense of my whereabouts failed the night before—I doubt it will again.
When I’m sure he’s off the property I slip downstairs, sneaking past the warmth of the kitchen. I take the stairway to the depths of the house, to the dungeon, where Marcus sits in the small lounge outside the cells.
“Hey,” he says, rubbing his eyes. It’s a boring job, but we set Hildi up with a computer and a comfortable bed. “What brings you down here?”
“How’s she doing?”
“The same. How long do you plan on keeping her down here?” Marcus glances at the monitors, checking up on Anita, who is sitting on her cot with her arms wrapped around her knees. Her hair is a mess. Her clothing is wrinkled and dirty.
“It’s been a week. I’m going to take her for a bath—see if a little reward will get her talking.”
He snorts. “Unlikely. She hasn’t said anything coherent since I’ve been here.”
“Any incidents?”
“Other than rambling nonsensically, no. She’s pretty docile.”
I’d hoped he would say that. I give him the signal to flip the lock and he does, the metal bar clicking when it springs. I’m hit by Anita’s stench the instant I enter. Marcus follows me in. “Maybe you can clean her cell while I’ve got her upstairs?”
“Upstairs?”
“There’s no shower down here.”
He rubs the back of his neck. “What does Dylan think about this?”
“It was his idea. He’s waiting upstairs.” I check my phone for the time. “He’s probably wondering where I am.”
Anita watches us as we approach her cell. She’s sitting the same as in the monitor. Knees bent, arms wrapped around them. Her eyes dart between us with mild interest.
“Get up,” I say, wrinkling my nose. She doesn’t move. “I know you’re used to your new digs but it’s time to clean up. Come on.”
She stands, slowly as though she’s not fully coherent. I hope it will make her more docile on the way up the stairs. I don’t have time for any of her bullshit. “Unlock the door, Marcus.”
He holds the ring of keys. It’s old fashioned but so are the cells. I suspect they’ve been down here way longer than the house above. Marcus hesitates. I get it. Anita is deadly. She’s an active contagion. I hold out my hand for the key. “She can’t infect you. It doesn’t bother the supernatural—just humans.”
Anita’s eyes light up at that and she la
ughs, baring her teeth.
“Turn around, psycho.” I fish the zip-tie out of my pocket. I’m not a fool. I won’t take her upstairs unbound. Marcus sighs with relief when he sees my measures. “It’s going to be fine.”
I hate lying to him. Just like I hate the fact that I’m a betraying liar when I yank Anita out of the cell and shove him inside, slamming the door between us.
“What the hell?” he screams.
I get my hands back on Anita, moving her where I can see her.
“Sorry. I can’t risk anyone coming upstairs right now.”
Marcus swallows, his dark eyes watching me. “What about Dylan?”
“We’ll be gone before he gets home.” Anita starts giggling next to me. I’m not even sure if she knows why. “I’m sure he’ll find you. Eventually.”
He shakes his head. “He’ll kill me.”
“I’ll tell him I was responsible. Don’t worry—he knows I’m a loose cannon.” I give him a sympathetic smile. “I’m not doing a bad thing. I’m trying to fix it, but I have to do it alone.” I glance at Anita. “Well, almost alone.”
“Whatever you’re about to do, Morgan, don’t. The Darkness is no joke.”
I spin and stare at the man behind bars. I barely know him. He’s an ally but to what extent? “I’m aware of the seriousness, Marcus. I opened that gate the first time. I let the Morrigan and her evil in.” I walk back over to him and his yellow-green snake eyes watch my every move. He flinches as I lean in. “I’m taking Anita. I’m saving my men, and I’m gonna make the bitch on the Otherside pay.”
He opens his mouth to speak but nothing, not a word, not a breath comes out when he realizes what’s about to transpire.
*
I turn the shower on and shove Anita inside. She’s still dressed. It’s not like those clothes won’t have to be burned anyway.
She shouts from the heat, getting a mouthful of water. I grab her hand and squeeze in nearly a full bottle of shampoo. “Clean up. I’m not spending the day next to you reeking like that.”
I’d laid out my outfit before I went downstairs. I didn’t want to tip Marcus off with the clothing I found in the training room supply closet. I’d been shocked when I found the sleek military pants with dozens of pockets and slits for weapons. The shirt is made of a durable material—halfway between summer and winter. Thin, but sturdy. It appears waterproof if not flame resistant. The boots are lightweight, good for fighting and running. I found my size amongst the much larger outfits clearly made for the Guard.
The fact I discovered them was no mistake. After breakfast, Davis asked me to find something downstairs—specifically suggesting I look in the closet for a length rope he needed. I found the rope, as well as the battle gear. He made no comment when I handed him what he’d asked for.
Maybe I’m not the only one that knows I need to make this move.
Anita showers and I slip into the outfit. The pants and shirt fit like a glove, seemingly sewn to fit my measurements. I look in the mirror, aware that the clothing alone makes me look like a badass. I feel like one, too. There’s a sheath for the sword Damien made me. I fasten it over my back, sliding the sword into place. When the water stops and Anita emerges from the steamy shower, her eyes pop when she sees me.
“It doesn’t matter what you wear,” she says, water dripping down her neck. “The Morrigan is going to eat you alive.”
I move quicker than lightning, clutching her chin with my hand. “I wonder what she’ll say when she sees you? Nothing more than my prisoner and pet.”
“The Morrigan loves me.” Her voice is a squeak but I see the calculation in her eyes. “She needs me.”
I laugh. “She needs me, too. And I’m going to be ready when she comes for me.”
I toss Anita clothes and watch as she tightens the belt around her skinny waist. Everything is too big. Anita is a waif. But when she’s finished, I tie her wrists back together, even though I know she desires going back through the gate more than I do.
“Why are you doing this?” she asks, genuine curiosity in her voice. “Why are you going to her? Because you can’t win, you know that, right?”
I decide to answer truthfully. “She took the men I love. She poisoned one into betraying me. I have debts to pay and bridges to burn because she used me. Used me to take out people like Xavier. Like Andi and thousands of others around the city. I’m not waiting for another death, for her to make another move.” I push her through the door before adding, “I’m not trying to win, Anita. I’m just trying to hold on and do what I can for the people I care about. Even if I don’t make it back, I can assure that they do.”
Chapter 19
Bunny
Casteel waits outside the door, just as he has for the last twenty-four hours. Obviously, the Queen wants me to know the pressure is on, that she expects the portal to reopen soon. I don’t mind. I’m eager as well, but I have no control over the slow-setting oil paint or the elements of magic infused in every brush stroke.
The commander of the Morrigan’s army doesn’t trust me. I see it in his face, in the way he watches my every move. I trust it’s both from his encounter with Dylan previously and the fact I betrayed Morgan. Sure, I did it for his Queen, but spies make people nervous and I know he’d have no qualms taking my life if it weren’t for the value of my skills.
I press a finger against the canvas, feeling for the stickiness. The hardened fabric springs back—implying it may finally be dry. With a glance at the doorway, I mutter the words that will bring the portal to life, barely registering the shadow on the other side. The colors swirl, all my efforts in creating the perfect image now a mess of impressionism. The runes lift, interlocking with one another until they twist and separate. I feel the familiar gust of my former realm, the heat on my face.
I have one task on the Otherside and I plan to accomplish it today. I’ll bring the third back to the Morrigan and seal the gate forever.
Chapter 20
Morgan
Even Anita can’t hide her awe when I bring her into Bunny’s studio. His work is amazing. Overwhelming, even. It’s like being in the presence of a truly gifted master, and I know now that this gift is what doomed us all.
I drag her before the painting that called to me the last time we were here. Something in my gut tells me it’s the right one. I don’t know if the Shaman gave me that sense or if I had it all along. It doesn’t matter now.
“This is your big plan?” Anita asks. “Taking me back to my Queen? Sure, sign me up.”
“You’re a means to an end,” I snap back. “But I’m glad you’re happy to be headed to the gallows.”
She laughs, the same cackling, deranged one she’s had since her brother died. “How much of your soul did you pay to access the gate? Fifty percent? All of it?”
“Shut up.”
I step before the painting, already feeling the churn of magic. I put on a good face but I’m terrified. Petrified, really, of what’s on the Otherside. But there’s no other choice—not that I can see—not that Dylan has given me. Christensen told me this would be the way. I would make the sacrifice; so even in my fear, I’m ready.
I’m ready.
The word the Shaman gave me is on the tip of my tongue when a cold gust blows through the studio. Frigid air tosses papers and tips over jars of brushes and tools. Canvases crash to the floor. I glance at Anita, but she’s staring at the painting, a look of gleeful delight on her face.
I follow her gaze and see that the painting is no longer of a castle, it’s a twisted swirl, shimmering and alive. Focusing on the tiny window, the one I’d seen a figure in days before, I watch as it moves from yellow to gold and widens larger and larger until the whole space is consumed by a gaping hole.
I step forward, dragging the still-bound Anita with one hand as I unsheathe my sword and hold it before me. Only the gods know what waits for us, but that cold air and dank smell make me think it’s nothing friendly.
“Don’t try anything,”
I say to Anita.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me,” the girl says, her blue eyes vibrant with life. “But I can’t say the same about him.”
*
Bunny stands in the portal, copper eyes behind his askew glasses and hair gleaming. He looks drained and exhausted, but there’s something else. Something dangerous, like a wounded animal or desperate man.
Something tells me he’s both.
I hold the sword between us, the jewels Damien forged in the hilt glinting. “How dare you come back here,” I say. “I should gut you.”
“But you won’t.” It’s not a question. The cold wind of the portal still rips through the room. “Give her to me. That’s all I want.”
“I’m sure it is.” I shake my head. “You fooled me once, Bunny. You don’t get the option to do it again.”
“Give her to me,” he says again. “It’s how we end this.”
“We?” I laugh. “You’re kidding, right? Tell me, how are the ’we’ living in the dungeons? Are they still alive? Do their hearts still beat? Or do you listen to their cries of pain and continue with the bidding of the Morrigan?”
He pales at the mention of the Ravens. “I’m giving you a chance, Morgan. Go, take Dylan and go. Leave this place. He can help you hide and you’re both immune to the virus.”
The reality of his words slam into me. “You’re suggesting we run and let the world succumb to the Darkness? You think I’m a coward? You certainly know better than that about your fellow Guardian.”
He glances around the room. “Don’t pretend Dylan knows of this venture. He would agree with me.”
“I doubt that.” But Dylan had said it himself. The others wouldn’t want saving. They would want me safe and protected. Is that why this has taken so long? Is he keeping me from going to confront and destroy the Morrigan? My head hurts from the confusion, the betrayal and deceit.
I take a step closer to Bunny. He doesn’t budge and his hand coils into a fist. “Understand something, former Guardian. I’m going to save my mates. I am bound to them, I will heal them, and I will not allow them to be used by the Darkness as long as I am alive.”
