Claws and scales faded under his gaze then Uvem and two of his father’s best warriors came close.
“Quickly,” Uvem shouted to the males as two more rushed in. “The mantle will pass soon.”
The mantle. The source of power for all Dracol sects.
Varyk shivered and wrapped an arm about his sister’s shoulders. She leaned her weight into him, her body shaking hard enough he feared her teeth would shatter. Tears shimmered on her lids then fell, but she didn’t make a sound as she cried.
The five gathered dropped to their knees, heads bowed in preparation. His father’s body arched from the floor as his Dracol passed into the next life. A soft breeze flowed into the room, kicking up into a fierce wind within moments. Bright red blood ran in a trail toward Varyk’s foot as he huddled on the floor, and lowered his head to the top of his sister’s.
As the mantle left Core it would seek another to be the next King, but only from those present. Varyk had never witnessed the passing of the power structure. His father had become king of the Green long before his birth and years before his mating to Teela. A part of Varyk knew he should care that his father lay dead only feet away, but horror kept him from moving.
A blast of energy shot out in waves unchecked as it sought a new source to house the base of the Green. The males, strong warriors, cried out. Muscles strained as their bodies attempted to harness the power of the mantle. Varyk’s grip on his sister tightened
It wouldn’t last long. Mere moments according to the lessons he’d studied. That was Varyk’s last clear thought before agony burst in his chest.
“Varyk!” Milana yelled his name.
Dimly, he realized he’d lost his hold on his sister. Pain ravaged and Varyk fell backward. Nothing in his short life had prepared him for such agony, though young his Dracol attempted to come to his aid. Small surges from his essence attempted to counter the fury and confusion battering at him, seeking acceptance.
Fire blazed up his back and shattered screams ripped past Varyk’s clenched teeth. He rolled to his front, his hands stretching out toward Milana for help. She scrabbled over the floor, diving for him, their fingertips brushing before Uvem hooked an arm about her waist.
“No.” The man whom Varyk looked to for guidance as his father slipped into madness pulled Milana away and tossed her to one of the now standing guards.
Betrayed, Varyk could only stare, but the image of Uvem’s concerned features blurred as the screams of hundreds poured into his head. Varyk flopped onto his back. His lips parted to beg for help but only a broken whimper escaped.
When Uvem knelt beside him, Varyk felt on the verge of dying.
“I am here.” Gentle hands brushed sweat soaked hair from his forehead. Varyk shuddered and sensed an easing of the avalanche. “Relax. Don’t fight.”
Dry of mouth, he gasped, “W-what’s happening?”
Instead of responding, Uvem cupped his jaw and studied his face in silence. Regret flashed before he turned away to announce in a clear voice, “Long live King Varyk of the Green.”
Who? Who would replace his father? More important, where was his sister?
Another bout of wrenching pain slashed at his gut.
“Look at me, King Varyk.”
The grip on his chin tightened with brutal force. Varyk’s eyes glazed, but he managed to focus. “Yes, Uvem.”
The man he considered as close as an uncle smiled, a tinge of relief lighting his gaze. “Very good. Now reach for the mantle and give it to me.”
Varyk flinched and instinct prevailed. The Dracol deep within him flush with power even as it burned to contain it, refused the order. “N...no.”
“You must. Listen to me.” Uvem shook Varyk’s head for good measure. “You are far too young to hold the mantle. It will kill you. I’ll hold it until you’re older and pass it back.”
A frown creased Varyk’s brow and he tried to make sense of the words. The mantle only transferred through death. More alarm flared at the thought. “I don’t want to die, Uvem.”
This time Uvem’s smile strained. Warm arms pulled and cradled Varyk close. “You won’t. The mantle has chosen and chosen well but…you won’t survive. The Green aren’t ready to follow you yet, my king. But they will. One day when you rise to take your place, all will know the might of King Varyk of the Green.”
Voices cried out in the back of his head, joined by screams of desperation. It was the call of his people seeking reassurance. They knew their king had fallen and needed direction. Needed someone to lead.
Varyk curled his fists at his side and tried not to collapse beneath the weight of the energy pouring into him. He didn’t know what to do.
“Varyk, don’t leave me!”
Milana. Varyk tried to twist about to see her, but weakness prevented the effort. His Dracol cried out, no longer able to withstand the onslaught. Varyk reached for his sister in distress. “Milana, help me!”
“King Varyk. Please.” Uvem’s voice took on a desperate pleading edge Varyk had never heard him use.
Tears streaked his cheeks. Varyk tipped back his head to face his only hope. He didn’t know what else to do. “Help me, Uvem.”
“Very good.” Uvem cupped his face in both hands and leaned forward. “Trust me.”
Green streams of vapor unfurled from Uvem’s nose. Without being told, Varyk opened his mouth and inhaled deeply. Poisonous to others, the essence of the Green filled him. Instead of pain, relief eased the burn tearing through his back.
“Now let it go,” Uvem snapped on a command.
Varyk jerked, his back arching as something ripped down his spine. He screamed one long note of terror and green vapors burst from his eyes, mouth and nose. Uvem leaned forward and parted his lips as multiple ribbons flowed into his mouth. He closed his eyes and consumed all that made the mantle.
Varyk slumped over when the last of it drained. Uvem leaned over him, resting their heads together and whispered, “You will be a king among kings. I vow it.”
Books by Michelle
Warlords
* Honor Bound (Book 1 Warlord Series)
* The Overlord’s Heir (Book 2 Warlord Series)
* A King’s Revenge (Book 3 Warlord Series)
* Rise of the Shadow Warriors (Book 4 Warlord Series)
* A Warlord’s Heart (Book 5 Warlord Series)
* Unexpected Bride (Book 6 Warlord Series)
* Unleashing a Warrior (Books 1-3 Warlord Series boxset)
Alpha Squad
* Project Genesis (Alpha Squad)
Harmony
* No Reason to Run (A Harmony Novel)
Sci-Fi Romance
* Mating Urge (Love in the Stars 1)
* Love Like No Other (Love in the Stars 2)
* Wired For Love
A World Beyond
* Torkel’s Chosen (A World Beyond Book 1)
* Arak’s Love (A World Beyond Book 2)
* Lindsey’s Rescue (A World Beyond Book 3)
* Kyele’s Passion (A World Beyond Book 4)
* Rydak’s Fall (A World Beyond Book 5)
* Jaron’s Promise (A World Beyond Book 6)
Paranormal
* Taste of Wicked (1)
* Rylin’s Fire (A Novel of the Dracol Book 1)
* Relentless Fire (A Novel of the Dracol Book 2)
About the Author
USA Bestselling Author Michelle Howard dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago but never thought it was possible. Now, she couldn’t be happier. She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances by Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood and a host of others.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @mhowardwrites
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Website: www.michellehowardwrites.com
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