In the great hall, decorations covered the walls and ceiling. Dozens of demons had already gathered dressed in their finest. Drake took his seat beside Daron and greeted some of the guests. Music started playing as more people flocked inside. Yet Drake felt the unspoken tension in the atmosphere. He scanned the crowd but found no sign of the Illuminaris yet.
Come on, Charlie, where are you?
“It’s going to be a memorable night, brother.” Daron grinned, raising his goblet.
“Indeed it is.”
A hushed silence descended as a blonde woman dressed in a flowing silver gown came in her blue tattoos glittering with her dress.
“Excuse me.” Drake leapt from the dais and stalked through the crowd. He found Charlie dressed in a long silver evening gown with her hair tied back and silver tingeing in her eyes. Drake ignored Scott by her side and pulled her into his arms, kissing her long and hard. He didn’t care who saw them, she was the only thing that mattered to him.
“Hello, stranger,” she murmured against his lips.
“I missed you.”
“You only saw me a few hours ago.” She grinned.
“A few hours too long.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her across the room.
Has Daron done anything yet? she asked.
Not yet. He’ll wait until the moon is at its highest point no doubt.
I still don’t like this idea, Charlie said. If Daron becomes stronger too… What if something goes wrong and he overpowers you? I know I have your ring but—
But you mustn’t use it. Remember, Charlotte, you’re not allowed to interfere with the fight.
Why do you have to fight him at all? We have enough evidence.
I have to do this, little witch. It’s the only way. He touched her cheek.
He turned to Daron, Charlie glued to his side. “Brother, you remember Charlotte, don’t you? My life mate.” Drake felt her tense as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Daron.” She gave him smile that showed too much teeth. “Long time no see.”
Why the hell are you telling him I’m your life mate? You said you didn’t want anyone to know I’m your weakness, she said to Drake.
You’re not my weakness, you’re my strength, he assured her.
“Hello, Charlotte.” Daron rose and kissed her cheek. “Nice to see you again. Please enjoy the festivities.”
“Remind me to scrub my face later,” she muttered once Daron had moved on.
Drake chuckled. “Come on, let’s dance.”
Charlie grabbed his hand and didn’t stop until they were outside in the courtyard. “How can you be so calm, right now?” she demanded. “What if something goes wrong?”
“It won’t.”
“Drake, your confidence is one of the things I love about you but now is not the time to get cocky.”
“I’m never cocky,” he assured her and grinned.
She jabbed him in the ribs. “Will you please—”
He cut her off with a kiss. “Relax, love. We’ll get through this together.”
She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. “Good, because if you die on me I will kick your arse.”
“Let’s just enjoy ourselves. I want to dance with you.”
She bit her lip. “I don’t dance. I’m not very good at it.”
“Lucky for you I am.” He took her hand wrapped his other arm around her waist. Together they danced under the glowing red moon and Drake waited for the inevitable to come.
***
When the moon became steadily full, they headed back inside the great hall. Drake stalked across the room towards Daron. Charlie feared what he might do. As if she didn’t have enough to worry about already. But she couldn’t lose him again.
Daron rose when they came in. “Ah, the imp is still here.”
“I’m not an imp.” She crossed her arms. “I’m a witch demon; actually I like the term shadow walker best.”
Drake raised his hand. Daron started to choke, clutching at his throat as he struggled for breath. “Did you kill Arya and our parents?”
“What – no!” Daron clutched his throat. “Stop!”
“Tell the truth.” Drake’s eyes bled to black.
Daron’s eyes bulged as he struggled for breath. “Yes…”
“Why?” Drake let go, causing Daron to fall to the floor. “How could you?”
Daron sputtered. “Because Papa would’ve killed us. He wanted to join the Covenant, ally with the fey of all people! His reign needed to end, and I wanted his power.”
“You never had to kill Mama to do that much less Arya.”
Charlie snorted. “He would’ve killed you given the chance and would have too if I hadn’t stopped him.”
Daron glared at her. “I knew I recognised you from somewhere. Drake, can’t you see? She’s trying to turn you against me,” he snapped. “How can you believe her over me? I would never have…”
“Because I trust her more than I’ve ever trusted anyone.” Drake grabbed his brother by the throat.
“Drake, you can’t kill him.” Charlie touched his arm. “You’re not a murderer.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Charlotte. I’ve killed when I’ve had to. I’m no angel.”
“I know that but you’re not a cold-blooded killer either.” If he killed Daron it might not be something he could come back from and she couldn’t lose him again. “He’s still your brother, you can’t kill him. Arya wouldn’t want that either.”
Drake punched Daron in the face, then muttered something in Demonish. “Your powers are now bound. I’ll be sure everyone learns the truth now.”
Drake kept hold of Daron as they shimmered to the great hall and he let out a loud roar made the walls around them vibrate. Charlie winced but knew he had to show everyone Daron’s betrayal. She wanted to rush the dungeon to find her mother, but she stayed in place. She was a demon too and the Akaran had just called every demon in the city to appear before them. Dozens of male and female demons shimmered in, their eyes wide.
“For millennia, this man has ruled in my stead.” Drake kept a firm hold on Daron. “But he is a deceiver. It is I who am the true Akaran. As your true leader, I’m here to tell you Daron is the one who killed Thaddeus, my father and the last Akaran along with my mother and sister. For this he will be punished.”
A murmur rang through the crowd.
“How do we know this is true?” someone spoke up.
“I saw it, as did my mate, Charlotte.”
Charlie tried not to flinch under their gazes.
“Daron, do you confess to your crimes?”
Daron glared daggers at Charlie. “Yes, but I did the right thing. My brother abandoned us the moment he came to power, why would you choose him over me?” he demanded. “Haven’t I—”
“Hundreds of died because of you. We follow the true Akaran,” someone yelled, and shouts rang out.
“Our law states he must be put to death,” Seth spoke up.
“This isn’t punishment enough from what he took from me,” Drake said. “As Akaran I can choose his punishment. I say he should be judged by a Denai and have the touch used on him. That way he’ll suffer the pain he’s caused for eternity, even in death.”
“Witches are forbidden in Kyral,” another demon spoke up.
“That law is hereby abolished. The witches are our allies – my life mate is a Denai too.”
Please don’t drag me into this, she told him as more glares came her way.
“Yes, she’s a witch. She’s turned…” Daron said.
“Anyone who dares harm my mate will suffer at my hand,” Drake growled. “Daron will be locked up until—”
“I’ll do it,” Charlie blurted out the words before she could stop herself.
The room fell silent.
Charlie, what are you doing? Drake snapped.
You need a Denai to pass judgement on him. I’ll do it. She walked over to them.
No, I’
ll call Cate or your grandmother Ceri.
It would take too long for them to get here and I’m the only other Denai who can compel demons.
Charlotte, I can’t you let you kill him.
I’m not. He’s done that himself.
The other demons muttered between themselves, as Daron struggled against Drake’s grip. “You can’t let her touch me. I deserve an honourable death.”
“You deserve nothing,” Drake snarled, forcing Daron to his knees.
Daron glared at her. “I knew you were nothing but trouble, imp.”
Charlie grinned, feeling a sense of calm come over her as her Denai training kicked in. “That’s why you teamed up with my mother, too. You knew you’d get rid of me and get the Illuminari leader all in one go,” she said. “For the record, I’m all witch.” She wrapped her fingers around his throat, Daron’s eyes turning black as she unleashed the power of her touch.
Denais punished the guilty by forcing them to suffer all the pain they caused others. It crippled them, and they would suffer it even in death. Charlie had never used her touch on the living before – only a couple of times on spirits. Death by the touch was considered a fate worse than death and only used on the worst kind of criminals.
Charlie felt her power jolt from her into Daron, shaking the air around them like thunder without sound. She pulled back, knowing she wouldn’t have long before the deadly magic killed him. “Did you murder your parents and sister?”
The touched person could never lie once under a witch’s control. Daron nodded. “Yes, I wanted the power of the Akaran. I tried to kill Drake too, but you stopped me.”
“Did you team up with my mother Irina?”
“Yes, I wanted you gone. Plus, I learnt their location.” Daron tried to reach for her. “Please, my lady, forgive me.”
Charlie shoved his hand away in disgust. “It’s just the magic. You don’t truly feel guilty for anything.”
Daron screamed as blood dripped from his nose then he slumped to the floor, dead. Drake incinerated the body with a fireball, then took her hand. “Call the meeting. I want to talk to every leader of every clan. Any who refuse I’ll summon by force. We’ll meet tomorrow morning.”
Charlie felt numb as Drake led her out into an empty hall.
“Are you alright?” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You shouldn’t have had to do that.”
She let out a breath. “Yes, I did. I saw what he did too, and I had to be the one to pass judgement.” She rested her head against him as he pulled her in for a hug. “What happens now?”
“I have to talk to all the leaders. Tell them to become part of the Alliance. I doubt many will object,” he said. “Then we’re leaving.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re the Akaran, you belong here.”
“No, my place is with the Alliance. I’ll choose someone to be my representative here. This hasn’t been my place for a long time.” He stroked her cheek. “I promise I’ll do what I can for your mother.”
Chapter 10
The next morning after learning Daron had had Irina arrested Drake and Charlie headed straight for the dungeons to see her. In the chaos that had followed after Daron’s demise they’d both forgotten about Irina. The Illuminari leader sat on a steel bunk, the blue markings covering her arms and legs looked black in the dim light. Drake had wanted to keep her there a while longer but knew Charlie wouldn’t let him. He thought it might give the Illuminari some time to think on some of her past mistakes.
“Charlie.” Irina shot to her feet and came over to the bars. “Please let me out of here.” Irina looked at Drake. “You know now my people and I had nothing to do with your family’s deaths.”
Drake scowled. “Yes, but you still tried to split us up and break our link.”
Charlie waved a hand. “She couldn’t though because we already have a partial bond.”
Drake wrapped an arm around her. He couldn’t believe they’d been connected for so long. He knew it must’ve kept him grounded when he’d almost lost himself to darkness over the last few centuries of misery. “I can’t release you, Irina, even if I wanted to. The Grand Mistress has ordered you be brought to Setara to face judgement for several crimes.”
Charlie gaped at him. “Why didn’t you mention that?” she hissed.
He rubbed the back of his head, feeling at a loss for words. He hadn’t wanted to mention it but knew he wouldn’t have been able to keep it a secret long. Because I’ve been trying to figure a way out of it.
“There is something that might help your cause,” he said to Irina.
“Which is?”
“Come with me to my meeting. Swear allegiance to me and the Alliance. Your people won’t have to be hunted or outcasts anymore. You’ll be recognised as a true demon clan.”
Irina’s eyes narrowed. “Why would I do that?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do.” Charlie squeezed Drake’s hand. “I’ll always be loyal to my family and Drake’s part of that. I’d like you to be part of my life too, but you need to start proving you’re trustworthy to everyone first.”
Irina shook her head and glowered at Drake, pointing. “His people have—”
“Both sides carry blame,” Drake said. “I’m asking you to let go of the past and forge a new future. One of peace. Your people are dying out; don’t you want to live in the open?”
Irina gave him a hard look. “You truly love her, don’t you? You must do to consider peace with my people.”
Drake wrapped an arm around Charlie. “More than life. She’s already proved how strong she is. Time for you to do the same.”
Irina paced. “You don’t know what you’re asking of me.”
“We’re asking you to do the right thing for once,” Charlie snapped. “Look, you’re never going to be the kind of mother I want but you could at least do this one thing for me. You owe me that much.”
“I tried to save you, didn’t I?” Irina demanded. “I would’ve showed you how to use your powers, to be a true Illuminari.”
“No, you tried taking me away from the love of my life and made me stay in Alanon without even asking me how I felt about it!”
Drake bit back a smile. He loved her fire.
“It won’t get me out of prison, will it?” Irina asked, crossing her arms.
“No, but it would look good in front of the council and the Grand Mistress,” he said. “You spied on Seline McCray and other council leaders; your fate lies with the current Grand Mistress now.”
Irina gave a harsh laugh. “I gave them my only daughter, you’d think that would be enough.” She pouted. “Fine, I’ll go to your meeting.”
Drake felt his heart pounding as he waited for every demon leader to convene in the meeting hall. He hadn’t played any part in politics before, even working for Niara had excluded him from that, and he only had a vague recollection of his father bringing the clans together. Still, Charlie had come back to him; having her there gave him strength.
Twelve men and women gathered around the huge round table. Was this all that remained of the clan leaders? No, he sensed there were a few more. There had been over fifty demon clans back in his father’s day.
So few clans, so much animosity. Demons weren’t a peaceful bunch, but they’d never been so blood thirsty before the first great war. Would he really be able get them to swear loyalty to the Alliance?
“Thank you all for coming.” He kept his expression neutral. An Akaran never showed true emotion in situations like this or it’d be seen as a sign of weakness. “I called you all here to—”
“You want us all to swear loyalty to the fucking Alliance.” Garth, leader of the rage demons spoke up. “You’re out of your mind, Drakon. Just as you’re mad for bedding a witch.”
Drake gripped the table, forcing himself to remain calm. “That witch is my life mate, and no, I’m not mad. Demonkind are scattered, divided. It’s time we all joined together.”
“Why can’t you do that?” asked Ro
an, leader of the sage demons. “Isn’t it the Akaran’s job to do just that?”
“Yes, but it’s also my job to lead our people out of obscurity. Look at us.” Drake waved a hand. “My brother forced most of you to remain in this country, those here don’t live in the modern world with tech and advancement. I’ve seen very little of that during my time here.”
“Demons are still treated like scum,” Dalia, another leader spoke up. “Even you.”
“Am I?” Drake arched an eyebrow. “I’ve worked with the council and the Alliance almost all my life. I created a division where races work together to keep the peace – more than even enforcers do. Let’s show the other races we deserve a place among them.”
“Fine words for a man who’s worked for the council for centuries—a council which excludes demons,” said Garth.
“What of the witch?” asked Dalia. “She is Illuminari, why should we trust her?”
“My witch is kin to the Grand Mistress and the Serenity. She has no loyalty to her mother’s people, but I do have someone already willing to sign.” He unrolled a piece of parchment, a treaty to pledge loyalty to the Alliance and its allies.
The doors opened, Charlie came in leading Irina by her chains.
Many of the demons muttered curses, uneasy at the sight of the Illuminari leader. One of the very beings who had infiltrated the clans.
Irina held her head high. Drake knew if she were anything like her daughter she wouldn’t cower before these people. “As leader of the Illuminari I pledge my loyalty and that of my people to the Alliance.”
Garth scoffed. “You’re only doing it because you’ll be put to death soon.”
“No, I’m doing the right thing.” Irina met the other demon’s gaze. “With this treaty we’ll be free and no longer hunted – that was the agreement. We and all demons—” Her lip curled. “Are equal and protected by this agreement.”
“The treaty here signed has already been by my aunt and the leaders of the Phoenix, Ashrali, Nuardan and shifters.” Charlie motioned to the table. “See for yourselves. The treaty is legal and binding. It can’t be undone.” She handed Irina her knife. All treaties had to be sealed by blood.
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