He grabbed me again, this time holding tighter and ripping the sword from my side. I cried out as I watched my beautiful glowing star be taken from me. His long strides pulled me along, and with his strength, I was unable to fight it. He dragged me through the familiar route to my bedroom. He opened the door and tossed me inside as though I were a doll. The door slammed shut and I heard the click of the lock.
I pushed myself from the floor, a layer of dust attached to me. Nothing in my room had changed since I left. Now, just a blanket of dust covered everything as though it had been frozen in time.
I moved toward the windows, pulling open the curtains and looking out at the night as the sky turned scarlet with Bloodtide. I could almost hear the people celebrating and I let the curtain fall, hating myself for returning to my prison. Thinking that I would be accepted—or even welcomed—home.
As I looked up to the dim stars, I realized I missed Astrea. Empyrea and even Asphodel. There I had freedom. There I was accepted.
I shook my head, and dropped onto the bed in dismay. A cloud of dirt puffed up and I choked for a minute.
“Is this what you were so excited to return to?” I spun around, seeing his form in the Shadow. Demetri laughed, but there was an edge of somber in his voice.
I ran to him, pressing myself against him and letting his arms encircle me back into safety. My eyes watered and I squeezed them shut. “I thought I'd never see you again.”
“How are we supposed to keep our deal if we never see each other?”
“Except I'm not Queen. Gwen was wrong,” I said.
“Gwen is never wrong.” He released me and held my shoulders, forcing me to look him in the eye. “If she says you'll be queen, you will be.”
I shook my head, turning away from him. “There's no way for me to become Queen except to duel—”
Demetri was nodding. “You need to challenge your sister, beat her, and take her throne.”
Voices sounded on the other side of the door. Demetri's lips crashed against mine, pressing my body against his, only a second.
When the door opened, he was gone. Without warning, the two guards dragged me up to Ligeia's tower. She gave a nod of thanks as I entered without a struggle. No need for her to get the satisfaction of my disapproval.
The Doctor gave a sickly sweet smile, gesturing to the chair. The entire room was encased in the darkness of the night, giving me the comfort of the Shadow. My hand wrapped around the handle of my dagger instinctively. My eyes widened in realization. They had thought me so worthless that they didn't even check me for any other weapons. I pulled it from my boot gently, hiding it behind my back as I rose, standing tall.
“You will be punished for what you've done.” The words flowed from me as though guided by Goddess herself. I stepped forward, Ligeia's face shifting. She looked to the door where the guards had left us behind.
She moved toward me, ready to push me into the chair herself, but I whipped the dagger to the side, slashing into her arm. She cried out, holding her wound. I waited for the blood to stop dripping through her fingers, but her cut didn't heal.
My anger grew, “Let me leave or I will tell everyone your secret.”
Ligeia met my eyes, letting go of her arm and letting the blood flow freely onto the floor. “You dare threaten me, runt?”
She darted toward the tables, grabbing a long knife used to slice flesh and lashing it out at me. “I ran just like you did. My own people chased me away. Until I came to Akeldama. It was my chance at a new life. All I needed to do was convince the King I could save his precious daughter.”
She had too much ground on me. The knife flew dangerously close to my face. I hit her wrist and she nearly dropped her makeshift weapon with the new injury.
“You used me to look for a way to fix yourself,” I said, missing the woman by an inch with another slash. I laughed. “You are no match for me. You never were.”
I immediately took the advantage, backing her into a corner, the dagger at her throat. I watched the blood pool at the base of her neck. Despite her height, she cowered before me, sputtering out words that begged for mercy.
“Please,” she said, tears flowing from her eyes. I knew nothing had changed. She was still just as evil as she ever had been.
“Open the door.” I used the dagger to guide her. And once the slit of light came in, I dragged her back to the chair, strapping her into it. I jogged out of the room and closed the door quickly, silencing her screams only a little. I exhaled, turning around and preparing to make my escape.
Two guards watched me with feigned disinterest. They grabbed me and looked to each other. “What do we do with her now?”
The other one responded in a growl, tightening his grip. “The Queen. Let her sort this out.”
They dragged me to the throne room. Bryony sat on the Fifth Throne. She squinted, looking much older. They went wide in recognition. “What is this?” Her voice was bored, but her eyes were fiery, her shoulders tense. “Bring in the General!”
Anten entered the room less than a minute later. A layer of sweat glistened but he showed no other sign of fatigue from the run. “Yes, your Majesty?”
She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. Her lips were a thin line as she gestured to me.
“We found Elara wandering to the northwest during our patrol. She was hiding within the Stalker's castle there.”
“And why wasn't I notified? How...?” Bryony's voice trailed off. That one word held so many questions.
“We have soldiers searching every inch of the ruins. Though she has insisted there are no Stalkers, I am convinced she did not do this alone.” He lifted my sword, still sheathed, as if to show Bryony evidence.
My heart clenched, praying that the others had gotten away before the patrol came too close.
“Have you betrayed us, sister?” Bryony asked, jerking me out of my thoughts. She hadn't referred to me as sister since we were children. “Where have you been all these years? Why do you carry the weapon of our enemy?” She rose to her feet, slowly walking toward me as she examined me. When she came close enough, she looked to Anten. An unspoken question in her eyes.
Before I could respond, loud shouts came from the hall. I turned my head, watching the closed door with everyone else. They slammed open in unison, two guards fidgeting to get out of the way fast enough.
A pile of Red soldiers held on to a mass of black hair. My eyes caught sight of the purple in the mix. Gwen. Keiran shouted, fighting every step of the way. “One wrong move, thief, and I promise I won't hesitate!” one told Keiran, a sword to his back, as though to further the insult, it was Keiran's own sword.
Zander had several extra guards holding on to him, as though he had already made his attempt. Thana was dragged within a net, unfazed other than the disappointment across her face. I wondered how many people she had sent to the far reaches of the world before they caught her.
And Demetri was held by more guards than Zander. Several of the guards held torches near them, dripping oil onto my friends. They were brought near me, and I gave them as much as a silent apology as I could. But why hadn't they returned to the Underworld? Why had they stayed? I exhaled with regret as I looked them over. This was all my fault. They had stayed for me. To ensure I was safe.
Gwen was held tight, and I saw tears in her eyes. Keiran refused to look at me, anger radiated from him in waves. Zander and Keiran were both ready for any opportunity to strike out to rescue their Prince.
I met Demetri's eyes. They showed no anger toward me. He gave a small smirk and the guard behind him kicked at his legs, forcing him to his knees.
Bryony looked over us, beginning to laugh. “This is your great ambush? A band of misfits led by a runt?” The room rumbled with laughter, vibrating in my rib cage I lowered my head in humiliation.
“They just were returning me home,” I said. My voice so low, I wondered if Bryony could hear it.
“Home?” the Queen laughed. “This is not your home. You are
nothing here. Just another runt too many.” I looked to my newfound friends in shame. “But to align yourself with these...” She gazed over the others in disgust. “It's treason. The punishment is death.” She turned to Anten. “Take these criminals and the traitor to the coliseum. Announce a special event for Bloodtide.” A murderous smile crossed her face.
Hesitation passed over Anten as he turned to me, but he strode forward and nodded to his warriors. He wound ropes around my wrists, preparing to tug me along like an animal to slaughter. If he felt any sympathy, he hid it well. Until then, I had hoped my friendship with Anten may still be alive within some part of him. But now I knew it was long gone. He probably had many children and brood mothers throwing themselves at him.
Once secured, they led us from the palace. Two guards dragged Demetri by either arm behind us, not allowing him the dignity to walk. The others followed with little compliance at the sight of the treatment of their Prince. Guards held torches around the group to scare away the retreating Shadow as the sun rose over the desert.
Passersby hurled rotten vegetables, joining the parade to the coliseum. Being at the front, I got the brunt of the damage. Thieves, scum, murderers, they yelled. Once I had seen the Stalkers that way. As scoundrels who pillaged and raided whenever the sun wasn't watching. But when I looked back to my friends, their heads held high, I followed suit. They had a different word for me. Traitor.
We entered the coliseum. They tossed Demetri to the ground, pointing their spears and swords at him to ensure he stayed there. The guards corralled Thana, Gwen, Zander, and Keiran. The sun splashed crimson light over the arena like blood as the crowds grew. I was forced to my knees in front of a large smooth stone. Anten retied my hands behind my back, and the rope was tethered to a post.
It felt like hours before Bryony arrived at the coliseum, entering to the thunder of a thousand cheers.
She drank in the attention, taking her time to make it to me. As she approached, Anten forced my head down onto the hot stone, tightening the ropes and placing a boot on my back.
“There is only one just punishment for a traitor!” Bryony yelled.
“Death! Death! Death!” The crowd chanted, roaring with excitement. My heart thudded with the beat.
She began to pull her sword out, the metal ringing like an instrument.
“How about a real fight?” Demetri yelled, throwing the guards off of him and managing make it halfway to me before they could restrain him.
The boot was removed from my back, and I glared at Anten as he allowed me to rise.
Bryony only smiled, raising her shield. “Very well, Prince of Darkness. I will claim the honor of your kill. And once I am through you, I'll kill the runt.”
The guards released Demetri, giving him his own weapon. He raised it to the air and Bryony smacked her blade against his. He blocked with ease, pushing Bryony back as he dodged her blows. She moved slower than him, and his sword peppered her with cuts, healing before even a drop of Blood could be lost.
Most Shadow hid from the high sun, and Demetri was at a disadvantage without Shading, unable to dodge the heavy swings of Bryony's sword. She slashed with vigor, a snarl planted on her face.
While still unscathed, Demetri's steps began to falter. Bryony advanced on him. He met my eyes and I looked to the Pits. Wisps of Shadow reached out from the many holes, offering their assistance to the Prince. He followed my gaze, and with renewed vigor, pushing Bryony back. Minutes passed, and I knew Demetri could win if he sapped Bryony's strength. Forced her to keep healing until her Blood grew weak.
While cheers and taunts normally filled the arena during a fight, everyone remained silent, watching with absolute attention as the two royals fought. Their haughty breath heard from a distance.
Bryony's blade slashed out unexpectedly, Demetri jumped back, but the blade sliced across his chest, blood spraying from Bryony's sword.
Demetri fell to his knees, clutching his chest with his free arm. My heart plummeted. He held the sword out at Bryony, not standing. She laughed, raising her arms in victory. She lifted her sword, preparing to make the final blow.
“Wait!” I yelled, jumping forward in front of Demetri. “I challenge you for the Fifth Throne.”
Bryony laughed, and the crowd quickly joined her. “The people will never follow a runt.”
I kept my chin up, breathing hard in a sudden surge of anger. “I am your older sister, firstborn daughter of King Elarik, rightful heir to the Throne. And I challenge you.” I rose to my feet, watching as Bryony's face shifted.
“General, prepare the traitor for the execution,” she ordered Anten, but he made no move. Bryony repeated herself. “You will do as I say, or face the same punishment, Anten Organon.”
“By the laws of Krev, you must fight any who challenge your place,” Anten said, emotionless. I felt hands at my back, untying the ropes. Once free, Anten placed my sword in my hand. He gave me a small nod, not hiding the mercy in his eyes.
“Very well. I'll show you what it takes to be Queen of Krev.” She glared between me and Anten as she began to circle. “Ready to die, Elara?”
My eyes looked to Demetri, still huddled on the ground, clutching his chest. As much as I wanted to rush to him, I held out my sword toward Bryony, ready to fight her and end this once and for all.
Our swords clashed. Adrenaline surged through me, knowing any wrong step could be my last. My only advantage was her already heavy breaths from the fight with Demetri. I guided us to the pits. Just like old times, she was going easy on me. She wanted to make it a show. She raised her fist, riling up the fans that filled the entire coliseum. I took the moment to slash at her, drawing blood, and jumping back before she could return the favor. I pierced the sword at her, using the distraction of the crowd to lead her even closer to the Pits.
Finally, we were only feet away. I let the anger escape me in a ferocious roar. I charged at Bryony, my shoulder slamming into her, pushing her into the nearest pit. I pulled away from her grasp, her sword slicing into my side. Her scream escaped as she began to fall. My heart pumped blood furiously, unable to compensate for the leak. I pressed my shirt against my wound and staggered to Demetri.
The entire crowd was frozen in shock. Demetri was still laying on the ground, the guards moving forward as though they planned to intercept me.
I knelt next to him. “Are you okay?” It was a silly question. Even if the wounds weren't fatal, we were still about to be executed in the very coliseum I used to sneak away to in my free time.
“I am now,” he said. His voice was weak and hoarse. The guards reached us, but didn't interfere, still shocked by the loss of their Queen.
I looked to Demetri's wound, bleeding through his shirt. As our skin touched, my heart burned, the warmth spreading to my hands, until they were as hot as fire. There was no pain, only pleasant heat. His cuts began to close over, and he gasped in a breath that sounded clear.
“I can Bloodburn.” But to myself, I'm not useless. I never was.
“Thanks, little Red,” Demetri said, smirking at me. He pushed himself from the ground, prompting the guards forward.
They grabbed hold of me and the others rushed forward in our defense, fighting the guards off them. “Elara,” Zander said. “You saved him.” When his eyes met mine, I knew it was a debt he would never consider repaid.
Though we were all grouped together, the guards were surrounding us, and the crowd began to chant. “Kill the runt!”
Even with my newly found power, the people of Krev had no respect for me. They would never give me my rightful place on the Fifth Throne. And there was nothing I could do to gain it from them. “I should have never come back.” I said to the others. “Goddess gave me a better life and I spat in her face.” A month ago, I didn't even know She existed.
“How are we supposed to get out of here when only the two of you have swords?” Keiran asked.
A hand appeared from inside one of the Pits, catching the attention of the crowd an
d the guards alike. “Guards! Get over here!” Bryony screamed.
The bitch had crawled her way out.
With the distraction, we turned and ran from the coliseum. We ran around the edge of town and I stopped to free several of the horses, passing off the reins and mounting quickly. Demetri climbed behind me and as soon as the rest had mounted, we nudged the horses into a gallop.
The armies of Krev would be less than a minute behind us. The city alarm sounded through the air, horns from several of the watch towers. Citizens obscured the way, running into the streets to see the commotion.
We rode through the desert, back to the charred castle that hid the Gate to the Underworld. The red sky of Bloodtide faded. Our time to escape was running low. By the time we arrived, the blue sky chased away Bloodtide. We had minutes, if that.
Dismounting the horses, we left them behind. “A sandstorm,” Keiran commented.
I shook my head. “It's not a sandstorm.” I grabbed hold of two arms and urged the others to hurry. A hundred horses charged after us, kicking up enough dust to bury a city.
“We need to get through the Gate before they see,” Zander was saying. I rounded up the back of the group, watching the army cascading upon us.
Thana tripped on her tattered robe, falling to the ground. I helped her up, careful not to touch her skin, and having to shove her to her feet. The rest of the group was far ahead, unaware of our delay.
Thana used a gloved hand on my shoulder to help her walk. She must have twisted her ankle when she fell.
“Little sister!” Bryony yelled from behind us. Too close. “Come and finish the fight. Prove you are not this cowardly.”
We entered the tunnel, encouraged by the rest of the group, already at the Gate. I pulled Thana along, faster than she was able, but I ignored her yelps of pain. “We're almost there,” I said. How much time was left? The skies were already blue above. I wondered if it was the last time I would see the beautiful blue sky.
Bryony entered the tunnel, leading the army. The vibrations of the feet hit me like the reverberations of drums.
Shadow and Starlight Page 15
