Her body came apart in chunks. Head. Body. One of her wings fell off, striking me in the shoulder before it vanished. As each piece disappeared, so did my sadness, my fear, and my guilt, as though Sadraden took them with her. One emotion remained. Anger.
I needed a plan.
One where I kept those I loved from any more agony.
I didn’t know what part Michael played in his father’s plan. It still baffled me he was the same as Ramien. And what was his mother, Catherine? Was she human or something else? Ramien was right about one thing. I’d been naïve. I wouldn’t be again. And if Michael came against me, I wouldn’t hold back. I was done being the victim. It was time I became a destroyer. Annihilate those who killed my parents and anyone who came against those I cared about.
A secret part of my mind lamented all the crap happening in my life. I shoved those thoughts away, knowing it was out of my power. Accepted it, even. With acceptance came a deeper resolve. I would control how I responded to the bad. No longer as a cowering kitten. I’d be like the fearless irrihunter.
Tortevia roared inside my head.
8. Virtual Insanity
The walls of our tomb shook, sending chunks of dirt and rock down on my head. I spread my feet apart for balance. Readying myself for whatever Ramien saw fit to throw at me next.
At least that was what I told myself. Until Zaren, Michael, Palmo, Dervinias, and a very pregnant Cheverly appeared.
I closed my eyes; worried Ramien did something to trick my mind. When I opened them, the group was still there, looking as surprised as me.
“Are you real?” I ran to Zaren and wrapped my arms around him, feeling for myself he was solid. And, more importantly, making sure he didn’t smell like dried chrysanthemums.
“Venus,” Zaren sighed, relief softening his features. He wrapped his arms around my waist. “I’ve been worried.”
I fought the tears stinging my eyes, hugging Zaren tighter. “I knew you’d find me.”
Zaren huffed. “I’ve been looking.” He moved me out of his embrace, keeping hold of my arms. “But I have no idea how I got here.” He looked around the room. “Wherever here is. One second I searched the shoreline, the next I was in this room.” He noticed Michael. A fierce resentment strangled his features. “You. I should’ve known you were involved.” He went for his sword.
Michael lifted his hands surrender. “Zaren, old buddy. Long time no see.”
“How can you joke at a time like this?” Zaren snarled, each word filled with exasperation.
“Trust me, it isn’t difficult for him,” Dervinias said. I noticed he had a protective arm around a crying Chev.
With Zaren nearby I didn’t go over to Michael. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them. But I was glad to see Michael’s hazel eyes sparkling with life again. No blood trickled down his beautiful face. In fact, he looked good as new.
I knew Ramien possessed the ability to alter time, shift reality. Was that what the people in the room were. A shift, or alteration in time. Zaren didn’t smell like Ramien. I pinched him.
“Ouch,” he whispered. “What was that for?
“Just making sure you’re you.”
He pressed his lips to my forehead.
“I’m here, Princess. Always.”
An argument broke out between Dervinias and Michael. Chev walked over to a corner, and stood with her large belly facing inward. Palmo looked slightly amused. Such a child. And Zaren searched the exterior wall, calculating his next move. A Formytian through and through.
When Ramien appeared, Zaren and I were the only one’s who noticed. His sickly smell preceded him, which prepared me. Zaren rushed to my side, placing an arm around my shoulders. We watched as Ramien evaluated the scene before him. His dark eyes shone with joy.
He feeds on suffering. That’s what Sadraden said. Was he feasting on their suffering now? I turned my gaze to Michael. If he knew his father arrived, he didn’t act like it. I worried about what his promise to Ramien was. He said he’d do all Ramien asked. What did that include?
Finally Ramien clapped his hands, the sound like thunder. The others turned, noticing him for the first time. “Settle down, lovelies. It’s time to start the party.”
“Who the hell are you and what are we doing here?” Dervinias asked, getting in Ramien’s face.
Ramien’s features hardened. He obviously didn’t like to be challenged. A strangled cry came from Dervinias and he went down, his hands and knees slapping against the dirt floor. Chev noticed and ran to him.
Zaren drew his sword, but remained by my side, cautious as ever.
“Vinny? Vinny? What’s the matter?”
The skin under Chev’s eyes was dark, her hands covered in bruises. Was Dervinias beating Chev? If he was, he could rot here for all I cared. In fact, I figured he could rot here anyway. He’d killed Michael’s mother, and who knew how many others. Staying here an eternity would be easy compared to what he really deserved. Death. A nauseous thought spread through me as I thought about Ramien torturing his soul.
But what about Chev? How was she here? Why was she here? And with Dervinias? And why did she look so pregnant? It had only been six weeks since I left Earth. By the size of her stomach, it appeared as though she’d give birth any moment.
Ramien stopped doing whatever he did to Dervinias. The blond kelvieri gagged, rolling onto his back, gasping for breath. He looked stunned. Served him right.
Chev cradled Dervinias’s head, stroking his brow with her fingers.
Michael watched Chev with curiosity, but I didn’t see any jealousy. He probably wondered why she was there as well. Was she not a human either? A random thought flitted through my mind. How many humans were actually human? A crazy notion.
“Thank you all for coming,” Ramien began, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Like we had a choice,” I snorted. Ramien glanced my direction and I clamped my mouth shut.
“You are in Helker.” He glanced pointedly at Cheverly. “You’re no longer on Earth, my dear.” He drew in a deep breath. “I smell the humanness of you. But you’ve been altered, you’ve been . . .” Ramien’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Dervinias, you sly traitor, she’s carrying a child which stinks of you.”
The rest of us gasped.
“She shouldn’t be alive,” Zaren interjected. “A normal human would die during intercourse.”
Ramien nodded. “Yes. Yes.” He clapped his hands again. “This is impressive, a most unique situation.”
I glared at Dervinias. “It’s the one law of the Universe, you arrogant alien. We aren’t to mate with species of other planets.” Zaren gave my shoulders a squeeze.
Tears filled Chev’s eyes, but I saw she knew I spoke the truth. I wasn’t nearly done with Dervinias. “I guess rules mean nothing to you though, right? You’re too good for them? Is that why you killed . . .” I paused and regarded Michael. His jaw was clenched in anger. With a frustrated sigh, I shut up.
“So full of righteous indignation, dear girl. You must be exhausted.” Ramien chuckled maliciously. “What do you suggest we do with him?”
I grumbled under my breath.
“Intriguing,” he nodded. “Don’t worry. Dervinias will get what’s coming to him.” His smiled turned cruel. Dervinias looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t.
“You’re all here for a reason,” Ramien went on to the group though he still focused on me. “What those reasons may be is my concern. Figuring them out might save your lives though.” He stepped closer. Zaren placed himself in my path, but Ramien flung him away like he was nothing more than an irritating gnat. His Ostwallow sword clanged to the ground.
“Zaren,” I whispered, but kept my attention on the monster.
“You made a deal. Agreed to my terms,” Ramien said forcefully.
“Let them go. I didn’t agree to this.” I indicated the others in the room.
Ramien’s face softened slightly. “Had you known the terms beforehand, would you ha
ve disagreed? Your parents’ souls would remain in Helker. So would Sadraden’s. Could you enjoy your life above knowing they were in Helker succumbing to gods know what at my hand.” He smirked. “These . . . guests I accumulated as part of our game.” He pointed to Zaren, Michael, and Cheverly. Palmo and Dervinias. “And your sister, Amberlee. She’s close to becoming mine. I can smell her.
“I get it,” I shouted, forcing down the bile rising in my throat. Then lowering my voice, I continued, “But I don’t understand it. What do you hope to gain by me becoming your wife? I’ll never love you.”
“Love is such a mortal word. I have my reasons for desiring you.” Ramien brushed his cold fingers against my cheek. I froze, disgusted by his innuendo.
“It’s about sex?” I was shocked. Sickened too, but mostly shocked. “You’d hurt those I love for-for sex with me?”
He burst out laughing. “I’m sure I will take great pleasure in your body.” Michael darted forward, but Ramien held him off with the flick of his wrist. “We’ve already been through this Michael. Do not try my patience again.” Michael stopped, leaning heavily against a wall, his eyes closed. The ferether went on, “It’s more. Much more.”
Ramien moved so everyone could see him. In a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, he said, “The terms of our contract have changed. If you want your parents to leave Helker, you must become my wife, and complete three tasks.” Then he gave me a pointed look. “I can’t guarantee everyone in this group will live. The blood of a kelvieri is like nectar to some of the beasts down here.”
I thought of the spider-like insects I saw in the Room of Souls, their milky eyes, and the clicking of their fangs. “No, please. I’ve agreed to become your wife. I agreed.”
Ramien held up a hand. “Silence!”
A nervous hush fell over the group.
Ramien placed a hand on my shoulder. I tried to push it off, slap him, or grab Zaren’s Ostwallow sword and use it to cut Ramien to pieces, but I was no longer in control of my body. Ramien took me over—again. And it was really starting to piss me off.
Like a puppet on strings, he moved me so I stood directly in front of him.
“Of course you did,” Ramien cooed. His putrid breath blew against my cheeks. I wanted to gag, but my body wouldn’t respond.
“And once you decided,” he went on, “you became mine, and I can do anything or make you do anything I want. I thought I already proved this point. But, perhaps I should let the others see the control I have.” To demonstrate, he forced my hands to touch his chest, making them slowly glide toward his pants. I heard Zaren fight to get to me, but Ramien held him off. When my hands reached his waist, he made me wrap my arms around him so my body pressed against his. He turned my face upward, and smirked. “Anything I want.”
I wanted to spit I was so angry, so furious he forced me to be near him.
Ramien lowered his head and kissed my nose. Each of my cheeks. And then my lips. The worst part was he made my body respond, take his tongue into my mouth. Answer his kiss. Ugh, I wanted to bite his tongue off. A roar reverberated through my mind. I wondered if it came from elsewhere or me.
Ramien lifted his lips, and gave me a knowing look. “Yes, I think I’ll enjoy your body and soul a great deal.” Then he moved away, and I was again in control.
“You’re despicable. A disgusting, vile creature,” I shouted.
Ramien chuckled. “True. Very true. I’m also cruel, and I lack the ability to feel guilt.” He grabbed Michael’s arm and twisted, so it made a sickening pop as the bone tin his arm tore through his skin.
I cried out. Michael groaned. His features twisted in agony. Ramien released him, and Michael’s arm knitted itself back together.
Amazed wonder crossed Ramien’s features and in a hushed voice, he said, “You’re an enigma. One like you has never before been created.” Then he grew angry. “I had high hopes for you. Alas, you let me down. And I do not enjoy being let down.” He seemed lost in thought momentarily, and wistfulness relaxed some of his anger. As quickly as it came, it was gone, and his face turned hard. “What I do enjoy are games. Especially when the pieces are living.” His empty eyes found mine. “You defied me, Venus. Resisting me will never be tolerated. And you must suffer for your rebelliousness. I will not be mocked.”
My angry resolve grew stronger. “We’ll see,” was all I could utter through gritted teeth.
“We certainly will.”
“Don’t do this,” Michael started.
“Shut your mouth.” As Ramien spoke, Michael’s lips were sewn together. “You petty, un-ferether feelings are an embarrassment. You are under oath to me, and will do what I command,” Ramien spat out. “Be gone.”
Michael gave a brief nod, his eyes claiming mine with an emotion I couldn’t fathom. Then he disappeared.
“This game consists of three rounds. The first begins,” Ramien evaporated, but his voice rumbled through the room. “Now.”
9. Believe
Thick vapor filled the room making it difficult to see the others. The ground shook. Chev cried out, and I heard Dervinias speaking to her tenderly.
An arm rounded my shoulders and I flinched. “It’s me. Zaren. Are you hurt?”
“No,” I hissed. “But I should be. I’m sorry to bring you into this.”
He snorted. “Don’t say those things. There isn’t a place in the Universe I’d rather be.” Zaren took my face in his hands and kissed me. It was full of a passion I hadn’t known he possessed. I melted into him, wishing with all my heart we were alone.
Seconds later, he released me, leaning his forehead against mine. “I love you Venus of Alayeah. With everything I am.”
“I-I love you too, Zaren.” My immortal heart, my epsis, thundered against my chest. I did love him.
“Awwww, how very touching,” Palmo said, his voice like oil, thick and slippery.
“I concur, dear brother. Very romantic,” Dervinias added.
Zaren gripped my hand, “Don’t worry about them. They’re jealous.”
I nodded. “Dervinias and Palmo are brothers?” I whispered, trying to stifle my shock.
“Apparently. Though it doesn’t surprise me. The king of Canaru has something of a reputation.”
“Really?” I was beginning to realize I knew nothing about the other rulers of Kelari. I was like a minnow in a piranha tank. The Chans, my tutors, and my parents had taught me much, but they hadn’t taught me everything. That wouldn’t do if I wanted to keep my country thriving.
The vapor cleared and I looked around. Zaren gave my hand a quick squeeze before releasing it. “Be ready.”
“For what?” Palmo asked, terror in his voice.
“Anything,” Zaren answered.
Zaren’s back touched mine. Whatever Ramien had planned, Zaren obviously believed it wouldn’t be good. I had no weapon but my body, so I widened my stance, and lowered my center.
We were no longer in the same room. This one was perfectly circular. Thousands of dimly lit lights were nestled randomly in the rock walls. A chilly wind blew, bringing with it the stench of brine. Water seeped in from tiny cracks in the rocky walls. Above, water dripped in a steady beat.
On the floor, in the center of the room, lay a golden door. Intrigued, I bent down to get a closer look. Zaren pulled me up. “Wait,” he hissed.
Palmo muttered, like a nervous old man, his lips flapping incoherently. The last part I understood, no doubt because he meant for me to hear. “It seems, once again, I’m required to suffer unnecessarily thanks to you, Venus.” Palmo spoke my name like it contained something vile. “I don’t know why, but everyone is overly concerned about you—whether you live or die, whether you stay on Kelari or not, whether we marry or not . . .” Palmo gave me a once over. “You aren’t the slightest bit impressive. At all. Amberlee is better suited to rule Alayeah.” He sniffed and shoved his hands into his armpits. “What happens to you means nothing to me, as long as you don’t hurt Amberlee. So why am I here?”
<
br /> “I have no idea.” I shrugged. When we were younger, Palmo came to our families’ castle often, with his parents, the king and queen of Canaru. He constantly teased me. I considered him a nuisance. My parents made me behave nicely, since we were betrothed. He was always sweet to my sister though. I was curious why Ramien brought him here as well. I gave Zaren an inquiring look.
Zaren fixed his gaze on Palmo. “Ramien said you were here for a reason. They matter only to you. Remember those words.”
“They should matter to you as well, guardian.” Palmo marched over, trying to intimidate Zaren. I covered my mouth to hide my laugh. Palmo was a head shorter than Zaren. He barely stood taller than me. Not to mention Palmo’s body was . . . much more feminine than Zaren’s. The boy went on, “As a Formytian, it is your sacred duty to protect royalty. At all costs.” Palmo’s eyes narrowed. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll do all in your power to keep me safe. Otherwise I’ll make sure you suffer for your insolence,” he said sharply.
“Stop being a baby and see if you can find a way out,” I snapped. No need to mention the obvious. If Palmo died, he wouldn’t have a way to make Zaren pay for his pretend crimes. “And, for your information, Zaren isn’t—”
Zaren ran a hand along my side. His face was impassive, but I understood he wanted me to stop. Zaren didn’t care what Palmo thought. I wouldn’t either. Chev whimpered and Palmo’s insipidness was forgotten. The human girl was pregnant, by Dervinias, which shouldn’t be feasible. Running to her side, I kneeled.
“How did this happen?” I asked, tentatively touching her belly. A part of me wanted to believe it wasn’t real.
“Well Venus, when a boy and a girl get together in an intimate way,” Dervinias began sarcastically.
“Shut up.” I glared. Chev’s pregnancy was shocking. She should’ve died. The mortal body of a human and the immortal “essence” of a kelvieri should be like steel toxin in Chev’s body. But here she was, a mockery to all the doctrine I was taught, looking as though she were ready to pop. The gestational period of a kelvieri child was two months. I knew it was a lot longer for humans. It had only been six weeks. What was she growing? She didn’t look very good. Not to mention the issue of Kelari’s air. It was different from Earth’s. That alone should’ve killed her.
Immortal Essence Box Set: Aligned, Exiled, Beguiled Page 33
