Daughter of Rage and Beauty (Berserker Academy Book 1)

by Amy Pennza

  Radegast gripped the arms of his throne. “You think to threaten me?”

  The room seemed to rock. I lost my grip and stumbled back. Behind me, the women clutched at each other and squeezed their eyes shut, murmuring in Russian. The man was silent, seemingly unbothered by the tremors.

  Radegast was speaking again. I scrambled back to the opening and looked out.

  “See,” he said. “I’ve heard a rumor, Sigridsson. And rumor has it you’ve fallen out of favor with Crom. We’re isolated here at Nochnaya Krepost, but whispers still come to me. And they say the Crooked One no longer cares what happens to you. That’s why he cursed you to stay mortal.”

  “He did that to teach me a lesson.”

  Radegast laughed. The sound trilled up and down, growing louder—and lasting longer than a laugh should.

  I tightened my grip on the opening. My nape prickled.

  The laughter continued, filling the great hall. On the banquet table, a basket of rolls tumbled to the floor.

  Hauk stared straight ahead, his body taut as a bowstring.

  At last, Radegast seemed to regain control of himself. He patted his curls into place, then wiped at his eyes. “Oh, Sigridsson. I must thank you for the laugh. You berserkers aren’t generally known for your humor, but that was the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time.”

  As if someone flipped a switch, his face went utterly serious. “You’ve come to kill me, da? Sorry to disappoint, but I can’t be killed.”

  I lifted higher on my toes. Something about the way he’d said the last caught my attention. He’d sounded almost . . . disappointed.

  Hauk raised his chin, his handsome face in profile. “The stone amplifies your magic. It’s the only reason you’re capable of holding me.”

  Radegast turned to Fyodor and made a “look at this guy” gesture.

  “Even the playing field,” Hauk said. “Lose the stone and face me man-to-man.”

  Radegast shifted on his throne. His hand went to his neck in what looked like an unconscious touch. He seemed uncomfortable when he said, “I can’t.” Then he sort of shook himself, and his expression grew nasty again. “Stone or not, I’m far more powerful than you, Sigridsson. Crom boasts of his noble seed, but his children have forever been disappointments. Spoiled little princesses and princelings, known more for their good looks than their skills in magic or battle.”

  Noble seed? Ew. I tried to imagine Crom saying something like that.

  Actually, yeah, I could totally imagine it.

  “The only disappointment in this place is you,” Hauk said, his tone dismissive.

  I pressed my face against the opening. What was he doing? Was he trying to get Radegast to kill him?

  Maybe Radegast wouldn’t take the bait.

  Radegast sat up. “What does that mean?”

  Ugh. Men.

  Hauk smiled, and my heart clenched. Even from the side, I could see lightning swirling in his eyes.

  He’s trying to pick a fight. But why? He was guaranteed to lose that battle. And it wasn’t what we discussed. I was supposed to distract Radegast—to scramble his brains with lust.

  Unfortunately, I was stuck in a box.

  Radegast brought his fist down on his throne. “Answer me!”

  “So-called god of hospitality,” Hauk said, his words an audible sneer. “But your banquet back there sucks.”

  Huh? What was the big deal about—

  Radegast recoiled, slamming against the back of his throne as if he’d been struck. Fyodor sprang into action, leaning over him. “My lord—”

  “SILENCE!” Radegast’s bellow was like a thunderclap. I winced. The room seemed to rock again. I hung on to the wood, struggling to stay upright. Behind me, the women squealed, then lapsed into rapid Russian.

  Heart in my throat, I strained on my tiptoes, my eyes darting between Radegast and Hauk.

  The former stood, his whole body trembling. “You dare insult my hospitality?”

  Hauk’s smile widened. “Fuck yes, I do. This is probably the worst party I’ve ever seen.”

  “Worst—” Radegast seemed to struggle for words. Red splotches appeared on his face, and he squeezed his hands into fists. “My party—”

  “Terrible gathering,” Hauk said. He leaned forward, his tone almost embarrassed. “I’ve seen better at a Holiday Inn.”

  Radegast let out a moan that bordered on a sob.

  “Express,” Hauk added.

  Next to the throne, Fyodor sank to the floor, his shoulders hunched. His body appeared to flicker.

  My heart raced. What the hell was happening? Someone grabbed my shoulder. I turned. One of the women babbled in my face, her eyes wide with fear.

  I dropped my voice to a hiss. “I can’t understand you.”

  She kept going, clasping her hands in a pleading motion.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She clutched at my shirt.

  I brushed her off. “Stop that. Shoo.”

  A great boom shook the air.

  Forgetting the woman, I plastered myself against the opening.

  Hauk’s body sprawled against the far wall, one leg bent in an unnatural position beneath him.

  No! I banged the heel of my hand against the wood. I stared at him until my eyes burned, looking for any sign of life.

  His chest rose and fell.

  Relief pounded through me, the intensity of it so great I felt lightheaded.

  Radegast descended his throne, murder in his eyes. He stalked toward Hauk, his black curls bouncing.

  “No.” I pounded the wood again, uncaring if I attracted his notice. “No!”

  Fingers tugged at my clothes, my hair. Russian chattered in my ear.

  Without turning around, I slapped backwards. “Go away!”

  The babbling continued. Radegast kept walking forward. He raised his hands, palms aimed at Hauk . . .

  The Russian grew louder, more insistent.

  Think, Elin. I had to think! But what could I do? I had no power. No staff, no magic. If I tapped my rage, the power would just immobilize me.

  The fingers tugged at my hair again, harder this time.

  I whirled on the woman and shoved her away. She went tumbling into the other woman and the hooded man. “Will you shut up!” I pressed my hands to the sides of my head. “I’m stuck in this fucking box, and I can’t think!”

  Something clicked in my head. A single thought shot through my brain, as sure and swift as an arrow.

  Don’t forget to think outside the box.

  Crom’s advice, which I’d found so stupid at the time.

  I couldn’t help Hauk inside the box.

  Only outside it. I looked at the door.

  “Doors will be closed to you, my daughter. You must make your own!”

  There was only one way to do that.

  It had never worked for me before.

  I looked at the Russians, who had fallen silent. “There’s a first time for everything.”

  They blinked at me.

  Commotion sounded outside. No time for that. If I had any hope of pulling this off, I had to concentrate.

  Feet braced apart, I brought my palms together. I closed my eyes and envisioned energy flowing into my hands.

  Nothing.

  I took deep breaths, picturing the other side of the box. That was it. That was all I had to do. I didn’t have to travel to Faerie or New York for pizza. I just needed to hop a couple of feet.

  Heat built between my palms.

  Yes!

  I held the picture in my head and poured every bit of my will into making it reality.

  Because Hauk was there. And I needed to get to him.

  The heat grew unbearable. I opened my eyes and pulled my hands apart. A line of ghostly blue energy stretched between them.

  I was doing it!

  I pulled. The line grew longer, forming a rectangle.

  Doors will be closed to you, my daughter . . .

  “So I made my own,” I murm
ured. I flung my hands apart and jumped through the portal.

  My feet hit the ground, forcing a grunt from my lungs. I stumbled against the banquet table.

  Wait. The banquet table?

  I’d missed my target by at least twenty feet. But I’d done it. A thrill shot through me. I’d actually made a portal!

  Metal scraped on stone.

  I whirled, my portal achievement forgotten.

  Radegast stooped and plucked Hauk’s sword from the ground. He held it up, studying the blade. Then he looked at Hauk. “How fitting. Felled by your own sorry blade.” He walked forward.

  I didn’t think. I just drew in a deep breath and yelled, “Hey, Radegast!”

  He stopped and swung toward me. His heavy brows pulled together. “Who the hell are you?”

  Later, I wouldn’t recall planning my next move. Maybe it was instinct. More likely, it was desperation. Whatever it was, it compelled me to grasp the bottom of my shirt and pull it over my head.

  Radegast’s gaze dipped to my chest. The faintest interest stirred in his eyes. “You . . .”

  I reached behind me and undid my bra, then let it fall to the floor. Can’t believe I’m doing this. I put my hands on my hips and plastered a teasing smile on my face. “I heard you like nymphs.”

  The interest flared. His lips parted.

  Gods, could it really be this easy?

  “My lord,” I purred. Setting aside every ounce of pride I possessed, I shimmied my shoulders, making my breasts jiggle.

  “Nymph . . .” He moved toward me, his eyes glazed, his gaze on my breasts. Wonder filled his voice. “How did you get in here?”

  Wow. Fae or human, males really are all the same.

  Fyodor popped up from the side of the throne. “My lord! She’s—”

  “He wants to ruin our fun!” I cried. I formed my lips into a pout and pointed at the blud. “He’s jealous!”

  Radegast looked at the blud over his shoulder. “Silence, Fyodor.”

  “My lord, she’s dangerous!”

  “Silence!” Radegast gave a scornful laugh. “Nymphs are the least dangerous creatures in Faerie.” He turned back to me. “Now, where were we?”

  Why, nowhere at all.

  I gave him what I hoped was a seductive smile. “I was just admiring your great hall.” I made a show of looking around. “It’s so . . . hospitable.”

  His eyes lit up. He drew closer, his gaze bouncing between my face and my breasts. He let the sword clatter to the floor, tossing it away like it was nothing. “Really?”

  “Mmmm. Really.”

  “You’re not just saying that?”

  I gasped, then cooed, my IQ falling several points. “Of course not!”

  He was close now, his large form dwarfing me. He stared at my chest, his fingers toying absently with the Eternity Stone. A dark red tongue flicked from his mouth, wetting his pink lips.

  I forced myself to stand still, even as my skin threatened to crawl off my body.

  Somewhere behind me, a bird cawed.

  I jumped and turned.

  “It’s a raven,” Radegast said, his voice thick with disdain.

  Sure enough, a large raven perched on the banquet table. It turned its head sideways, one blue eye boring into me.

  I caught my breath. Only the ravens at Bjørneskalle had blue eyes . . .

  “Ignore it,” Radegast said. “Pay attention to me.”

  I swung back around. He’d spoken like a spoiled child. Millennia of living, and he was throwing a fit over not getting enough attention?

  “They get in through the chimneys,” he said.

  I must have looked confused because he added, “The birds. Messy, disgusting creatures, shitting all over my table.”

  Just like that, I was firmly Team Bird.

  “You don’t look like the other nymphs I’ve seen,” he said absently, his gaze raking my upper body. “There’s something missing.”

  Panic rose hot in my chest. I still wasn’t nymph enough for him. So far, that side of my powers only seemed to manifest around plants. Or when I held the staff.

  Staff.

  It still lay on the ground near the throne.

  I forced myself to step forward and run a hand down his arm. The black armor was warm to the touch. “You’re right, of course, my lord. There is something missing.”

  The tongue flicked again. “And what’s that?”

  “Well.” I brought my chest close to his arm, letting one nipple touch the metal. “I’m a dryad, you know.”

  “Tree nymph.” He focused hard on my nipple, his voice thick with lust.

  “Exactly.”

  He lifted his gaze, and one side of his mouth quirked up. “I hear your kind really know how to handle wood.”

  My face froze. Then I forced a simpering laugh. Next, he was going to ask if it hurt when I fell from heaven.

  “You’re too funny,” I said. “Let me get my staff, and I’ll show you just how much of a nymph I am.”

  He frowned.

  I lifted my hands above my head like I was stretching.

  His gaze fastened on my breasts. “Where is it?”

  “Just over there.” Still stretching, I pointed a languid finger toward the throne.

  He stepped aside. “By all means.”

  “Thank you, my lord.” I lowered my arms and winked at him.

  “My pleasure.”

  I trailed a finger across his breastplate. The second I was clear of him, I darted a look at Hauk. He lay motionless, but his chest still rose and fell.

  Fyodor glared at me from the throne as I crossed the floor. His gaze lowered to my bare breasts, and he smirked.

  I ignored him. If going topless was what it took to save Hauk, I’d flaunt my Lady Godiva routine all day.

  The staff lay next to the throne. I picked it up and held it a moment, trying to send it as much silent communication as I could.

  I really need some help. If you could punch up my nymph side, that would be great.

  The wood tingled under my palms. I smiled and turned back to Radegast. As I walked toward him, warmth spread through me.

  And I . . . changed.

  With each step, my movements became graceful and more fluid. As it had in the cave, my hair floated around my shoulders. My breasts felt heavy, the nipples taut and sensitive. A glance down revealed they were darker, the pink bold and alluring.

  Radegast’s jaw dropped as I approached. He fingered the stone at his neck. “My lady . . .”

  I threw my shoulders back and gave him a warm smile. “My lord.”

  “You were right,” he said as I drew near the table, his gaze glittering with undisguised lust. “You were just missing your staff.”

  I held it up. “Well, I’ve got it now,” I said lightly. And hopefully a way to kill you, you sick fuck.

  He frowned. “What was that?”

  I stumbled, and my stomach dropped. He reads minds.

  “Of course I read minds,” he said. He touched the stone. “Why would you want to kill me?”

  “I don’t,” I said quickly. I rushed the rest of the way to his side, conscious of my breasts bouncing. I stopped inches away, my chest thrust out. An idea popped into my mind, and I lowered my voice, as if imparting a scandalous secret. “It’s just that, among my people, we celebrate the ‘little death.’”

  “Little death?”

  I gazed up at him and licked my lips. “The French call it la petite mort.”

  Understanding lit his eyes. His eyes slid from my mouth back to my chest. “Oh yes. That I’ve heard of.”

  “And experienced, I hope?”

  “Most definitely.” He reached out and petted my breast, his fingers grazing my nipple.

  I backed up, revulsion thick in my throat. “You must show me your table!”

  Confusion crossed his face. “My what?”

  “Your table.” I slipped around him and spread an arm toward the feast. “I came all this way to see how a god throws a banquet
.”

  That made lust fire anew in his eyes. “Of course.” He took my hand and pulled me around the table. “Please, sit. I’ll serve you.”

  I let him pull out my chair. “Thank you, my lord.” I sat and leaned the staff against my side, reluctant to part with it. “True hospitality is certainly lacking these days.”

  “Oh, indeed.” He sat beside me, his long hair nearly touching his seat. He drew a large bowl toward us and spooned food onto my plate. “You must try this, my lady, and tell me what you think.”

  A bird’s caw split the air.

  Radegast pounded the table. “Get!”

  A few place settings away, the raven hopped. It shivered, its feathers ruffling. It cawed again, then tucked its wings close to its body.

  Radegast put a finger on my chin and turned my head back toward him. “My apologies for that filthy creature. Please, eat your dinner, my lovely.”

  I looked down. Some kind of pasta dish filled my plate, the noodles resembling the penne Fiona used to make.

  “It’s makaroni po flotski,” he said, leaning toward me.

  “It looks delicious, my—” My gaze caught on something . . . a noodle. But it wasn’t a piece of penne.

  It was a human finger.

  Nausea choked me. He killed someone.

  “Many someones,” he murmured, his mouth suddenly close to my neck. Hot breath tickled my skin. “That particular dish is an absolute chore when it comes to ingredients.”

  I had to guard my thoughts. Crom had warned me about it.

  Radegast put his hand on my shoulder. “Does it hurt, this moss?”

  I jerked my gaze up. “Wh-What?”

  “I know it’s not every male’s cup of tea, but I find it so incredibly”—he stroked a finger down my neck—“stimulating.”

  More nausea rolled through me. I swallowed. “It doesn’t hurt.”

  His eyes were heavy. He let his hand slide down my chest, his thick fingers fondling my nipples. “I need to see the rest of you. Bare yourself for me, nymph.”

  “N-Not yet.” Something silver flashed, drawing my attention. The Eternity Stone swung from his neck. Inches away.

  He moved so quickly, I didn’t have a chance to react. My head slammed against the back of my chair, and his hand wrapped around my throat. The staff clattered to the floor.

  My heart fluttered. He’d read my thoughts. He knew.

  But he put his face next to mine, his lips pink and wet. When he spoke, his voice was a whine. “You would deny me? The nymphs I’ve consorted with in the past had no problem revealing their charms. All of them. We ran nude through the halls, then made love right on this table.”