by Bailey Dark
I wanted Alnembra because it was my home before I joined the Bloodbane. But I know that if Maaz gets her way, there will be nothing left. What Sadal would want with an ashen landscape devoid of life, I can never imagine. What’s the point of power if there’s no one left to rule? I turn, looking towards the door that leads down into the keep, but it’s closed tightly.
“It’s an impressive sight, isn’t it?” Sadal asks from behind me.
I pivot, eyes narrowed. He’s standing against the stone railing of the keep, staring out over the horde. Sadal is dressed in black, as usual. His pale skin is perfect in the murky sunlight. He rakes a hand through his black hair. I curl my lip at him, not bothering to hide my disdain. “That isn’t the word I would choose,” I say coldly.
He cocks his head at me, a smile playing over his lips. “You continue to surprise me, Cleo. Your distaste for me is refreshing.”
“My Lord.” I bow my head in a show of apology.
“Don’t,” he snaps. “Don’t lie to me.”
I purse my lips, anger flashing through me at his sharp tone. “As you wish.”
“Very good,” he sighs. “Now, why did you call me here?”
I pull back, confused. “I didn’t.”
“Come now, I can sense your intentions. If not now, you would have.” Sadal cocks his head at me, waiting. “Speak freely.”
I hesitate. I have ideas; ideas that Maaz has disregarded. She insists that Sadal gave her this horde of demons because it’s the only way to defeat Altair. But I suspect differently. I hadn’t planned on speaking to Sadal without Maaz, but I know Maaz would never let me question her in front of Sadal. He sought me out, I tell myself.
“I have an alternative solution that may interest you.” I finally say.
Sadal splays his hands. “Go on.”
“If you take this horde through Alnembra, they will destroy everything. The villages, cities, field, and forests will be burned. The Fae murdered. You will rule nothing but ash and darkness. What if I could conquer Alnembra for you without bloodshed?” The words spill from my open lips as my excitement grows.
If I can save my sisters and the Fae, then perhaps we can live in peace without the tampering of the Fae in a land of bounty. We wouldn’t have to scrape to survive in these mountains or steal from border farms.
“And how would you propose to do this?” Sadal asks, raising a brow. “I have my hooks in Verity already.”
“I want to go further,” I say fiercely. “I want to destroy Altair’s kingdom from the inside out.”
“Subtle.” Sadal smiles.
I grin viciously. “Perhaps you won’t need to conquer an entire kingdom if I give it to you.”
“What do you mean?” He asks, his lips twisted into a strange smile.
“Wouldn’t it be simpler if the ruler of Alnembra simply gave in to your wishes?” I ask, moving to his side.
“Altair would never surrender without a fight,” Sadal says dismissively.
“I’m not talking about Altair. I’m talking about the mortal Bloodbane.” I peer up at him. “What if the ruler of Alnembra was groomed by you?”
Sadal stares appraisingly at me before leaning back against the railing. A chill wind blows over the keep’s tower, rustling my cloak. “What did you have in mind?”
“Moving in the shadows, in the dark, like the Bloodbane witches were always meant to do,” I whisper fiercely.
“You always were the clever one,” he murmurs, grinning at me. “It’s why you’re my favorite wife.”
My stomach turns at his praise and I twist away from him. “Does this mean you’ll send the horde back to the ether?”
“I’ll consider it,” Sadal says as he pushes away from the railing and strides towards the door. He glances over his shoulder and I study his handsome profile. “Show me what you can do first.”
My heart beats wildly as he disappears into the keep. I rush to my deadwood broom and swing my leg over it. Excitement sweeps through me and I smile to myself. My hood conceals my grin, casting a long shadow over my face. I launch myself into the sky, soaring high over the writhing black mass of demons below. I imagine I see Maaz’s red cloak below. I leer at her, realizing that if I am successful, Sadal’s conquest will be due to my efforts alone. I will be the most powerful Bloodbane in history.
My grin broadens as I imagine usurping Maaz. I was content to work in the shadows and play her games. But when she gave in so quickly to Sadal’s demands, I realized I couldn’t anymore. It’s time for a new age for the Bloodbane. An age of power and prosperity under new rule. If I work my spell properly, no Bloodbane will be harmed in Sadal’s conquest of Alnembra. The demons will disappear, and with them, my guilt and shame about what I did to the young coven.
My stomach turns as I remember their terrified faces as the creatures ripped into them. Their screams have echoed through my mind for these last nights, like ghosts haunting my memory. I used to be fierce and willful like Maaz. I used to be the kind of witch that joined in the bloodletting because it made me feel powerful. But I learned slowly that the real power is in the shadows; it’s in the background where rulers twitch our strings like marionettes. I let Maaz believe she was pulling my strings all these years, but now it’s time. It’s time to show her my true strength.
I grin as the Bloodwood comes into view. Thankfully, this haven in the mountains hasn’t been torn through by the horde yet. I doubt Sadal or Maaz will stop them from settling in our most sacred place besides the Holy Rite. The two of them seem content to let every Bloodbane tradition and belief fall to the wayside in their quest for power.
The Bloodwood is a copse of trees on the mountaintop. The trunks and leaves of the trees have been stained red due to the iron in the water that seeps into their roots. The strange coloring was what first attracted the Bloodbane to the trees. I land lightly in the center of the grove of trees, besides a flat boulder that serves as an altar.
Swiftly, I lay out the makings of my spell and draw a stick of chalk from my cloak. Murmur under my breath as I draw out the sigils of my spell across the rock. I slip my blade from my belt and hold it over my open palm. Every Bloodbane spell should be accompanied by a blood sacrifice. Many Bloodbane use the blood of another, a Fae victim or animal. I prefer my own, I’ve always found it to be more potent. With a smooth gesture, I slice my palm open. Pain shoots through my hand, hot and pulsing as blood pours freely from the wound.
The curtain of blood drapes over the stone, sinking into the chalk etchings. I murmur softly to myself, repeating the dark and powerful phrases of my spell work. I pour my intentions into the spell as I let my blood drip over it. I pour my wishes and my vision into it. Wind rushes around me, powerful and fierce. It whispers to me and a chill trails down my spine.
Soon, Alnembra will be ours. It will be for the Bloodbane. Our conquest will be our crowning achievement. No longer will we be pushed to the fringes of society for our dark worship. We will rule. Grinning, I clench my hand into a fist and squeeze. The blood pours thicker and my smile broadens.
Chapter 16
Verity
I stand in the center of the hall, staring at the closed oak door leading to Altair’s office. I twist my lips, biting down hard. After our last encounter, I’m not looking forward to this. But I need to speak with him.
I’m surprised that Navi isn’t standing guard outside the door, but I’m grateful for her absence. I have no doubt that if Altair told her what I had done that she would cut me down where I stand. I close my eyes, imagine her broad sword swinging towards me. I fear I deserve it what for I’ve done to Altair. I betrayed him; I don’t know if he even still wants me. But the two of us are linked now, there’s no avoiding that.
I straighten my back and smooth the fabric of my pale blue gown. Chewing the inside of my cheek, I knock lightly. The door opens, and I see Navi glowering at me. Of course, I think wryly. Navi scowls buts steps aside to let me pass. I see her elegant hand wrapped around the hilt of her sword.
When she steps aside, I see a dark, glossy table surrounded by Fae. Altair sits at the head of the table, his councilors on either side dressed in fine robes of silk. I spot Thal in the ranks, but he doesn’t smile at me. His eyes are shadowed, his brows furrowed. I drop his gaze, shame flitting through me. Slowly, my eyes return to Altair. He stares emotionlessly at me, as if bored. He leans back into his velvet chair, arms draped over the sides.
“Verity,” he says, cocking a brow. “To what do we owe this pleasure?”
I swallow back the angry retort boiling inside me. He doesn’t appear to be as disturbed my presence as I am by his. I know he’s still furious at me. I can see it shining in his eyes despite how much he tries to hide it.
“Altair,” I mutter.
“Your Grace,” Navi snaps from behind him. “You will address him as Your Grace.”
I turn, eyes narrowing. Navi and I stare each other down for a moment and I grind my teeth together. “Verity,” Altair says, his voice ringing powerfully. “What can I do for you?”
What can he do for me? My heart clenches. I don’t deserve much from Altair. His question might be hollow and lacking sincerity, but he would ask me despite what I’ve done. I turn back to him, trying to stand tall. “A week,” I say stiffly.
He cocks a brow. “A week?”
“I want to be married within the week,” I continue, clasping my hands tightly behind my back so he can’t see how white my knuckles are.
Altair sits silently for a moment, his eyes locked on mine. “Get out,” he says, lifting his chin. “We’ll continue the meeting in a few moments.”
I gape at him. He’s kicking me out? But it’s his councilors that stand. Their chairs scrape loudly against the stone floor, their robes rustling. I purse my lips as the Fae sweep around me without even meeting my gaze. Only Thal keeps his eyes locked on mine. The door closes gently behind them, leaving Altair and I alone.
He rises, his tunic unbuttoned enough to expose his chest and collarbones. He bends over the long table and lifts his eyes to mine. “Come closer, Verity,” he says.
Reluctantly, I move to his side and study the map laid out in front of us. Altair points to the mountain range along the border of Alnembra. “The Bloodbane witches have made their home in these mountains for thousands of years. Imagine being exiled into a single location for the length of your immortal life. They must be desperate to expand,” he murmurs.
“Well what’s in the other direction? Why Alnembra?” I ask.
“It’s a barren wasteland across the mountain,” he explains. “Nothing but a salty desert.”
“Then they have nowhere else to go,” I say, stroking the map.
“So it seems,” Altair mutters, his eyes narrowing. “What made you change your mind?”
“About what?” I ask, my eyes locked on the symbol of the Bloodbane keep.
Altair rolls the map up, covering the Bloodbane keep, and sets it aside. I turn to look up at him. He’s leaning against the table, his arms crossed impatiently over his chest. “The wedding.”
I press my lips together tightly. “Something is wrong with me, Altair.”
His eyes soften and I know that no matter what I’ve done, he pities me. “What do you mean?”
“Ever since I broke the curse, I’ve felt something different inside me; something deep down.” I twist away from him, blinking back the tears that threaten to spill from my eyes. “I don’t understand who I am anymore, or what I want. Before I broke the curse, when I looked at you, it was like I was in a dream. Now I can’t wait to wake up.”
“Perhaps we awakened something within you when we broke the curse,” Altair murmurs, his hand stroking my shoulder.
I pull away from him, wiping at my eyes. “It doesn’t matter now. I want to be married by the end of the week, maybe then I’ll feel like myself again.”
He presses his lips into a thin line, his hazel eyes narrowed with concern. “That simply isn’t enough time to prepare.”
“I don’t care if it’s a big wedding or if hardly anyone is there. It could be just the two of us,” I say desperately.
“Our wedding is meant to draw Alnembra back into the world and strengthen ties with our allies.” Altair shakes his head.
I feel a flash of inexplicable anger. “Then we’d better get to work.”
His eyes glimmer and he moves back to his seat. “Then it will be done.”
I wrap my hand around the door knob and tug it open. “Thank you, Altair.”
“Verity,” he says. I pause and glance at him over my shoulder. “Stop reading the book. Burn it if you can.”
I run my tongue over my lips, anxiety flooding me. “Why?”
“I don’t think it warrants an explanation,” Altair says bitterly. “The book is leading you down a dark path.”
“It’s just a book,” I mutter.
“No,” he says. “It’s not.”
I know he’s right. I know the book is powerful enough to pull me away from myself and deeper into my Bloodbane past. But I don’t know if I can deny the magnetic pull I feel from the text. I don’t know if I can deny all that Dain has promised I’ll find in the book. My hand trembles on the knob. I push through the door, stepping back into the hall without another word to Altair. I can feel his eyes on me until the door closes shut again.
The skirts of my gown swirl around my feet as I head to my room. The book is safely hidden behind the wardrobe. I draw it out after locking my door. The sun is shining brightly outside. I curl up on the balcony with the book on my lap to read in the sun. Altair’s words echo through my mind as my eyes rove the pages. I shouldn’t be reading this. I know that. I’ve known that since Dain first put the book in my hands in the library. But I don’t want to stop reading it. I’m fascinated by its mysteries. And I sense that if I stop reading it, Dain will be nothing but a distant memory.
I twist my lips into a frown as I think of Dain. I should never have betrayed Altair in that grove of trees, but I know in my heart that if given the chance, I would do it again. Dain need only say the word and I would run to him. I shudder, chills tingling up and down my spine at the realization. I grip the book so tightly my knuckles go white. I can only hope that my marriage to Altair will save me because I can’t save myself.
My attention is drawn back to the book as my eyes catch the words Holy Rite. I stroke the ink, eyes scanning the page greedily. My stomach turns as I read of the unholy ritual the Bloodbane perform when a new female joins their order. The witches bring the initiate into the highest tower in their keep, a room with a portal that leads into the ether. I bite down hard on my bottom lip as I read of the ceremony that ties the initiate to Sadal. It turns my stomach, nausea sweeping through me. It’s sickening and painful and no doubt pleasurable when Sadal claims the initiate for his own.
This is what I would have to endure to become a true Bloodbane; what I would need to do to complete the oath already running in my veins. Curiosity tugs at me, compelling me to read more. I bury my nose in the book, eyes roving over the illustration of the well that acts as a portal to the ether. In the drawing, blood drains down into the well as the initiate is stretched over it. Sadal is pictured there, his sharp nails digging into her flesh.
A cloud crosses the sun, shrouding me in darkness. It pulls me away from the book and I feel as if I surfaced out of the deepest depths of the ocean. I look up, lifting my gaze to the sky. And I see Altair gliding above me, the wind ruffling his dark feathers. He doesn’t glance down towards me, instead heading off towards the harbor.
I glance down at the book. I gasp, seeing the sketch of the dark ritual. Its grotesque, blood spattered everywhere. I drop the book, fingers trembling as I look at the drawing with new eyes. I kick the book away with my foot and draw my knees up to my chest, shuddering. Altair’s father was right to destroy the books about Bloodbane magic and rituals. It’s dark and gruesome. I swallow the bile rising in my throat as my eyes drift over the book again.
; I hear my door creak open. I lean around the wall and peer into my bedroom. Dain’s smile catches my eye and I scramble to my feet. “Dain,” I cry, running towards him.
His smile broadens, his eyes glittering. “Verity, darling, what’s the matter?”
“The book,” I stammer. “I can’t read it any longer.”
“Is that so?” He murmurs. He steps back, out of arms reach just as the door opens again.
My brows furrow as I take in the strange woman who slipped into my room. Her blonde hair is almost white, her skin an alabaster shade. Her pale blue eyes are cold despite the smile pulling at her lips. “Who are you?” I ask warily. My gaze darts towards Dain as my heart pounds. “Dain?”
The woman strides towards me, her petite frame swaying. I stumble backwards as she closes the distance between us. The last thing I see are her eyes, pale blue.
Chapter 17
Altair
Flying cleared my head from my meeting with Verity. It seems every time I leave her, I’m left angry, confused at best. I take a seat in my council room, ready to continue with our business for the day. After Verity left, I postponed the meeting further to give myself some time to breathe. It shouldn’t be this way. It shouldn’t be such a struggle to be with the woman I love.
I drum my fingers on the heavy table. Love. I haven’t told her how I feel, and if she pulls away further, I doubt there would even be a point. Someday my feelings will fade if there’s nothing there to feed them. I’m pulled from my thoughts by Thal, who clears his throat pointedly.
“Altair?” He cocks a brow. “Are you ready?”
