I tried.
He faded in and out of consciousness, but the pain eased little by little. Enough for him to be present when he choked on vomit. To feel icy fingers stroking his cheek. How he wished to break those cold fingers.
She laughed that obnoxious tinkling sound, making his teeth grind.
The fever gripped him hard, wracking his body with violent shivers, and at one point he was pretty sure he roared for a blanket. But it never came. Maybe death will finally take me, he thought bitterly.
After all this, I finally get the end I wanted so badly.
He recalled the monstrous wolflike creature biting Elentis, and it jolted a fire in him that steeled him with the determination to fight. To save his brother. Was he in as bad a condition as Arian was?
Though he fought to open his eyes, to rise back to the surface, blackness pulled him under again.
He opened his eyes to a capsule of dim blue light illuminating the room. And the pod he lay in. Beside him was only an indent where the Empress had no doubt lain at some point. Clenching his jaw, he rose to a sitting position, moving slowly. His skin ached, feeling like it was stretched too tightly over his bones. He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers to make sure they were all still there.
He didn’t bother fooling himself into thinking he could attempt another escape. No doubt the secret passage was now filled with guards. Scooting to the edge of the giant, suspended sac that swung back and forth with the movement, Arian growled in irritation at his naked form. With his feet finally planted firmly on the floor, he strode forward, snagging a fresh change of clothes from the closet that expanded when he approached. His limbs shook while he dressed, but he didn’t care. He just needed some food.
When he opened the grand double doors, every single guard whirled toward him, looking ready to fight.
“At ease. I just need some food.”
“You’re not permitted to leave this room,” one brave soldier said.
Arian rolled his eyes. “She can’t starve me. Where is she?”
“The Empress of Scondelade, Creator and Conqueror of the Galaxy, is in the dining hall,” a taller soldier answered, looking more at ease than any of the others.
“Perfect, I’ll head there.”
Though most of them looked ready to protest, none stopped him when he strode past them. On shaky legs he headed through the castle and into the main dining hall.
The Empress paused with a hunk of frozen fish speared on her fork poised in front of her lips. “Well, well, you’re awake at last,” she said pleasantly. Setting her fork down, she glanced at the silent server standing against the wall. “You, fetch my consort a plate,” she ordered.
Arian wanted to snort at the title, but managed to hold back. He took a seat at the opposite end of the table, as was customary for a king, though he felt less than a common thief.
“Where is Elentis? Has he recovered?”
Her slow smile reminded him of nightmares, and the sticky webs that ensnared the foolish. Like him. He was a damned fool.
“Oh, Elentis is suffering, I’m afraid. It is your punishment after all.”
Without thinking he slammed his fist on the table before him, shattering the elegant wood grown in the magical forests right outside the castle. “Heal him! I swear not to try to escape again, I’ve learned my lesson.”
Onoliza’s smile never faltered. She hummed, appearing to think over his demand. “I have decided that your brother will be quite useful to me. It is best you never think of him again.”
His anger had never been leashed to begin with. Like a rocket his rage shot through him with no end, no wall to stop it from setting fire to everything he cared about. “I’ve had enough of your games, witch. I won’t play.” Rising to his feet, he abandoned any thought of food and stormed from the dining room.
In the hall, a single servant scrubbed the already shining floor, a soft sad song pouring from her lips:
“Come, friend, come. To the planet where the rivers bleed red and the Empress steals lovers for her bed. Where deadly frost creeps o’er the ground, tis forests where children are ne’er found.”
He swallowed hard, meeting the girl’s dark yellow eyes, sliced in half with a white slit. She was a Kiga’bru—a race with varying features, including a pair of budding antlers poking through her mess of brown curls tied up in a knot on the top of her head. Onoliza slaughtered most of their kind and enslaved the rest, though he hadn’t seen one in several centuries.
Her haunting song was a poem written after the Empress conquered Scondelade and began to tear apart his innovative, thriving planet. In recent centuries it became a song that was sung before public executions. It was banned. Anyone who uttered a single line was meant to be put to death. The girl lifted her chin, not an ounce of fear present in her elongated eyes.
Further down the hall, a young boy—likely native to Scondelade—carrying a basket heaped with damp linens sang, “O’ beyond the cities tall where misery breeds. Once princes roamed, now monsters feed. Come, friend, come, but don’t speak its name.”
Arian rushed past them both, not wanting to see them ripped to pieces before his eyes. But deeper down the hall another beautiful voice carried on. “Pass your mirrors, don’t look within the frame. A witch hides inside, she hears your words. Here we lay hope to rest, cut rations by thirds. Come, friend, come, but don’t speak its name.”
Another voice joined in, and Arian picked up his pace. The lyrics were written deep within his soul, having heard it so many times. “Spell it not aloud, nor written is the game. Sink to the bottom of the Harbijeer. Beasts of the deep wait for you here.”
He ran, trying to shut out the sound, but it followed him, carrying louder as more voices joined in. “Come, friend, come accept your fate. By the time we’re saved, it’ll be too late.”
That’s when he heard the gun blasts and screams. Arian collapsed on the other side of his door, chest heaving.
The people were so sick of Onoliza’s terrorizing reign that they were marching toward their own deaths.
And there was nothing he could do to save them. Just like the song suggested. By the time we’re saved, it’ll be too late.
Part Five
Part of Their World
HARLOW
What the fuck is wrong with me? she screamed through all twelve of her new mental links.
You’re transforming, Rex responded.
Into what?!
At seeing her hands—or what was supposed to be hands—another shriek caught in her throat. Massive bearlike paws covered with shimmering red fur were there instead. Long black claws clacked against the jeweled floor when she attempted to wiggle her fingers.
An enormous, warm body brushed against hers and she spun, finding Oricus’s beast beside her. Bigger than a bear, with grey skin wrapped around its powerful body, enhancing every ounce of muscle.
You’re one of us. A blrochni. Oricus’s voice filled her head, soothing her. I told you once you were mated to us, you’d be able to access your animal form like the rest of us. It’s so beautiful…You’re beautiful.
Harlow’s heart pounded. Twelve sets of eyes took her in, making her feel more exposed than the entire mating ritual did. She felt the urge to somehow cover herself.
Shall we run, Mate? A midnight-black beast, mammoth in proportions, padded to her side. Wicked silver eyes flashed her way. Something about the creature was familiar. Not his eyes, no—those belonged to just him. The beast was similar to Arian’s, though Rasimus’s fur was longer, the silky strands almost blue in the light. And his horns spiraled straight up whereas Arian’s were curved like a ram’s.
A tremor of irritation that wasn’t hers went through her—thinking about Arian right now was not wise.
Run where? she asked.
Masculine chuckles filled her mind, and she snorted her annoyance. Without any further explanation Oricus took off, his brothers tearing after him. Harlow stum
bled forward unsteadily and a white beast with short, thick fur kept pace beside her. She knew even without hearing his voice that it was Rex.
She picked up speed, exiting the massive structure through the halls, where cool air wrapped around her like a heavy cloak. Yet the ground was warm beneath her paws. The sky above was the deepest blue, speckled with stars, some of them quite large. Two massive moons hung low on the horizon, seated side by side, bathing the stunning terrain before her in silver light. A faint yellow glow illuminated the horizon on her right, but she knew it wasn’t sunlight. Trees loomed up ahead, branches stretched wide like arms welcoming them into their dark embrace while the howls of her mates called out to the night.
The sound burst from her chest, ripping up her throat: her own howl. A baying sound that sounded and felt like complete and utter freedom. Her mates followed suit.
Inside her chest, her heart was full, beating steadily despite the unyielding pace they kept. Once they were in the thick of the forest, their breaths curled in wispy white puffs, though it was difficult to see much beyond the dark outlines of trees and the other beasts in front of her. Still the ground underfoot was pleasantly warm.
The core of our planet is radioactive material that generates lots of heat. During Lunvet, it helps keep the ground from freezing, which enables us to still grow much of the same crops. That’s why it’s so warm, Geoff addressed her thoughts.
Harlow didn’t answer, focusing on wending through the forest at such a high speed. She felt the branches reaching for her, brushing her sides and back. The air coated her strong, powerful body.
This was everything.
She was home at last in her true form. Her life as a human had its perks, but this was simple. Peaceful.
How does it feel, pet? Rasimus asked. She watched the strong bunching of his lethal muscles beneath his dark fur, wondering if she could grin as an animal.
Like freedom, she replied.
Warmth and agreement mixed in response.
Pushing her new body harder, she felt a delicious burn in her muscles as she began to pull ahead. She was neck and neck with Oricus, determination to lead the pack steeling her. Driving her. She didn’t care that she had no idea where she was or what might lie ahead.
Oricus snapped at her leg, unwilling to let her get ahead, and she returned his gesture with a snarl. A few of her mates sent laughs through the bond, though she was unsure if Oricus could hear them or not.
Watch it, Puppet, he admonished, though his tone lacked its usual icy bite. There’s room for only one alpha.
She felt the strong, dominant males all around her. Were they not all alphas in their own ways? Oricus was their leader, yes, but she couldn’t imagine Rasimus bowing to anyone. Nor the strong-headed Viktor, whose eyes were filled with bloodlust. Truly, each of her mates would likely test her. But she was no one’s beta.
You’re not staying, she reminded herself, but the thought faded as quickly as it came. The bonds were all strangely silent, and she allowed herself the hope that that particular thought hadn’t been projected to her mates. A foolish hope, she knew.
Pushing more of her strength into each pounding footfall, she managed to pull ahead of Oricus. Or maybe he let her.
She didn’t care.
Distantly the sound of waves boomed. A salty, mineral-tinged breeze reached her sensitive nose.
An ocean.
Harlow raced for it, and the males followed. When the tree line suddenly vanished, and the hard, leaf-coated ground turned to loose black sand, she slowed.
Stretching out as far as her heightened eyesight could see, a dark glittering, bobbing ocean rolled in toward the beach. Frothy water soaked the sand, lapping at her paws.
Oricus and Koen brushed against her sides when she stopped to take in the view. The moons were huge, bright silvery orbs. Their reflections looked like diamonds on the surface. She knew what a beach similar to this one had looked like in the heat of summer, how the water was stained red due to the algae.
Want to go for a swim? It was Rex’s voice that filled her mind as he sat back on his haunches, letting the crimson water soak into the fur of his hind legs, turning it a muddy color.
She nodded, then responded with a Yes when she realized how foolish it would look to have an animal nod.
Turn back, Oricus coaxed. The commanding, dominant tone of his voice sent a shiver up each of her vertebrae.
How? she asked, but the moment she thought about turning back into a woman, she felt the change happen.
Naked, Harlow waded into the water without looking at the twelve beasts on the shore. It was shockingly cold, but it soothed the ache in her sore muscles. The farther out she ventured, the colder it got—and the more she realized the water might actually contain creatures she didn’t particularly want brushing up against her naked body.
When the water was just above the peaks of her breasts, she turned, noting that several of her mates remained in beast form. A few wandered along the beach, others lying down in the sand, at ease in the moonlight. The rest were wholly naked males in all their sexy, muscular glory.
Harlow felt heat pooling between her legs, though she couldn’t fathom how after the epic sex fest she’d took part in.
Rex, who stood a few feet away, quirked his lips to one side, no doubt sensing the change in her demeanor. “Sex fest, huh?” he asked.
Harlow pursed her lips. Having her every thought on broadcast was going to take a lot of getting used to. Again. Having them on broadcast again.
Rasimus and Geoff waded toward her while Xalicur and Lefayon both dove headfirst into the water, racing each other. To what distant point, Harlow wasn’t sure.
Oricus stood in the ocean, the gentle waves caressing his narrow hips, a picture of ease, though his constant checking of the skies and the shoreline told her otherwise. As if sensing her curiosity, he met her eyes. “We won’t have long out here in the open,” he told them all, his voice just a notch above the sound of the water.
Rasimus and Geoff stopped close to her, their proximity and heat causing a purr to echo in her throat. Geoff laughed huskily.
“I don’t think our girl is sated yet,” he teased, brushing his fingers down her back, under the water, stopping just above the curve of her ass. She shivered.
Oricus growled, eyes flashing silver. “Not here,” he ordered.
Rasimus grabbed her hip, pulling her against his front. She felt his stiff cock dig into her. “Then we should head back.”
A vein pulsed on Oricus’s forehead, his gaze lethal, yet hungry. Like he could devour her here and now, slaughtering anyone that tried to stop him.
Harlow smirked. “Let’s go back.”
If silver could catch fire and come alive, she could have sworn it did in Oricus’s eyes as he strode toward her, pushing through the water like it wasn’t there at all. When he reached her, he grabbed her arm and hauled her away from Rasimus, his expression challenging.
Harlow let him pull her toward the shore, but when the water was down to her waist, he leaned down and tossed her over her shoulder. She squealed and he landed a slap on her ass, startling her. Her view of his firm behind was not a bad view though, she had to admit. The outburst of laughter from the other guys told her they’d heard that thought.
“Quiet, Mate.” The way he said the last word made her jaw clench.
“We just ran all over the forest howling and shit,” she argued.
“Inside the wards,” he retorted. “Out here, anyone can see us. Or hear us.”
She huffed a breath. “Well how was I supposed to know that?”
Oricus didn’t answer, carrying her to the forest, like a caveman taking a female back to his cave.
She wiggled. “Put me down.”
“If I do that, you’ll never find your way back.”
“What do you—”
The space around her rippled, and her mind went blank.
What am I…? What a
re we doing?
They were suddenly deep inside a forest, all shreds of light cut off. And then she remembered the wards.
“Trippy,” she whispered, shivering at the drop in temperature. Oricus let her fall to her feet, a little rougher than was necessary, but he didn’t see the glare she shot him. “Can’t we run back?”
“That’s the plan, but don’t shift in here.” He took off running.
Her mouth opened with an audible sound of outrage, ready to spew a string of curses, when a hand grabbed hers. A scream lodged in her throat.
Xalicur’s smile was barely visible in the darkness, his scent mixed with saltwater a reassuring comfort. The others suddenly materialized behind them. “Ready?” he asked.
Harlow nodded, and then they were running, the others keeping a relatively tight circle around her, for which she was thankful every time she caught sight of eyes glowing or branches moving way too much for a light breeze.
And despite their inhuman pace, she heard the whispers that she hadn’t before, and shivered. The children of the forest watched but didn’t engage.
Moonlight streamed in up ahead, and they made their way out of the forest, slowing to a walk at the castle’s entrance. Darrow grabbed stacks of clothing from behind a bare bush, the branches covered with fine hairs that made them look like long, gnarled spider legs. He passed her a furry robe and she wrapped it around herself, grateful for the warm it provided.
In the distance, the sky was filled with strange, glowing aircraft. Most of them looked straight out of a sci-fi movie with their fluorescent-looking lights running like veins all along their sleek undersides.
What are they waiting for?
She’d forgotten for a moment that her thoughts were not merely her own, and Geoff answered aloud while pulling a T-shirt over his toned chest.
“I might have scrambled their signals and manually disabled their sonic-core boosters.” He smirked.
Chained to Darkness Page 26
