Chained to Darkness

by Raven Woodward

  Wordlessly, Oricus held a hand out to Rex, and he handed over Onoliza’s heart without protest.

  “Come, Mate.” Oricus grabbed Harlow’s hand with his bloody one, pulling her flush against his side. “There is something we need to do.”

  Before she could rip away, they were back on Scondelade. The sky was dark; stars glittered overhead, as well as the two shining moons reflected on the ocean that calmly lapped at the shore.

  Oricus dropped the heart on the sand right by his feet before grabbing her shoulders and pushing her roughly to the ground. Her lips parted in a silent gasp when he brought his mouth down on hers. His body rose over her as his hands worked to rip the armor off.

  “Hold on,” she gasped. Using her magic, the armor slid off her like a dozen snakes, slithering away in the sand.

  Cold air nipped at her suddenly exposed flesh, but the heat of her arousal kept her warm enough. His tongue found the three jagged scars sliced across her collarbone. He ran the length of them while also smattering kisses to the area, ending where his bite still healed on her shoulder.

  “I fucking love my mark on you for all to see,” he growled.

  Harlow scoffed. “Shut up, caveman, we’re already mated.”

  He chuckled, then looked down at the black velvet pants he still wore. “How do I get these hideous things off?”

  She tried to hide her laugh behind a faux pout, but it was no use. “I’m not a fashion designer, that’s for sure.” With a little effort the seams unraveled, and the cloth fell away. In an instant, he was hovering over her again, hands on either side of her head.

  His heat was everywhere, and the tip of his hard length pushed against her entrance. Harlow’s eyelids fluttered shut as pleasure overrode everything else.

  “Eyes on me,” he ordered.

  She obeyed only to shoot daggers with her gaze.

  “Good,” he praised. Then he slammed into her, buried to the hilt.

  Harlow hissed, her hands wrapping around him, fingernails digging into his back. He hammered her with deep, brutal thrusts. His grey eyes turned silver, hungrily devouring the way her breasts bounced to his hurried rhythm.

  Her breaths turned to pants with his cock stroking that sensitive spot inside her, drawing her closer and closer to the edge until—without warning—she tipped over, crying out. Oricus swallowed her moans and sounds of ecstasy with his kiss. His back was damp with sweat as he grunted, spilling his seed inside her.

  He sagged, leaning his head on her shoulder. They both took a moment to catch their breath.

  Oricus said, “Let’s grab some clothes real quick. There’s something else we need to do.”

  Intrigued, she let him pull her to her feet before he wrapped the dirty heart in the fabric of his trousers. They took off together through the unnaturally still forest and into the castle that she now felt almost sad to be leaving.

  Per Oricus’s request, she wore a simple full-length black dress, her hair still damp from their quick shower. He wore his princely black suit, blond hair combed back.

  “Ready?” he asked, his demeanor back to the usual cold, unaffected persona he always wore.

  She nodded, not bothering to look at him even when he grabbed her hand.

  The inside of the castle disappeared, and instead, they were in a street with odd, boxy white architecture. It looked clinical, but also modern from the rounded edges on the buildings. In the street behind them tiny capsules hovered off the ground.

  “Where are we?” she asked, looking at the tall structure they stood in front of.

  “This is the residence of Maribelle Theroux.”

  Her eyes went wide and in a split second she was racing for the door. Inside, a set of stairs led up, while the hall in front led to multiple doors.

  “Last door at the very top,” Oricus called.

  It was all the information she needed before she was sprinting. On the final floor, there were only four doors. She stormed for the last one, pausing when she saw it open.

  Slowly she peered inside, spying a set of matching bloody handprints on the doorframe. Looking down, she saw two drops of blood at her feet. It was brown, but not flaking. Old but not more than a day.

  Harlow’s heart thundered as she took a step inside the apartment. Everything was a mess. Shattered plates and torn furniture littered the place.

  There was no point in calling out, though she did it anyway. “Hello?”

  Only silence answered her.

  Straight ahead, reflected in the glass wall, were letters. Harlow spun, letting out a loud gasp.

  Oricus was beside her in an instant, taking in the same thing she was.

  On the wall, written in blood, they read: Beware the gods that rise from the dead.

  ORICUS

  He’d thought that taking her to her sister would help rebuild some of the broken trust between them. And at least, if she was with Maribelle, he’d always know where Harlow was. The cryptic message that lay inside, however, was met with terror and anguish from his Marked.

  Amidst her sobs she punched him and kicked him, trying to escape, but he crushed her against his chest. He hauled her out, gritting his teeth.

  Beware the gods that rise from the dead. What the fuck did that mean, and who left it for Harlow to find?

  Onoliza? Had she known she would die?

  Even if she had, there was no way she’d be able to rise from the dead. But someone had taken Maribelle, and now Oricus would have to help Harlow find her.

  On the bottom floor he scooped her up into his arms and rushed them back to the castle. The only time her sobs quieted was when he launched into the air, landing on the damaged staircase.

  Servants peered out, wide-eyed and more than a little curious at their arrival.

  “Gather everyone still in the castle. I’m calling for an intergalactic memo to be sent out immediately,” he barked.

  They nodded, scurrying away like rats into their burrows.

  Harlow sniffled in his arms, seeming to come back to herself. She started to struggle. “Put me down, I don’t need to be here for this. I need to find my sister.”

  He let her slide to her feet but placed a hand on her back to guide her where he wanted her to go. “I’m putting out an Abducted Entity report to the entire galaxy. Most of the soldiers will be returning to their home planets now that they’re free.”

  “Oh,” she whispered.

  “Stay long enough for the reports to start filing in, then take it from there. The likelihood is she’s still here on Scondelade.” He paused, a wave of something strange rolling through him. For the first time in too many years, he was able to say the name of his planet without repercussion.

  Harlow smiled at the use of it, no doubt sensing the strange emotion within him. “It’s called happiness,” she said, stressing the word.

  He scoffed. “I know what happiness is.”

  But this was a lightness he hadn’t felt since practically the dawn of time. It was euphoric.

  In the grand throne room only one throne stood tall, but he’d remedy that eventually. Lying atop it was a light violet crown carved entirely from one of Scondelade’s most precious and rare gems: juble. It pulsed with a magic of its own and Oricus watched it suspiciously for a moment.

  People filtered in, looking nervous. At least a hundred servants stood, waiting for instruction. Rasimus, Lefayon, Tadaj, and Geoff were the first of the clan to enter, then Koen, Darrow, and Arodis—who held a stump of an arm wrapped in bloodied cloths, making Harlow gasp. Arodis just sent her a wink. Finally, Kel, Viktor, Xalicur, and Rex strode in. All eyes were on her.

  Oricus tapped the stone under his skin, bringing up a virtual screen where he typed in the settings for a full broadcast. Every screen in the entire galaxy would pick up the message they were about to send out.

  Rasimus gave him a subtle nod. The air was charged with anticipation, and the moment nearly made him laugh. They’d worked toward
this for so long, and now, the crown was there before him. His home was free of the wicked ruler.

  Oricus cast the recording to Rasimus’s comm unit. “And go,” he said, fists balled at his sides. Harlow gave him a curious glance before taking a step away.

  “Stay,” he ordered.

  She hesitated, before nodding once.

  “People of Scondelade, you may not remember me. I am Oricus Kalvar, second born of the Kalvar princes. I have slain the Empress Onoliza.”

  He paused to let those words run through the room.

  There was stunned silence. Then murmurs began, turning to raucous cheers. Raising his hands, he calmed the room.

  He picked up the glowing crown. It burned his skin, and he gritted his teeth against the pain.

  “I peacefully and in good conscience lift up your new benevolent ruler. May Scondelade thrive ever more.”

  Before anyone could react, he placed the crown on Harlow’s head.

  Gasps rang out, deafening. The purple stones shot out brilliant light, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When it vanished, Harlow stood, staring at him as if she didn’t know who he was. Her eyes, shining with tears, were as brilliant as the crown atop her head. He had to admit it suited her.

  Lowering himself to one knee, he pounded a single fist to his chest. “Bromya vie let’ja!” I swear my allegiance.

  The voices filled the room, offering his mate their fealty. Harlow turned, looking out at the faces that stared back with adoration.

  Oricus stood, faced the broadcasting screen, and spoke loud for all to hear. “Harlow Marks is my bonded mate and I intend to rule at her side, ensuring our planet remains ours forevermore. Never again will we be oppressed. Never again will you suffer. I dedicate my every breath to this promise.”

  More cheers rang out. Rasimus sliced his hand through the air, indicating he ended the broadcast.

  Harlow shot Oricus a look that might as well have flayed his skin from his bones. Without a word she stalked down the steps, her head held high, not pausing to address any of the staff that bowed or reached out to touch her.

  No matter—he’d have plenty of time to teach her their customs.

  It worked out even better this way.

  Now she had to stay with him.

  Forever.

  EPILOGUE

  Her rage coiled like a serpent readying to strike. Each time her feet slapped the stone floor her rage only ratcheted tighter. She had to get outside before it ruptured. He had promised her she could go. They’d won the war. Onoliza was dead.

  But how stupid had she been to take that promise seriously? Now her sister was missing and likely in danger. Instead of spending every second searching for her, she’d need to learn how to be a queen? Oricus could have her stupid fucking crown. She didn’t want to run an entire planet.

  You knew this was coming. You’ve seen it half a dozen times, she reminded herself. That didn’t stop her heart from thundering, or her magic from writhing for release.

  The massive double doors were stretched open in front of her, and she sprinted for the inky dark ahead.

  “Harlow!” Geoff called out to her, followed by the others.

  “Don’t follow me,” she shot over her shoulder with as much vehemence as she could. Their footfalls went quiet, a small mercy. She didn’t slow when the edge of the floating platform came into view. Tearing the crown from her head, she tossed it onto the staircase, not caring if it shattered into a million pieces.

  A guttural, soul-searing scream burst from her as she leapt off the edge. Lightning flashed all around her, jagged bolts of violet and blue arcing so close she could touch them.

  The fall was infinitely more pleasant than the last time. She loved the air rushing over her face, tugging her hair back.

  The ground rushed up to greet her, and this time she landed on her feet. For several moments they stung, but that was the only evidence she’d just jumped from a height no human could ever survive.

  She took in the city lit with millions of lights. Was her sister somewhere in there? She doubted it.

  Turning, she sprinted for the city’s edge. When the massive wall came into view, she leapt over it easily, and didn’t stop. She ran until her lungs began to ache. She ran until the moonlight was blocked out with thousands of trees that groaned and creaked, their branches moving to grab her. But she was too fast.

  Her cheeks stung from the whipping wind and errant twig colliding with her face. A dark figure stepped into her path suddenly, and she ground to a halt, nearing toppling into the thick, decaying foliage that carpeted the forest floor.

  Arian’s sharp features were visible in the sliver of moonlight peeking through the treetops, along with his eyes, which glowed gold.

  Her hackles raised, and she fought the urge not to attack him with her newfound claws and teeth.

  “So,” he said, hands in his pockets. “The new Queen of Scondelade.”

  “I don’t want the crown.”

  Silence followed while they stared each other down. Then, “Good. Because when I’m done dissolving the need for a single ruler, I’ll make sure whoever gets in my way doesn’t get up again.”

  Harlow folded her arms across her chest. “Big words for someone who so desperately wanted to die. How’s that goal coming along? Did you find someone else to unmake us all?”

  If it was possible, his eyes flared brighter. “You’ll know when your wounds don’t heal. So try not to get yourself mortally wounded.”

  “Why, because you’d like to be the one to end my life?” Her chin lifted as her anger burned hot. She’d released a burst of magic, but already her power swelled.

  Arian sighed. “You’ll never know how deeply I regret killing your parents, Harlow.”

  She shook her head, biting back tears. “That won’t bring them back. They didn’t deserve to die! They were innocent; so was my sister. You should have just killed me.”

  “I know.” His words were a whisper carried away through the trees. “My desperation to end the feud with my brother caused mistakes on my part. I’m not trying to make excuses, I’m offering an apology. But you should know that all of your mates will die for taking you from me. I will not rest until their blood is spilled and I know their lungs will never again draw breath.”

  His words were a viper’s bite, and she reared back. She knew that his hatred was deserved; what they did was wrong. “Haven’t you learned anything from Oricus’s quest for vengeance? It won’t satisfy you. And if you kill them all, what then? I’ll never be yours. You’ll be completely alone.”

  “You could be mine. You were meant to be mine. But assuming I can become mortal again, I would be able to die in peace, knowing justice has been served.”

  Harlow scoffed, taking a few steps back. She was turning around when Arian charged her. She hit the tree behind her, the force knocking the air from her lungs. Then his mouth was on hers, scorching her—burning her alive.

  She pushed him, but he grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head with one hand. The other wrapped around her throat, cutting off her air.

  “I want you to return to them smelling and tasting like me.”

  Panic clawed through her and just as her magic funneled to her chest, his large body was ripped off hers. Oxygen filled her lungs, and she gasped for it.

  Rasimus had an arm wrapped around Arian’s neck. His arms were held by Kel and Arodis. Viktor stood off to the side, glaring at her former mate.

  “She didn’t want your mouth on her, mudak,” he drawled calmly. Too calm. His eyes flicked to Harlow, scanning her from head to toe. “Go back to the castle, malishka.”

  “What did you just call me?” Harlow asked, unsure if she should be offended.

  Arian snorted, rolling his eyes as though she were stupid.

  Viktor cast her a sly smile. “It means baby girl.”

  Harlow wrinkled her nose. “Let him go. He’s done nothing to you.”

/>   An odd silence descended, but no one moved. Turning fully to look at her, Viktor cocked his head to the side. He took a step toward her. Then another. When he was in front of her, he caressed her cheek with his knuckles.

  “This man kept you isolated your entire life. He killed your parents and drove away the only family you have. When your sister was meant to be under his protection, she was kidnapped. Her children are likely separated from their mother and father. And yet, you would have us let him go?”

  Each word drifted through the clearing like smoke, yet they tasted like honey. She shivered, eyes falling back to Arian.

  His eyes were wide with shock. “Maribelle is missing?”

  His genuine shock ruled him out as a suspect at least.

  Viktor tsk-tsked. “The fact that you did not even know does not do you credit.”

  Her hands clenched into fists. It would be so easy to slap him for all he’s done to her. Didn’t her parents deserve that much? She’d gone to bed with their murderer instead.

  But now that she knew, she could hurt him like he’d hurt her.

  It would be so easy.

  Landing punch after punch, feeling his blood spray her face.

  But no, she’d seen enough gore today. She spun on her heel and stalked back the way she came, calling over her shoulder, “Let him go. He’s not worth our time.”

  She paused at the sound of a fist hitting flesh and bone—a sharp crack that was eerily loud in the forest. Arian muttered a string of curses and then his body hit the ground. He scrambled to his feet, sprinting away through the tress.

  “That’s right,” she whispered. “Run. Because I won’t be so merciful the next time we meet.”

  To be continued in Queen in Darkness

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This story went through a lot of twists and turns, a lot of starts and stops. I threw the whole manuscript in the bin at one point. But my husband encouraged me to get it back out even though it nearly ruined my life to do so. My early readers encouraged me to stick with it, and I’m so glad I did. This was one of the most stressful stories to write, and consequently, I believe it is one of my best works.