Chapter Nine
The Gift of Sacrifice
I land hard in the grassy expanse of paradise that we first walked in to. My knees hit the soft ground and my stomach heaves. It forces up the pent-up smell of that fae’s flesh and blood. For a few moments, my body rejects everything in my stomach until there’s nothing left.
Ryder, Darrio, and Dax’s boots stand around me, but I don’t look up at them. I stay hunched over for a long while, breathing in deep breaths of the fresh and clean air. I slowly pull my wings in, knowing they’ll heal faster within me. My body becomes weighted with the magic caressing the wings within.
Darrio lowers himself, his palm pushing up and down my spine.
No one speaks.
They let me dwell on my choices and my actions.
Until he arrives.
“Congratulations.” Loki’s voice sounds entirely too pleased.
I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and I stand to face the demented god before me.
“No one has beaten Druw …ever.” Wide eyes wait for me to claim my prize.
It would be a cursed prize.
It was already a dark thing to ask for.
Death magic won’t save us. Especiallycurseddeath magic.
Whatever Loki gives me will not be a gift at all.
I’d end up just like that fae who asked for eternal life and got it.
“Thanks.” I step back from him, my shoulder hitting Ryder’s chest.
“Are you ready to receive your request?” He holds his hands out, waiting to give me just what I asked for.
Baldur and Viola shudder in at Loki’s side, but neither of them speak. The three of them wait patiently.
This was a waste of time. We gained nothing by being here. I screwed up once again.
“I think we’re ready to leave,” I say carefully.
Daxdyn nods continuously like it’s the smartest thing I’ve ever said.
Loki’s eyes flash with interest. It’s like seeing lightning strike through the darkest night.
“You are an interesting little mortal, Zakara Storm.” His fingers lace together. “I don’t think you are the type of woman to change her mind. But know this, you will never have another chance at the destroying power I could give you. And you willnotwin this war without that kind of power.”
His thin lips tip up into a haunting smile just before the wind carries him away. His features flake away like ash until he’s gone entirely.
Regret swirls through my chest.
I had a chance at power that would end this war before it had even begun, and I passed for my own selfish reasons.
“It isn’t selfish.” Viola’s soft tone demands my attention.
It is selfish. If I had the nerve to let Loki’s magic destroy me from the inside out, then everyone’s lives would be simpler.
“You haven’t even considered if there is someone else who would help you.” Baldur’s deep tone has hidden meaning.
