Neyu’s high-pitched cry cut off at its apex as a metallic flash crossed her throat while Saer’s sharp scream of denial buried itself in the sound.The heavy fall of rain and burning thunder cradled their despair.
“What have you done?”Saer howled, the dismayed shock in his voice rising on the last word.
Blood dripped off the silver edge of Ahraan’s knife, echoing the rain’s cadence.
Saer’s hand curled under Neyu’s lolling head, fingers supporting her jawline.He hadn’t been prepared to witness her pain, her blood, her limp body.
She’s okay.Neyu is okay.She’ll be fine.
Blood ran thick and free down her front as well as Saer’s fingers and forearms while his mouth ran dry.The wound poured like lava, scarlet and steaming.Neyu’s body spasmed against her bonds, though she made no sound while the crowd watched on, aghast and hushed.
Hold on, Dearest.
Saer lowered Neyu’s chin to her motionless chest.Shewasacting, wasn’t she?
Hold on...
“This world is full of consequences, cousin.”Ahraan’s voice pushed through another thunderclap.
Saer’s voice rumbled between gritted teeth, anxiety melting into ire.“Don’t call me that.”
A sad, resigned smile pulled on Ahraan’s mouth.
Susurrations rose from the crowd.
Neyu’s body hung limp.The flow of her blood slowed, rain washing it down her body in sickening, crimson trails.She didn’t breathe.
She’ll be fine.
Saer swallowed hard.“How dare you?”Pride growled, then raised his infuriated voice to be heard by the mob.“How dare all of you!”
“Cousin—”
Saer whirled on Ahraan.“We arenotfamily.You say there are consequences in this world?Of that I’ve little doubt.”He stepped against Neyu and held her head high by the chin so the slice in her throat would be openly displayed.His own hands and lower arms remained stained with her blood.“As consequences exist, I demand payment forthis.”
Saer pointed his free hand at Ahraan.“From you.”He swept his hand towards the crowd.“From everyone!”
The mob shifted as Saer lowered Neyu’s head with care.Curling some of her ebony hair behind her ear, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against its auricle, whispering, “Soon, Dearest.”
The demoness’s body didn’t stir.A steady wash of rainwater poured off her frame, thin streams dripping off the ends of her black hair.
Taking a step back, Saer shut his eyes and stretched a single hand into the thunderous atmosphere.
Lightning struck adjacent to the platform.The crowd gasped and screamed.
Calling upon the phenomenal heat of the bolt, Saer pulled.
The next thunderclap struck Saer’s outstretched hand, drawn to his instinctual tug, its crack deafening.The overpowering heat froze Pride as he absorbed it, screaming behind clenched teeth, vitality thrumming under his skin.
Cries and gasps rose from the spectators, but Saer’s growling voice overpowered them.“Now, Neyu.”
Neyu’s body stiffened, and her head snapped up, drawing gasps and shrieks from the crowd.Her neck seeped blood, her lips blue with cold.Lightning bolts from the sky reflected in her eyes, swallowed in dilated pupils.Rain extinguished the last of the torches, blanketing her sinuous body in an atmosphere as black as pitch.
Pandemonium ensued.
Men and women screamed.Neyu opened her dusky lips and wheezed, the sound gurgling from her mouth and the open flay of her throat.Taking the heat he’d stolen from the lightning, Saer pointed his hand palm-first towards her and channeled it in a fiery blaze.Neyu’s head snapped back further, and the clean slice of her neck knit shut as if it never existed.The metallic tresses framing her face lengthened and solidified in a sweep above her head.
The fire from Saer’s palm extinguished and he collapsed on his hands and knees, all the heat he’d gained from the lightning expelled to revitalize his love.Even weakened by the loss, he regretted none of it.But without the blaze…
