“Pledge your allegiance to me, and together, we will conquer all. I will take back what is rightfully ours. You will have power greater than you could ever imagine. Power that will allow us to rule over all of Atheria once more.” Thames’s smile spread across his face, a twitch in his lip.
Despite being trapped for a thousand years, stuck in the mist of the void, his body returned to this world unharmed. His magic hummed, almost palpable in the humid afternoon air. His time in the void hadn’t weakened him. Instead, it was as though the more the darkness spread, even in the last couple of days, the stronger he became. As if it fed his very soul.
I shifted uncomfortably. My shadows stretched, clenching inside of me as they demanded I follow this inexplicable pull past the palace walls.
Go. Run.
My shadows had never spoken to me before, and it was unlikely they were doing so now. Perhaps, it was a test from my king, one I wouldn’t fail.
Our mate needs us.
The dark power coursing through my veins ebbed and I gasped. Pain pulsed past the darkness as memories of rose-gold hair flooded me. But it hurt. A tether inside of me, freeing itself from the darkness, pulled taught.
Yes. Listen.
Thames’s head snapped in my direction as his eyes met mine, narrowing. Just like that, the pain ceased. The darkness took control once more, soothing the tension inside my chest. The voice I thought I’d heard silenced instantly. Thames smiled as if he knew he’d saved me, before returning his gaze to the crowd.
I was a good and loyal servant. I would stand by Thames’s side and play the villain I was created to be. This was what was best for our people.
“Now, Guardians of Mysthaven. Stand before your rightful king and reveal your loyalty to me.”
The first Guardian approached, pulling up the sleeve of his tunic to reveal his inky mark. An eye encased in a wavy line. The brand of those who accepted the darkness willingly into their bodies. Giving up their very soul for power and the promise ofmore.
“Tyson Rivbane, Your Grace.” Bowing his head low, he continued to hold his arm before Thames.
“With blood may you reign.” Thames nodded and I signaled for Tyson to begin a line to my right.
I lost count of those standing beside me, succumbing to the black clouding my vision. Names and faces blurred together, growing hazy as time passed.
“Your Grace, I can explain,” a panicked voice trembled.
The commotion from the crowd and the Guardian’s words snapped me back to the courtyard.
Shaking on his knees, a Guardian exposed his arm to Thames. A pathetic hand-drawn design lay visible on his skin.
Thames took three steps toward the man before spitting at his feet. “Your words mean nothing. You dare kneel before me with a mockery of my brand? Not an ounce of loyalty to your king. No wonder Mysthaven has fallen to pieces since I’ve been gone.”
An anxious energy hummed, setting my skin ablaze. A sinister feeling, drowning out the pain, raced excitedly through me.
Our time had come to unleash what we were made for.
Death.
Fight it.
The voice was back. But weak. Why would I fight my king?
“Your insubordination will not be tolerated,” Thames hissed at the man before turning to me, beckoning me to him. “End him.”
I bowed my head. “As you wish it.”
“No, Prince Kade, no,” the Guardian pleaded. “I accept! I pledge myself to you, Thames.”
Thames jerked wildly back around to face the man. “You dare speak my name. I do not give second chances. Your cowardice has no place in my army. You will pay the price for your failure, and you will die.”
I commanded my shadows forward, even as they fought me. My magic had battled me before, but never like this. This was like dragging a leaden ball through the sand. They refused to budge.
I snarled.You will listen to me, shadows. You are mine to command.
