Holding the dagger firmly, I slip it from its sheath and plunge it into his side, right in the gap of his armor. His howl echoes out in the dungeon, my free hand pushing at his shoulder until his own blade is away from my neck. With my hand coated in my blood, I rip the dagger free and drag it across his neck, splitting it open. Blood sprays from the wound, his hands frantically trying to stop the flow. I jerk us to the side and crawl out fromunderneath him, shoving him onto his back as I kneel at his side. Blinded by the rage that floods my body, my vision is haloed in shadows as I unbuckle his leather armor at his chest and discard it to the side. His magic works to try and heal him, flaring red at his neck as gurgling sounds in his throat. But even if I had intended to leave him to his own devices, he’s not strong enough to save himself.
With his dying gaze meeting mine, my arms swing down, the feel of the blade cutting through skin and muscle before scraping against bone sending a terrifying thrill through me. Yanking the dagger out, I don’t care that he’s already stopped breathing when I plunge it in again. And again. And again.He’s already ravaged her in all of the depraved ways he’s wanted to. Crimson splatters my face and neck, and still, I get lost in the motions, wishing they’d drive out the voice that repeats his words in my head. Everything around me fades into the background until there is only the blade and my anger, the two inexplicably intertwined as they meet Stephan’s body over and over and over again.
Chapter Eighty-Seven: Bahira
Ihavecheckedalmosteverywhere in this godsdamn palace for my brother. The moment I realized he hadn’t been accounted for in hours, I began my search, left uneasy by the fact that he’s been so reclusive and withdrawn.
His stubbornness is only matched by own, and it’s that same obstinacy that has brought me to the lowest levels of the palace, the entrance to the dungeons currently blocked by an annoyingly familiar face.
“Well, well, well. It’s about time you finally came to me.” Max’s deep voice skates along my skin, but where it once caused desire to simmer low and deep, now it simply makes me arch an eyebrow in question. He folds his arms, the leather armor covering him stretched to the absolute limit. He really is massive for a mage.
“And what is it you think I’ve come to you for, Max?”
He mimics my brow lift, uncrossing an arm to gesture over his body. I can’t help but snort, rolling my eyes as I shake my head. “Listen, I’m not above being objectified. Especially by a beautiful woman such as yourself.”
“I’m afraid I’m only here on business. I need to get into the dungeons.”
The playful attitude shifts into something more serious, Max dropping his hands to his sides. “And why is that?”
Chewing my lip, I grimace. “I can’t tell you why. Only that I need a few uninterrupted minutes to look around.” Nox is more likely to be at a tavern in Galdr getting absolutely drunk off his ass than in the dungeons, but it is the only place in the palace I haven’t checked yet. The part of my brain interested in solving thewhere is Noxpuzzle is insisting that I make sure no rock goes unturned—or dungeon goes unexplored, as it were.
“Listen, I know, given our history, I should you give you special treatment—”
“We have no history, and certainly none that would equate to you treating me differently.”
“—but I can’t let you down there without a reason, Bahira.”
I sigh, my hands coming to my hips as I tip my head back in frustration. “I appreciate your dedication to the job, Max. Especially given how tumultuous things have been around here lately.” I watch his expression, gauging his reaction to my words. When he merely gives me a curious look, I continue, hoping thattrusting him with a little of the truth won’t backfire in the end. “I’m looking for my brother.”
A line forms between his brows. “The king is missing?” he barks.
I shush him, turning to look over my shoulder before shooting him a frustrated glance. “No, but I can’t find him.”
“I’m not a smart man, but I’m fairly confident that is the definition of missing.”
“Stars above,” I groan. Stepping in closer, I ignore the way his breath stutters in response to my proximity. “He’s just not where I expected him to be, so I’m searching inunexpectedplaces.” When it looks like another retort about the definition of the word “missing” might make its way past his lips, I hold a finger up to them. “Max, please,” I say softly. “I’m only asking for a few minutes. In and out.”
His dark eyes bounce between mine, and when his shoulders eventually round in defeat, I smile as I exhale roughly.
“Thank you.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he retorts, reaching for his keyring. “Just be quick. And maybe if youdofind your brother down there, ask him why the earlier shift got treats from the kitchens but I have yet to have one delivered to me in his name.”
What?“Okay… I will do that.”
Max unlocks the gate that leads into the dungeon, the metal blocking the threshold lifting out of the way. “Just a few minutes,” he warns, and I nod, stepping past him. “Also, any time you want to revisit that rule of yours, just know I’m ready.Any time.” He drops his voice even deeper, the timbre making the hair rise on the back of my neck. Not because it’s his, but because it reminds me of another.
Clearing my throat, I toss him a smile over my shoulder. “Should I ever decide to break the rule, I will find you.” Only a little bit of guilt flickers. It’s not like he will ever cross paths withKai. Shaking my head, I force all thoughts regarding the shifter king out of my mind as the gate closes behind me and I begin my descent into the dungeons below.
My fingernails press into my palms as I stare at the open gate, wishing instead that I was holding my spear. I might take joy in being right on the hunch to come down to the dungeons if it weren’t for the fact that it’s ominously unguarded. Reaching for the dagger I have hidden in my boot, I clutch it tightly before continuing forward, passing under the gate and into the darker section holding the cells.
I move slowly down the first aisle, nearly misstepping when I spot two guards slumped over in one of the cells. I lean in closer as I scan the surrounding area, battling the rapid beating of my heart into submission as I listen for a sign of life. But when I hear their heavy breathing, I relax a fraction and decide to continue deeper into the bowels of the dungeon. I have only ever explored this area once, years ago after my father all but forbade me from coming here without a guard. I was morbidly curious, so I snuck in, charming one of the guards to give me a tour. But the cells had been empty and the air so thick with stagnant water that it made it hard to breathe. I never returned until now, and as I force myself deeper into the heavy darkness, its shadowy depths only broken up by the occasional spelled flame, anxiousness coils itself around my spine with every step.
Rounding a corner cell, I squint into the darkness and peer down another row, my back pressed to the cold metal bars. I make it past another handful of rows, the maze of the cells making me dizzy with worry that I won’t be able to find my way out again when a noise forces me to stop. Goosebumps roll over my body at the squelching sound, and I hold my breath in mychest when it’s followed by a deep growl.Fucking gods, I better not get attacked by some creature down here. Gripping my dagger tightly, I hold it out in front of me and resume my careful steps. There is a rhythmic pattern to the odd sound that spills out into the space and as I reach another corner cell, I prepare for something to leap out and snap at me.
But instead, there is only the movement of shadow. I press further, my breaths coming so quickly I’m sure whoever orwhateveris down the corridor will hear me. Wetness splatters out onto the ground in front of me, catching just enough of the sparse light to reveal its color.Red. My stomach hollows as I swallow down my fear, sweat beading at my neck.
My boots are silent against the stone while sweat beads at my neck, the edges of the cell where the noises are coming from nearing. Spelled flames highlight more blood pooling inside, originating from where a male is kneeling, his upper body heaving with labored breaths. I watch silently as he raises his hands, a blade glinting in his grasp before he plunges it back down, a sickening wet sound skating over me.
