‘You were desperate, I assume,’ Dominic continued. ‘But my healers monitor every drop of the tonic that keeps my nephew safe. When we realized some was missing, I started to truly wonder … Was it possible? Did the Second Saint exist? Was she trying to hide her power? I hoped, with the right motivation, you’d show yourself and prove my suspicions correct.’
Will’s gaze flicked to Aidon, but the prince remained stoic, his eyes void of any emotion as his uncle spoke. Will’s jaw tightened. The kidnapper in the alleyway had rushed for him first, while the other attacked Aidon. They had given Aya the perfect opportunity to unleash herself.Aidonhad given her the perfect opportunity to unleash herself.
A trap. It had all been a trap.
Dominic sighed as he picked a piece of lint from his tan linen jacket. ‘But then you ran off to the Vaguer – to learn how to defeat the Decachiré, I assume – and I worried it would all be for naught. No one survives a trip to the Vaguer. But I’m nothing if not prepared for all outcomes, Aya. So I paid a visit to the Maraciana.’
A nod to the door, and a guard shifted. Will’s blood went cold as Natali was dragged inside, their face battered and bruised. ‘With the right motivation, Natali was all too willing to assist in some research on an ancient practice.’
‘What do you want?’ Aya growled again, her fists curling at her side.
‘I want you to prove you’re the saint the realm awaits.’
Will tugged against his chains as one of Josie’s guards approached him, standing sentinel near his shoulder.
Dominic gestured to Viviane. ‘Impart power to her, or I’ll kill her myself.’
Josie’s scream ripped through the room, and the guards were on her again, holding her in place. Will dove into his well, beating against the wall blocking his power.
‘And why would I ever agree to that?’ Aya demanded. She was stalling. He could see her readying to attack, to spear her power across the room.
Suddenly there was a flash near Vi, and Will gasped as he felt the knife that a guard had swiped across her face.
The guard at his shoulder laid a hand on his arm, and Will’s very blood was on fire.
A Sensainos.
Will couldn’t contain the scream that ripped from him as his body writhed against the pain. He was burning alive, he was sure of it. The Sensainos sent another lash through him. Another. Another.
Distantly, he heard Josie sobbing. Heard Aya pleading. Heard Viviane screaming. He couldn’t separate what they were doing to her and what they were doing to him. All he knew was agony.
So this was what it felt like to be a victim of his power. To be on the receiving end of the pain he had inflicted on so many. Perhaps he deserved it.
‘Stop.’ The king’s order cut through the room, and the pain relented, leaving Will gasping for air. ‘We could do this all day, Aya. I’ll kill them both.’
Aya’s voice trembled as she turned her gaze to Dominic. ‘Why are you doing this?’
He considered her for a moment, his face pensive.
‘Because,’ Dominic said softly, ‘you’re going to help me build Kakos’ army.’
73
This was the worst layer of the hells. The furthest, darkest pit she could find.
‘If you think that I will help Kakos, you’re mistaken,’ Aya breathed. ‘I’d rather die.’
Dominic cocked his head. ‘Youwon’t help Kakos, my dear. My nephew will.’
A chill raced up Aya’s spine as Dominic grinned.
‘With my connections to Kakos, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the Diaforaté. Closer and closer they’ve come over the years to mimicking the raw power needed to break down their wells. But the power is unstable. It feeds on its host far more aggressively than the Decachiré did. But I have a theory.’ The king regarded her. ‘The power of a saint is naturally raw. And limitless. Perhaps you’re the key to our conundrum, Aya. Perhaps, if one takesyourpower … there would be no adverse effects at all.’
‘What does that have to do with Viviane?’ Aya rasped.
Dominic raised a brow. ‘What better way is there to prove your power is safe for Aidon?’ he asked mildly. ‘Your power is of far more use to me in someone loyal to my cause. And once Aidon has it … he’ll be the most powerful Diaforaté in the world.’
Aya felt numb as she looked to Aidon, but Aidon’s gaze was on the floor, his jaw tight in the growing silence.
