“King Aelius told us to round up the humans and bring them to Dusk!” He finally admitted, blurting the words out in a rush. The soldier’s taunting smile was long gone, and he cringed away from me, fear and panic wafting off him as he spilled his guts. Thankfully, that didn’t have to be literally.
“Why?” I drew the word out, my claw inching down to his neck as the solider began to practically shake, trying to maintain his composure and stop himself from crying out.
“We were to deliver them to Dusk.” He repeated unhelpfully, looking at me with a plea in his eyes. But I was starting to get aggravated by the lack of information.
I grabbed him by the golden breastplate brandished with house Earendel’s sigil and shook him, “Why does he want them? Why did you attack your own men? Answers!” I demanded, a growl caught in my throat. “Now.”
“Cyrus needs them!” The man shouted, tears forming in his eyes as I began to unfasten his armor, leaving him, and more importantly, his cock, exposed. “Aelius made a deal with him. Something about a trade for his heir.”
I went completely still.
“He told us to kill the soldiers you sent and take over the mission to Dusk. I don’t know why he wanted them dead, I swear to you!” The man begged, looking up at me from his knees.
I sneered down at the coward before me. “Of course you don’t. And did he tell you what Cyrus promised him regarding his heir? This trade you spoke of?”
He shook his head hastily, “Only that he would make things right once Cyrus delivered on his end of the deal. That's all I know! I swear to you, my Prince!”
I turned away from him, trying to hide the slight tremor in my hand. I nodded to Bellin, who raised his sword, and the man’s screams were cut off with one quick slice.
I stepped away for a moment to get myself under control. Bellin came up beside me, eyeing me with concern.
“Free the humans. Have a couple men bring them to the border with Night. Ensure they know they’ll find refuge there.” I instructed, taking a deep breath. “They can’t return to Day, not while my father lives. We can play this like I wasn’t involved and don’t know anything about what happened here easily enough.”
I shook my head, looking back toward where Avalon Palace stood, its golden glory surrounded by the decimation of our human population.
But I couldn’t spare them more thought than what was necessary to prevent my father from realizing I was here. He couldn’t find out I’d had anything to do with preventing him from delivering the humans to Dusk.
“Arien.” Bellin’s worried tone reached me, and I only realized I was still shaking when he put a steadying hand on my shoulder.
But all I could do was gasp out a breath in horror.
“He knows.”
Chapter Fourteen
Cyrus
Cuttingthe throat of the human in front of me, I let the blood drip down to the bucket underneath him, not wanting to waste a drop of the liquid. It was much more precious than this mongrel’s actual life.
“One down.” I mused, looking up at the crowd of humans, ones not strapped down or hung up for their blood, but who’d instead been caught rallying others to try to free their brethren.
“Come now, don’t be shy,” I called, spreading my arms wide. “Someone here had the idea of trying to go against your king and prince. Of trying to go against the very laws of Celesterra itself.” I moved forward, and the small crowd of riffraff before me scuttled backward, hitting the line of nickel-plated soldiers boxing them in from behind.
I had hoped when I took the humans for my project, it would be largely overlooked. None knew where the camps they were being kept in were located, after all. But it seemed that the humans cared more about their family members being taken than I’d originally considered.
If only my own family was so caring.
Now, I would be forced to put this group down. After getting answers, of course. But a point had to be made. Humans could not get away with going against us. It would set a dangerous precedent and ultimately lead to anarchy.
“One of you or all of you. I suppose that is the question.” I announced, looking around the group of frightened sheep before me. Asteria had always stood out among the rabble. I could have kicked myself for not realizing the truth of her earlier. Though, I supposed even Calix hadn’t. I tried to suppress the growl that instinctually wanted to arise. The very thought of my old friend withmyAsteria caused my blood to boil.
A rough-looking human man stepped forward, defiance shining in his green eyes. His muddy brown hair was cut short, and a strong chin jutted out at me. What was so stunning on Asteria was decidedly less so on this human.
“It was me. Let these people go.” I raised an incredulous brow at his demanding tone.
“Let them go?” I tutted, shaking my head. “You admit to treason, and still you stand here and make demands of me?” I prowled closer to the human who dared to challenge me.
I had to give it to the man. He tried to stay strong, but as I approached, his limbs shook, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed. Still, he forced his mouth open once more. “They did nothing.”
