And he would take her apart to get it.
“I have the perfect spell to draw out your divinity.” His wide, excited eyes fixed on her with an eerie smile. “One last step, then it will be mine.”
Sweat beaded on her forehead, her heart racing with fear at the madness on his face.
Eldrik paused when they heard footsteps in the hall. Someone was coming. She turned her head as it opened and her stomach sank.
Delphi stepped inside, cobalt gown trailing behind her like silk blue petals. She wore no veiled headdress this time, leaving her pointed ears exposed. Her face was unreadable.
Two Calveron guards closely escorted her.
Her violet eyes remained carefully on the wall without sparing Alora a glance. “You called for me, sire?”
Alora’s chest heaved with a sharp breath, shock and betrayal searing into her like a hot iron. But there had never been any kinship between them.
“Yes.” Eldrik smiled, sharp as a snake. “Come here.”
Hesitating, the Queen Dowager elegantly strode forward and bowed her head to him. Alora tried to catch Delphi’s gaze, her breath holding to hope. But Delphi refused to look at her, her throat bobbing.
He made a come-hither motion, clicking his tongue.
Delphi’s hand slightly trembled before she held it out to him. Eldrik drew out a knife and sliced her palm. She winced and he turned her palm over. Blood welled bright red and spilled on the stones at their feet.
He grinned when the wards there flared with life. “She truly is of your blood.”
They’ve never gotten along, but Delphi was all the hope she had left.
“Godmother…” Alora whimpered faintly, pleading. “Please.”
A flush of shame colored Delphi’s face before fixing her expression with indifference.
Even after learning the truth from Zinnia, knowing Delphi was her aunt, and still betrayed her made Alora’s chest cave in. Tears rolled down her temples.
Eldrik chuckled as he lifted her hand and dragged his dagger across her palm. “She cannot help you, princess. No one can.”
He let her blood drip on the ground, and the charge of magic crackled in the air as the wards blazed.
Alora raged, kicking and writhing. She strained against the bindings angrily. They flickered a moment then dug their thorns in deep, making her scream.
Eldrik smirked. “She’s stronger than I expected.”
“She’s stubborn,” Delphi replied impassively. “Like her mother.”
“Why would you help him?” Alora screamed. “Do you know what he means to do with my power?”
The Queen’s gaze flicked away. “Give him what he wants, and he will leave Argyle in peace. Do it for your people. It won’t be as painful if you don’t resist. This is for the good of all.”
Then she turned and quickly strode away.
The heavy door shut behind her, echoing in Alora’s head.
Eldrik stroked her cheek, chuckling. “You should be honored. To know your flame will help me conquer Arthal.” He leaned closer. “But Delphi was wrong about one thing. This will hurt.”
Eldrik picked up four onyxcrystals from the desk behind him, each glowing with molten red fissures. He placed each oneon her limbs, ankles and wrists and her body went heavy.
Cold fear sank through her chest.
Now she truly couldn’t move.
