Delphi shrank ever so slightly, her throat bobbing. “You misunderstand me. The magic you hold is damned, Alora. It is not meant for this world. No matter the pain, you should have let Eldrik take it.”
Rage spewed up Alora’s throat.“He did.”
Shadows surged outward in a violent ripple, knocking over chairs, curling up the walls, twisting the light into nothing. The air turned thick and heavy, darkness rippling off her in waves like the rising breath of a sunlit forge.
A hush fell as everyone froze.
Rihan’s hand clutched the edge of Delphi’s sleeve, his wide eyes locked on Alora in silent fear.
She caught a glimpse of herself reflection in the glass cabinet behind him and her breath caught. Her eyes flamed a wild, bleeding red. Luminous marks smoldered beneath her skin like molten script, flickering with power. Her nails had lengthened into claws, smoke rising from where they grazed the air.
“No…” Delphi’s voice dropped to a tremble. “He left what lay beneath.”
CHAPTER 50
Alora
The room was dead silent, interrupted by a soft meow. All looked at the winged black cat rubbing against Alora’s ankles. The Vareth purred, blinking at her sleepily, yellow eyes churning with stars.
“That thing follows your every step, for the darkness itself sired you,” Delphi said derisively. “A cursed seed planted in your mother’s womb.”
Alora’s heart slammed against her ribs, and she turned instinctively toward Rune.
The look he gave her was not of surprise, but of regret and resignation.
Vorak was more than her creator.
He was herfather.
This dark magic answering to her will wasn’t from Rune. It washers.
“Shall I remove her tongue, my lady?” Calla asked casually, examining her sharp claws, as if to decide which one to use.
Delphi recoiled, glancing at her sister as if to expect her to step in. But Lady Zinnia merely met her gaze indifferently.
It was not her place to interfere.
Rune looked to Alora, as did everyone else in the room. Her stomach tightened, realizing she was in command now.
“Not yet,” Alora said, drawing in a deep breath. The shadows receded, letting in the light and warmth fill the cottage again. “Caelum?”
He stepped forward with a small smile. “Yes, my lady?”
Alora held the fairy’s gaze. “Escort Lady Delphi back to Argyle. She will remain under watch in her chambers until I determine her fate.”
He clanked a fist over his heart.
Delphi stood with an angry hiss. “I am still the queen!”
“Not anymore, QueenDowager,” Alora smiled tightly. “I will see to the kingdom until Rihan is of age. But I will never allow a traitor to reign over Argyle.”
Caelum took Delphi’s arm, dragging her toward the door.
She yanked against his grasp, hissing. “You may wear that crown, but you have no right to the throne, Alora. The Lords of Argyle will never pay fealty to you, no matter what demons serve you. Not while Laurent’struebornson still lives.”
Alora looked at her frightened brother. “Yes… you’re quite right.”
She approached him, and Delphi’s eyes widened, her complexion going pale.
