“A forsaken one, hated by every creature that roams this continent. When this leaks out, every one of them will want me dead.”
“None of them will pass me. They will meet their end first, before they can even lay a hand on you. I promise you, Tempest. Don’t forget that the sole reason for their hatred is fear, my love—fear of the power you hold. I sometimes can feel its pulse beneath your surface.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Tempest. I guess we need to find a way to awaken that idle side of you so that you can harbor your own magic. You will be the most powerful Umbra ever to walk this world. Areyou even aware of that? Your name will make every foul creature whimper, your mere presence will make them cower, and I’ll be right there beside you, witnessing it all.”
I squint my eyes at him. “Why do I have the feeling you are actually enjoying all of this?”
“It will be nice if I don’t have to do all the threatening by myself.” He laughs, and I join in.
“You’re the worst!” I splash water at him.
“I’m just grateful you were never afraid of me; instead, the first thing you did was taunt me. I knew it the moment I saw you, that you belonged with me.”
I lace my fingers into his. “I do, as much as you belong with me.”
The idea that I have the potential to become stronger than Emrys, to wield a power more destructive than his, is a beautiful and terrifying thing. Part of me wants to free humanity from their bloodied shackles, while another part of me feels they should do it themselves, earn their place back in the world. It’s a worry for later, for now, my magical side is still in hibernation. Perhaps the transition will stir it.
Carved Dominion
Fynn
Chapter 9
“Are you sure you want to come with me? It might be dangerous for a young woman like you,” I ask Jodelle, uncertain if I really want her there.
Faas had invited me to join him and a few others from the group to visit Verdant Fields, and I instantly said yes. I need to learn more about this world and understand this life, where magic has become an integral part of my being. Jodelle wasn't as thrilled when I told her, bringing back memories of her escaping her destiny to be taken to the breeding farms in Eldririn, a place similar to Verdant Fields. While Verdant Fields is known for its free-spirited nature, with humans and dark creatures coexisting,Eldririn is notorious for its many farms that cater to darklings, delivering blood or fresh flesh as they please.
“I am. I’ll be fine, Fynn. Ever since part of your magic transferred to me, vampires and witches keep their distance; it’s fantastic,” she says.
Since I promised myself I wouldn’t be such an asshole to Jodelle anymore, I relent, and she throws herself around my neck in excitement. Feeling her warmth fold against me, part of me softens.
“I promise, I’ll be good and listen to you. I won’t get in the way. I swear.”
She’s beaming at me with a huge smile. I make a silent plea to the old Gods, and hope Faas won’t make a fuss about her tagging along. She takes my hand, weaves her fingers into mine, and together, we descend the stairs and leave the inn. I deliberately ignore the witch as we pass her, unsure how to feel about Faas’s revelations and the fact that Caria lied to me about almost everything—especially our false connection. I need time to digest it all. I feel her eyes burning in the back of my head, but I manage to keep my gaze steady, refusing to turn around.
“How do we get to the other city?” Jodelle asks.
“I don’t know, actually. I’m sure Faas arranged transport of sorts.”
I hadn’t given it much thought, but now Jodelle has asked, I begin to wonder. We can’t all sit on Faas’s back and travel there with his vampire speed. In hindsight, Faas doesn’t seem like the kind of man or creature who will let others use him as a mode of travel. I chuckle softly at the idea, Faas as a means of transport. When we arrive at the compound, we’re welcomed by Faas and four of his men, all sitting on large, black horses.
One of the horses, the largest of them all, carrying Faas on its back, snorts and tosses its head back. The animal’s long black mane waves in the soft breeze, and its strong musclesripple on the black coat as if they are smoke. Its nearly black eyes watch me suspiciously, and I involuntarily take a step back. Meanwhile, Jodelle moves in the opposite direction, pausing in front of the horse, then carefully, she lays her hand on its snout, and it snuffles softly. She giggles while she pets the horse, mumbling sweet words to it.
“It seems to like you,” Faas says. “You can ride with me.”
He reaches his hand out to her, his pale, long fingers opening up, and without hesitating, Jodelle places hers into his. A jolt of jealousy courses through me when his hand wraps around hers. He pulls Jodelle up without effort, as if she’s as light as a feather, and within seconds she sits before him, both her legs on one side. The dress she’s wearing crawls up, exposing her skin, while Faas’s muscled thighs close her in. I swallow hard. This is not the time to be the jealous boyfriend.
“So… do I get my own horse?” I ask warily.
One of the guys bursts out laughing.
“That’s not how it works, champ. It takes time for a Mustang even to allow you to sit down on it, let alone ride it, but they’re perfect for long distances and rough terrain. Don’t worry, though, you’re coming with me.”
He taps on the back of the saddle, and as I chew on my lower lip, agitated, I walk over to him, unsure how to mount this gigantic beast. The guy, who introduces himself as Thomas, Thom for short, notices and reaches out his hand, similar to how Faas did to Jodelle. Reluctantly, I accept the gesture, and before I know it, I fly through the air, and I plop down on the saddle. I grimace from the impact. I glance down, and instinctively I wrap my arms around Thom’s waist, scared I might fall off.
“Cozy,” Thom chuckles, as dimples appear on his cheeks.
