Oak steps forward, facing my father with his head high and emitting a bright light that causes lightning to crackle under hisfeet. “The only embarrassment in this room is you. You know nothing of friendship, family, or of love. And one day soon, you will die—alone—and quickly will be forgotten. I very much look forward to that day.”
I’ve never heard his voice this deep, this rough, and it’s all for Maines. Thatcher is immediately on him, kicking his knee and forcing Oak to the ground—his hands strain around Oak’s throat. Maines gasps behind me, and the sound of feet hitting the stone floor follows. She runs toward us, desperate to get to Oak. Thatcher’s face is inches away from his when I hear it—a bone crack, although I can’t tell from where. I grab Maines’s arm, knowing my father will kill anyone who interferes—even her.
“Let go of me!” she screams, but I hold firm, horror driving my strength. “Get your fucking hands off me!” Her voice cracks, and a desperate sob echoes around us.
My heart shatters.
Oak doesn’t move; he just stares at Thatcher’s face, urging him to end it—to take his life right in front of these people as he squeezes hard on his throat. I notice his left leg goes slack as I realize the crack was from it breaking.
My eyes widen as I see Oak mouth, “Fucking do it, you coward.”
Thatcher throws him backward with force, and we all watch in horror as his head slams against the stone wall.
“How dare you all stand there and do nothing for your friend,” Maines hisses, glaring at Rohhit, Silas, and me. “Cowards! You’ll never save this kingdom if you stand by and allow these monsters to rule. You are no friends of mine.”
Another crack rattles my brain and this time I know I’m the only one who can hear it—my heart breaks in my chest for Maines. She sprints forward, crashing to the ground beside Oak, tears streaming down her face. His eyes are glazed but hereturns the stare, looking longingly into her eyes. Blood pools next to him as he pushes up on weak arms. He grabs the back of her head and kisses her—deep and desperate.
“My point is proven. They are trash, and trash can rot together,” my father cuts in. “Get them both out of my sight. If she wants to be with him so badly, so be it. She can die as well.”
Guards emerge from the shadows, covered by the darkness.
“Shift!” I scream, both still in a daze.
Maines snaps her head toward the men rushing toward them. Her hand never leaves Oak’s as she unleashes a surge of power at the guards. They leap out of the way, barely escaping the explosion of magic. She looks at me one last time and narrows her eyes. The woman before me no longer gazes at me with her usual kind eyes—all I see is disappointment as a single tear falls down my cheek. Maines and Oak transform into mist, vanishing into the shadows. The warmth of the floor is the only sign that they were ever there.
“Filth.” Thatcher rolls his eyes.
My fists clench at my sides as I try to swallow down the violence I feel rising. I can’t. The blackened veins grow like tree roots up my arms as shadows swell around my feet—a fire is blazing beneath me. My hands float in front of my body in Thatcher’s direction, and my focus is unbreakable. I hear Silas behind me, “Briar, don’t!”
Thatcher’s eyes widen as I send shadowed hands snake toward him, willing them to wrap around his throat. A gag leaves his mouth as I squeeze his windpipe, daring him to move. My father stands, his mouth falling open as my feet leave the ground—the shadows carrying me closer to Thatcher’s face.
I hear a snarl come out of my mouth that I don’t recognize. “I’m going to kill you, Thatcher. Not now, but soon. Your lifeless body will be a delight to stand above.” I lower my chin, eyes barely peeking through the tops of my lids, as I feel them shit toan unholy black. His breath hitches, and as I realize I’m scaring him, I smile. “Now, until that day comes, I’d like you to feel the pain you cause.” My invisible hands leave his throat and move to his thigh. “I know you wish I was touching your thigh for other reasons, but I have a plan in mind.”
I start to apply pressure, and my teeth grind. A deep guttural scream leaves his mouth as I squeeze harder—his leg bending in an unnatural direction, close to snapping.
My father booms, “Stop!”
A gust of wind breaks my concentration and loosens my grip.
“We will settle this in the duel!” His voice thunders through the room and the burst of power makes him fall against the throne. Calia is immediately upon him, her hands attempting to steady him in his frail state.
I return my gaze to Thatcher, sweat forming on his brow. “Very well.” I push with all my might, invisible hands still attached to him. Thatcher soars backward—slapping the stone wall with his head and slumping to the ground—Elrod already vaulting toward him.
I relish in the darkness flowing through my veins. I don’t swallow it down this time, strutting toward my father. “Who are you?” he questions. Calia’s face slacks, realizing before I ever speak.
“I’m exactly who you wished for, Father.”
A crown sits on the throne beside him, the crown I’ve refused to wear for many years. I pick it up and place it on my head—its proper spot—as I face the crowd. Their stares are unwavering as I step down, stalking past each of them, my shadows creating distance between us. The shadows encasing me feel like an old friend, warm and protective. I make it out of the doorway, turning to face them all once more. Tipping my head back, I laugh, a voice that isn’t all mine leaving my throat. With the wave of my hand, the doors slam shut.
The feeling of a familiar presence perks my senses as I move through the castle.
“Briar, are you insane? He’s going to kill you!” Silas sprints down the narrow hallway near my bedroom.
I turn, my eyes still burning from the change. I tilt my head to the side, studying him. He’s afraid of me. What an exciting change of events. “I think I might be. He won’t kill me, he needs me, remember?” I smile, “I’m done playing these games with my father. If he wants a challenge, he’s got it. If he wants a duel, I’ll give him one.” I flick my finger once more, and my bedroom door swings open, crashing into the stone wall.
Silas steps in behind me, keeping a few paces back, caution evident in his eyes.
"I won't bite unless you'd like me to," I joke as the darkness looms nearby.
