The staircase was steep and tiny, clearly not used often or by many.
“Out of all the species we could get stuck with, it had to be ones that don’t believe in railings.” Jaron muttered behind me.
I agreed. I hugged the cliff wall, trying not to think about the drop a few inches away.
After what seemed like nearly an hour of tense walking up the steps with the sun beating down on us, we finally made it.
I was happy to be on solid ground, but no one was in sight. “Arrazyl?” This part of the clifftop was covered with small stones and sparse greenery, giving me a view of the entire area. No one was there.
Jaron came to a stop beside me. “Maybe he—” wingbeats interrupted him and we turned toward the noise.
The sun was at his back, so I couldn’t see his face, only the powerful movement of his large wingspan. But when he landed, I realized it wasn’t Arrazyl.
“Ihyl? Did Arrazyl send you?” I stepped closer to Jaron. He noticed the action and stiffened as we faced the vorpyr.
He stared at us with a contemptuous twist to his lips that showed his fangs prominently. “There has been a problem.” His tone was pompous and preachy and I had a feeling I wouldn’t like where this was going. “And it started when you came here.” He waved a hand when Jaron started to say something. “Do not speak. I have watched this go on for far too long. The Vorazyrwill forgive me without a doubt once he realizes the folly of keeping you pets.”
Shit. Not again.
“Imagine my horror when I found out that our Vorazyr, our guiding flight, had succumbed to the disgusting seduction ofyou.I saw him purchase gifts for you, dance with you, and kiss you!You, vermin.” He shuddered. “It is a temporary distraction. I have already sent proper vorpyr females of good standing to keep his interest today. It is time he took a mate, anyway.”
“When the Vorazyr finds out you’re going against his will, you will be punished. Look what happened to Jzulyk.” I kept my voice calm even as Jaron trembled with anger next to me.
“Once he realizes what I’m saving him from, he will not be angry. Even if mating with a beast is possible, it is still a horrific act. One I am saving him from.”
“My sister is not a beast you rabid pig.” Jaron snapped, taking a step forward.
I gripped his wrist and used all my weight to hold him back. “We need to get out of here.” I hissed at him. I was acutely aware of how close we were to the edge of the cliff.
Ihyl stepped forward. “You will not be going anywhere. I am a kind vorpyr and will kill you mercifully, like one of the herd animals I hunt. It will be quick.” he spoke as though he were doing us some great favor.
“Jacqueline.” Jaron said in warning.
“I know.”
Then everything happened at once.
Chapter 25
I became acutely aware of every movement and sound around me.
Ihyl sprang, propelling himself forward with a sharp flap of his wings, and Jaron and I dove to each side. I rolled and came up with a stone, sending it flying before I’d even gotten to my feet and grabbed another one. My heart raced violently and everything in me screamed to run, but there was no place to hide from this vorpyr.
My rock struck his horn, irritating him but not doing any damage. Jaron’s, however, clapped him on his head. He snarled.
I grabbed a sharp-looking rock and lunged at his wings when he turned to face Jaron. He roared in fury as the rock cut into his right wing when I threw my weight into it.
Stars exploded in my vision and I hit the ground when his left wing lashed out and connected with me, the sharp ridges cutting into me.
“I am so sick of you damn assholes.” I wiped blood from my face and got to my feet. A heavy thud and a grunt that I knew was Jaron’s had me reaching for the nearest rock. I was lifted off the ground, but not before I latched onto one. With a grip on my thigh and the back of my shirt, Ihyl hefted me so I was parallel to the ground.
Gripping the rock, I swung as hard as I could for his knee. He hissed at the contact as I repeatedly hit him where I could reach. Then we were in the air. Nausea swirled in my stomach as he zipped just above the ground to the edge of the cliff…and then past it.
“No.” I choked out. Panic took hold, and I twisted my arms, trying to grab hold of him.
Then I was falling.
A sob gurgled from my chest as I flipped around in the air. The strangest thought flitted through my mind as wind whistled past my ears.Was I purposely pushed before?Falling was as horrifying as before, but I couldn’t close my eyes.
