Outside, a call begins: Dayton’s name on his brothers’ lips as they search for him.
“Kairyn is afraid,” I say, gripping the back of Dayton’s neck. “He saw how you ignite the crowd. He’s not strong enough to corrupt their minds here. Not in this realm, not inyourrealm. He can only rule with fear, and you take that away. You give the people hope.”
His lips tremble, still red with blood. “Killing my own brothers in front of my people? How can I …”
“They’re nothing but corrupted memories. Remind the people of Summer what a true hero is. Remind them that it’s not Kairyn, or Damocles, or Decimus who is the High Prince of Summer.” I lean my forehead against his. “It’s you. Now go out there, face them, and burn so bright you blind the sun.”
CHAPTER 67
Dayton
Gods, I want to kiss her. She’s beautiful of course, even if she doesn’t look like the Rosie I’m entirely used to, with her golden hair and scale-brushed cheeks. But there’s a light in her that always shines through. “Did I ever tell you how cute these are?” I say, flicking her webbed ears.
“Day!”
“Listen to me, Blossom.” I grab her hand. “This is something I have to do on my own. Can you keep yourself safe?”
“I understand. Don’t worry about me,” she says.
“All right then. I’ve got a crowd to entertain.” I wink and leap up from behind the vines and into the bright light. Pure adrenaline is keeping me going at this point, and I refuse to acknowledge the pain that stems from my wounds. They’re bad, but if I don’t push through it, we’ll be dead, and that’s worse.
The sun burns my eyes, and I blink to adjust my vision. Damocles and Decimus stand near the center of the arena.
“Was that my name I heard?” I say, the echosphere amplifying my voice to the arena. “Sorry, just needed a quick nap.”
Laughter roils through the crowd. Good. The only thing Damocles hated more than me being a shit was a good time and a smile.
Sure enough, my older brother’s light-stricken glare reflects in the glint of his steel. Beside him, Decimus looks nothing if not sturdy and determined with his red shield and sword.
Both my brothers are formidable opponents on their own, and here I am, trying to take them both on. But I always was one for bad ideas.
I tighten my grip on my twin blades, feeling their familiar weight. I know I can’t match their strength head-on, but I have other advantages—agility, cunning, and the fact that I’m not made of fucking light. I dart forward, using the dense foliage to conceal my movements.
Damocles charges, blades flashing in the sunlight, his confidence palpable. I evade his blows, dancing between the pillars like a shadow, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Decimus moves to flank me, his shield raised defensively, but I refuse to be cornered. Instead, I lead them on a merry chase, darting in and out of cover, wearing down their stamina.
“Are we fighting or dancing?” Decimus roars. He swings his sword at mehard.I spring out of the way, and it strikes a pillar, causing the whole thing to crumble.
“Nice one, Dec.” I smirk, flitting backward. “You always were the strongest of us brothers.”
Damocles huffs. “He wishes.” My eldest brother, never one to be outdone, slices his twin blades through a huge vine blocking our path.
Very good,I think.Keep tiring yourself out.
“The real Damocles could have done that to stone,” I call.
“What riddles do you speak, little brother?” Damocles spits.
The warriors of light never realize what they are, but the crowd does. I have to remind them these are just illusions.
“I’m only saying it’s a good thing you’re here, brothers.” I narrowly duck below a combined strike from both of them. “I always wondered if I kept my record of wins in the arena because I never faced either of you. Now, we’ll see who the true champion is.”
“Not one so cocky and foolhardy as you,” Damocles spits.
Damocles’ blades slash through the air with deadly precision. I spring into action. With a swift motion, I dart to the side, ducking behind one of the pillars. Damocles follows, his arrogance driving him without hesitation. But as he moves to strike, I vanish into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Decimus presses the attack, his shield raised in a defensive stance. I can see the strain in his movements, the weariness creeping into his limbs. I unleash a flurry of strikes, my twin swords a blur of steel as I barrage him from all sides. His shield wavers, his defenses faltering.
The crowd roars its approval. But I can’t just play with them.I must have the strength to end this. To claim what’s mine in front of the people of Summer. The Blessing is mine. I need to show them why.
