Droga took a moment to survey the area, nostrils heaving smoke into the night, before his form changed into that of a man. I had to hold my breath at his appearance. He was beautiful— dark hair, porcelain skin, and red eyes that gleamed bright. He might’ve been the most handsome man in the world. Anyone could fall in love with him.
His neck turned, and I shuddered. The foreboding feeling only got worse as his burning gaze landed on me.
A Worldweaver.His tone was gleeful.I haven’t seen one in nearly an age.
This fucker was definitely going to eat me the minute he got the chance. His attention turned to Gabby.You have done well, my servant. For your faithfulness, I shall give you one reward. Ask it, and it shall be yours.
Gabby lowered herself to the ground and prostrated herself before the god. “Droga, lord of the darkness and heir to the world, I beg of you to hear my request. I have been a devoted patron, and only have but one wish. Raise my mate from the dead, and return him to me. Bring him back from the Underworld’s gates, and I shall serve you all my life.”
Her tone was desperate. Droga’s look was full of pity.
I cannot restore to you what you ask, for I do not have that power,he replied.To give life only lies with the goddess of creation, and I am one of death.
Gabby blinked. Tears marred her eyes as she bowed her head and said, “I… understand.”
However, I do have an alternative,Droga said.You have been a good and faithful servant, and I am in need of a wife. Take my hand in marriage, and I will rear your child as my own, and raise you to goddess status. You will want for nothing, and live forever.
“No,” I weakly whimpered.
Gabby’s look was astounded as Droga extended his hand to her. I could see in her eyes the choice she had to make; losing Elijah forever, or protecting her child by becoming a goddess.
Finally, Gabby took Droga’s hand and rose. “I accept your offer of marriage,” she said. “I will become your bride.”
Any wish I’d had of saving the fae died in that moment. Lady Korva, bold as she was, dared to step forward. “Gabriella… now that the ceremony is complete…”
“Do what you wish with her,” Gabby said, eyes still locked on Droga. “I have no use for her anymore.”
Korva snaked out her hand and grabbed me around the neck. Lucien gave cries of protest, struggling to get out of the irons they’d put him in.
I felt Korva’s grip tighten around my neck and knew I was done for, unless I came up with a plan. I had to stall them, and hope someone came before they lost interest.
“You kill me, you’ll never find the Crystals!” I screamed.
Gabby remained unaffected, but I watched Droga’s eyes glint.The Crystals of Harmony?
“Exactly,” I seethed. “I have five of them. Only I know where they are.”
“The Crystals mean nothing now. My lord has been resurrected,” Gabby said. “There could be no more power than what he holds.”
“If the Crystals of Harmony aren’t united, and if the portal to Edinmyre remains closed, the fae will turn to dust and cease to exist!” I cried. “You have to listen to me!”
“How do we know that isn’t just astorytold to you by Milonna, to scare you into doing what she says?” Gabby challenged. “I’d like some proof.”
Droga swept toward me. Korva let me go and stepped away, bowing her head as the dark god approached.
Droga’s tone was very curious.I’d be interested to know where these Crystals are.
He ran a finger across my cheek, and I shivered. His touch was painful, like frostbite.
Acolyte Vesper was a fucking moron, and it showed when he dared to interrupt. “P-pardon me, my lord,” Vesper whimpered. “I was hoping that—”
Be still, serpent! Droga barked at him.I have no interest in your venomous, false vows to me.
Vesper gave a pathetic little murmur, and stepped back. I swallowed as Droga took my chin in his hand and said,Now, where might these Crystals be?
I let out a nervous chuckle. “That’s the problem. I’m sworn to Milonna, and I promised I’d gather these Crystals for her, not you.”
Droga gave an eerie smile.My dear sister-in-law and I have often failed to see eye-to-eye. I have a bad habit of devouring her champions.
