“I know.” Magnus breathed in frustration.
Akadian smiled against his own fury. “She’s more incredible than you even imagined. You should’ve seen her. She was extraordinary. You were right, more than one Element. I can’t believe it. She’s…astounding. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I have no doubt.” The mage waved a hand over his desk and every piece of parchment lying on it went up in flames before blowing away to ash. When he was satisfied not a single piece was left that could be read or interpreted, he lowered himself into his seat. “Can you get her to the forest?”
“Yes. Casimir has already approved.” Akadian swallowed the rage down that boiled inside of him at the thought of the First King. “We leave first thing in the morning.”
Magnus’ shoulders seemed to relax as they dropped and the master let out a small breath. “Good. Very good.”
“You won’t be joining us?” Akadian asked.
“No. I’m needed elsewhere.” Magnus waved his hand as he stood and walked to an armoire in the corner of his study and pulled a golden chest plate from it. “Make sure she wears this. It’ll help protect her, and make sure any allies will know who you are. Though, it’d be almost impossible for them not to. She’s fairly recognizable.”
“I’ll make sure she wears it.” Akadian took the polished gilded plate, running his fingers over the emerald that sat into the metal.
The room grew heavy with the anticipation of the morning to come. The firelights flickering as the fire mages faced each other and Magnus sat back in his chair, twirling a piece of his beard between his fingers. “Protect her at all costs. I hope I don’t need to remind you what’s at stake.”
“Of course not,” Akadian growled. “I know what we could lose.” The idea of losing the mission brought those searing flames to the surface, but when he thought of losingher—he almost lost control completely. “She’ll be safe.”
“I know.” Magnus waved him away in dismissal. “Good luck.”
* * *
“Please! Please don’t do this!” the guard screamed as Casimir dragged him through the dirt as though he weighed nothing more than a small child.
Akadian followed, the searing pit in his chest growing stronger with each step. He longed to let the fire inside him rage against the mage, to see his skin burn as his screams cut through the air—but he wanted it onhisterms. He watched Casimir with deadly focus. His rage mixed with disgust as the two sides of him waged war inside him. But still, he followed. Knowing there was no other choice as the man’s screams cut through the otherwise silent night air.
“My Lords, please, I beg you!” The guard thrashed against Casimir’s grip, his fight for survival stronger than his fear. He should’ve known it was no use. Should’ve known the consequences for acting against the empire in such a way. It was almost shameful the way he tried to free himself. Like a caged animal that couldn’t accept it was being taken to slaughter. As if he had any escape.
“Stop squirming, or I’ll break every bone in your arms and legs, one by one. You’re lucky I haven’t already done so, considering you actually tried torun from me.”Casimir challenged with a glint in his eye that said he deeply hoped the guard ignored him. The malice radiated off of him in icy waves chilled the grass as they walked. The front gate stretched into view as the sky turned from hues of blackest midnight to deep blue.
The guard stopped fighting but continued to sob, unable to accept his fate. How he had ever been allowed into the guard, the prince couldn’t see. “Please. My Lords, don’t do this. I have been nothing but a loyal servant to you inallmy years. I’ve devoted my life to the empire. I did everything right!”
Casimir laced his fingers in the guard’s hair and pulled his face up to meet his. The man’s feet dangled as he screamed. “Loyalty? You call what you did,loyalty?”
“I’ve done everything for the empire! I always have!” the guard cried in pitiful defiance.
A disgrace.Akadian thought as he sneered at the display.
Casimir slapped the man across the face, his cheek splitting open with a fresh gash that would leave a lifetime scar if left unhealed. “You acted purely out of selfishness. Do not insult my intelligence. You made your choice…now you must live with it…” Casimir purred as they reached the front gate. His emerald eyes flicked to the top where the iron bars turned to spikes and a wicked grin crossed his face. “Or, don’t.” With that, he leapt into the air, the guard’s hair still firmly clasped between his hands, and skewered the crying man’s body on the spikes.
The guard let out a wet scream as the spikes dug into his torso and his weight sank him down until his back met the cross bars a few feet down. His eyes roamed over his chest and into the back of his head as he tried to pull himself up again. His own blood coated his hands, making it impossible to pull himself higher than a few inches.
Akadian pulled his eyes away. Even through his own hate his stomach twisted. He was unable to look at the pathetic man that couldn’t realize when he’d lost, and the being before him that relished in the torture.
“Donotlook away,” Casimir commanded and Akadian reluctantly forced himself to return his gaze.
Something inside the guard wouldn’t give up as he tried and repeatedly failed to pull himself up the bars. Each time he made a few inches progress, his hands would slip and his body would slide back down, his blood coating the gate and ground as it poured from his chest.
Akadian recoiled.
Casimir watched with satisfaction painted over his features. He evenlaughed when the guard began to cry, silent tears streaming down his face as he continued to try and pull himself free.
“Must I be here for this?” Akadian asked through his disgust.
“Oh, yes,” Casimir purred. “I want you here specifically.”
“Why?” Akadian challenged.
