“Lyn, No!” Kyros screams as lightning flashes and thunder crashes once again, this time striking the sword that pierces his skin.
The pulse of lightning shocks Lynette, and she’s violently thrown away from him.
He’s on fire; everything is burning. The strike would have killed any mortal, but not Kyros.
“What did you do? What did you do!” Cary screams, rushing to Lynette’s side. “This is all your fault,” he spits out bitterly as he rocks her body in his arms.
“Look in the mirror!” Kyros replies, even as grief overtakes him.
With a mighty push, Kyros screams and pulls the enchanted blade from his chest. Warmth pulses as his body oh-so-slowly knits itself back together.
Rising to his feet, Kyros stalks over to his enemy. “Get your hands off her! She’s my wife, not yours.”
Perhaps there’s still time for me to save her. She begged me not to change her to an immortal until after our daughter had grown, but it will be her demise.
“Shewasyour wife,” Cary says, his voice defeated.
Kyros roars, and the ground shakes beneath his feet. “You will pay for this, Cary Astoria. If it’s the last thing I do, you will pay in blood for your petty jealousy and pride.”
Kyros’ fist cracks into Cary’s face, but he only laughs before spitting out blood.
“We got her!” another voice rings out, followed by a child’s wail.
Spinning, Kyros’ eyes search for the newcomer.
My daughter. I need to save her.
A glint of gold sparkling in his peripheral is the only warning Kyros has before a net is thrown onto him. It brings him to his knees, and immediately, all power flees his body. Hischest wound leaks golden blood from where it didn’t completely seal.
“You coward. Face me like a man,” he screams at Cary.
Cary turns, cradling Kyros’ daughter in his arms. Her arms flail as she screams, breaking the god’s heart. She has no idea what transpired, that her mother was taken from her too soon.
“I want you to live knowing that I have what’s yours—what should have been mine. You will never see her again.”
“You better hope I die, because as long as I draw breath, your days are numbered. I will find you and tear your beating heart from your body.”
A shiver goes through Cary at Kyros’ words—his vow.
“Throw him into the pit,” Cary says.
The golden net holds Kyros completely helpless. Every bit of his power is snuffed out. Kyros watches his enemy walk away with his only child, his heart cracking in his chest, even as anger incinerates his insides.
I will find a way back to her, if that is the last thing I do.
Overwhelming pain wracks Kyros’ body before his vision goes dark.
Back in my own head,I fall to my knees as pain courses through me. At this point, I don’t even know if it’s mine or his. Tears stream down my face, and I start to retch.
A hand on my shoulder brings my eyes up to his. There’s a cold fury in his gaze. “Surely you see I must take my revenge. It is long overdue.”
Overwhelmed with grief, I only nod. “Whatever you need, Father.”
Before I can react, he’s latched onto my throat, sharp fangs piercing me. I scream in surprise, and Kian’s distant cries barely register.
“What’s happening? Why does it hurt?” I gasp as he drinks and drinks from me. My strength is waning, and I slump down, the sun god’s arms holding me up with surprising strength.
He tears away, my shimmering blood gleaming around his mouth. But no, it’s okay. He said he needed this to get out. Surely he didn’t hurt me on purpose.
