Shrieks followed.
Power rippled.
And still, I unleashed, furious at those who had harmed me and mine.My. Mate.
They took him from me. They destroyed everything. I hated them! They wouldpayfor what they’d done. Voices called my name. I ignored them, my agony too loud, my tears too fierce, my fire toohot.
Earth Fae create.
Midnight Fae destroy.
They considered me an abomination—a combination of the two.
All right.
I’d accept that. And now? Now they could feel what happened when I usedbothpowers.
The earth source brightened as I ripped the necklace from my neck and released the reins. Create and destroy. Create. And. Destroy.
Brighten it all.
Then burn it down.
Life.
And.
Death.
Welcome to my world. Prepare to bow.
Stunning.
Aflora resembled a goddess, her power pouring out of her at an impressive rate, turning over tables and eliciting screams in her glorious wake.
Burning thwomps sprouted all over the ballroom, their charred limbs shooting toward the ceiling and releasing flames of monstrous proportions.
She screamed again as she sent their branches searching, spearing all those in their paths.
“Aflora!” Zephyrus shouted, his green eyes wild with concern. He’d ripped off his pin the moment he’d realized how he’d been used, his annoyance palpable. Now he resembled a disheveled guard, his dark hair wild and his eyes layered with unshed tears.
If anyone should understand Aflora’s reaction, it was him.
Yet he seemed hell-bent on stopping her show of power.
“Let her be,” I said, adoring this passionate display of temper. It was a literal dream to watch her let go, to use all that harnessed energy in vengeful glory.
Hmm, although, those who deserved the brunt of her explosion weren’t here. All the Councilmen and Elders were in another room. Except for Constantine.
It would do for now. He deserved this more than anyone.
However, his eyes were gleaming with approval as he met my gaze, his victorious smile giving me pause. Then, like a switch, that look dissolved into one of horror as he shoved away from the table, yelling, “Abomination!”
It took me two long seconds to realize his ploy, and to curse myself for not seeing it sooner.
“Everyone, run!” he screamed, his power igniting as he took on a defensive stance, the Warrior Bloods aligning with him. “Run!”
Fuck.
