His eyes glossed over mine, and a smirk enveloped his face. “Stand down,” he demanded of his army.
They obeyed, retreating to take up residence behind their ruler.
I took a moment before approaching him to solidify my course of action and catch my breath.
My vision scanned over the patio covered in dead Draemornians. I had to admit, their army may have outnumbered ours, but my friends were some kickass soldiers.
I blew out a heavy breath, then forced my legs to move, striding towards the man who had no clue that I was about to destroy him.
“Fine,” I panted. “I will go with you, but only if you stop all of this.” I gestured vaguely to the turmoil of the war amongst us.
Cyprian chuckled, shaking his head. “That was not part of the deal.” He stepped towards me, putting only a few feet between us. “I never said I would retreat. I still have every intention of claiming the eastern and Caelestis’ territory,” he sneered.
“Screw it then. Take over Caelestis,” I huffed. He pretty much already had, anyway. “Just give my friends a few minutes to get out safely, then I will go with you.” I tried tobargain with the man, simply to gain some time for them to reach the dungeon.
“Do you not remember, Maeve?” The king cocked his head to the side, tapping a finger to his chin. “I do recall saying something about executing your loved ones if you denied me for a final time. Did I not?” He circled me, trying to be intimidating as he threatened my friends.
I clenched my jaw. “You did. But?—”
He waved a finger. “No buts. You already denied my last offer.”
“Well I have an offer of my own for you to consider.” I approached him, gripping my dagger tightly in my palm.
“If you let my friends go, then I will go with you. If you don’t, I will kill myself before you get a chance to cut my jewels from my skin. They will be useless if they are removed after I’m dead.”
“You don't have the guts,” Beaumont snarled.
I put the tip of my dagger into my flesh, right under my chin, angled up. “I didn't want this life. Removing myself from it would be a blessing.” The peak of the blade entered my flesh, cutting my throat just enough for blood to dribble down my blade.
“Maeve, stop it!” Sebastian screamed, his voice sounding completely horrified. I turned my head over so slightly to see Sawyer holding him back—he must have caught on to my plan.
Beaumont cocked his head in consideration. “I don't believe you.”
Digging the blade in deeper, I winced at the sting. “Is that a gamble you're willing to take?” I gargled.
Beaumont briefly looked over his shoulder at his army before turning back to me, an insidious grin painted his face. “Very well.” He gestured to Sebastian and the others. “Go, before I change my mind.”
I pulled my dagger from my flesh and didn't watch as they left me.
At the release of his command, Beaumont’s soldiers moved out from behind him. They advanced on me, and I let them, needing them close to do what I had planned.
My skin pulled as two Draemornians gripped my arms, holding me tightly in place. My muscles burned from the strength of their grip, but I displaced the pain, putting the energy elsewhere.
A few soldiers took their position behind me in case I tried to escape. The rest stayed behind Cyprian. No matter which direction I looked, there was a soldier waiting.
I tilted my head up towards the twilight sky. Despite the haze of smoke creating a film over the air, the stars were vibrant. My cheek twitched at the sight of them, the markings on my arm doing the same as I reveled in the power of the cosmos that now circulated within my soul.
For once in my life, I was free of fear.
My gaze fell, locking my eyes with the king. I bared my teeth as his soldiers held me down. I didn't struggle to get out of their grasp. I let them think they had me in their control.
And then I fucking exploded.
Chapter
Forty-Nine
Starlight flew out of me in all directions, soaring from every pore in my skin. The glimmering substance was much like the one that covered me during my transition, only this was much more potent. Much more powerful.
