I nodded, barely able to breathe. “Get him out of here.”
He didn’t wait. He turned and vanished into the smoke and screams—toward Mother Ashford, who stood in the distance like a statue in the eye of the storm. Her blade was still pressed to Finn’s throat, but she looked rattled now.Scared.
Phoenix moved like wrath incarnate.
But I—
I turned.
Vael stood across the pit.
Untouched.
Lightning still crackled at his fingertips. His robes snapped in the wind my shadows had stirred. Red eyes locked on mine—hungry, reverent, deranged.
He stepped forward.
I stepped toward him.
The rest of the world fell away.
Chapter 42
Phoenix
The scent of blood and smoke clung to the walls. Behind me, the arena raged. But here—at the back of the corridor, beyond the broken gate—was silence.
Finn was slumped in the corner, chained at the wrists, bruised and barely conscious. He looked up as I approached. Recognition flickered in his eyes—then something colder.
“I know you,” he rasped.
I didn’t answer.
A soft clap echoed off the stone.
“Shade Phoenix.” Mother Ashford stepped from the shadows like a woman welcoming a guest to tea. Her velvet gown was stained with soot, her hair wild with heat. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I didn’t bow.
“I’m taking Finn.”
“Oh, are you?” Ashford purred, swirling her goblet. “That’s interesting, because you see... Finn is mine. He belongs to me.”
“This isn’t up for discussion.” My voice cut like a blade. “Hand him over, now.”
She smiled, indulgent and cruel. “It’s fascinating, the loyalty that girl inspires. You men and your relentless drive to save her—and her little pet. It’s almost admirable.”
“You don’t know a damn thing about her. Or us.” I took a step forward. “Last warning, Ashford. I’m not fucking around.”
She laughed. Light. Elegant. Unhinged.
“You don’t want to keep him.”
“Oh, but I do,” she said, voice silk over steel. “I want everything. This pit. Elira. The world burning outside. Why should I give up my favourite toys?”
I let the flames curl higher up my fingers, slow and deliberate. “Because I’m not asking. Elira wants him back. And you’re going to release whatever sick contract you have on him—or her. They are not yours. And they never will be again.”
Ashford tilted her head. “Elira,” she said slowly, like she was savouring the name. “She’s such an intriguing girl. Ever since I heard whispers of her power, I’ve done a little research. Her family tree is... fascinating. You don’t even know who she is, do you?”
