We’re pulled into its murky depths, rolling and thrashing, powerless against the spiraling fury. There’s the flash of a buttery tail within the raging swirl, a stream of bubbles that blow against our face, before we’re spat out amidst the calm like a chewed bite.
Free.
Fuckingfree.
‘Go, Zyke. Go!’
We power through the ocean, punching free of the abyss, heart hammering, tail churning. Pushing us farther and farther away from our Vicious.
Zykanth releases a chilling squeal into the churning sea, my heart still perched on a cliff at our backs.
Knowing I’ve done the right thing. Hating myself anyway.
Forgive me, Vicious …
Iscan the crowd, relishing their palpable excitement.
Feedingoff it.
Every inch of the tiered seating is crammed with wide-eyed men, women, and children jostling, laughing, the smell of their eagerness and greed a potent reminder that there hasn’t been a public trial foryears.Not since my Low Masters and Mistresses became hooked on Candescence.
People stopped dying; stopped bringing new flesh into my well-stacked monarchy.
I like it this way. When your lifespan is never-ending, you swiftly learn the great quality of surrounding yourself with people you trust.
Orcontrol.
I lean back in my chair, arms folded, knee bouncing in anticipation. Feeling like one of the kids who keep jiggling in their seat, asking when it’s going to start. My personal viewing platform is tucked within the rows of seating high above The Bowl, offering a clear view of the entire amphitheater.
Thebestview.
A subtle knock on my door has my head snapping to the side. “Yes?”
It creaks open, and my guard speaks through the gap. “The High Septum, Master.”
“Let her in,” I say, shoving to my feet.
The door swings wide, and Heira limps through, dressed in her ornamental robe—similar to her usual but with a shimmery overlay—the door shutting behind her.
“Finally.” I take her hand and tuck it in the crook of my arm, escorting her to her solid gold cathedra right beside mine. “I was beginning to think I would have to make the announcement without you.”
She smiles up at me, but it lacks its familiar twinkle. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The tempest is quiet today, is she not?” Heira muses through a wince as she lowers to her seat, and I think of the surging pound that usually drums against the bluff this cavern is dug beneath. “Seems the Gods are listening.”
“Hopefully that’s a good sign,” I murmur, pulling back her hood to reveal a long, perfectly woven plait.
Disappointment drops into my gut like a rock.
Frowning, I ease it back over the seat and let it flop. “You already braided it …”
“I knew we were going to be short on time,” she says, reaching over her shoulder to give my hand a placating pat. “But I’dlovesome refreshments.”
“Of course,” I say, clearing my throat. “I have all your favorites.”
Nipping a glance at the big stone doors Orlaith will soon emerge through, I move to the table at Heira’s back stacked with food and begin setting some strawberries in a bowl, then some grapes and cubes of cheese. “Is everything okay?” I ask. “You seem …tense.”
“I am particularly troubled, I admit. Yesterday morning there was a situation at the temple. It’s what I wanted to speak with you about before yourpromisedcame down the stairs and stole your attention.”
Fuck.
