This undead soul had ended countless innocent lives. He had helped hurt Helaina, leaving her on the brink of ruin. He had helped kill Divine.
As repayment for his crimes, Callum had spent hours carving his skin like he was cleaning a fish. Allowing Balor to heal himself so he could do it again. The piercing screams of agony were music to Callum’s ears as he filleted the undead worm over and over.
Now, it was time to end it.
There were a couple of ways to kill the undead. Allowing them to starve was one. Without blood, they grew weak and vulnerable, eventually their very essence deteriorating into dust. That, however, took time that Callum did not have at his disposal. Perhaps he would save that slow death for Balor’s brother.
Instead, Callum placed a dagger to Balor’s throat. He didn’t use his own knife, no. Callum’s weapons were expertly sharpened. He found the dullest blades in the training valley and began leisurely sawing off Balor’s head. He took pleasure in every squelching cut. Balor fought and bucked the chains until his ugly face collapsed to the ground. Callum then grabbed a torch off one of the sconces and set the two body parts ablaze. They were immune to flame at full strength. Severing the head from the body made the fire a permanent end. Only then was Balor the Butcher able to burst into a foul-smelling ash.
Callum inhaled deeply, like he was smelling a bouquet of mother’s lace.
Theo, Manos, and Helaina were waiting in the Azure Chasm. The fae mates and even Aaron showed up after Callum had. Aaron had told him how they had grown closer in their absence.
The other members of the Divine either remained at watch posts or lay fast asleep. After being informed of the undead threat and their commanding incubus queen, no one would be caught outside past the shields tonight.
Fee addressed Theo. “You’re sentencing her to death. She hasn’t had nearly enough time here.”
They all talked over each other, doubting this plan would work, casting blame on Theo for even suggesting it.
“I can,” Helaina declared. “Show me what I need to do.”
Theo stood curiously close to Helaina, her shoulder flush with his arm. “We didn’t come to ask for council. We came to tell you to double the watch, wake everyone, and ensure they’re armed.”
Aaron placed his hand on Helaina’s shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
She smiled at him, placing her hand on top of his.
Callum’s heart tugged at the confidence his brother had in her. Then she looked at him. “I guess more training lessons will have to wait.”
Callum smirked. “Maybe Ures will send you back with the ability to hike a damned hill.” His lighthearted joke was well received as she gave a faint but genuine laugh.
He wished he had more time with this mortal version of his newfound friend. There was no telling how she would come out the other side. They all had returned so different, leaving their human lives behind, trading them for this.
“You’re ready,” Callum said.
CHAPTERSIXTY
Helaina had donned her leathers and covered her wrists in dark iron gauntlets. She ignored the breastplate. She wouldn’t be needing it. Then she tamed her wild hair back with a leather strap.
She would not fail today.
Callum had already teleported into the cave. Theo and Helaina walked through the entrance to meet him.
If there was one selfish motivation in coming back from this trial, it was that one night with Theo was simply not enough. She had to make it back.
Callum reached out his hand and pulled her into an embrace as she entered. Theo bristled. She looked back at him with an arched brow. Callum felt the tension and released her. “Okay, you possessive ass, it was a hug for good luck.”
Clearly, he had figured them out.
Theo acknowledged Callum’s words with a grunt that wasn’t entirely friendly.
She eyed the pillar. That plain, polished dagger lying atop it.
She approached as Theo and Callum stayed behind. She reached out for the hilt but looked back before she could touch it. Theo gave a nod of reassurance.
“Will there be blood?” she inquired.
“No, it’s not that kind of death.”
