Page 146 of Taming the Kraken

Taric balled his fist as he averted his gaze from his father. “I understand.”

“Good.” Marcus scowled as he gazed at Taric. “Such a disappointment.” He sighed as he turned around to go back to his throne. “Leave. You’re spoiling my mood.”

Taric turned and silently walked away, his hands shaking. He knew his father was never the affectionate type. But he thought there was a level of trust and respect between them. Had he not proven himself? He had done everything his father had asked him to do. He’d always shown his loyalty to him. He couldn’t help it … it hurt to hear his father didn’t trust him.

Taric walked slowly through the dark corridor. What was his father not saying? For him to keep it a secret, it must be something he was afraid could be used against him. Was there some power his father was after? A power that could be a threat to him in the wrong hands? Yes … that must be it. But what was it?

The day was quiet as the sun crept over the horizon. The sky was red, and the ground was painted in orange and yellow. The color of the sky matched the rage that was currently building up inside Ken. Mikah and Ken had been searching tirelessly for Alexa, and while Mikah was able to pick up some signals, they hadn’t been able to pinpoint the location.

Ken watched Mikah walking around quietly, trying to determine which direction the pull was coming from. It was infuriating that Ken couldn’t even sense his soulmate. He just wanted her back. She belonged in his arms. He let out a deep sigh as his anger started to boil over. His fists clenched, his breathing became heavy, and his eyes narrowed. “I’m going to kill that fucking god,” he breathed out through gritted teeth. All the time he’d spent searching for Alexa, all of his worry, his pain, and his anger … he was going to make Erebus pay for it.

“Not if I kill him first,” Mikah snarled as he turned his head toward Ken. He had learned that he was powerful enough to stand toe-to-toe with the deities. He just needed to embrace his power fully. Which he now could. He wasn’t afraid of himself anymore. All of his thoughts were focused on Alexa.

The more Mikah concentrated on Alexa, the more a strong, primal power began to emerge. The darkness inside him was being absorbed by something else, almost as if it was becoming part of him instead of a separate existence. The bloodlust wasn’t taking over anymore.

“I hope she’s alright …” Ken whispered, looking up at the sunrise. He knew he needed to find Mikah back then, but he regretted leaving Alexa’s side. Had he stayed with her, this wouldn’t have happened. Erebus knew him far too well. Wherever he had taken Alexa, he knew how to keep her hidden from him.

Mikah closed his eyes, concentrating on Alexa. He focused on his thoughts of needing to find her. Of having to be by her side. As he did, he could feel himself being pulled. It was like a gentle tug, but it was enough. He opened his eyes and looked at Ken.

“That direction. She’s in that direction.” Mikah pointed his finger in the distance as Ken walked up to him. Ken gripped his shoulder, and the next second they were transported again. Each time, they were getting a little bit closer to finding her and killing Erebus.

Alexa looked out the window as she watched the sun rising over the ocean waves. She was trying to formulate a plan in her head on how to get Erebus to talk. The topic of Ken seemed to strike a nerve. There was a good chance that Erebus would talk more if he was upset. She decided to start asking questions about Ivory and take it from there. No matter what, she needed to find out what he knew about the demons.

She turned and looked behind her as she heard her door creaking open. Erebus stepped inside, and his eyes immediately found her.

“Oh good. You’re up. Good morning, princess. Time for breakfast.”

CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE

The room was in complete silence as the mirror glowed red. Xander and Brian had checked every royal throughout the night. It was now early morning, and they were on the very last royal. Instead of feeling relief at completing the check, they now stood there in shock.

“What is this?” Lila asked as she stared into her reflection.

“It’s a special mirror we’re working on. It’s supposed to reflect your mood based on the color. Red means you’re tired,” Reiya answered quickly as she glanced over at Levi. They would need to put Lila in a holding chamber until the glass could be extracted.

Bella wrapped her arm around Brian’s waist and looked up at him. She could see how visibly upset he was, and Xander didn’t look any better. That was unnerving too. So many questions were swirling around in her mind. Who put the glass in Lila’s eye? Was it through a dream? Or was it someone who could get close to her? By putting one in Lila’s eye, the next target was most likely Xander or Brian.

“I suppose I am a bit tired. There has been so much going on lately.” Lila smiled and shifted closer to Xander.

“There’s a special room here that will help you rest.” Xander kept his voice easy, the way he would if he were only fussing over her, and reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. This was killing him inside. His sweet mate, his confidant, the love of his life, had a controlling piece of glass inside her. They couldn’t trust her words. They couldn’t believe anything she said right now. The only thing they could do was place her in a special holding room, a place she couldn’t leave until they removed the glass. Bella had some training but only through a dream removal. Grandpa Sage had the ability to do it. They would need to send for him.

“I didn’t sleep well last night without Xander. I’m sure it will be better tonight. You’ve been busy all night messing with a mood mirror?” Lila asked, looking up at Xander.

“We felt it was important. I insist you get some more rest,” Xander said as he watched Lila shrug her shoulders.

“I’m fine. I want to take a walk around Elysia today and visit the baby bears. I’m curious to see the potential guardians of the future,” Lila said with a small smile.

“All of the baby bears are living in homes now. They don’t live at the center. That’s just active when it’s time to pick a future guardian.” Reiya watched as disappointment washed over Lila’s face. She glanced up at Levi. Did Lila really want to see the kids, or was this some sort of ploy by the demons? Were they after the guardians? And was this for the guardian power or was it about getting the fairy princess?

“Come on,” Xander said, putting pressure on Lila’s back. “You need to get some rest.”

Lila violently shrugged away from Xander. “I said I’m fine!” she snapped, the sharpness in her voice unlike her. Lila had a very sweet and gentle nature. She would never snap at Xander.

Xander looked at her, shocked. He was trying not to feel hurt and told himself it wasn’t her. She wasn’t going to go into the holding room willingly, though, and he wasn’t sure he had it in him to force her. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he glanced up to see Levi’s calm blue eyes.

“Take a walk, Xander,” Levi commanded with a small nod. “I will handle this part.” Lila began to walk past everyone, heading for the door. Levi quickly reached out and grabbed her by her wrist. She spun around, her eyes wide as they landed on him. “I need to speak with you.” Levi had to tighten his grip as she began to tug violently against him.

“What do you want? What are you doing? Xander, make him let go of me,” Lila whimpered.