Page 44 of The Fallen Fae King

I catch a glimpse of a gleaming eye, a hooked beak, a spread wing, then another and another until the entire House of Crocodile seems filled with ravens.

Together, they dive on Horus, pecking at his face, lips, and his eyes.

He screams, blinded.

He drags his claws out of Freya’s neck to try to protect himself, as blood trails down where his tears had been.

Isis cries out in horror.

I throw myself forward, catching Freya before she can hit the floor. I cradle her in my arms.

Horus rolls on the floor, and the ravens swarm him, until he lies unmoving beneath the birds who are viciously tearing at him like he has grown a hundred wings.

I turn my head.

I watch in amazement as a fae, who looks like a primal god from the myths, swaggers along the walkway with a raven perched on each of his shoulders.

Daire’s expression is cold with rage.

I can sense his elemental magic racing through him. Somehow, Daire has been freed.

I shiver but with excitement, rather than fear.

I am mesmerized by Daire.

This isn’t the sweet Dove who I welcomed into my royal nest. It’s a savage king like me.

A warrior.

Killer.

Predator.

My Blood Lover.

Our gazes meet for a long moment.

Daire falters, before he glances at Freya in question.

I brush the hair out of her face. She appears confused like she is rising out of a deep sleep.

But she is unharmed.

“Dearheart.” I hold her close to my chest. “I am here.”

Then I nod at the crocodile. She has been patient and deserves to feed today.

Isis scrambles off her divan. “Stay back, or I’ll…”

“I owe my Blood Lover your death.” I wrap my shadows around Isis’ ankles and yank her toward the crocodile’s open mouth.

The crocodile’s jaws clamp down on Isis’ leg with a loud crack.

I ignore Isis’ cries for mercy, as she has ignored so many of mine.

Daire grins viciously. “For Barnabas and every Shadow Human you have ordered to be slaughtered. How do you enjoy being hunted like the prey?”

Still grinning, Daire saunters to join me.