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“Oh is it?”
“Yes, Hella. It is. You see, you may wield more power than most, but you willneverknow what it feels like to hold onto earth’s most potent, influential power in the world. Because you could not wield it, my father chose someone who could.”
Hella’s eyes widened, her face contorting in disgust. “And what’s that?” She lifted her hand, a dim light glowing above it, gradually growing in size.
“Compassion, Hella. How did you expect my father to love you when you were unable to give that love back? You lack the greatest power in the world, and he saw right through that. Your lack of compassion makes you the weakest being I’ve ever come across. I may die tonight, but at least I’ll die knowing I’m better than you.”
The light in her hand quickly grew into a rapidly swirling ball of fire. She was done chatting.
Good, so was Eva. She hoped she bought everyone enough time.
Seething with wrath, Eva fearlessly charged in Hella’s direction. Eva was able to accept that she would not survive tonight because she knew in her heart she was better than Hella in every way that mattered, and that was good enough for her.
Hella hurled the ball of fire forward. It raced in Eva’s direction at a remarkable speed before searing into her skin and sending her crashing to the forest floor. Before Eva could find the strength to push herself up another ball of fire hit her.
Then another.
Eva screamed out to the night as her convulsing body was set ablaze, unable to do anything but allow herself to die.
At least,she thought.At least I bought them time.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Darius Fischer
Darius lit the last aromatic candle, placing it on a makeshift table set beside a picnic blanket that was spread across the forest floor. Content with his work, and excited by what the night may hold, he smiled up to the clear night sky, allowing the stars to illuminate his features. Tonight was going to be perfect, he’d make sure of it.
He prepared a candle-lit picnic for the two of them. It was simple yet elegant. He was sure Eva would love it. Granted, he wouldn’t eat any of the food he supplied. Though he would drink the wine.
Drinking from her was out of the question. He refused to weaken her in any way. She needed her strength. They had no idea when she would be attacked, so she needed to be prepared at all times. Darius wouldn’t have it any other way. She might believe she was damned, but Darius refused to accept that as so. There wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to let her die.
Soon, she would learn that not all her predictions came true. Darius was sure of that. He had to be. Because to think otherwise…No. He refused to even begin thinking that way. The future she predicted was wrong. It was as simple as that.
Darius expected Eva to arrive at any minute. He couldn’t wait to see her face when she saw what he put together. He was a man of his word. Tonight would be for them and creatinggoodmemories, as he promised.
When he heard shuffling in the foliage behind him, he smiled. “Perfect timing,” he said, turning to greet Eva.
But it wasn’t Eva that stood before him. It wasn’t Eva at all.
Artem, pale as the moonlight, stood in front of him. His mocking laughter stung Darius’ ears. “Perfect timing? I don’t believe it was me you were expecting. Was it?”
Darius tried not to become paralyzed with fear. Not fear for him. Fear for Eva. If Artem was here and Eva wasn’t…
No, he refused to think that way. Not yet. She wasn’t dead yet.
“Where is she?” Darius asked, knowing Artem was in Pennsylvania for her.
“Another sorceress is taking care of her. Hella. The one who wields fire. I believe you two have met.”
Darius knew exactly who Artem was talking about. He encountered that woman when he first saved Eva, that dramatic moment altering the course of his life for the better.
Now, Darius struggled to find his breath, his chest constricting. This couldn’t be happening. Not now, not tonight. He wasn’t ready.Evawasn’t ready!
Gods, where was Eva!
“I swear, if either of you lays a finger on her…” Darius took a step forward.
Artem laughed, not seeming to feel threatened in the slightest. “Don’t worry, you won’t have to mourn her long. You’ll soon be dead too. Consider it a kindness for all your hard work.”
