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Not only would the stubborn creature insist on Levet performing the miracle before he would release Inga, but he would be condemning an entire species to certain death.
He gave a sad shake of his head. “I cannot.”
“Think carefully, gargoyle,” the minotaur growled. “We’re not the only ones who are in danger from the darkness.”
Levet had no idea what he was talking about until he once again tilted the hoop and Levet could see a gaping darkness that was slowly consuming the green field where Inga was lying.
Snatching the hoop out of the male’s hand, he stared at the image in horror. He didn’t know what magic was keeping her asleep, but if she didn’t wake then she would be sucked into oblivion.
“You must release her.”
The minotaur grabbed back the hoop, shoving it into his pocket as he glared down at Levet.
“She doesn’t have much longer and neither do we. Use your magic or we all die.”
Levet squared his shoulders. He couldn’t close the hole. That was the only thing he knew for certain. But he was betting that the darkness threaded through the labyrinth was connected. If he couldn’t save Inga, then he damned well intended to be at her side when they died.
“Remember, your ambition is what destroyed your people,” he warned the minotaur, his voice as cold as a vampire’s.
The male flinched, uncertainty flickering in the depths of his eyes. “I did what was necessary.”
“For your own power.”
“That’s not true….”
Levet held up his hand, silencing the protest. They both knew who was at fault. Even if the male was too lost in his pride to accept it.
“I might not be a seer, but it’s obvious that you are the rot.” Levet spread his wings and the minotaur took a hasty step backward. Almost as if he was afraid that Levet was going to punish him for his sins.
“What are you doing?” he demanded when Levet didn’t strike him with a bolt of magic.
“The only creature I intend to save is Inga,” Levet informed the male, sending him one last warning glare. “Return your true king before you destroy your homeland.”
With that, Levet flapped his wings and launched himself toward the sky. He had no idea what was going to happen. Whether he was about to be incinerated or sucked into hell. It wouldn’t be the first time. But the only way to reach Inga was through the darkness. And that was where he was going.
He was at the edge of the hole when the minotaur belatedly realized what he was about to do.
“No!”
Chapter 16
Ryshi struggled to stay in his smoke form. Unlike a pureblooded jinn, it wasn’t his natural shape and remaining incorporeal took a concentrated effort. Thankfully, he was able to focus on searching the dome of magic for a weak spot without worrying about Sofie.
At first, he’d watched in horror when she’d been led into the arena to face a towering minotaur with a huge battle-ax slung over his shoulder. He knew she was powerful, but it was obvious even from a distance that she was weakened from her time in the dungeons. But even as he desperately considered the best way to create a distraction, he’d seen Sofie calmly walk forward. As she neared, the minotaur abruptly dropped his ax to the ground, not twitching so much as a muscle as she stuck him with her cursed dagger.
A second later he was on the ground, twitching in agony.
For the moment, Sofie could hold her own, Ryshi assured himself, but eventually the crowd would grow tired of the easy victories. Then they would overwhelm her with a dozen fighters.
Finding the weakest spot in the shield surrounding the arena, Ryshi quickly backtracked to take out the guards who might block their escape. There was no point in rescuing Sofie only to be captured before they were out of the colosseum. Once he was reasonably confident he’d cleared a path, he slid through the shield and floated toward Sofie, who was busy finishing off yet another minotaur.
Returning to his solid form, he studied the growing pile of bodies in the center of the arena.
“Impressive,” he congratulated his companion over the noise of the booing crowd. They didn’t seem to appreciate the sight of their fighters being dispatched without a proper battle.
“Ryshi.” She spun to face him, her exquisite features tight with fury.
Ryshi arched his brows. He hadn’t expected her to cartwheel in pleasure, but she didn’t have to look like she wanted to stick that dagger in his heart.
