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“A–A–Drag—” He can’t finish his words as I choke him tighter, causing him to cough, and the redness in his face tints to a deep shade of purple.
“You fear him and yet you will wish he was the one killing you.” Turning on my heel, I ease the shadows enough to allow air to fill his lungs as I drag him down the halls and outside in front of the palace.
A sea of people waits at the bottom of the steps, surrounding dual wooden posts I had them keep on hand to stake into the ground. Multiple Fae reach for the chains and cuff them to Calloway’s wrists before latching them to the hooks embedded in the top of the posts.
I draw my shadows away now that he’s restrained, but his eyes dart around frantically. “Who are these people?”
A full-toothed smile spreads on my face as I lean my shoulder against one of the posts, crossing my legs at the ankle. “You don’t recognize them?” Clicking my tongue, I take a few steps in front of him. “Some of them are the people you rule, but better yet…” Spreading my arms out wide, I watch as each person pulls a whip from their satchels. “They are the rebellion.”
Calloway’s mouth gapes open until pure fury distorts his face. “Why are they listening to you?!” he accuses, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Because I’m their leader.” Turning my back to him, I peer over my shoulder with a smirk. “You didn’t think the moment I set foot back into this palace that I was just going to keep my head down, did you?” I scoff.
“You helped King Oren chain me and laughed as he whipped me. I’ve been plotting and waiting for this moment.” My gaze shifts to behind Calloway, meeting icy blue eyes that are locked on me. “And let me tell you, revenge tastes sweet.”
I look out to the crowd as more approach. “And it’s not only me who wishes to know what retribution tastes like.” My hand gestures out to the growing audience. “You have ignored them, refusing the help they sought in order to simply live.”
Cheers of agreement ring out around me.
“Many have had to relocate their families to have enough food for each meal. To live a life where they aren’t forced to pay double the price of their homes just so their coin can mend your ships.” More yells of rage in the air. “Face it. You were never fit to be a king.”
Turning on my heel, I look to Draven with a nod. His steps eat up the distance between us, scooping me up in his arms. “He’s all yours,” he tells the people whose faces are now blistering red, their eyes zeroed in on Calloway before Draven launches off the ground.
I wrap my arms around his neck as we cut through the wind. His wings beat to propel us higher while his arms pull me closer into his body. I look over his shoulder for one final glance to see whips slicing through the air, landing their strikes on Calloway. His cries stretch for miles, but eventually those piercing screams grow faint and get lost in the wind as we soar across the sun-kissed sky.
CHAPTER FIFTY
Emma
Aday has passed since we left Calloway to his much-awaited death. It’s fitting, really, for me to help secure him in the same fashion he did for me. Delivering him to the horror of how the end of a leather whip feels when it slices through skin.
Earlier, a letter from one of the rebels arrived saying it didn’t take long for Calloway to fall limp and for his heart to cease its beating. After reading the note, I tossed it in the flames, watching it shrivel and burn, much like my sympathy for him. From the moment he spoke ill towards me, I knew I would never feel anything but hatred for him.
I leave the library and walk outside through the forest, following the path towards the shore. The pines stand protectively tall as the fog weaves around their branches in a sheltering embrace. The hard soil crunches beneath my boots and the wind gently picks up strands of my hair.
I scan the area as I walk, taking notice of how there were bodies littered about and blood staining the land, but now all that exists is a clear forest with no streaks of red in sight. The two days my body fell into a deep, replenishing sleep, everyone had worked diligently. Now looking at it, you would think there was never a battle here in the first place.
Inhaling deeply, the fresh air fills my lungs and settles my soul, a smile settling over my face. For once, nothing is threatening to take my life and use it against me. The invisible chains have finally been cut from me, and it's an unfamiliar feeling… To simply walk without looking over my shoulder. To not fear for my life or others, with the weight of death anchored to my ankles.
Leisurely, I continue my way down the path until the sound of waves lapping at the shore reaches me. A tingling sensation tugs me forward, my steps quickening, until I reach the end and look out to the sea.
My breath catches as two golden eyes connect with mine, hovering just above the surface. A wide grin stretches across my face as I take a subtle step forward, the water kissing the tip of my foot as the Masiren watches me.
Its tale flicks out of the sea, cutting through a wave. “You found your light.” My lungs momentarily stall as its voice penetrates through my mind. Slowly, it lifts its head above the surface. “You have grown stronger, and so has our bond.”
I take another step closer, letting the water lap at my ankles. “It’s not just me who has become stronger.” A small jolt of warmth rushes into me from our connection, and I cross my arms around the front of my stomach.
“So, it seems.” The Masiren’s eyes flare brighter before it dives under the water. “Your mother was right about you.”
My muscles tense as I stare at the empty sea, knowing the Masiren is still lurking close by. This time I don’t take another step closer. I stay rooted in place. “Right about what?” I’m sure my voice in its head gives away the desperate need for an answer.
The Masiren’s body pops out of the water, only to curve and duck back in with one swift movement. Its tail grazes the surface, leaving behind ripples as it swims away, leading towards the horizon. “That you are worth everything. That you will truly make the world shine once more.”
A hiccuped cry escapes me as I cover my mouth with my hand. Another wave of comforting warmth seeping through the connection, my eyes track the Masiren drifting farther away, until its voice enters my head once more. “I’m here for whenever you need me, Goddess.”
This time, I sniffle a small cry, chewing on my lip as I stare at the line in the distance that separates the sea from the sky. My heart feels full, more than I ever thought it could. With a deep inhale, I prepare myself to turn around and head back to the castle.
But I sense him before I hear him. “Are you ready, little demon?”
