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Tenah
Slimy vines tethered her firmly to the back of the feingrot as it streaked across the Void. It didn’t slow until it broke through another rift, one that resurfaced in her fragmented memories.
Cirel, hovering over her. His brows vicious slashes over cruel eyes. His hand gripping her hair as he funneled thick, potent magic into her mouth and nose, spreading it inside of her like an infection.
She winced, recalling the tears streaming down her cheeks. The tightening of his hold, so full of betrayal.
You are mine to control. Mine.
Freed from the memory, horror settled into her bones. This rift was her work. The afternoon of confusion in the field outside Denoden’s gates, she’d provided Cirel and his armies a bridge to her isle through the Void.
Elementals above, how would she ever make up for all the damage she’d caused?
Greenish, stormy skies rolled on for miles as the beast cut toward a city of glistening black quartz, tucked behind dead trees and a thick slab of seamless, dark rock. She fought against her restraints as the feingrot hauled her through the iron gates.
One glimpse of the snake-like hunks of metal zipping along tracks between sleek, dark buildings, and her heart plummeted.Zafai. Adra’s most advanced city, founded by Xith. It was where Advanth had ruled and now where Cirel extended his lecherous power.
Lanterns of blue fire cast their eerie glow upon slick, black streets. The feingrot dodged hectic, fast-moving traffic—shadows, carriages, motorized carts, and creatures she didn’t recognize from this world. She nearly choked on the clouds of sweet amber smoke, exhaust, and toxins.
How had they not all turned Corrupt? Some bore symptoms—physical mutations—but nothing beyond wings or horns or markings like her own. The rumors circulating Firesteep had depicted Adra as a writhing mass of demonic creatures in need of purging.
Her blood heated. She supposed those spun tales gave Sardoth and the High Court greater cause to condemn these beings to death.
The feingrot skidded to a halt before the arched doors of an impressive, black cathedral. Every facet was chiseled with meticulous hands. Golden light poured out from windows along its mammoth front, highlighting winged, stone creatures perched on its ledges like ancient sentinels.
Tenah gagged as her restraints slithered away from her limbs. She didn’t hesitate, leaping from its back. Without so much as baring a fang, the feingrot sauntered off, leaving her alone in the night with only the far-off murmurs of street conversations, rumbling vehicles, and whooshing trains to accompany her.
What was the point in running? Cirel had proven his reach spanned all the way to Denoden. Even if she made it back to her isle, he would just ensnare her with his magic again.
But then why had he brought her all this way?
A giant mechanical clock built into the central tower of the castle chimed. The distinct clack of heels penetrated the night. Dressed in a flattering dark velvet and lace suit, a shadow woman appeared, her white locks twirled up into a smooth, tight bun.
Her words lacked emotion when she spoke. “You are at the mercy of Adra’s king now.”
Tenah scowled. “I don’t recognize a king that spreads Corruption and manipulation.”
In a flash, the woman’s murky brown pupils narrowed to slits. Claws elongated from her fingertips. “You will address King Cirel with respect.”
“I will address him however I please. I owe him no such honor.”
A strong force collided with her shoulders. Tenah stumbled backward. Warm blood dribbled from where the woman’s claws dug into her arms. Magnificent, feathered wings spread behind the woman’s back, blotting out the view of the cathedral.
“You owe him your life, you wretched lich!” the woman hissed.
Tenah didn’t recognize the word, but her temper bit back anyway. “Had I known who he was, I never would have agreed to a bargain. He misled me.”
The woman brought her sharpened teeth closer, snapping them in warning. “You so much as utter one disgraceful word under your breath in his presence, and you will suffer.”
Tenah went limp in the woman’s clutches. “Whatever. Just take me to your king.”
Vicious appearance gone once more, the woman flicked Tenah’s blood from her nails and cut for the castle doors. She didn’t wait to make sure she was being followed.
They navigated a maze of halls constructed from black stone and lit by ancient candelabras. When Tenah glimpsed the sprawling city through narrow, glass windows, her mouth parted in awe. It was no wonder the other kingdoms had sought to destroy Xith. Between his healers and his expansive kingdom, it was hard not to see him as a threat.
Fools for not seeking his alliance.
Tenah lost track of their route by the time they reached a windowless sitting room. The ceiling soared above—they had to be in one of the four sharp towers. A fire roared in a stone hearth. Other than two wingback chairs facing the gyrating flames, the room was oddly sparse.
