Chapter 55

Anger razored through me when Crux flattened Anaria to the floor, his fucking boot planted in the center of her back.

"Hold," Zorander hissed, so softly I doubted anyone heard him. "Fucking hold, Raz, or you will get yourself killed."

"We're going to fucking die anyway," I growled right back. "What's the difference?"

Crux yanked Anaria upright, dragging her closer until out shoulders touched. I couldn't see her face through her unbound hair, but I fucking scented her blood and my anger turned feral.

Then she fucking apologized.

Fucking apologized for failing us.

I raised my head to the king I'd despised since the day I learned what hatred was and bared my teeth, envisioning ripping out his fucking throat.

"I see you managed to get the collar off, slave," Serpens murmured, his gaze narrowing when his eyes landed on Zor. "And kept your friend alive in the process. Too bad that won't work for you today. I have to say, I'll be glad to get this over."

"I once made myself a vow," I said loudly enough those in the front rows could hear me.

"To overthrow your rule and free this realm from your endless cruelty. This realm could be better. This world could be better."

"A nice speech." The king waved Lyrae forward, Crux coming to a stop right in front of me, his eyes darting eagerly between us. "And your last. Kill the girl first. I want them to see her die. Then the general, then you can kill the last two in whichever order you like."

Serpens whirled around, furs swaying as he stalked up the steps to his throne, settling himself in heavily like he was getting comfortable for a show. Only ten paces away.

He might as well have been a mile with Crux standing between us and these fucking shackles on my wrists. I'd never felt so fucking helpless in my entire life as I did right now.

"Don't you want us to beg?" Anaria asked in a small voice. "Beg for our lives?"

Zorander looked over at her, eyes wide, air whistling in and out of his broken nose.

"While I normally find that enjoyable, I think our time has come to an end, daughter." His eyes glinted with something truly evil as he glared down at Tavion. "I must thank you for fattening my coffers. Though it vexes me to think of where you came up with the money."

Tavion bared his bloody teeth. "Don't think on it too hard. I wouldn't want you to injure yourself, my good king."

"Come to think of it, leave the gambler for last. It's been a while since I've swung a sword." Those thick, jeweled fingers flexed on the arms of his onyx throne. "One must never be afraid of doing the dirty work."

Lyrae's look of gleeful anticipation was only second to Crux's when he raised his sword over his head, the back of Anaria's thin neck gleaming in the torchlight, her hair hanging down over her face like a curtain.

I wished I could see her again.

Wished I could hold her…tell her how much I loved…

A deep boom rocked the Keep, the floor beneath my knees heaving then settling with a deep crack before the windows overhead blew out, showering the crowd with shattered glass. People screamed, and from the thudding feet behind us, the king's loyal court raced for the exits.

Exactly as we'd planned.