29. Alandra

I somehow managed to keep my cool when inside, fear made it difficult to swallow. Terror coated the back of my throat. But as I cupped my throbbing cheek, I schooled my features into looking bored.

This had to be the most outrageous bluff I'd ever pulled in my life. Danger brought it to a new level, yet I couldn't help feeling amused at the Dark Lord's obvious vanity.

And they said we Aellei were too proud. Ha.

I hid a glance at the weapon between his legs, dismayed to find it so hard, and way too close to me. Sweat trickled down my back, but my glamor hid it. That Balen hadn't realized I had no clothes was something in my favor, at least.

But I had no idea how much longer I could act blasé, not when his anger leeched into me like venom.

The power in me grew, but it was so negative. I had to fight to hold on to myself even as I drew the tendrils of strength I'd need to fight this bastard and live.

Aerolus would come for me, that I knew. But I needed to do my best to smooth his way. He didn't know all three Dark Lords were here. Heck, I too easily recalled how difficult Sin Garu had been to defeat.

Thinking of Balen's brother, I only hoped he hovered nearby and had heard my comment about Balen trying to have him killed. It wasn't true, not that I knew of, but Sin Garu wouldn't know that.

I rose unsteadily to my feet, only to have Balen shove me back to the ground. He bared his fangs, his erection jutting out proudly because the creep hadn't put it away.

"Time for a lesson, my beauty," he rasped and gripped himself.

Ew. Gross. "Yeah? I'm all learned out."

Sin Garu suddenly appeared, thank the Shadows. I never thought I'd thank my maker for a Dark Lord's help.

"Brother, what are you about, you rascal?" Sin Garu grinned, and I distractedly noticed the similarities between the Dark Lords.

Sin Garu stood slightly taller, his skin whiter. They both possessed the same color eyes, the same facial structure, and the seething, malevolent energy that showed them for the demons they were.

Balen refastened his breeches and gritted his teeth, ignoring me. "Teaching a sorry whore a few manners."

Sin Garu helped me to my feet, his touch almost gentle. "And a royal whore at that. Sorry, but her aunt requested her presence in the courtyard. A dozen of her council members have rallied early."

He paused and turned to his brother with a question look. "Seems there's a rumor the queen's gone mad?"

"Oh?" Balen grinned.

"The Aellei have gathered to hear her out and to investigate Princess Whore's previous claims that Lidra has sold out her people to the Dark Lords." Sin Garu laughed. "A ridiculous notion, hmm?"

Balen looked anxious. Apparently, Lidra was more important in his schemes than I'd gathered. "Fine. Take Alandra back to her cell and keep a steady guard over her." He glared suspiciously at his brother. "No, have Lexa do it. I'll deal with Lidra and the others."

With a sudden backhand, Balen caught me full in the face once more. I stumbled back and would have fallen had Sin Garu not held my arm.

"Easy, brother. No reason to hurt your future bride now is there?"

Balen grinned, and I knew real fear. The crazed monster could kill me and half my people before anyone could stop him. Sin Garu only added fuel to the flames.

"I apologize if I offended you," I said stiffly, cradling my sore jaw. My hands met blood, and I hoped he hadn't knocked out a tooth. A quick feel with my tongue relieved me.

Just the thought of appearing gap-toothed before the council was enough to make me feel faint. But Balen's brutality had me tilting on my feet, scared, sore, and so angry I couldn't speak.

He leaned closer, his anger apparently tempered by my apology. "You're right, Alandra. I've been way too lenient with you. It's not your fault you don't realize what's coming."

He rubbed blood from my lips and brought it to his mouth. At my taste, his eyes brightened, like twin beacons of blue flame. "We're going to be together soon. Never fear."

With a wink, he disappeared.

"That wasn't pleasant." Sin Garu dragged me back to the dungeon.

But as we walked, his looks shimmered and he grew taller.

Into Zartic's image.

"What? Zartic?"

"Keep it down," he muttered and reached behind him into the knapsack on his back. "Hurry and put that on." He tossed me a thin, light-brown shift just as we'd reached my cell.

I sighed as I did, glad to finally free my magic from that ridiculous glamor of clothing. Tired and sore, I'd need to recuperate some before I could heal myself. "Are you really Zartic, or is this another Dark Lord game?"

"Look and see."

Focusing, I noted the Shadow clinging to his aura and knew him to be an Aellei. Another shimmer, and his true face appeared, showing a mess of bruises that had yet to heal.

"Balen's work?"

He nodded. "As we speak, he's on his way to meet his brother for some much-needed family time. Sava's waiting for you. If you don't hurry, we'll have a major war on our hands."

"War with Sava?"

"He mentioned Light Bringers spotted in Aelle. And I don't think they're here for me." Zartic frowned and rubbed his tender chin. "At least, I hope they're not."

"I want to go with you, but I've lost my charm." Aerolus, you maddening man, when the hell do you think I might get that back?

"I'm not going. Use the back trail to find Sava and your Light Bringer allies. Lidra will get suspicious if I don't return right away. I left for a brief call of nature, and she's exceedingly difficult to please of late."

I nodded, too grateful for a chance to escape to question him further. Aerolus had arrived in Aelle for me. And he was walking into a trap. I had to warn him.

Concern for my Light Bringer blocked all else from my mind. I fled the dungeon and, ignoring the pain throbbing inside me, shimmered into a pixie, flying along the path to freedom.

To Aerolus, my mate.

* * *

LEXA

"That was almost too easy," Zartic said as I glided out of the dark corner of Alandra's cell.

"Desperation will do that." As will love, I thought with a familiar bitterness. "So Lidra's waiting for me, as we planned?"

He nodded. "Your brothers are gearing up for a major face-off in the clearing. I dropped a few hints to the most intelligent of the wraiths I could find." He grimaced.

I laughed. "I know that was hard. But you gave them enough evidence to point both Sin Garu and Balen at each other, correct?"

"Yes, mistress." He bowed his head respectfully and started when I cupped his chin.

"Take your reward, then, Der captain." I looked into him and with a breath, took away his pain, his scars, and his bruising, leaving him untouched, at least physically, from my brothers. "You'd best disappear along with the rest of the Shadren. Wait until the Dark Lords finish killing each other."

At the thought, I smiled.

"What of Sava and the Light Bringers?" he murmured, staring at me with a yearning I understood all too well.

Arim's haughty face lingered in my mind's eye. I knew his smile, his sorrow, his anger, better than I should.

And with the memories came a need for justice. For vengeance.

I smiled with anticipation. "Leave them to me."