Chapter 71

Iplugged my nose.

Scorched vermin smelled like boiled pig feet, and I despised boiled pig feet.

And I really, really hated dark, scary caves filled with creepy crawling things.

Not that this hole would be filled with them for long.

Get down, Raz.

I blasted another scorching ball of light down the narrow crevice, spiders and centipedes as big as dogs tumbling from the walls and shriveling up. Then sent a second stream, to be sure, yanking my power back before that light reached the end and warned Corvus he had visitors.

Princess, you need to conserve your power, Tristan reminded me. Let Raz do the grunt work. That is what he's here for.

Thanks, arshole. Glad to hear I serve some purpose.

Fine. I elbowed Tristan in the side for good measure. But don't come complaining to me when a big, fat hairy spider drops down on top of your head.

Don't be a scaredy cat, Zor chimed in. They're just bugs. Tristan's right. Save your strength for the fight ahead.

You're doing great, Anaria. Tavion, of all people, was the only one offering any encouragement. If anything survives, I'll be sure to stuff it down Zorander's shirt.

I shook out my numb fingers. The passage was so narrow we were strung into a single file line and I couldn't see directly above us, only the insect's smoking husks raining down.

Using magic was a risk, but the last thing I wanted was getting trapped inside this suffocating darkness with creeping beasties sporting biting pincers, sharp, little spiky feet, and deadly stingers.

That was a big, fat nope.

Boots scraped the floor, armor creaked, and every time Raz stopped and ducked, I blindly sent another ball of light hurtling down the craggy passageway, gagging at the number of bodies that fell in its wake.

No precision required, thank the gods.

Just blunt force.

Every step felt too slow, my leathers glued to my sweaty skin, the craggy stone walls vibrating beneath the force of Corvus's immense power.

The closer we got to his cave, the deeper the reverberation went, as if the mountain itself trembled. Then the smell hit us, a solid, fetid wall of stench that made my eyes water. Ahead of me, Raz coughed, then the reek worked its way down the rest of the line.

Gods. I think I'm going to puke.

Not on me, arsehole. Hold your cloak over your nose.

Like that's going to fucking help.

I swear to the gods, if you vomit on me, I will kick your arse, DeVayne. Hold it together.

They gagged and hacked until finally Raz lifted his fist and we all halted. We're there. If I can find cover, I'll exit the fissure slowly, keep my head low, and give you a report.

I shifted my feet, unwilling to let any of them take such a risk.

While also painfully aware they wouldn't let me go through the door first.

As if Tristan read my thoughts, he wrapped his fingers around my arm. Stay back, Anaria, until Raz has eyes on Corvus. He's done this a hundred times before; he knows how to get inside without being seen.

Walk in the park, princess. Raz didn't sound the least bit bothered he was about to step into the lair of the most powerful being on our world.

Hear that?Tavion's arms went around me. Raz thinks this place is a park.

Fuck off, wolf. When I call for you, be ready to move.

Unlike you, I'm always ready.

I grit my teeth. I couldn't shake the feeling we were mice in a maze, herded toward an inevitable dead end.

Then Raz was gone, leaving me facing what I hadn't seen before.

My panicked breaths frosted the air before Tristan clamped his hand over my mouth and dragged me backward into the shadows.

I panted against Tristan's palm, and he gripped me tighter.

Corvus was right in front of us, creeping toward the cave opening, seemingly oblivious, a snarl of vines and thorns and grotesque spikes, gleaming like he'd been dunked in oil. He had no face, but his malevolent presence churned up what little was in my stomach, my blood turning thick and sludgy.

He wore no crown, but like Gelvira's stone, an aura of dark fire burned around him, maybe the afterglow from sucking the world dry. Wave after wave of malice rocked through me, every one sending us staggering back a step.

In position. Behind a pile of rocks…and fucking bones, from what I can see.

He's a big fucker. Raziel paused, and through our connection I got a mental picture, looking up and up and up.

Yeah, we can see that.Tristan loosened his grip on my mouth, and I sucked in a foul, panicked breath. Will our plan still work even with this new angle of attack?

Angle of attack?

I whirled around to read Tristan's face, but he wrapped his arms around me, pinning the sword between us so I was trapped by that inflexible length pressing along my spine, both of us staring out at the incomprehensible adversary we were about to face.

With adjustments. Since we're not going in through the front, Tristan will wait until last to make his grand entrance. Zor, I need you to break right, and Tavion, you break left as soon as you clear the fissure.

I fought harder, but Tristan's grip was stronger than an immovable vise.

You are not going out there without me. Let me go.

I'll take the left as well, Raz continued, clearly ignoring me which just pissed me off. We'll push him away from the mouth of the cave, giving ourselves more room to maneuver. Tristan, once we're in position, you know what to do.

Do not ignore me. I am right fucking here. I raged within Tristan's arms, fueled by fear and adrenaline and anger.

I am not staying behind. Don't any of you so much as dare leave me here.

Who said anything about leaving you behind?Raz chuckled into my head, and I went ballistic, bringing my boot heel down on Tristan's foot, whirling around—this time successfully—to stick my finger in his face.

But Tristan wasn't laughing. None of them were. His eyes burned so fiercely as he lay his closed fist on his chest, over the hideous mark branded there.

It has been our honor to serve you. If we all fall here today, we will find you again, Anaria.

Zor's gentle smile lit up his entire face and sent my heart thundering. No matter how long it takes us, or what world we're on, we'll find you and make you our queen.

No. I shook my head. We are not doing this. If anyone's giving a sacrificial lamb speech, it's going to be me.

That's why we decided to tell you now.Tavion's tender wink had me digging the heels of my palms into my eyes. You always get to be the noble one. Wickedly long fangs flashed as he grinned. I have to say, I see the appeal.

Princess. I need you to focus.

Raz's firm voice had me straightening, checking to make sure the weapon was secure. My laces on my boots were tied tight, my hair braided back and tucked down into my jacket as he gave one final order, meant only for me.

Once we get Corvus into position and Tristan's shifted into his wyvern, you'll have your chance, Anaria, so you'll have to be ready.

And princess?Tristan's eyes glinted like garnets. Make every second count.