Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

D anger looms in the thick fog, even before the first growls cut through the still nighttime air.

Despite the threat, I carry on. The chill in the air prickles my skin, and I shiver in protest. Whatever is growling at me is sending me a warning. Telling me to go back. But I can’t go back. Not now. Not when I’m this close.

But close to what?

Heart pounding, I keep moving. My chest rises and falls with each rapid breath as my throat tightens. I scan my surroundings, but through the fog and darkness, I can barely see two feet in front of me. Yet still, I know I’ve never been to this place before. It’s as foreign to me as the Kingdom of Galespo was before I set foot in it.

Another growl sounds, and this time it’s closer. The growl rumbles through my body, and I shudder at the sensation. A cool sweat breaks out over the back of my neck, and I tug on the collar of my cloak as if that can help me suck in a decent breath of air. It doesn’t.

A subtle red glow catches my eye, and I glance at my hand. Oh no, not good. The red diamond on my mother’s ring is glowing, signalling danger. Although I’m used to the pre warning this ring gives, it doesn’t do much to settle my anxiety.

Despite the apparent danger, I continue through the darkness. The air shifts, and the fog moves unusually, as if it’s being controlled by some unknown force, about to unveil the danger at hand.

Something inside tells me to stop, and just as I do, a pair of enormous red eyes appear in the fog. I tremble, unable to move as I crane my neck to look into them.

Gods above, what is this creature?

The creature’s breath fogs the air as it lets out a deep growl. The scent of rotting flesh hits my nose, and I gag, slowly backing up a few paces.

The creature emerges from the fog, towering over me. Its black skin covered in scales shimmer beneath the moonlight, its eyes fixated on me.

I gulp, careful not to make any sudden movements. The creature bares its teeth at me, growling again, and every cell in my body urges me to run.

Go. Run!

Blinking, I snap back into my body and take off as fast as I can. The creature bounds after me, its paws quaking the ground beneath my unsteady feet. When I glance back, the creature opens its mouth and blasts fire in my direction. I dive out of the way and roll across the dirt-covered ground. A sharp pain radiates across my left shoulder, but I don’t have time to think on it.

I leap to my feet, and just as I’m about to release my wings, the creature sends a second blast of fire my way.

A scream ripples out of my throat as several hands grip me and haul me out of bed. What in the gods is going on? As I try to understand what’s happening, I realise it was nothing more than a nightmare.

But now I’ve woken to a real nightmare. The one I live each day.

“Let go of me!” I scream as guards haul me toward the door.

No, not guards. Watchers.

One of them grabs my cloak and tosses it at me, and I only just manage to catch it in the darkness of my room.

“Put that on if you don’t want to freeze.”

I narrow my eyes at Slater, Amaros’s new right-hand man, and consider throwing my fist into his face. But that won’t get me very far. And I’m outnumbered, four to one. Despite that, I would still win. I know it. But for now, I play along and swing the cloak over my shoulders, then I pull my hair out of the way, letting it fall down my back.

Bastards. I’m so sick of these brawny males, throwing commands at me. After Amaros killed Zalore, he allowed the watchers free rein into Silanthia, and he uses them for tasks such as this that he’s too weak to pull off himself.

Typical male.

Once I have the cloak fastened around my neck, two of the other watchers I don’t recognise grab hold of my arms and drag me from my room and through the empty, dimly lit corridors of the castle, following Slater, who is leading the way. This place that was once home to me is now nothing more than a prison. One I plan to escape from.

Once we’re outside, the watchers release their invisible wings, the gold symbols covering them giving off a subtle glow.

“Wings. Now,” Slater demands.

I roll my eyes in the darkness and release them, and then we take to the skies.

“Where are you taking me?” I demand, knowing I’m unlikely to get a response.

There’s no answer. They don’t listen to me. Ever. I take note of the direction we’re headed, and it’s clear they’re taking me to the Dark Forest. But why? It’s the middle of the night. I’m tempted to take my chances and make my escape. I’m sure I can outfly all of these bulky males.

But before I make the decision to escape, Slater descends into the forest, and I’ve lost my chance. I reluctantly follow him through the tree canopy and land near him in the same clearing where I first met Alaron, the God of Death. My breath catches as I glance over to the stones encasing the platform of the ancient ruins.

Amaros.

I used to enjoy being in his presence, but not anymore. He brings me nothing but misery, and I long for the day I can escape him for good.

I grit my teeth as I glare at the male. He’s dressed head to toe in black, his eyes closed, and his skin is almost glowing beneath the moonlight beaming down through the tree canopy.

Slater grabs hold of my arm and drags me closer to the edge of the stones, and I draw my brows together when I notice Amaros chanting. I prepare for the immense pressure of the invisible barrier of the ruins to bear down on me, but nothing happens. Strange.

What in the gods is he doing?

After a moment, he stops chanting and opens his eyes.

“I have her,” Slater tells him.

Amaros turns my way and extends his hand. “Join me, Zarla.”

I look at Slater, and he jerks his head in Amaros’s direction. Rolling my eyes, I step through the gap in the tall stones surrounding the platform, still surprised when I’m able to easily pass through the invisible barrier. I reluctantly place my hand in his, and his rough skin scratches against my palm.

He smiles at me, and my heart aches, knowing the special times we shared were all nothing but a lie. Those once kind eyes that could cause my body to do things it shouldn’t now frighten me.

He took me from Zarquon, from Kyle, against my will, and I will never forgive him for that. I hate him with every fibre of my being.

I swallow and force a brief smile back at him.

Where is Kyle, and why hasn’t he come for me? I grip my cloak above my chest in an attempt to hold myself together. Thoughts of Kyle cut deep into my heart, as if it’s breaking in a way that can never be repaired. Each passing day without my mate grows more unbearable than the last, like an empty void inside where a part of me is missing.

Amaros levels his gaze at me. “Do you know why I asked Slater to bring you to me?”

Because you’re a stone-cold sociopath. “No, why?”

He gestures up to the sky. “Because of them.”

“Who? The stars?”

A chuckle rumbles in his chest. “No. The gods. All of the gods before us who have died.”

I attempt to pull my hand back, but he tightens his grip around it. “I’m not sure I understand.”

He yanks on my hand, and I stumble into him. Why is he doing this? How can he want me when he knows how much I despise him?

Kyle, I need you.

Amaros looks at the sky. “The deceased gods hold immense power. More than you can even imagine. They hold the power to allow me to do whatever I want. And I need it.”

Oh no, that doesn’t sound good.

I glance at my hand, and my ring glows red. Just as it was in my dream.

He catches the movement, his focus shifting to my ring. “That is a powerful weapon, Zarla. But it pales in comparison to how powerful I will soon be. I am going to make you mine.”

He releases my hand, closes his eyes, and starts chanting once more.

This isn’t good. If he does this, we’re all screwed.

Thunder and lightning roar overhead, illuminating the sky above the trees. The watchers look at one another, shuffling uncomfortably from one foot to the other, uncertainty etched on their faces. Amaros continues chanting, unfazed by the sudden storm raging above. The wind picks up, whipping my hair around my face and carrying leaves along with it that swirl throughout the clearing.

And then it happens.

A bright beam of white light shoots down into Amaros’s chest. He screams, stretching his arms out wide as his body absorbs the light. After a few seconds, he drops to his knees, and the forest grows still.

What in the gods was that?

The watchers back away from Amaros, and I begin to do the same. But when I attempt to move, he reaches out and curls his fingers around my wrist.

His grip digs into my skin, and I know I’m going to bruise.

“Amaros, you’re hurting me!”

He slowly raises his head and looks up to me. Then he stands, all the while maintaining his focus on me.

I swallow. This feels off. Something awful has happened to him.

“Zarla Quinn, you are my mate. By the power of the gods, I declare it.”

“No!” I scream as I attempt to yank my hand back, but it’s no use.

He’s far stronger than I, and there’s no escaping this.

Pain like nothing I’ve experienced before licks up my arm, and I scream. It’s like molten lava coursing through my veins, slowly inching its way throughout my body. As it does, my bond with Kyle slips away. It’s still there, but it’s like the raging fire it once was is slowly fading into a faint glow that’s barely noticeable. Replaced by something evil. By something that doesn’t feel or sit right.

A bond to Amaros.

My stomach knots, and I dry heave as I drop to my knees, covering my mouth.

“You are mine .”

His words prickle my shin. Words I have heard before, only this time they hold a more sinister meaning.

“What have you done?” I whisper as I glance up at him.

He smirks at me, and without saying a word, grabs the back of my neck and forces me to my feet.

“I have done what was necessary. We are bonded, Zarla. You can’t escape me now. I will always be with you, inside your head. Even in your dreams.” He slams his lips against mine, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

He forces my lips apart and slips his tongue inside. When he finally pulls back, I shove at his chest. He doesn’t move an inch, but my message is clear—I didn’t want it.

He chuckles. “You will want it, in time. I’m going to enjoy being in your head.”

“You bastard .”

He waves a hand at Slater. “Take her back.”

Slater steps through the stone wall and grabs my arm.

“You can’t do this, Amaros! I am already bonded to Kyle.”

He slaps me hard across my face, and if it weren’t for Slater holding my arm, I would have fallen over. A hint of a metallic taste seeps into my mouth, and I reach up with a shaking hand and wipe my lip. Sure enough, blood smears my skin.

“Do not test me. That name is not to be spoken in my presence. Do you understand?”

I don’t respond, and he grips my throat.

“Do you understand?”

I glare into the male’s ice-grey eyes. “Yes.”

He releases my throat, and Slater hauls me through the gap in the stone wall. Twigs and leaves crunch beneath my bare feet, scratching my soles as he drags me across the small clearing.

Slater forces me to a stop. “Is she going to be tried for the murder of Harlum?”

Amaros gazes at me then back to Slater. “Not at this stage.”

Slater nods. “Release your wings.”

I do as I’m asked, and we fly back to the castle, where I’m led inside and thrown into my quarters. I lean against the wall and wrap my arms around myself. I’ve been here for weeks now, and it still feels foreign to me. This isn’t my home.

My lip quivers, and despite telling myself not to, tears well in my eyes and then spill over onto my cheeks as I sink down the wall to the floor.

How did I get myself into this situation? Why did I trust Em? I should have known better. I do know better.

She has always hated me. She tried to kill me in Galespo, and now this. I’m stuck in this hellhole while she’s safely in Zarquon with Kyle, probably pretending to worry where I’ve disappeared to. Do any of them know? Surely Kyle sensed it eventually.

But he hasn’t come for you.

I tell my treacherous mind to shut it. If he could have, he would have. There isn’t a place in all the Kingdoms he wouldn’t go to find me, and I him. There’s a reason he hasn’t, and it involves Amaros. He’s already destroyed the Gateway of the Gods. I wouldn’t put anything past him at this point.

I swipe my hand under my nose and sniff. A small box of tissues sits on a side table, and I shuffle over, snatch a couple of tissues, and blow my nose. I grab another one and dab the tears from my cheeks.

What is his end game? If he wants to take over the Kingdoms, he’s doing well so far. Now he has two of them under his control. But if he thinks he can take over Zarquon, he has another thing coming. Apollon would never allow it, nor would Kyle.

Gods above, I miss Kyle.

After crossing the room, I sit in one of the armchairs and toss the used tissues into the fireplace,thankful the keepers have lit it. The warmth from the fire helps soothe me. I breathe in the smoky scent of burning wood and sink back into the chair, closing my eyes.

There has to be a way out of this mess, and I am going to find it if it’s the last damn thing I ever do. There is more to my powers. I know it. I’m a goddess, after all. I just have to figure my powers out.

I fiddle with the magical wire Amaros instructed Slater to bind around each of my wrists. Its purpose is to diminish my powers so I cannot open portals and escape the Kingdom. Even if I tried to, I’m guarded day and night. I wouldn’t get far, and I’m unsure this wire would even allow me to leave. I’ve attempted to remove it multiple times without success and have only ended up hurting myself.

I slowly stand and pad across my quarters toward the doors that lead to my balcony. The doors are unlocked, Amaros’s cruel way to show me that he doesn’t need to lock me in to keep me here.

Stepping out onto my balcony, I’m met with a cool breeze. I huddle into myself and stand near the edge, overlooking the castle grounds.

There’s a faint glow on the horizon that’s likely to give way to a beautiful sunrise. Although it’s difficult to see the beauty in much these days, least of all anything within this Kingdom. I need to get out of here and find my way back to Kyle.

I wouldn’t recommend it. Amaros’s voice fills my mind.

I almost forgot he was in my head. It’s uncommon for any bond other than a second and guardian one. How in the gods did he pull this off?

Because I am more powerful than you know. Attempt to escape, and you’ll find out what I’m capable of.

Get out of my head! I scream at him.

He chuckles. I am always in your head, Zarla. You are mine now.

To hell with it. Releasing my wings, I dive off the balcony, flying as hard and fast as I can. I’m almost at the Kingdom boundary when the whipping of wings steals my focus. I glance back at the group of watchers following me.

You will be punished for this, Zarla.

Screw you! I scream back at him as I will myself to fly faster.

I can’t look back now. I know they’re gaining on me. This magical wire is slowing me down. I have to get to the Kingdom boundary, and just maybe I can escape them on Earth or make it to Zarquon.

I’m almost there when a large hand grips my ankle, and another grabs hold of my wing. Pain tears through my shoulder, and I cry out. We both fall from the sky and crash into the field closest to the boundary of the Kingdom. I roll onto my stomach and attempt to control my breathing, but I struggle to take in a decent breath.

“Don’t move. You know the rules. You don’t get to leave this Kingdom. Amaros owns you.”

I roll onto my back and glare up at the male I don’t recognise. “No one owns me. Least of all him.”

The male laughs as the other five watchers land on the field behind him. A red-hot rage burns through my veins as I get to my feet and slam my fist into his jaw. He stumbles back and grits his teeth, taking a deep breath through his nose as he storms closer to me.

“What are you going to do, hit me?”

His jaw tenses, and he balls his fists at his sides. “Don’t tempt me.”

Why do I sense you’re being threatened? Where are you? Amaros’s voice sounds in my mind.

Ignoring Amaros, I shove the male’s chest. He doesn’t budge but grabs hold of both of my wrists.

“I see why Amaros likes you so much. He appreciates a challenge. As do I.”

He pushes me back, and I trip and fall, knocking my head against something hard hidden amongst the grass. A rock, most likely. My vision blurs, and I reach around the back of my head and feel warm moisture seeping into my hair.

“You’re not supposed to hurt her,” one of the other watchers says to the male who shoved me.

He laughs. “She’s fine. I barely touched her. I know of her healing abilities anyway. She’ll be fine soon enough.”

A wave of nausea courses through my stomach, and I roll over and dry heave.

“Is she okay?” that same watcher asks.

The male grips my upper arms, hauling me to my feet. He releases me, but when I stumble and sway to the side, he grabs hold of me again.

“Stop messing around. You’re fine.” Panic laces the male’s voice, sounding concerned that he’s gone too far.

“I hit my head…on a rock,” I mumble.

The male moves behind me and grabs my hair, sifting through it as if looking for the wound. There’s a loud thud, and I glance over to find Amaros glaring at the male holding me up.

“Get your hands off my female. Now .”