Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

M y mind races as I blink back into the present.

Amaros shakes me, but everything around me is silent while Atlas’s words echo in my mind. My focus is on Atlas, who is staring at me with that same look of satisfaction.

Is he responsible for the vision I just had? Did he plant it?

“What happened just now?” Amaros demands.

His gaze is intense as he stares at me, awaiting an answer. I shut my mind off as best I can, but when understanding crosses his features and he releases me, I know he’s seen it for himself. His focus snaps to Atlas, who removes the dragon helmet and hands it to a keeper behind him.

I reach for Amaros. “You saw it. In my mind, you saw it, didn’t you?”

He presses his lips together in a hard line and nods.

“It’s not true. I don’t know what it means, but it’s not true.”

Amaros guides me away from the platform. “We’re leaving. Now.”

I glance back over my shoulder at Atlas, who is staring after me.

Then, one by one, the Dragon Guard shift into their dragons and take to the skies in celebration. Fireworks blast overhead, spirting red, gold, and orange flames in the sky, while dread grows in the pit of my stomach.

“Leaving so soon?”

I bump into the back of Amaros, who has stopped walking, and Drakon stands before him.

“We must be getting back to Silanthia. Thank you for an eventful evening.” Amaros steps around Drakon, but he stands in my way.

“Where did your friend go?” he asks me. “I didn’t see him here.”

Amaros pulls me to his side. “I sent him back to Galespo.”

Drakon inches closer to Amaros. “I was asking your mate.”

Amaros growls. “We do not answer to you, brother . I am my own King. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we are leaving.”

Drakon doesn’t budge, forcing Amaros and me to move around him to get past. Stubborn male.

“Oh, and Zarla?” Drakon calls out, and I look back at him. “You’re welcome back here any time.”

Amaros grits his teeth at him then drags me through the crowd. Once we’re away from the ceremony, he reaches his hand out and opens a portal to Silanthia. My throat constricts as I stare at the place I hate the most, and then Amaros forces me through it.

The air is cooler against my skin. Fresher. It’s a welcome relief from the heat of Pyrrhus, and I’m able to take in a decent breath of air. There’s a release inside me, and I know whatever invisible barrier that prevented me from using my powers in Pyrrhus has now broken. The relief is short-lived, though, as dread consumes me, deep into my bones.

I’m back here. Back to the nightmare I thought I had escaped from for good.

Amaros roughly takes my face between his hands. “If you thought it was a nightmare before, just wait.”

He presses a harsh kiss to my lips and pulls something from his pocket. Before I understand what it is, he binds the metal wire around my wrists, the same wire that prevents me from using my powers, and then shoves me away.

I advance on him and hit him as hard as I can until he grabs my arms, restraining me from my feeble attempts to hurt him as much as he has me.

“I hate you!” I yell, breathing hard. “You can’t do this to me!”

Hot tears stream down my face while rage floods my veins.

“Yes, I can. Now release your wings and get back to the castle.”

I glare at the male, but knowing I have no choice, I do as he asks and release them. The cool wind blows through my feathers, and I shiver at the sensation.

“I know about Alaron and my Zelon, Keva. You’ve got them locked up beneath the castle.” I swipe my fingers under my eyes, wiping my tears away.

He stretches his arms out wide and smirks. “So what? I am the King. I will do whatever is necessary to protect my Kingdom.”

I reach up to him, surprised when he allows it, and brush my fingers across his cheek. “Please, Amaros. They are not a threat. Release them.”

He roughly removes my hand from his face, digging his fingers into my skin, and I wince at the pain. “Do not make demands of me. I will not release that Zelon just to give you an opportunity to use him against me. Now go.”

I push off into the sky, and he follows me, the swooping of his wings cutting through the air as I fly as hard as I can back to the castle.

Back to my prison.

The following week passes by as slow as the hands on a clock.

I spend most of my time in the castle, and the times I do venture out, I am shadowed by several watchers. Amaros takes every precaution to prevent me from being able to escape again. And as the days tick by, the distance between my true mate and me grows.

I lie back on the grass and watch the clouds as they float by in the gentle breeze. The sweet, floral scent of flowers drifts by my nose, carried on the wind, and I breathe it deep into my lungs, enjoying the aroma.

If you look closely, you can make out animals in the clouds. The one above me resembles a Zelon, and my thoughts shift to Keva. I have experienced so much loss in such a short space of time. I cannot bear to lose him as well.

But I will free him. Alaron, too.

I received word that Finlay’s wake is to be held tomorrow. Kastal and Nethelia do not want me to attend. They have made it clear they blame me for their son’s death. I wish I could be there.

I push up off the grass and release my wings. If they’re going to refuse me to farewell my friend, I have to at least try to explain what happened in a way in which they may listen.

Finlay’s manor comes into view, and nerves swirl inside me while I make my descent and land out front. The four watchers who have been tailing me all week follow me to the door, and I rap my knuckles a few times before a keeper answers. She looks at me and then glances at the watchers behind me, waiting for me to speak.

“Is Mr. or Mrs. Kallis home?”

Nethelia appears in the corridor behind the keeper.

“Who is it?” she asks, and then her gaze finds mine.

She storms toward me, fury blazing in her eyes.

“Mrs. Kallis, please. I only wish to speak with you,” I say.

She nods to the keeper, who leaves us, and then raises her brows at me in question. “About?”

“About…Finlay.”

Her eyes widen, and her jaw tenses. “Do not speak his name.”

I gulp. “He was special to me. He was a good friend. But I am not at fault for his death. I only wish to explain what happened.”

Her expression softens a little as she seems to think it over, and then she steps aside and gestures for me to enter. The watchers attempt to follow me inside, but she blocks their way.

“Mrs. Kallis, we are to escort Zarla wherever she goes. King’s orders. Now step aside.”

She reluctantly allows them in and looks my way. “Follow me.”

She walks down the wide corridor, her white heels clicking against the polished marble, and into a room to the right. Light spills in through the windows lining the far wall, illuminating the white room in a soft glow.

“You may wait out here,” she tells the watchers before stepping into the room.

She sits in a pale blue armchair, and I sit in the one next to hers.

“Go ahead. Say what you came to say.”

The deep-set sadness in her eyes tugs at my heart, one I feel responsible for, even though I know I’m not. I attempt to swallow the lump in my throat, but it doesn’t help the nerves eating away at me.

“He wasn’t supposed to be there. He sensed I was in trouble through our bond, and he came. He was brave like that.”

A muffled sob escapes her lips, and she tries to contain it. I reach out and place my hand over hers, and her gaze drops to the wire around my wrist. She frowns but doesn’t speak of it.

“The lost ones consumed us, and before I could do anything, I was sucked into the Realm of Lost Souls. Finlay risked his life to save me, and in doing so, he died. If I could go back, if I could stop it somehow, I would, believe me. I would give anything to stop it. I managed to open a portal into Zarquon, and I got him out of there. I would never have left him behind.”

Tears spill down my cheeks as she watches me, and I can see her mind mulling over my explanation.

She lets out a long breath. “One day, if you are lucky, you will experience what it is like to be a mother. It is the single greatest gift I have ever received. Kastal and I hoped for a large family, but the gods had other plans in mind. Finlay was the only child we were blessed with.”

My lip quivers, and I suck it into my mouth to hide it.

“I will never understand what happened that day or why my son was taken from me, but for you to have the courage to come here to our home to speak to me, I have to say, I respect that, Zarla.”

I give her a gentle nod, unable to speak just yet.

She glances out the window and sighs. “I know Finlay had his troubles. He wasn’t an easy child, but he had a lot of love inside him. He was brave. It sounds like nothing short of what I would expect of my son if someone he cared about was in danger.”

Tears well in my eyes, and I rapidly blink them away. “I cared about him a lot as well. I want you to know that. This was never supposed to happen, but we all knew the dangers when we went to Galespo. But we should have had a better plan in place. Maybe then none of this would have happened.”

“Sometimes even the most strategic plans can fail. Perhaps the gods just felt it was his time. Regardless, thank you for getting him out of that awful place.”

Kastal enters the room and frowns when he sees me. “What’s going on here?”

Nethelia wipes the tears from her cheeks. “Zarla came to speak with us. About Finlay’s death.”

She stands and reaches her hand out to Kastal, and he crosses the room to her, pulls her into his arms, and rubs circles over her back.

His gaze finds mine, and I, too, stand.

Nethelia pulls away from him, and they both look at me.

“I must say, I am surprised to see you, Zarla. But I appreciate you coming to speak with my wife.”

I wipe my palms on my pants. “It was difficult, but I knew that I needed to come.”

He dips his head.

“There’s something I would like to ask,” I say, and they both nod. “I would really like to attend Finlay’s wake tomorrow. That is, if you’ll allow it.”

Nethelia smiles at me, and the bitterness I once saw in her eyes is gone. “You would be very much welcome to attend, Zarla.”

Nethelia walks to me and takes my hands in hers. “I’m so sorry. We were angry and looking for someone to blame. But from what you’ve told me, you didn’t deserve the added pressure on top of the grief that you, too, are suffering.”

I give her hands a squeeze. “Please don’t be sorry. I’m just thankful you listened to what I had to say.”

She hugs me tight and then walks me to the door. “We shall see you tomorrow, then.”

I leave the Kallises’ manor with a sense of relief.

There will always be a part of me that blames myself for what happened to Finlay, but I know I’m not responsible for his death. He did what any second would have done, and he came to my aid. I would have done the same for him. Being able to attend his wake tomorrow is important to me, giving me an opportunity to say a final goodbye.

The watchers follow me as I make my way back to the castle. The shingles crunch beneath my boots when I land, and I don’t bother waiting for the watchers as I head inside.

I need to speak with Lissian. I haven’t seen her in a while, and she’s the closest thing I have to family in this prison.

What are you doing, my mate? Amaros’s voice sounds in my mind.

I’m in the castle, as usual, being harassed by your watchers, I reply.

I was told you went to the Kallises’ manor. Why?

I let out a long breath as I head for Lissian’s quarters. Of course you’re keeping tabs on my every move.

Answer the question, Zarla.

Because they blame me for Finlay’s death, and I wish to attend his wake tomorrow.

I knock on Lissian’s door, but there’s no answer. I try once more, but nothing.

Lissian is no longer living in my castle. She has been moved into a home near the city.

I gasp and back up, bumping into one of the watchers. How could you? This is her home!

It was her home when she was married to the King. That is no longer the case, so it was inappropriate for her to remain here. Come to me, my mate.

Ignoring him, I clench my fists. “Take me to Lissian. Now.”

The watcher laughs. “You do not make demands of me, female.”

I step close to the male. “I am the King’s mate. You will do as I ask.”

I said, come to me. Amaros’s frustration enters my mind.

A grimace spreads over the watcher’s face, and he turns and storms down the corridor. I follow him outside, and he releases his invisible wings. I do the same.

Do not disobey me again.

I just want to see Lissian. Please, just give me the time to do so. Your watchers are with me. They will escort me back when I am done. Please, Amaros?

He doesn’t respond for some time, and the wait nearly kills me.

You can go. You have one hour.

Thank you.

I follow the watcher over the Kingdom to an area just outside the city dotted with houses. They are small but cosy, and despite Amaros’s abruptness in making her leave her home, I know Lissian will be happier here.

We land outside one of the houses, and the watcher gestures to the door.

Ignoring him, I follow the stone path embedded into the grass up to the red front door and knock. Lissian answers quickly and beams when she sees me.

“Zarla!” She throws her arms around my shoulders, squeezing me tight.

“I’m so happy to see you,” I tell her.

She pulls back and looks at the watchers over my shoulder. “You lot can wait out here.”

I step through the doorway, and she closes the door behind me before they can attempt to follow me inside. The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies drifts down the hallway, and my stomach grumbles in response.

“You seem happy,” I tell her.

“I am. Come,” she says and leads me down the hallway and into the kitchen.

Sure enough, there’s a batch of freshly baked cookies sitting atop a wire rack on the white marble bench top, the source of the wonderful smell.

I take a seat at the wooden table, and she pulls a plate from a cupboard and piles several cookies on top.

“Tea?” she asks, and I nod.

She fills a kettle with water, places it on the stovetop, and then finds a gold tray in a cupboard.

“How long have you been here?” I ask.

She sets the tray on the bench, pulls two teacups from a shelf, places them on the tray, and drops a tea bag into each one. “Since before you came back. He had this redheaded female visiting him often. She was from Zarquon, and I didn’t trust her. And then he told me I had to leave. Said he had a new home for me.

“Truth be told, I prefer it here. That male is bad news, and I couldn’t handle living under the same roof as him a moment longer. When he returned from Galespo, I knew things were bad. I could sense it. He was consumed with rage and the need to get you back.”

She sets the tray on the table just as the kettle rings. She turns the stove off, carries the kettle over, pours the boiling water into the two teacups, and then takes a seat.

“Cookie?” She gestures with her hand.

“Thank you.” I snatch up a cookie from the plate and sink my teeth into it.

The sweet vanilla and chocolate morsel melts in my mouth, still warm from the oven.

She slides a cup of tea over to me. “I wish you could escape him, too.”

I cradle the teacup in my hands, blow on it, and take a sip. “As do I.”

“I suppose you heard about Finlay’s wake tomorrow?”

I set my tea down. “I visited Mr. and Mrs. Kallis earlier. They blamed me for his death, but I was able to explain what really happened, and they listened. They said I can attend his wake.”

She gives me a kind smile. “I was hoping so.”

I finish my cookie and have another sip of tea. “Things are bad, Lissian. And I fear they are only going to get worse.”

She sets her tea down and leans in closer. “It’s bad here, but from what I hear, it’s much worse in Galespo. Since Zalore’s death, things are getting out of hand. Females are being treated worse than ever. I’ve even heard of several females being taken from the city here and forced back to Galespo.”

The thought knots my stomach. I recall the way Zalore treated the females in his castle. Now that he’s gone, the watchers have free rein to do as they please.

“I met a watcher. He was kind to me,” I tell her.

She raises her brows. “Well, he is a rarity. Because most males there are evil.”

I turn my teacup around in my hands. “I promised myself, and those females, that I would rescue them. I am going to keep my word.”

“If you are to do this, you must bring others with you. Talk to Mikel about it. You cannot go it alone, Zarla. Those watchers are brutal.”

I nod. “I will.”

She sips her tea and relaxes back in her chair. “Where would you take the females once you have rescued them?”

I haven’t thought that far ahead. “I’m not sure. But I’ll figure it out.”

Finlay’s wake is held in the field amongst the trees on the outskirts of the surrounding manors. It’s such a gorgeous part of the Kingdom, and since it’s springtime, the flowers are in full bloom, the endless shades of pinks and reds creating a sense of ease and warmth on this solemn day.

My emerald-green sundress kisses the ground as I walk, almost blending in amongst the blades of grass.

Amaros is at my side, an unfortunate and unavoidable decision on his part. I didn’t bother telling Finlay’s parents how Amaros is ultimately to blame. For everything. It would do them little good to confront him, and Amaros would deny it anyway. But he is responsible.

If he hadn’t been trying to control the lost ones, none of this would have happened.

Do not blame me for your poor decisions, my mate.

I gulp. I have allowed my thoughts to run wild, and of course he has heard them.

I never meant for any of your friends to be harmed. Zalore caused this. Amaros reaches for my hand, but I move it away.

He forcibly grabs it anyway, threading his fingers between mine.

Don’t forget to smile. We wouldn’t want anyone questioning the sincerity of our mating, now would we?

I stare up at him. This male is unbelievable. Everyone knows it’s a forced mating. Surely anyone with decent vision can see that.

I pull my focus back to the wake as we approach the crowd. My eyes widen when I spot Lacinda and Demetros sitting near the front. But when I attempt to go to them, Amaros tightens his grip on my hand.

“You will remain at my side. We can both speak with them after the wake.”

Bastard . I grit my teeth as he leads us to the seats in the front row next to Finlay’s parents. They nod in acknowledgement as we take our seats.

Finlay’s body is visible, laid out before us on a bed of flowers. He looks just the same as the last time I saw him. The powerful magic bound to him is to preserve him in life, just as he was.

My heart aches, and tears sting my eyes, threatening to spill over. I reach into my small purse and pull out a tissue to dab my eyes.

Amaros grips my thigh in an attempt to comfort me, but it has the opposite effect.

Soft music fills the air, and everyone quietens down. Finlay’s parents stand and walk to the front where they take a flower each and place it across Finlay’s chest. Now it’s our turn. We stand and move to the front, and row by row, every angel here pays their respect to Finlay and his family.

It’s difficult to see him. A sort of bittersweet moment. But I am thankful for the opportunity to say goodbye.

“Finlay, you were more than just my second. You were my friend. My family. Our bond grew over time, and I cherished it more than you know. By the gods, I miss you.” Tears spill down my cheeks as I lay my flower over his chest. “Goodbye, my friend.”

Amaros guides me away, and Lacinda and Demetros find us.

“Zarla,” she calls out then throws her arms around me, and Amaros reluctantly releases my hand.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper against her hair.

She squeezes me tighter. “Me too.”

After she pulls back, Demetros hugs me.

“Where have you two been?” I ask, stepping back.

Lacinda tucks her fiery curls behind her ears. “On Earth, but back in Zarquon at times, too.”

Finlay’s parents approach Amaros, and I take the brief opportunity I have to speak with Lacinda and Demetros in private.

I swallow hard as thoughts of Kyle shift to the centre of my mind. “Is he…okay?”

She gives me a sad smile and shakes her head.

“Why hasn’t he come for me?”

They glance at one another.

“Zarla, he’s tried. Many, many times. He can’t get in.”

Although I assumed that would be the case, hearing it reassures me. He hasn’t just forgotten about me.

I glance out over the fields, picturing my mate. Gods above, I miss him.

“Zarla…”

That voice. I scan the crowd, confused. Someone called my name.

“You okay?” Lacinda asks.

“Zarla…”

There it is again.

“Sorry, I’ve got to go. Please come find me before you leave,” I tell them and disappear through the crowd.

Amaros is distracted and hasn’t noticed yet. Something tells me the voice is coming from the Dark Forest.

Not wanting to risk being seen, I remain on foot and gently jog toward the forest. Once I’m sure I’m far enough away, I release my wings and fly the rest of the way.

“Zarla…” the voice calls out again.

I land near the huts Kyle and I once built together, and somehow I know the voice is here. I cross the forest boundary, and the air shifts before me. The wind picks up with a howl, blowing my hair around my face as I move forward.

And then everything around me changes.

I’m standing in a meadow in the Spirit Realm.

“Zarla?”

I spin around and stare into a familiar pair of amethyst eyes.

It’s Finlay.