Page 98 of King of Fire and Flames

Trapped inside the dungeon below the fire moat, I had no way to tell the exact time of day. But the moment night fell over the city, my blood quickened in my veins, and I began my vigil, pacing across the cell, cursing Azarn’s soldiers for chaining my wrists in front of my body.

In a nearby cell, boots scuffed against flagstones as my friends muttered to each other, the low hum of their voices tethering the chaos of my mind to a bare semblance of sanity.

Questions ricocheted through my brain, torturing me until my palms were slick with sweat. What if we failed and left Leaf alone to face a life of servitude to Bakhur and the corrupt Fire Court? What would happen to Coridon without me? To my people, the Zareen, and the elves of Auryinnia?

Tonight, I couldn’t lose. That much was certain. I had to destroy Melaya, Azarn, and Bakhur, too.

If I could break out of the dungeon with my power restored, I would summon a catastrophic storm. Melt the flesh off Azarn and Melaya. Then wrap my hands around Bakhur’s throat and squeeze the life from his veins with unbridled joy.

Jerking to a halt, I pressed my forehead against the bars of my cell, each shuddered breath echoing through my lungs, pure agony.

For daring to hurt my Aldara, I would kill Bakhur slowly, savoring his death. I’d play with the fucker. Taste each sour tear as he begged for mercy, for relief that I would never grant.

Hands chained in front of me, I cracked my knuckles, Leaf’s face flashing through my mind again. I imagined her expression as she watched me dispense justice—first fear, then disgust—the vision a reminder of how much she despised cruelty.

So be it.

For her, I would show leniency. To a point. A small, sharp one. And I’d behave like a male who deserved Leaf’s love.

Perhaps I wasn’t her equal yet, but I would never ever give up trying to be.

“Raiden,” I called out. “Don’t forget as soon as I hand you the petals, you must waste no time and rub one over your skin.”

“Does it matter where we apply it?” asked Zaret, the over-thinker of our group.

“Over your heart is best, but anywhere you can in the space of three seconds will do,” I replied.

“Will you do the same?” Esen asked, suspicion resonating in her tone.

“No. Fuck that. When Azarn’s organs start boiling, I need him to see my face. I’ll target Melaya first, then the king. And, Raiden, remember that away from Coridon, your storm magic might be weaker. Gold knows what will happen to Esen’s mutated power, but we can only hope both elements will continue to work well together. Grab swords from the nearest fae and kill the king’s guards or anyone wearing armor. If any soldiers flee the hall, let them leave. I guarantee they despise Azarn and will help us build a better Taln after we’ve defeated him.”

“You want the entire royal family dead?” asked Zaret.

“No,” I replied. “Just the males. And Esen, Raiden, be sure to always have Zaret’s back. He may be as fierce a fighter as the strongest Light Realm fae, but he has no magic. I can feel you scowling, Zaret. Don’t take stupid risks in the hall. I need you alive.”

“Why? So you can keep your promise to Zali? And hers to my mother?”

“I will never break my word to my Aldara. She is more precious than every kanara feather in Coridon. But this is not why I need you by my side. You and Leaf have taught me that I was a fool to reject an entire species because of the crimes of a few. You are as valued a friend as Raiden and Esen, and my trust in Esen is stronger than ever now that I know her true story. Believe me, Azarn will pay for exploiting an innocent fae child.”

“I would gladly give my life to save your future queen,” said Zaret, his voice determined, bearing no trace of sorrow.

“If it comes to that, so be it,” I replied, knowing the young human was as headstrong as my Leaf, and nothing could deter him from following his conscience, seated in the center of his heart.

Not even me.

Time passed as I paced in darkness, and before long, terror took hold, sliding through my veins like a curse, my limbs shaking with suppressed adrenaline, nausea churning my gut. I clutched the bars, certain too much time had passed.

“Estella’s plan must’ve failed,” I ground out. “Melaya probably found her before she could subdue Nukala. Leaf might already be dead.”

That idea sent shock waves of pain radiating through my body. If my Aldara was dead, I had no wish to go on living.

“No way,” said Raiden. “I’m sure all is well. Have patience. Check your glyphs. How do they feel?”

Good question.

Closing my eyes, I tuned out the sound of dripping water, the scuttle of a nearby rat, and ignored the stench of misery that emanated from the walls, barely breathing as I focused internally.

A subtle warmth vibrated over my skin. I concentrated harder, feeling a slight buzz from my glyphs, evidence the magical tether that pulsed from my heart to Leaf’s remained unbroken, even in this gold-forsaken shithole.

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