Page 70 of Upon Shattered Bonds

By calling upon the ancient language, the disused archaic laws would override current etiquette. The brands that marred their forearms would bind the challengers together on teams; all members of a single brand must perish before the contest was considered won. In this fight, there were no losing survivors even if the winners chose mercy.

Demetrios hadn’t simply been planning her downfall, he’d been planning an extinction. While the assassinations had failed, and challengers had died, Demetrios had been plotting. Shock silenced her.

Zeke was quicker on the draw. “You invoke Old Dominion law! There is no precedent for this under New Dominion rule.”

Once spoken into existence, the challenge could never be forfeit. And now, Zeke was tied to her, soon to be fighting against five sovereigns to the death. Everything she’d tried to do to save him had been for naught.

“Our forebears ruled by strength alone, Ezekiel,” Demetrios proclaimed.

“Our forebears lived by archaic principles,” Zeke retorted, baring his teeth in an atypical display of anger. “Our society has come a long way, and denying our evolution challenges our entire way of life!”

Demetrios sneered. “Under Old Dominion law, once you’re mated, you could invoke the mating clause, allowing you to face challengers as a unit instead of alone. If you’re allowed to fulfill your bond, your dynasty will never be overthrown.”

Nina recoiled. “The Old Dominion is in the past—where it will stay. Neither Zeke nor I would ever invoke the old ways. Our battles are our own.”

“You cannot convince me to believe your lies!” Their adversary’s chill exterior was beginning to crumble. “You will invoke Old Dominion law as soon as you are challenged as a mated pair.”

Frowning at his preoccupation with the mating law, Nina contemplated the scenario. His bewildering anger at their testament not to invoke Old Dominion Law pointed not to their treachery, but a fear of uncovering his own.

Obviously the ringleader, Demetrios had merely brought the others along for the ride. Most of the attacks had been against Nina alone, and the man had expressed genuine regret when he’d atoned for the ones against Zeke’s people.

Demetrios had targeted her above all things. The fact that Zeke was necessary to complete the mating bond didn’t seem to matter. Allegedly, in Demetrios’ mind, their mating threatened the very sanctity of their nation. Something didn’t fit.

Luther.

Nina cursed under her breath. After she had slain the other sovereign, Demetrios’ rage had been legendary. What once had been a genial relationship had turned vengeful following Luther’s death. It was clear now that he’d taken over the black market in his brother’s place, operating under the same modus operandi, and at every corner, Nina had foiled him.

As Luther’s younger brother, Demetrios had merely been bidding his time, waiting for Nina to slip up. This challenge was a barely concealed attempt to remove her from power, underscored by his debilitating need to seek revenge for his brother’s death.

While things had been set in motion four days ago, he’d been planning this for years.

If Demetrios had called for a blood debt, he knew he’d never survive the one-on-one confrontation that it required. He knew her strength would prove superior. Ethical means of combat would be impossible. So, he’d chosen to be devious.

To launch a challenge for her rule under Old Dominion law, he needed five sovereigns to agree to the contest. Nina’s prophetic mating with Zeke had been an opportunity he couldn’t pass up—if it was even true—and the only way he’d convinced others to join his quest without making it personal.

To secure their fealty, perhaps he’d assured them they’d reap the benefits of a solidified win. Knowing Demetrios, however, Nina doubted he’d stand to share what they won.

Having opened her mind to Zeke as she was playing through the scenario in her mind, she could sense his understanding—and his reluctance.

Demetrios’ play notwithstanding, we’re up against five sovereigns, Nina.

An air of resignation settled in his reserved voice. What went unsaid was that the pair of them would most likely not live out the hour. After days on end of battling for her life, the war had only just begun.

Our lieutenants should act as witness, she replied.

The telepathic call was heeded immediately. In the span of seconds, all their lieutenants stood behind them, a silent support of their sovereigns who were marked for death.

“You bring your own to witness your downfall.” Demetrios laughed, the spiteful sound grating against her ears. “Your funeral.”

“It’s odd, Demetrios,” Nina jested, “that you’ve gathered them against us when your fight is with me alone. What did you promise them once you won? How will you split the clans’ strength should you prevail?”

“What rewards we reap are purely coincidental.” Eyes narrowed to slits, the sovereign straightened and waved a dismissive hand, eager to be off the topic. “Prepare yourselves.”

Manifesting her katana, the first jolt of adrenaline spiked through her veins. Her fingers tightened. Familiar, the slim weight of her sword was comforting, the corded handle fitted to her grip. If this was truly the end, her only desire was to harbor no regrets.

Reaching out, Nina’s fingers intertwined with Zeke’s, the contact electrifying and wholly reassuring when the situation was anything but.

“Zeke. Forgive me.”

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