Page 135 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

DIANNA

Broken glass pierced my hands as I pushed myself up, screams erupting from all directions. I huffed and leaned against the bar, the rank stench of acid filling my nose. The guards had scattered, presumably to get what they could for Nismera. A wave of acid shot through the air, followed by more screams. I grabbed a tray and placed it over my head before ducking behind the bar. It seemed my furry little friend was wreaking havoc. Using my tray as a shield, I slowly rose to see people being tossed aside by a horned little creature as it ran for the door. There was a giant hole punched in the wall behind the stage where that fucking bug creature had escaped.

A woman ran through the room, glancing my way. Faye’s face was covered in blood, and I saw the sword she was holding. It was the same enchanted blade that had compelled me earlier. Faye wasn’t just a seller; she was a thief. She flashed me a crooked smile and took off running.

What if she was one of Nismera’s guards? I needed to find out. Lights flashed overhead, leading deeper into the building. I looked toward the front door and the mob attempting to flee. Samkiel wouldn’t be here in time, and Faye just snuck off to the back with that golden sword.

Fuck.

I pressed my earpiece, raising the volume, but all I heard were shouts of people running for their lives.

“If you guys can hear me, I’m heading below.”

There were more screams, and I cringed. I pulled the damn thing out of my ear and tossed it away before going after Faye.

LIGHTS STROBED ACROSS THE SMOOTH, CREAM-COLORED WALLS. A trail of blood led the way, and I assumed one of those creatures had made off with someone. I walked slowly, trying to be as quiet as I could in my heels. I passed a few empty rooms that resembled cells, and my blood ran cold. How many creatures did she have here, and how many were now free? Another cacophony of screams rent the air, and I turned, making sure nothing was following me.

I felt the air shift. It was not a conscious decision, but I ducked, more sensing the attack than seeing it. A crunch followed as Faye lodged the ancient, cursed sword in the wall where my head was.

“No hard feelings, cutie, but if you work for her, you’re dead.”

I hopped up. “Work for her? For Nismera?”

Faye yanked the sword free, screaming as she tried to cut me again. I jumped back, avoiding her slashes as we danced in this small hall. Cracks formed in the stone walls with every hit, and the next time the sword lodged in the wall and she struggled to free it, my fist connected with her face. She yelped and stumbled back, wiping her nose.

“Damn, you hit hard.”

I shrugged and yanked the sword from the wall. “You should see my kicks.”

“I can’t let you take that sword to her.” Faye reached under her dress, taking out two blades.

I swung the sword in a looping circle, warming up my wrist and testing its weight and balance. “Oh, this old thing? Why not?”

Faye charged again, quicker this time. I dodged, using the sword as leverage, and blocked her blades. She was quick and highly trained, that was for damn sure. She dropped to the ground and kicked at my legs. I jumped and swung the sword above her head. She blocked the strike with both blades and lunged to her feet, pushing me back against the wall.

“I don’t work for Nismera.”

Faye gritted her teeth. “Sure, you’re just here for a good time.”

“Well, actually,” I pushed back, sending her sailing across the room, “I was looking for whatever the hell she was interested in, and I think you just showed me.”

The wall crumbled where she hit. She smirked at me and sat up, reaching under her dress again. Did she have an entire arsenal under there? She pulled out a small black circle and tossed it onto the floor between us. Smoke poured from the device, burning my eyes. I started to cough and felt a fist slam across my face. She yanked the sword from my hand, and I heard her run down the hall.

I coughed and blinked, trying to clear my eyes. As the smoke dissipated, I heard another set of footsteps coming down the hall. I looked up and saw a blurry, tall, muscular figure coming toward me. My heart thudded as the room changed, and I found myself back in the bone graveyard. I watched that figure come closer through tear-filled eyes, his powerful feet beating against the ground. He crouched, the thick plates on his shoulders shifting as he reached for me. I lashed out.

The room melted back to the hall and the flashing lights.

Orym held my fist. “Dianna, it’s me,” he said. “You’re okay.”

I nodded as he helped me up. I wiped my eyes again. “Where’s Sami?”

“Out front, the whole place is in chaos. He’s on his way. He stopped to help some people that were trampled, and he had to stop that acid-spitting creature.”

I coughed again and nodded. “Okay, we have to go after her.”

“After who?”

I turned and sprinted down the hall, waving Orym with me. “This way. She has some ancient sword that’s imbued with power. I can’t explain it, but I felt it. I don’t know why she wants it, but we need to get it back.”

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