Nico didn’t look at her. Davina couldn’t hold it in anymore. She wouldn’t cower anymore. She rushed to him and grabbed his collar. “Look at me!”
How the roles have changed, not too long ago it was him who had her pinned like this.
“Davina,” Leilani said, stepping through the crowd toward the Captain. Ron and Snow stopped Leilani from nearing Davina and her parents.
“Leave her,” Snow hissed.
“She needs this,” Ron said.
Nico looked into her eyes, at last.
“Look at the mess you have made.” She wasn’t just talking about the children having been taken.
Mae put a hand on Davina’s shoulder. Davina pushed Nico away before slapping her mother’s hand off of her. “Don’t you touch me.”
“I’m your mother.”
“You lost the right to be my mother the moment you chose this man over me.” Her voice quivered, not with just rage but with frustration and sadness. Davina could feel the tears wanting to spill.
Mae remained silent as Davina panted with blurry vision.
A loud rumble erupted throughout the entire island. The birds that had been sitting at the castle top rapidly flew away as a violent tremor shook the ground beneath them.
The crowd no longer stood close to one another, each began to huddle close to their loved ones. Bellatormans shrieked as their feet vibrated with the ground. Water jumped into the Bridges, coating those who had been strolling through the arches. Ron threw himself toward Davina and wrapped his arm around her, keeping her on her feet. Davina held onto him tightly, waiting for the earthquake to pass.
The loud rupture of stone fracturing penetrated their ears. Davina’s eyes widened as the Bridges of the Islands began to crack. In all the years of Bellatorm, no matter the wars or battles, the Bridges always remained intact. Until now.
A cackle echoed above in the air. Davina snapped her glare to find Raven above a big dark cloud, with several Predators surrounding her.
Another cry of fear left the lips of the visiting Bellatormans. “Master Abigail!” Davina yelled.
“How may I be of assistance, Captain?”
“Get the people inside,” she ordered.
“Yes, Captain.” A smirk etched the Master’s face. Leaders, Soldiers, and Apprentices helped the people into the castle. They all scurried, shoving and pushing past each other to find their way into the fortress. Davina glimpsed how Ron swiftly led Mae and Nico into Castellum through the mobs of frightened islanders. Before she could miss his presence, he was already beside her.
The Island Protectors remained near one another as they watched intently the Predators that surrounded the Dark Mistress.
“Get ready,” Davina commanded.
They nodded curtly. Ron was the first to summon his armor, his staff, and his sword at his side instantly. Davina could see from the corners of her eyes a whirlwind of shining colors appearing.
Cara had pink iron flowers pressed into her diadem. Caleb had a long, dark green cape, while Leilani had her green shield matched to a lethal sword. Snow had an intricate ice sword which she swirled around as her white iron armor appeared. Valerie’s katana shined brightly, matching her brilliant gear. Beacon had his dark sword with a cape flowing behind him.
One Predator was assigned to stand behind each of her siblings. Micah, Genevieve, and Emmy had black cloth wrapped around their mouths while their hands were bound tightly before them.
Davina shook with rage as her chest heaved, all three of her siblings were crying through the gag that covered their mouths. Purple fire engulfed her hands, her arms, her legs, her eyes, and her hair.
“Raven!” Davina’s fury resounded.
“Hey, sis,” Raven purred as she sent a wave. “Do you like my new pets?”
“Give them back to me,” Davina shouted.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I’ve grown tired of this little fight between us, Vivi. Haven’t you?” Raven pulled out a black dagger from her sleeve. Davina could almost hear the slice of the knife as the witch twirled between her fingers and inspected the design of its hilt.
Davina’s lips and hands quivered.