Page 85 of An Empress of Air & Chaos

“What’s wrong?” she whispered. “You are acting really strange.” A gentle laugh passed her lips.

“I was just nervous about telling you how I felt,” he acknowledged the truth in what he said. “That’s all.”

“Oh,” she said, looking at her hand that now held his shoulder. “It is never easy to admit what is in your heart.”

He reached out, and pulled her closer. “I meant what I said.” Their eyes connected and her beautiful irises, that he noticed often changed colour, appeared a soft pastel blue. Does that mean she’s happy? “I meant all of it. No matter what happens, okay?” She probably thought he was saying goodbye to her in the chance that he didn’t come back from tonight’s hunt. “I will see you tonight,” he said finally.

He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. As his lips touched her skin, he knew his mission lay within this very room. A mission that, with every cell in his body, felt immoral.

But he would do it anyway.

Because the command came from Viktir Blacksteel.

“I have been expecting you,” said a woman in a deep red cloak, standing at the exit of the Solden diamond mines. “You are a little later than requested. Nevertheless, I knew you would come. You wouldn’t be foolish enough not to.”

Even in the dark mist of the night, she could see that he was wounded. Taymir Solden limped his injured body over to her. Close, but not close enough to touch her. He would never have dared. She would have incinerated him within seconds for even attempting to come closer. He had witnessed what she could do. What power she had.

“I am afraid I have some bad news to deliver,” Taymir spoke with utter dread.

She could taste it on her tongue, bitter and potent. She drank in the fear that poured from him and savoured every drop.

“I know about your news, Little Solden.” She clicked her tongue. “He’s not going to be happy, our Dark King. Is he now?” She walked towards him. Her brittle hand came out from underneath her cloak. With the smallest tilt of her wrist, Taymir’s windpipe collapsed in his throat. “I think it is time for our plan B, my little pet. Or maybe your services have run their course?” Although he couldn’t see her eyes under the cloak, her smile was malevolent, and she showed him every tooth. “What say you?”

Taymir clawed at his throat, desperately trying to allow any particles of air into his lungs. His face was past the stage of red, almost going purple by the time she tilted her wrist again, giving him the gift of breath. She pouted. It would have been fun to see what colour he went before his lungs gave out. Shame she needed him.

Oxygen crashed into Taymir’s lungs and he gasped for life. “I’m sorry, I will do better.”

“You failed us,” she spoke calmly. “Twice now.” Walking over to him, his body began to shake, although he tried to fight it. “If the third time is not a charm, little Solden, I will make you regret the day you were born.” She ran a hand over his shoulders. “You will cease to exist. What we are promising you, if you succeed, is not to be taken lightly. But you know that.” She dug her dark nails into his back and he cried out in pain. “Don’t you, my little pet?”

“Yes,” he panted. “I will fix this, I promise.”

She always did like to see an Elite squirm. Males like the Soldens basically ruled the realm with the only power they had—coin. Those who could take from the earth’s materials and turn it into coin were always powerful through wealth.

She allowed a wicked smile to snake onto her lips. But there was one thing human males didn’t have over her, and that was her magic. She, too, could draw from the earth, the elements, and crush worlds with her power. Or she used to be able to…

She twisted her wrist again, pulling the air from his lungs, reminding herself of her strength. Taymir choked and spluttered.

“Don’t forget who you are dealing with,” she reminded him. “The coin that smothers your life in gold and riches won’t save you in my world.” She released his airway. “Obeying him will.”

“I know who and what I am dealing with,” he gasped through staggered breath. “Please let me show you my worth. I can do this.” He rubbed his neck. “I have a plan.”

“You better hope so, my darling Taymir,” she purred. “For I can burst your heart with the click of my fingers.” She licked her lips at the thought. “And that is something Daddy Solden will never have enough coin to buy you a new one.”

“I know what needs to be done. My heart shall remain intact.” He paused. “Even when it stops beating.” An arrogant smile appeared on his face.

She let out a low laugh. “Your heart remains in your chest...for now.”

Stupid mortals, always getting themselves knee-deep in the darkest ventures of immortality.

“Do we have a deal?” He searched for a slither of hope.

“I will be in touch.”

And just like that, she dematerialised in front of him and disappeared into the smoke and shadows of the diamond mines.

After he left the infirmary, Gideon organised himself for the hunt, doing anything he could to straighten out his mind for tonight. Reluctantly, he pushed his thoughts of Emara to the back of his mind like he had been trained to do.

No distractions. Not even the secret mission. Nothing! The hunt came first. It always had and it always would.

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