Page 93 of The Shadow of Polaris

“You aren’t leaving this island alive,” I growled, unclasping the dagger at my side. Concealing the weapon behind my back, I took a deep breath, inviting the tingles that rushed from my feet, through my chest, and into the crown of my head. Arcturas hunched low and ready for my command.

I unleashed the demon from her chains. Muscle fibers reattached, bones splintered back into place. The pain was dulled enough for me to rise to my feet. My eyes glowed with moonlight. Wisps of loose black hair floated around me, a current rippling through each strand. Shadows burned in my palms. Time slowed to a stop.

Beams of starlight bounced off Aryx’s blade, casting speckles of stars across the room. For a moment, we were floating in the infinite of space, isolated from all else in the world. My wolf’s howl raised the hairs on my arms.

Tethys lifted her hand to swipe me away. Before she could, however, I hurled my dagger from behind my back, its silver point glowing brightly with amethyst. In slow motion, the dagger spiraled through the air, piercing the center of her palm until the entire length of its blade embedded into flesh.

Screaming, I threw myself at the now-horrified goddess, swinging the sword down furiously across her slender bicep. The severed limb fell to the floor with a thud as her shrieks boomed in my ears. My heart pounded against my chest as the demon clawed against my mind, roaring with violent delight. Tethys fell to her knees, cradling her vacant shoulder. Blood spurted from the gaping wound.

“What did you do?” she hissed. Her soft pink gown, now stained a bright red, pooled around her delicate body. I stood over her, realizing how frail she truly looked when her facade of power was ripped away.

“Like I said.” I knelt over her, the tip of my nose nearly touching hers. “You’re not leaving this island alive.”

She brushed her hand across my cheek. The sensation of her spidery fingers against my skin was cold, leaving the vile taste of disgust heavy on my tongue.

“Oh Elpis, my dear. You won’t kill me,” she laughed.

“And what makes you think that?” I raised the sharp edge of my sword to her neck, applying just enough pressure against her perfectly tanned skin to draw blood.

“Because I can help you bring back my son.”

I sucked in a breath. “I don’t believe you. His soul is at rest in the immortal realm. There’s no way of bringing him back. He’s gone.”

I pressed the blade further into her skin.

“You’re only half correct. His mortality is gone. He shares my blood. His immortal soul is still very much alive.”

“This is just another one of your vicious lies, Tethys. I will not let you slip through my fingers,” I hissed.

“Fine. Kill me. Live a life without him. Or take a risk, listen to me, save him.”

With my blade still pressed against her throat, I considered the options. Did I dare trust her? Did I let her live after everything she’d done, all the blood she spilled? And what of Aryx’s father? I wasn’t sure where he was or how to find him without her. I searched her eyes for any hint of sincerity, any flicker of honesty.

“Where is Aryx’s father?”

“Araes? He’s not here.”

“Tell me where he is and how to find Aryx. Maybe I’ll consider letting you live a bit longer,” I said, my fingers itching against the cool hilt of my weapon.

“Oh, sweet girl. Araes is locked away with all the idiotic mortals that dared to question me. Along with those pathetic old men you call your elders.”

“What do you mean? I thought the Elders were loyal to you.”

“They were once, but over the years, it seems they developed a sense of morality. It was exhausting,” she said, wincing as she reached for her grey, limp arm oozing a pool of blood beside her.

“Tell me how to get to Aryx.” I kicked the limb out of her reach.

“You have to go to the immortal realm. Past the kingdom, there’s a river and a ferryman, Chiron. Make him an offering and he’ll take you to him. Now please give me my arm back before I bleed out even more? This is my favorite dress, and it’s ruined already.”

I reached for a rusted chain beside us and wrapped it around her waist, making sure the bind was uncomfortable. Pulling Tethys to her feet, I gripped the chain and tied her amputated arm against my back. “First you’re going to take me to Araes, then you’ll show me the way to your son,” I said, tugging on the chains. She grimaced and stepped in line behind me as we began down to the fortress yards, passing wide-eyed soldiers, bloody from battle.

Chapter 51

“My Queen, what is this?” Balakros jumped to his feet as we emerged through the gates, leaning heavily on his right leg. Seated beside him was Lytos, nursing a black and blue cheek.

“It’s a long story. The Elders aren’t here. Load up the army and let’s prepare for the return home,” I said, as he eyed the mangled arm strapped across my back.

“We lost a lot of men.” He swallowed.

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