Page 135 of Scars and Burns

“Dinalia!” King Elio shouts. “Listen to me! I loved your Mother but she had to die.”

“My estrella,” she looks over to me, my heart racing, my Goddess mark burning, “There is much to explain.” My voice is calm and neutral. The remorse evident on my face. Seeing her this way, in anguish, tears my soul apart.

I should have told her sooner.

“Dinalia, please! Help me!” It’s King Elio. Groveling, begging for her assistance.

Grief is consuming her. She clenches her jaw, shutting her eyes in the process. Coming to terms with this reality. I wish I knew what was going on inside her head. To peer into her black dahlia eyes and see the thoughts unraveling behind them.

She turns barreling her blades at him. Although he has some magic to counteract her own. It will not last.

Her magic is intoxicating. Covering her blades in white flames and sparks of starlight. Spreading throughout the area around her. Engulfing her as she battles through. Emerging as a formidable force. As if the Goddess herself has been unleashed once again.

Darkness becomes hers.

She is relentless but all he does is evade. Then I see her blades transform. Goddess, where did she get this weapon. What once was two dual blades are now steel whips.

She flings them towards King Elio. Causing him to falter.

Her magic coils around him. Searing his skin. Turning it black from its touch. He’s struggling to breath but I know her. She will not want to suffocate him to death. She will want to be up close. Forcing her blade through his heart. To watch the light fade from his eyes. To see the soul leave his body.

I watch the encounter. They are engulfed in her magic. Her magic that is burning and swirling. Illuminating the room with its moonlight glow and the hues of purple and blue. Sparks of starlight shooting out and coating the floors. And although it is a flame the entire hall is cold. As if her magic has sucked all the warmth from the air. The sadness and despair laced within her soul.

King Elio is on his knees. And although he tries to portray vengeance I see the fear in his eyes. Fear of the tormented soul he helped create.

Then I hear her say, “Blood for blood, King Elio, blood for blood”

And it’s done. King Elio is dead.

Smirking at her comment. So, she did catch that from the Greeting.

I walk over to her. Her breathing is heavy and sweat coats her brow. Her flames are dwindling around us.

Placing a hand on her shoulder, she whips towards me. Bladesready to attack once again.

I grab her wrist as she does. Restricting her movement.

“Let me go.” She says, through gritted teeth.

“No. You know I can’t do that.”

She squirms and fights against me. But it is no use. My strength diminishes her own. Besides she’s spent from fighting against King Elio.

“We must go, my estrella. King Elio’s soldiers are coming.”

She shoves against me, “Don’t call me that! And what makes you think I would go anywhere with you!”

Streams of sweat dripping down her blood splattered face. Anger rising once again in eyes. “You were there. You let her die.” She croaks out.

Swallowing, “Yes, I was and there’s so much I need to tell you of that night but not now.”

“Why not now?”

“Because this raid is not being led by me! It is being led by Prince Proteus. The royal family from the Celestial Realm are not what they appear to be.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “But they fled to the Celestial Realm! Saphrina went with them!”

“Saphrina is collateral damage at this point. She will be used as leverage to get to you.” We don’t have time for this. Guards will be here any moment. I need to at least get her to the Shadowlands. In my kingdom where she will be safe.

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