Page 77 of Reign

“That’s right. She’s a succubus. A clever one. One who has manipulated the fools in management of the most powerful supernatural organisation in this world to do her bidding.”

The woman smiled and shrugged. “Lust, sex and power are potent tools of persuasion.”

“They are,” he agreed. “This succubus is the one who started all of this. She led Doherty to follow Berith with promises of riches and power. And she has manipulated other directors within the powerful levels of the SBI to do whatever she asked.” He looked directly at the Overseer. His magic whipped out and wrapped around her like a vice. She shrieked and fought, but he made her drop to her knees. “There is no use fighting, succubus. I am more powerful than you will ever be, and now I know who and what you are, I can protect myself and all these people from your influence. You are done. It’s over.”

“This is really interesting, Walker, but my feet are killing me, my back hurts, and if I don’t get to pee very soon, this is going to get messy. What's this got to do with nearly killing me and my baby?” I snapped.

Connor’s mouth twitched, and he wound an arm around my waist, pulling me close. I melted into his side and mirrored the gesture, revelling in the warmth of his naked skin.

“Because this succubus did a deal with Xania—to betray me and kill you both.” Walker’s attention landed directly on Xania. The doppelganger met his gaze, her chin lifted, and her eyes burned with hatred. “You were the one who betrayed me.” Walker’s words weren’t a question, but Xania sneered.

“Yes, and I’d do it again. I’ve had to put up with your self-righteous bullshit for the past three hundred years! First, my mother and father used me and then sold me. And then, you used me. For years, I have been worth nothing to you except for the usefulness of my ability to change my appearance. Not once has anyone cared who I really am or what I want in this never-ending nightmare of existence.”

I gaped at her then my anger exploded. “It was you? You tried to kill me and my baby!Youkilled Lance!”

“No, I didn’t try to kill you, or you’d be dead.” She sneered. “The others got hurt because they were stupid enough to get in my way.” She stared right at the Overseer. “Shewanted you so that she could do a deal with the Devil.Shethought she'd be able to manipulate the King of Hell himself if she had you and the Halo as bargaining chips.”

“And what was in it for you?” Connor’s voice was low and gravelly, his eyes flaring red.

If I wanted to kick her into Hell for trying to harm me and our baby, Connor wanted to rip her apart.

She smiled bitterly and met Walker’s gaze. And there it was for all to see. Love. But not one that meant happy endings and joy. It was a love that had turned to bitterness and hate. “Death.”

“Whose?” I asked.

“Mine…” she whispered, and met Walker’s icy stare. He held her gaze. “Done,” he said and shot his magic into her chest. Alex let go, his eyes closed, his face twisted, and his hands fisted. My heart went out to him. He might not have been close to her, but Xania was still his sister, his blood.

Xania fell sideways and began to wheeze a laugh as ice covered her body. “Do you know how much I hate you? All these years of serving you, of being faithful—of loving you and no one else.” Her voice broke, and tears seeped from her eyes only to freeze on her cheeks. “And...” she gasped... “Not once...did you look...at me...as anything other than...your slave,” her breathing turned labored.” She smiled, then collapsed back. “If I can’t. Have you, then no one else can either… The clock is ticking. King Ventris L’nar Voltair.”

Walker’s face blanched of all colour, as did B’nar’s. B’nar took two strides and squatted down, grabbing her shoulders. “How do you know his name? What have you done?”

I’d never heard B’nar sound so frightened.

In Faerie, names had power...

Xania just wheezed, her gaze fixed on Walker until the ice covered her completely. Walker put his hand on B’nar’s shoulder. “It’s too late, son.”

B’nar turned to the succubus. “What did she mean?” he growled. “What did she do?”

The succubus gave him a sultry smile. “Set me free, and I will tell you.”

B’nar snarled. “Your kind doesn’t affect me. Just like my father, my heart is ice. Tell me!” he roared.

She smiled, her eyes glinting. “My freedom and life for that knowledge, Prince Heir—or watch your father die...slowly.”

“Fine. Father? Grant her freedom,” B’nar snapped.

Walker met his gaze, his jaw set. Giving in wasn’t Walker’s strong suit.

Connor edged closer. He met Owen’s gaze, and something passed between them.

“She could be lying.” Walker’s eyes never left her face. “Succubus are not like us. They lie through their teeth, just like humans.”

I stiffened but didn’t miss it when B’nar’s gaze flicked to Blue.

The succubus smirked, her luscious full lips mesmerising. “Oh, I’m not lying, High King. Wouldn’t you like to know how you’re going to die? Because the wheels are in motion. Some actions will result in your death; others will not.”

“Father. Please.” B’nar growled the words in Walker’s ear.

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