Page 48 of Shadows of Ruin

Kade’s power radiated off his body as he tried to restrain himself. His shadows flittered like they were itching to escape, pulsing on the ground around him. I knew better than to say anything smart in response, and not just because of Kade’s warning. The last thing I needed in this moment was another Fae’s attention on me, let alone a king’s.

The king gave the four of us one more sweeping glance, halting his studious appraisal at the sound of footsteps running toward us.

Jax returned, trailed by two women.

Kade made a move to pull Storm toward him, but the king grabbed his arm. “You will be dismissed only upon my command.”

“He’s dying,” Kade said, the menacing words flaring the king’s eyes.

“Our people are watching. I suggest you do as I say.” The king dropped Kade’s arm before plastering a sickening smile on his face. He stepped up two of the smooth obsidian stone stairs, grinning at his people.

Then he raised his hands to the crowd, waving, as their cheers filled the air.

I was going to vomit. This King Dargan was cruel, yet compelling. His demeanor was so unlike my father, who loved every single man and woman. He never would have delayed the healing of an injured Fae. Especially one of his own warriors.

“It seems we have something to celebrate, my people,” the king said. He spoke now for their benefit, ensuring his words echoed out into the space behind us. His eyes flitted around the crowd, searching, taking everything in. Almost too quickly.

The circular amulet hanging around his neck swayed. I swallowed, watching more closely. It wasn’t mere pewter. No, inside, the gem billowed with dark grays, purples, and blacks, swarming. Moving. Even with my lack of magic, Ifeltthe thing. I shivered.

“Not only is our beloved Festival set to take place in two days, but the blood moon will also rise that evening. The first time in three years, which means the Fates have deemed it the perfect time to prepare ourselves for a sacrifice. To claim these lands as ours, to keep Mysthaven from collapsing under darkness, and to prove your allegiance to your king. Your faith that I, King Dargan, rule these lands with a just and mighty hand will be rewarded. Two days from now, not only will we hold our annual Festival of Swords, but we will also invoke the Blood Oath.” His lip curled up so far, it would haunt me as he took in the gasps and surprise in the crowd. Some clapped, some cheered, but most silently stared. “Warriors, prepare yourselves. For only a few will be found worthy to join the ranks of the Guardians.”

An eruption of cries echoed throughout the crowd. Kade, Storm, and Raya stood stiffly beside me, seemingly unnerved by the king’s proclamation.

I had no idea what a Blood Oath or a Festival of Swords was, let alone a blood moon serving as the inspiration to hold both. However, one look at my companions and I knew whatever it entailed would not be wholly pleasant.

I shifted toward Storm, whose head bobbed as the pool of blood grew at his feet. I needed to keep him with us, so I whispered, hoping the conversation would keep him conscious. “These people are going wild. They seem pleased. Is the Festival of Swords a celebration?”

Storm’s face paled more so than it already was, and he swallowed, but before he could speak, the king turned and began walking toward the steps to return to the palace.

The two women with Jax rushed forward to Storm, grabbing his arms as Jax assisted in holding him up.

Kade’s eyes met mine as he passed his friend to the women, and a frantic feeling hit me in the chest. He shook his head almost imperceptibly and turned away from me.

The king, once higher up on the steps, turned back again and waved at the crowd, who grew louder at his attention.

Finally, he beckoned Kade with his hand. He hesitated only slightly before he took the steps, standing two below the king. His shadows sank into his skin, into his being, hiding away fully for the first time since we’d entered these lands.

The king stopped him. “A joyous time indeed for all with the celebrations, knowing our prince will be a part of it.”

My stomach rolled, recoiling. Prince?Prince!

Kade turned, avoiding eye contact with me altogether, nodding to the crowd alongside the king. Then he raised his hand to wave.

This man wasn’t just the king. He was Kade’sfather.

The king gripped Kade’s shoulder. “Come, my son, we have much to discuss now that you’ve returned home.”

Chapter 14

Lana

Imagining Kade Blackthorn at the end of my blade made training effortless.

Deliciously, violently effortless.

Thud.

Each swing pulled forth more of my internal rage against the Guardians I was now stuck with. They’d left me alone in a room, with no updates for hours. Waiting in a strange place withnothingand no way to communicate with them.

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