Page 8 of Consort

We crouch low among the vibrant yellow leaves, and Farris waves his hands to camouflage us. Time drags on as we wait. I grow stiff from not moving and sick of being here. But Mitah’s smirk keeps me rooted in place.

The calantar flowers flicker to life as other fae pass by, setting my heart pounding in anticipation each time, only to deflate with disappointment. I find myself wondering how much longer Farris will stay. He could be off charming Larrelli into his bed right now. But he remains by my side, even when the chirping stops and the lesser fae scatter from whatever approaching evil is now tainting the air.

It’s either Mitah or another fae just as wicked as him. I stare down the path and watch as the calantars grow brighter.

When the fae responsible for triggering them steps into view, it’s him. Mitah. The one I’ve been waiting for.

Before I met the elf, I might have been tempted to abandon my mission and flee. Mitah is terrifying with his cold, white hair and steely gaze. Yet, I feel nothing but the burning need for vengeance. To look down at him as he lies dead at my feet.

I’ve rehearsed my attack countless times while we’ve been waiting, but it almost seems absurd now that the moment is here. He’s going to notice a sudden rush of bright yellow coming at him from this distance. I signal to Farris, holding two fingers together, silently asking him to transform me into something small.

He knows me well enough to catch on. In a blink, I’m a tiny pebble bug. Mitah could crush me with just a thought. But maybe he’ll use less force if he thinks he’s squashing an insect.

“Stop the illusion once I’ve attacked,” I whisper. “I want him to think he stands a chance.”

As soon as the nearest calantars begin to glow, I know there’s no turning back.

I lunge toward Mitah, and my footsteps stop him in his tracks. Illusions only change what one sees. The other senses cannot be fooled. His eyes flick to the flattened trail my boots are leaving behind.

I’ve caught him off guard, but he’s a no common fae. That split second of surprise is the only advantage I’ll get.

He whirls around and tries to use his power against me. But he can’t manipulate what he can’t see. Farris lifts the illusion right as I grab his throat. I grin at Mitah as I’m revealed to him. I tighten my grip, locking him in place.

He forgets about his magic and instinctively reaches for my hands in a desperate attempt to break free.

The blue glow of my magic lights up his panicked face. He doesn’t look so intimidating at the mercy of my power. He struggles as I take hold of his wrist with my other glowing hand. I channel my heat beneath his skin, attempting to sear him fromthe inside.

But he quickly regains his senses. Pain shoots through both of my hands and down each finger, forcing me to release him. I have no choice. If my hands become useless, so will my magic.

His thin lips curl into a smile as he massages his throat. “This is new,” he says, circling me slowly like a predator.

He runs his tongue along his teeth and grins as his magic contorts my fingers. I double over in agony, vainly trying to protect myself.

“Oh yes...” he taunts. “The queen will be pleased. If I allow you to live, that is.”

I’m prepared to die, but not before he does. Pushing past the pain, I seize his throat with both stiff hands. His next words die on his tongue as I cut off the breath needed to release them.

Instead of being afraid, he’s offended. His pride only fuels my anger, dulling the pain as the bones in my fingers begin to snap and shatter.

I manage to keep my grip well enough to channel all my power into his neck. My magic boils every drop of his blood as it rushes through his veins.

His haughty expression crumbles, replaced by a twisted mouth, full of gargled screams. If I survive this, I hope they replace the Beta’s cries that have haunted me for so many years.

But he’s unyielding. I can feel his power fumble through my body, attempting to crush vital parts inside me. His magic is frantic as his body roasts like meat over a fire. He misses my organs, but I know he won’t miss forever. I must end this now.

I gather all my remaining strength and drive it into his throat. His mental hold on me shatters instantly. I take advantage and push even harder.

The vessels in his eyes burst, and I watch a red mist swirl into the air as his boiling blood becomes vapor.

His veins rip open from the pressure, causing dark bruises tobloom across his body. Hot, foaming blood bubbles out of his mouth, scalding his skin as it runs down his chin.

His throat is destroyed, rendering him speechless. The only expression he can offer is the terror in his eyes.

“You’re pathetic,” I say, snarling with disdain.

There’s no need to mention the shifter. He won’t remember one insignificant life from years ago. He knows all the wretched things he’s delighted in. There’s no need to bring those up, either. I want him to die feeling weak. The way I felt the first time we met.

I release him and watch his body crumple at my feet. He can’t move, only twitching as his lifeblood becomes one with the soil.

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