Page 74 of Court of Heathens

There are so many more, I start to scream as I am caught watching them die.

The grief and anger are overpowering.

The memories seek to drive me mad, trying to taint my soul and turn me into him.

No, I will not let him.

I cannot.

I am stronger than he thinks.

Phrixius’s words come back to me—I am stronger than I know. Adder’s voice fills my head, telling me I can do anything. Sha’s warmth engulfs me, promising me protection.

I let the memories of our happiness and our love block the evil he is showing me, and it starts to wane, losing strength and power over me. I fill myself up so he cannot, allowing me to take myself back.

My fury and power slams through me until the remaining memories rip and fade, leaving me in darkness.

My eyes open, and I meet his shocked gaze. “I can fight this, and I will. You are not stronger.” With a roar, I lift my hand and grab his arm, then I yank it from my chest. Gasping, I tumble forward, and I can’t stop the laughter that falls from my lips.

Glancing down, I see my chest is still bleeding, so I wave my hand and let the darkness stitch it back together. It’s still jagged and raw, but it’s enough for me to get to my feet as he lies on his back, watching me.

“Let me show you how strong I am so you understand the enemy you made.”

Turning, I hold out my arm, and with a bloodied grin, I release my magic.

Flames lick at buildings, turning into an inferno as they spread through the city, consuming the memories he tried to darken my soul with. I stand amidst the flames, the heat making sweat drip down my face.

“What have you done?” he roars.

I glance at him over my shoulder, my smile cruel. “Burn with your memories.” Turning forward, I walk towards the flames.

“I will see you again!” he shouts.

“Not if I see you first,” I respond as I wave my hand, calling a portal and stepping inside.

I shut it behind me, leaving him to burn in his flames, locked in the past where he belongs.

CHAPTER 39

Harnessing my power, I close my eyes and try to focus on the chains outside. I’ve been here too long, and what is worse, I cannot sense Freya anymore, which means he took her somewhere.

It was a calculated move. I knew he would not hurt her because he needs her, wants her alive, so I had to trust in that. If I did not, she would have gotten hurt, and I couldn’t bear that—not as she stood there, so still and empty, her soul wherever he sent it. No, it was better to give in now and fight later. He cannot kill me, not easily, hence the reason he locked us up and we went without resistance.

Where is she? Is she okay?

I need to get out of here and save her. I know the others will be thinking the same, so I fling myself at the lid once more, thrusting my power into it to snap the chains. It doesn’t work, but I keep trying. Suddenly, there’s a crash, and I freeze, sensing magic.

I hear the chains rattle and slide away, and then the lid to the coffin is wrenched open. The light makes me blink and shield my eyes with my hand before I drop it, finding Freya. She runs her eyes over me, and I see something in them I can’tread.

“Freya?”

She tilts her head as she stares at me. Something has changed.

She feels different. My eyes land on the bleeding wound in her chest, and I hurry over. Changed or not, she is my Freya. Wrapping her in my arms, I tug her closer before pulling away, running my hand across the wound. “Freya?—”

“It will heal,” she murmurs. “We need to free the others and go before he arrives. I don’t think it will be long, and I am not strong enough right now to fight him again.” She shivers in my arms, and I nod in understanding. Whatever happened, she drained herself.

I sit her on a pew and turn back to the coffins. Grabbing the chains, I yank while infusing my move with power, and the links snap and fall away. I throw the lid off, which flies through the open window, and then I do the same to the last. The demon and Sha rush out, both heading to Freya.

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