Page 305 of Kingdoms of Night

I blink, not quite understanding his disappointment. I don’t approve, but he seemed adamant that the Clerion empire should fall. As four out of five kingdoms descended on it, it isn’t surprising that they won easily.

“We didn’t have a chance,” he adds, shocking me.

“Wait…you lost?” I glean, glancing at my father for confirmation.

My father has never been the hugging type, but typically, he at least greets me. His eyes are downcast, looking away.

“The Clerion kingdom has made a deal with the devil,” my brother says. “And the devil’s demons wiped out our armies.”

The devil? I blink, waiting for clarification. Because that must be a metaphor, right?

There used to be gods and demons and other creatures walking Enoria, but they left long ago, giving a chance to mankind. Humans were too fragile to coexist with those beings. They went to find a land of their own, though some are rumored to still linger in the nameless northern tundra.

“What do you mean?”

“He means—” My father’s deep tenor is commanding as ever. “That we were too late to stop evil from coming to Enoria. And now, we must all pay the price.”

I open my mouth to repeat my question, still entirely too confused. But my father lifts one hand, silencing me. With two fingers, he motions his guard forward. Two knights latch on my arms and cuff my wrists, like I’m some common criminal.

My eyes widen, full of questions neither my father or my brother answer.

I turn back to a series of screeches coming from the temple, and watch as King Hevar drags his only daughter by a long chain. Margaux screams, thrashing, her big brown eyes wide with tears.

What is going on?

“Dad?” I can’t remember the last time I called my father Dad, but I do it now.

It’s useless. My dad is nowhere to be seen. I’m dealing with King Lotar, our merciless ruler.

“Our forces could have been obliterated. We could have all been dead by now. And we will be, unless we comply with the demons’ demands.”

I can’t believe this. It must be a nightmare.

“All of the lords who fought in this war must give their firstborn to the demons by sundown today. Or they’ll kill us all.”

I blow out a short breath, shocked, and lost for words.

They aren’t talking about metaphors. Demons are back in Enoria.

And apparently, they want me.

* * *

The soldiers take me to a carriage waiting at the edge of the Silver City of Balmur, and shove me inside none too gently. It’s a comfortable car, richly adorned with velvet and plush cushions, but the windows are barred.

Gingerly, I try the door. Locked.

A second later, it flies open and Margaux is thrown inside, her lovely red dress ripped around her throat. She threatens her father, screaming obscenities I would have been whipped for, had they ever crossed my mouth.

“In truth, this is a blessing. Our kingdom doesn’t need to put up with you now.” With these words, the king of Balmur shuts the door, leaving his daughter stunned, and me, openmouthed.

I feel tears on my cheek and I know they’re more for Margaux’s sake than me.

My friend isn’t crying though. She’s battering the door, kicking it, trying to pull the bars.

“It’s no use,” I say reasonably.

She turns to me, fire in her eyes. “Just because you always lie down and take it doesn’t mean I will!”

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