Page 98 of A Deception of Courts

“I’ve heard enough,” Duncan replied. I could almost taste his dismissal when he spoke. “Erix, see that Robin is taken far away from here. I don’t wish for him to see what happens next.”

My chest thundered alongside the sudden clang of power that filled the skies. The thick, grey clouds burst with blue light as Duncan fuelled and called upon his power. I couldn’t see Duncan or Erix, but in my mind’s eye, I had a clear image of them both standing side by side. The chaotic thought was almost hard to believe. But it was real, even if I could only see the horror rise across Kayne’s face… Both men, my past and present, faced down the threat to my life as one.

I heard the heavy footsteps on the ground above me. They froze Kayne to the spot. He shook like a leaf captured in the wind of a storm. Then Duncan was there, standing beside the mouth of my cell. He glanced down at me, horror darkening his expression, his eyes glowing with power. “I will come back for you, darling.”

The sudden urge to scramble out of the dungeon toward him was overwhelming. I longed to reach for him and encase myself in his protective embrace.

I gritted my teeth, reading the future in Duncan’s eyes.

“Make him pay,” I commanded.

“I will. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you,” Duncan said softly, regret twisting his face into a scowl. “You’re in pain because friendship blinded me. Robin, you are safe from Kayne,wewill ensure nothing happens to you again.”

His voice, although loud and demanding, was for me and me alone. Each word crackled with his power, burying Kayne’s pleading as nothing more than background noise.

“Wait,” Kayne pleaded again. “Just let me explain–”

“This ends tonight,” Duncan said, drawing his gaze from me. He looked to Kayne, who swung the fireless torch like a sword before him, tears, snot and spit lacing down his panicked face.

Duncan offered a single word, humming with his dark desires. “Run.”

Kayne didn’t waste a moment before he threw the cold torch at Duncan and sprinted away from view. The splinter of wood bounced across his powerful chest, but Duncan was running before it hit the ground.

The sight of the swaying, dead Cedarfall royals was once again in perfect view. No longer obscured, it reminded me of the severity of Kayne’s deception. I scrunched my eyes closed and refused to open them again.

“Do not be afraid, little bird.” I peered through one eye to see Erix leaning on his front on the floor above me and offering me a hand. His nails were pointed into claws, his skin as grey as stone. “No further harm will come to you. I swear it.”

I didn’t waste another moment. My slick fingers gripped around Erix’s firm hand and held on. I cried out, almost surprised at the pain my mutilated hand gifted me. Part of me required the pain his grip on my sliced palm provided – it made this moment feel real.

The joints in my arm screamed as Erix pulled me out. His leather-stretched wings flapped, providing him with the extra strength he needed. Once I was half out of the narrow dungeon, he took another hand and gripped the material of my shirt. My belly grazed the harsh stone edging as he yanked me to freedom.

We both lay on our backs upon the ground, panting. The rain was falling harder now, splashing its fresh kiss upon the skin of my face. Erix was at my side, looking at the ominous storm clouds, but I sensed he knew I was looking at him. I wondered if he wished to look back at me or if he didn’t out of respect for Duncan.

“Tell me when you feel ready,” Erix said finally, whispering beneath the crash of Duncan’s thunder, “and we will leave. Unless you wish to lie here forever, then I will allow it.”

I watched as the droplets of rain splashed across the sharp structure of Erix’s face. They fell on his skin and ran down his hollowed cheeks as though he cried.

“Thank you,” I breathed out slowly, feeling the tension in my chest unravel. It was the only thing I felt like I could say.

“Never thank me,” he whispered.

“But I will. Thank you for not listening to me. For coming back…”

Erix rolled his head and faced me. I didn’t need to explain what I meant. In the glow of his silver eyes, I could see he knew exactly what I spoke of.

He flashed me a smile, but it was brief. I waited for him to say something, but his silence continued. Then his eyes fell upon the iron cuff around my neck, and he released a taut breath.

“There is a small band of Hunters left alive. They’ve hauled themselves within the capital building. Do you have the energy to help eradicate them and reclaim the city?”

My body was mine once again. I sat up, weak but willing to fight. “More will return by morning. We must be ready.”

The Hunters had spoken about a teleporter who would return to Aurelia to take me to Aldrick. By the time they returned, we had to be prepared.

This was our one chance, my initial plan still had life left in it yet.

“First, I need to get that cuff from your neck,” Erix said, eyes fixed on the bolt that hung above my collarbone. “I’m going to need your power to see that this city is taken back… for them.”

He looked over his shoulder to the dead Cedarfall family.

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