Page 7 of Centaur Bolt

At least he was open about his depravity. He didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t.

I had no idea who I really was.

Before tonight, I’d never deliberately used my power to kill.

I felt a tickle from beneath my hair. Fang was certainly getting a show tonight. I was surprised she hadn’t abandoned me altogether. She moved out onto my shoulder, and Aurora flinched away.

“She was there all along?” she asked with wide eyes.

“Indeed.”

Fang’s presence backed Aurora right off. It was enough to have me contemplating the advantages of venomous pets. We entered the palace, and I deviated toward my quarters. “Just need to drop off the Webspinner”

She hesitated. “Isobel wants you there right away.”

“I’ll be right there,” I lied. “If she gets hurt in all this, we’ll lose our hold on Havoc. Just clear me with the guards.”

I sensed her doubt, but Finn, for once, was helpful. “She wanted him fetched, he’s fetched. It was very nice to fuck in the alley, but I’m not getting blasted because he’s dragging his heels now that he’s here. He can face our fearless leader on his own.”

He headed off toward the cavern entrance, but Aurora, trailing after him, offered parting advice. “She wants me back, too, so I’m going. Be quick. We need you down there.”

“I’m right behind you,” I reassured her.

I’d never deceived her before. Seems like tonight was a night of many firsts.

She followed Finn. I entered my room, and dug around in my drawer to retrieve the packet of crystal dust that had sat there so long that it was thoroughly buried.

The moment I sensed them pass through the guards at the cave entrance, I left again.

For the first time in longer than I could remember, I had a clear sense of purpose. As well as a plan.

4

Marcus

Isobel’s crystal opened a gate near an ancient castle.

Think those ruins are Gellit.Iskar sounded tense.

I didn’t provide comment. A group of Bellatis formed a loose circle around me the moment I appeared. Behind them I saw Dragons. In beast form. Beyond them, three coven members.

None of them were Isobel.

Something shrieked, and it took me a moment to realize it was coming from inside me.

Marcus. Lock it down.Iskar’s voice reflected his stress.

Maybe I need to let it go.

All in due time, my boy. We don’t know where your father is. If you are determined to sacrifice yourself, at least make sure he is safe first.

The Gryphon’s tone was acidic, but he had a point. I turned to the big man striding toward me. A Dragon shifter, judging by the bronze scales over his human body. The way the Bellatis moved aside indicated he was in charge of this fiasco.

“Where is my father?” The voice sounded nothing like mine. Still deep, but with a hissing undertone.

The bronze Dragon waved an arm, and the Bellatis stepped aside.

Emmanuel lay framed by the half-collapsed stones. His equine legs were sprawled, his muscled torso twisted. However, his sides rose and fell as he breathed.

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