Page 26 of Wolfsbane

Orion pushed past me, guarding me with his body as he slowly opened the door, the smell hitting us in the face as we stepped into the room. Laying in the center of the room, surrounded by a puddle of fresh blood, was Dr. Altair.

“No!” I dropped my sword and rushed to him, falling to his side as I searched his body. “Dr. Altair?” He groaned, barely conscious. “What happened?” I noticed a whip mark across his face, similar to Morel’s, answering my own question. Blood continued to pour from a wound on his shoulder, as if he had been stabbed. I ripped part of my armor, pressing it against the wound to stop the bleeding. “He needs help, Orion!”

Orion rushed to us, replacing my hands with his as he pushed against the hole to stop the bleeding.

“S-she took him-m—” the old man mumbled.

“What?” I looked at him, fearful of what he was saying.

“H-hystrix.” My hands balled into fists at my sides, realizing what he was saying. “F-forgive me—” I leaned down, kissing his forehead gently.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” He slowly faded away as my eyes met Orion’s. “Take care of him.” I stood, snatching my sword.

“My queen! You cannot face them alone!” I shoved the doors open, raging as darkness befell me.

“I’m not.”

I was greeted by my army as I rushed from the castle and mounted my horse. My nostrils flared as I galloped to the frontline, raising my sword as they listened.

“Army of the night, shadow me as we ride to Hellbore!” They slammed their shields in response to my command. “Let us rain darkness upon Boletus and his men! Let us show the world how mighty Grisset is!” They pounded their shields, shifting into position. “A symphony of stars!”

“A symphony of stars!” the army chanted back as we galloped from Grisset toward Hellbore, a strength unlike any other fueling us.

Prepare for darkness, Boletus. You stole my kingdom, killed my parents, and now, you have taken my husband. I am coming for you.

TWENTY

MOREL

My body fellto the cold stone floor as Boletus erupted in laughter. His pet, Hystrix, cracked her whip, hitting my back. I groaned, fighting back the pain.

“Morel, mighty king of darkness,” Boletus snarked, standing in front of me. “Tell me: how does it feel to lose?” He wore an arrogant smirk, smug and confident that, by kidnapping me, he had won this sick game, when, truthfully, he ensured his defeat.

I smiled, laughing up at him as Hystrix struck me again, my mouth bleeding from the sharp impact.

“Do you not understand? I have taken Grisset’s king, left it unprotected as your forces and your queen await mine on the battlefield, completely unaware.” Boletus bent down, retrieving a small knife, using the tip to force my chin upwards. “Are you such a fool to truly think you can escape me?”

“It is not I who needs to escape.”

Boletus’ smile fell as he dropped my chin and backed away, stepping up the dais and plopping down onto the throne—Hesper’s throne.

“When you were last here, I let you go, but we had a deal. Do you remember it?” I groaned, rising as I remained on my knees, my hands chained behind my back. “Well, allow me toremind you.” Boletus waved the small blade around as he spoke. “I let you go in exchange for any information on my fiancée’s whereabouts. I also agreed to leave your little kingdom of darkness be as long as you left Hellbore alone.” Boletus looked down at me, pressing his eyebrows together. “You’ve been a naughty little king, Morel. Not only did I learn you had allowed the people of Hellbore to enter your kingdom, but you were hidingmyqueen in the shadows. Did you really think I would not find out?” He tossed the knife, catching it as he continued to play with it. “But imagine my surprise when, on the cusp of attacking your kingdom, I learned not only did you try to keep such a thing from me, but you decided to marrymyfiancée!” My muscles bulged at his words.

“Hesper is not yours! She never was!” I roared the words, fighting the chains around my wrists. “Not only is shemyqueen, but she is the queen of Hellbore! The true queen!”

Boletus simply smiled at my temper, adjusting his posture as he leaned forward on the throne, his head resting on his arm as he watched me.

“The only queen Hesper is ismine. You may have married her in some diluted thought that she could be yours, but you are no true king. You are an outcast. You have no title, no ancient kingdom. And once I kill you, I shall march upon your measly kingdom and claim it as my own, with Hesper at my side asmyqueen.”

My legs stood as I bolted towards him, Hystrix’s whip catching my leg as I stumbled. Rage and Hesper’s sacrifice pumped through my veins as I continued, only slowed by Hystrix’s interference. Boletus’ smile faded as he stood, unnerved by my new strength.

“You—” I groaned, stepping onto the dais.

“Guards!” Boletus’ fear began to seep from him as his men rushed into the room. They tried to hold me back, but it was no use.

“Will never have my kingdom—” I groaned, baring my teeth as I stopped inches from Boletus’ face. “And you willneverhave Hesper.” An eerie smile formed as I stared down at him, raging with power.

Screams and shouts erupted from outside as a flood of Boletus’ men flooded the room, barring the door in absolute fear. I remained still, his guards struggling to pull me back. His eyes rose back to mine, studying me closely.

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