Page 150 of The Forbidden Dragon King
A world where Aurelius is no more than his uncle’s weapon.
“Burn him to ash.” Maximinus’ hold has tightened to the point of pain on Aurelius’ shoulder.
When Maximinus shoves him forward, Aurelius struggles to steady himself.
“He’s drunk,” I hiss to Daire. “We have to stop this.”
Daire’s expression is unreadable.
“Burn him,” the Alphas start to chant. “Burn him.”
I look around myself in fear, as the metal plates, goblets, and utensils jerk from side to side by themselves under Maximinus’ control, before they rise into the air.
“Burn him,” Maximinus howls.
The vampire is frantically shaking his head. He doesn’t look like a warrior or an assassin. I bet that he’s never even picked up a blade.
Is killing the vampire like this truly vengeance?
“For Tarq.” Aurelius’ gaze is glassy.
It’s as if he’s no longer seeing the vampire in a collar who is hissing and spitting cusses around the gag, even as he weeps, but someone else entirely.
Shadows begin to darken the hall. They seep from the walls, rolling over the floors and surging around Aurelius like ashen flames.
I can taste them, vile and hateful.
In the dark, Aurelius’ eyes glow brighter. They swirl. They become those of a deadly predator, a dragon emperor who has crushed realms beneath his boot.
Who has executed worlds.
Terror grips my heart. Daire’s hold on me tightens.
Then Aurelius draws Hadrian’s Dagger.
Instantly, the dagger grows into a full, blazing sword. Golden flames sizzle along its length, which are as bright as the sun. Shadows wind around its hilt and up Aurelius’ arm, sickening and wrong. They consume Aurelius, devouring him until he’s nothing but shadows, amber eyes, and flaming sword.
The guests surge to their feet in awe-struck admirationand bloodlust fueled excitement. Their chants rise louder.
Burn him! Burn him! Burn him!
Daire’s jaw clenches. He holds onto me, as if we’re the ones who are about to be executed.
Except, Daire went through this, didn’t he? He only survived because Aurelius spared him.
Bile rushes up my throat that Daire knows at any moment, this could be him on his knees, waiting to be turned to ash.
Aurelius has grudgingly claimed Daire as pack but he’s never stopped being enemies with him. Why did I allow myself to become comfortable enough to forget that?
Plus, if either of us play this game wrong, it could be both of us who spark the emergence of this dark side to Aurelius.
Burn, burn, burn.
The vampire looks up, begging with his large eyes for mercy.
There is none.
Aurelius pulls back his arm, slicing the sword through the vampire’s neck.
