Page 23 of Diamond Queen
“There is a chance the man I killed wasn’t Helix.”
“Take me to the prisoners…” Onika folded her arms across her chest, “I’ll get it out of them.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Jason,” she turned to him, “take us to the prisoners.”
“Someone should stay with Amalee. I’m worried about her.” Jason cast a glance toward the Amethyst Queen.
“I’ll sit with her,” Luca offered, “I’m still feeling worn out, and I trust Onika can handle herself. Plus, you will be with her.” He leaned in and kissed her, “Find what we need to bring Dante back to her.” Luca turned and joined Amalee. Onika could see him wince as he sat down, she knew he’d suffered more than a physical injury. Luca was still blaming himself for the death of the boy who saved him.
“Alright… let’s get to it. The quicker I pry the information out of him, the sooner we find Dante.”
Chapter 29
Dante flexed his hands, testing the bonds that held his hands pinned behind his back. He felt foolish for allowing himself to be in the position, but no one saw this coming. Helix had sent his commander to speak with Emersyn. Since no one had ever seen him, it was easy to assume it was him. Dante knew he was being held in a house, he wasn’t sure where. He’d been fighting off men trying to get closer to Amalee, making him vulnerable to the attack from behind. He’d been stupid.
Now, he sat tied up at an unknown location. And worse, he feared the others had no idea the man who’d been slain by Dimitra wasn’t Helix. He closed his eyes. Amalee would be beside herself right now, hearing he was gone. They’d only just begun their lives together, and here he was, at the mercy of another man.
“Wake up,” Helix's voice jarred him from his thoughts.
“What do you want, Helix? You have to know this won’t end well for you.”
“SHUT UP!” he screamed. “Either they give in to my demands, or you’ll die.”
“I hate to burst your bubble, but I am one man. The Queens will not trade the crown for me.”
“Well then, there's no point keeping you alive is there?”
Dante watched as Helix paced the room, “What will killing me help?”
“It will send a message I am not to be toyed with. It’s only a matter of time before I finally get what I want.”
“You’re delusional. This won’t end well.”
“It won’t end well for you, that’s for sure.”
Dante continued moving his hands, stretching the zip ties that held him. He only needed them to give enough to get his hands free. Helix moved to a dresser near the door. He searched the drawers, slamming each one until he found what he was looking for.
Helix slowly pulled a blade out, the metal shiny as though it’d never been used. He laid the knife on the top of the dresser and turned to Dane, “The gift I sent wasn’t the Diamond Queen – it was a fake. This time,” he covered the handle with his palm, “it won’t be.”
Chapter 30
Dimitra stood in the corner, watching as several of the prisoners screamed in agony. Onika’s magic was ruthless, instilling fear into those she wielded it on. Their cry’s revealed their pain, telling Dimitra it was working.
“Are you ready to tell us what we want to know?” She held a man’s chin with her fingers, “Give us the information, and this will stop.”
“I…I…,” he huffed as he slumped forward. Onika held his head firm, forcing him to look at her. “Please just make it stop. I never wanted this… he’s a madman.”
“We’re trying to stop him, you idiot. Tell us where he is.” She gritted out between her teeth. When he seemed to stop talking, Onika pushed more of her power into him, causing him to scream. “I. Will. Kill. You.”
The man gasped, “Stop…I know where it is…I’ll tell you.”
Onika released her hold, allowing him to fall to the ground. Drake bent over him and gripped his tattered shirt, “Tell me.” His voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough for Drake to understand what he was saying. “Let’s go. I know where Helix is hiding.” Drake nodded toward the man, “Officer Bryant, see that this man gets medical attention.”
“Where is he?” Jason asked, walking behind Drake, Dimitra, and Onika close behind.
“We need to see how many men are available. He’s holed up in a house on the edge of the Emerald Kingdom. About three hours from here.”
“I’m going with you,” Dimitra spoke.
