Page 142 of The Spark that Ignites
Destonne’s eyes sparkled wickedly. “Not according to our terms, Vessy. Remember?”
Vessy? Emmery smothered her laugh in her hand. Destonne noticed and the corner of his mouth lifted but he kept his eyes on Vesper.
“I haven’t forgotten. I had a minor setback, but I kept my end. Nowyoukeep yours.” His fists clenched like he was debating taking a swing at the King. Maybe he would try. “Death is the one way to sever a pactum. What did you do?” He spat the last words with such venom, Emmery shrank back.
The room overflowed with tension as the two large presences swelled.
Destonne narrowed his eyes. “First, you were supposed to deliver your endbeforethe Fallen Equinox. I had to retrieve her myself andafter. Second, I don’t know if I would call dying a minor setback, but they’re your words, not mine.” Destonne blinked slowly like the tedious conversation bored him. “I fear the amulet you used was forged specifically to ensure the pactums hold, even after death. Deimos wanted to ensure if Kahlia were to die, she couldn’t escape their deal. It’s a bit of a unique circumstance.”
“Take it back,” Vesper seethed. “You got what you wanted.” He nodded at Emmery but didn’t dare meet her eyes. “I gave you ...her.”
Emmery’s blood boiled. He spoke as if she was some ...thingto be handed over.
“Yes, however, when I make a pactum, I expect every term to be followed. And you did no such thing. Since you didn’t keep your end, I won’t keep mine. Our deal is void.”
“Void? You’re bloody joking.” A flush raced up Vesper’s neck. “She’s here, isn’t she?”
“Semantics,” the King taunted. “I think I’ll hold onto this for a future favour. And since I don’t have all day, I’ll be gracious and give you to the count of ten to make a decision. Lose your kingdom and freedom or owe me a favour of my choosing. One—”
“Stop,” Vesper warned, his temper spilling over. Emmery had never seen it to its full extent, not even when she’dresurrected him, but now that she was, she took a cautious step back.
“Two.” Destonne lifted another finger. “Three.”
“Stop.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I fucking mean it.”
The four didn’t leave the King's lips before Vesper lunged and his fingers found his windpipe. A guard sprung to detain him, but Destonne waved them off.
If Vesper wanted to choke the King, he could channel his air magic.
But no. He wantedthis—to hurt him with his bare hands.
“Fuck you!” Vesper roared in the King’s face. Destonne flashed an unfriendly baring of his teeth. Emmery froze from the sheer venom tainting the air.
“Didn’t your father ever warn you not to make a deal with a demon?” Destonne wheezed, a hoarse chuckle rumbling in his chest like he was enjoying this. He did nothing to fight back.
“I’ll kill you!” Vesper snarled. His cheeks flamed, eyes wild. “Youbastard!”
“At least you got one thing right.” Destonne gave one of his guards a nod and they yanked Vesper away with a harsh jerk and restrained his arms. Begrudgingly, the King rubbed his neck, and the thorns retracted from his chest leaving several bloody puncture wounds.
Vesper spat on the ground beside him as the guard pushed him to his knees. “No more deals. No more nonsense. If you don’t forgive this bargain, I’m leaving with her—”
“I doubt she would even go with you after what you did.” Blood smeared his neck, fingertips, and across his cheek—painted like a canvas.
Vesper quieted, his breathing rapid. “You don’t understand. I lost ... everything.” Finally, his eyes lifted to Emmery and the regret and pain in them was unmistakable. A lump formed in herthroat, and she tore her gaze away. Him feeling sorry wouldn’t fix this.
Destonne examined the scarlet on his fingertips. “I don’t see how that’s my fault.”
“If you hurt her,” Vesper roared, struggling. “I swear to the gods I’ll rip your heart out.”
“I’m afraid someone has beaten you to it.” Blood steadily trickled down his face. Perhaps feeling her gaze, he turned to Emmery. “What would you like? Return with Vesper or stay here? The choice is yours.”
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked between them. Vesper’s eyes were wide as she hesitated. There were no circumstances in which she wanted to return with him. Not after what he’d done. “I don’t suppose I can choose neither option,” she said on a long sigh.
“Unfortunately, not.” Destonne shook his head, his voice notably softer. “It’s not safe out there right now, angel.”
“Don’t call her that!” Vesper spat. “She might not know what a monster you are, but I do. I won’t let her stay here. She’s coming withme!”
Emmery chewed her lip as she looked between the men. Instinct led her and she didn’t think, just spoke. “I want to stay here.”
