Page 88 of Kingdom of Chaos
“What’s inside is more powerful than any magic.”
“It’s not magic that makes the creature powerful, it’s the strength of their character and the depth of their soul. And you, Freckles, are the most powerful creature I’ve ever met.”
Just remembering his words warms a hollow place deep inside me. Talon never treated me like I was less-than, even before I had magic. Not for a single moment.
Looking back at Kade, Talon says, “So no, I don’t look down on you because you are magicless. I look down on you because you’re an ass who didn’t even give us a chance to explain before you attacked us, and now you’re asking us to give you what you didn’t afford us.”
Kade’s nostril’s flare, but to his credit he doesn’t snap back at Talon. He nods once and concedes. “That’s fair. Like I said, we got off on the wrong foot. In my defense, things have been pretty hostile around here lately. Something is brewing, something dark and evil. It’s no longer so clear who’s friend or foe. Maybe I don’t deserve it, but I’m asking for it anyway. If you don’t like what I have to say, we can still part on amicable terms.”
That makes me snort a laugh. Does he consider this amicable?
One of his men is lying unconscious at our feet. Three more are in the hospital, and Talon’s a bruised and bloody mess.
“If we agree to talk, will you release Becks to us?”
Kade shakes his head and my anger spikes.
“No, but if you want him back eventually, you’re going to have to talk to me now.”
This guy is driving me nuts. “Fine,” I bite out. “We can talk. But not before you bring me to see Becks.”
Kade opens his mouth, and I can tell he’s about to argue. But I’m done listening.
I round on him, every ounce of fear, frustration, and desperation I’ve been carrying pouring into my words: “I’m willing to hear you out, but not until I see Becks with my own eyes. You have no idea what I’ve been through to find him, or how far I’ll go to bring him home safely. You say we’re on the same side? Then prove it. Because if you don’t take me to him, I’ll consider you an enemy. And believe me when I say you don’t want me for an enemy.”
As if summoned by my fury, the shadows in the room stir and darken. I know I’m the one calling them, even if the magic is responding more to my emotions than my command. But that’s a problem for another day.
When they slither up the wall, I catch the first flicker of fear on Kade’s face, a crack in the calm, controlled exterior he’s worn since the moment we met. He quickly schools his features, but it’s too late.
I step closer, tilting my head back to meet his gaze. He’s taller, but I don’t let that intimidate me.
“Do you understand?”
Kade is silent. His stare is hard and assessing, and for a moment I worry that he’s going to refuse, forcing me to raze this building to the ground to find Becks, but then he nods slowly.
“All right,” he finally says, and relief runs through me like a healing balm. “But on two conditions. You agree to be cuffed when you see him, and your guard dog stays here,” he says, nodding his chin toward Talon.
“No way,” Talon says firmly. “We’re not separating.”
“Talon,” I say, turning to him.
Talon frowns at me. “Separating is a bad idea,” he warns.
I don’t disagree. But the truth is, I’d agree to even harsher terms if it meant I could finally see Becks. To make sure he’s truly okay and let him know I’m here for him.
“I’ll be all right,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
Talon scowls. “You don’t know that. This could be a trap.”
I glance over at Kade, remembering how his demeanor changed the instant he found out I opened the portal that let Kerrim into this world.
“This isn’t a trap,” I say, suddenly certain. “He needs us for something. He’s going to play nice until he gets it. Isn’t that right?”
Kade quirks a brow, but nods. “You have my word I won’t hurt either of you. To be blunt, I want to ensure I keep my leverage.” He crosses his arms over his chest, making his biceps bulge. “We have safeguards in place so your dragon shifter doesn’t escape, but I’m not taking the chance of sending anyone in there with powerful magic. If you’d like,” he says, looking at Talon, “you can be cuffed again and go in with her.” He shrugs. “I assumed you’d rather keep your magic though. But it’s up to you.”
“You’re not cuffing me again,” Talon growls, his voice hard as ice.
“That’s what I figured.” Kade shifts his attention to me. “So, what will it be?”
