Page 100 of Kingdom of Today
The dome closed behind the threesome, sealing the royals inside.
As they darted their gazes at each other, readying their daggers, a piercing blast of a horn cut through the daylight.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Though the field seems barren and the battle lost, do not let your hope wither, for I shall carve a path where none yet exists.
—The Book of Soal1.23.43.19
The horn blast filled the enclosure, rough and raw. A bold, primal screech of rage, hate, and violence. Even in my spirit form, nerve endings screamed in protest; the pain of each wild note reverberated throughout my entire being. Ripples of agony nearly buckled my knees.
The royals smashed their hands over their ears and screamed. Domino stood in battle position, his eyes glittering with challenge as though he’d waited for this his entire life. Victors had vanished.
The nightmare lasted forever or mere seconds, I wasn’t sure. My brain was currently the consistency of soup. The moment the sound tapered to quiet, realization dawned. The last sign. It had happened.
The end was here.
Astan would select his host.
The royals squared off, facing each other.
“I don’t love any of you, and you don’t love me,” Lolli said, a quiver in her voice.
“Same,” Summit proclaimed, backing up. “But I know who does.” Both he and Lolli eyed Cyrus and Felix.
The brothers hadn’t recovered from the horn blast as quickly as their peers. Ashen and unsteady, each held the other’s bleak stare.
Horror suffused me, a merciless flood filling my throat. The emperor—Astan—had planned this. Had wanted the brothers, his grandchildren, to battle to the death. The final test, winner take all.
“You desired a go at me, brother.” Felix smiled without humor. “This is your only chance. But understand this. I won’t go down easy. This is my sole opportunity to dismantle the Tome Society and CURED from top to bottom. It’s the only reason I live.”
“CURED?” Summit gaped as Lolli bellowed, “Traitor!” Both bristled and bowed up, gearing for attack.
“Don’t you dare touch him,” Cyrus snarled at the pair. His exhalations grew choppier, verging on growls.
Felix jutted his chin. “Grandfather paid Tabby to spy on me, did you know that? I gave her the world, and she betrayed me as soon as I gave my life to Soal. I was forced into treatment. You cannot comprehend what they did to me in there,” he shouted, spittle spraying from the corners of his mouth. “I would have forgiven my Tabby Cat. I loved her and understood she was as brainwashed as the rest of us. But to gain my release from the facility, I had to prove I’d turned my back on Soal. I didn’t, not at first. I waited for his help. But days of torture passed, and he didnothing. Finally, I had to accept the truth. I can trust only myself. The emperor watched, beaming with pride as I did what he demanded.” Agony contorted his features. “I killed her. I murdered the woman I loved.” Tears streamed down his cheeks. “She begged for my help. Pleaded for my forgiveness. I struck anyway.”
Sympathy and resolve flittered over Cyrus’s features. “The emperor will be dealt with, but so will you. I won’t be dying today. I was born to rule, and that’s what I’ll do. I’ll wield a power not even Grandfather can subdue.”
No. He wouldn’t do this terrible deed. He hated CURED. Hated Astan and everything the god stood for. Cyrus wouldn’t murder hisown brother. He was smart; he would find another way. “We have to stop this.”
“We cannot,” Domino replied. “We offered each a way out. Like Giselle, they made their choice. Now they reap the consequences.”
No. I didn’t accept that. “Cyrus,” I shouted, racing to him. Panic and fear overtook me. “Cyrus. Listen to me. Please.” I jumped in front of him. Waved my arms. Nothing. No response as he and Felix braced, preparing to attack. “Cyrus!”
“You cannot stop this.” Domino’s sad assurance buzzed across our bond, sending me into a new tizzy of movement.
“Please, Cyrus. Whatever Astan offers, say no.”
“Arden Dawn Roosa.”
The familiar feminine whisper hit my ears, halting my activities. Briar Rose. Confused, I turned and scanned my surroundings. She’d sounded so close, yet she hadn’t entered the dome.
Then, I felt a tug. A tug so strong it yanked my spirit backward several stumbling steps. What the—yank. I stumbled back another three feet. “Domino,” I shrieked, digging in my heels.
He bounded over and clasped my wrists in his intractable grip, but the next tug proved strongest, dragging him with me. Closing in on the dome ...
If I touched it, I would die. So would Domino, via our connection. I fought for our lives. Fought so hard.
