Page 82 of Immortal Throne

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Istepped out of the swirling green haze of the fifth portal and caught my breath. For once, I wasn’t sprawling face first in the dirt. The view in front of me was amazing.

No, not amazing. That sounded like rolling hills of wildflowers and sparkling sunlight dancing on blades of fresh grass. This view wasn’t a Valentine’s Day card filled with poetry. Not even close.

Blue-gray mist clung to the base of a jagged peaked mountain. A raging ocean crashed nearby, the sound breaking the silence. Above, a large moon cast silvery strands of light down on the dark forest encircling the area. But the eerie night scene wasn’t what stole my breath away.

What amazed me was the sight immediately in front of me.

Two tall horse-like creatures loomed over me and Ryker. Black as midnight, matching wings protruded from their backs. Plated armor covered their necks and the front of their heads, protecting the bridges of their noses and muzzles. They had the same shape and musculature as horses, even their head shape bore a similarity, but no one would ever mistake the creatures in front of me for horses.

Large, antler-like horns protruded from their heads. Directly below, bright, white-blue eyes glowed with intelligence. One of the creatures bobbed its head up and down and flashed its teeth.

Fangs.

“What are they?”

“Demon mounts.” Ryker strode up to the one directly in front of him and held out his hand.

The demon mount leaned forward and snuffled his open palm. Without warning, it clamped onto Ryker’s hand with its fangs.

“Ryker.” I stepped forward.

He closed his eyes and shook his head.

The demon mount released his hand, blood running down his arm and dripping to the ground.

“A deal has been struck.” Ryker opened his eyes and bolted into the saddle with ease.

Well, shit.

Ryker turned to me, flashing a large grin. “Worried about me, princess?”

I snorted and ignored the pitter-patter of my heart. I had been worried. Though we had finally given in to our more…primalneeds, it felt like an awful lot more than just sex.

At least for me.

But I couldn’t let these confusing feelings for Ryker prevent me from winning. I needed to live. He didn’tneedto see his vendetta through.

Of course, he wouldn’t agree with this point. To him, his revenge was almost all-consuming.

Almost.

Not enough to prevent him from taking me to O-town.

Maybe there was a way to diffuse his rage. Maybe we could be something once I won the throne. Or maybe… Maybe we could share the throne, somehow.

“Hurry up, princess.”

I hesitated before copying Ryker’s actions. Something flashed in the demon mount’s eyes, and it stepped forward. Its teeth sank into my palm, and I winced. There was nothing gentle about the bite.

My name is Wrathen, a scratchy voice spoke in my head.

Err…

I embraced my magic and tried to speak in my head.My name is Sloane.

I was a total idiot. Why would I think this would work?

---