Page 105 of Kiss of Ice

They lunged at each other, using their powers ruthlessly to augment the swordplay. The attacks were furious and punishing. Both men now bore wounds and blood was running freely.

Kam was tiring. Salaq was a powerful opponent and Kam, as skilled as he was, had missed out on fifty years of combat training. Salaq was also being driven by the knowledge that the prize he’d wanted for so long was finally within reach.

But every time Kam flagged, every time he staggered under another blow, he only had to remember the ugly wound inflicted on Ren and he found the strength to push on.

“You’re going to lose, Salaq.”

“Funny. It doesn’tfeellike I’m losing.” Salaq taunted him. “You’re out of practice, your Majesty. Perhaps you need to find your inner beast.”

Kam’s temper flared.

“Perhaps I do,” he growled.

He called on his power and let his wings ripple into existence. They unfurled under the stars. Magnificent creations of feathered light; shining visions of pure splendour. The crowd stilled.

Very few jinn and fae had the ability to fly. The ones who did could be counted on the fingers of one hand. Salaq wasn’t one of them.

He heard the reverential murmurs from the onlookers and his face darkened in anger. He knew what Kam was doing.

Wings were a potent symbol in Nush’aldaam. A throwback to the angels who had saved the realm from demons. And a stark reminder that Kam was Elhinn – the elite race which had fought side by side with them. The jinn clan the angels had chosen to serve as leaders of Nush’aldaam.

In other words, Kam had been born to rule.

Salaq gave him a contemptuous sneer.

“Using your ability to fly would be cheating, your Majesty,” he snarled. “It’s an unfair advantage. A victory like that would be shameful.”

“I’m not going to fly, Salaq. I don’t need to. I’ll keep my feet firmly on the ground. But Iamgoing to finish this. And you know why?”

“Please, enlighten me.”

“Because I’m better than you. I’m stronger than you. And I’m the fucking Emperor.”

Without warning Kam pulled his wings back, then brought them forward with as much strength as he could muster. They beat together with tremendous force, sending a cyclone of wind barrelling towards Salaq.

The Marid threw up a shield of blue but it made no difference. The hurricane slammed into him and carried him more than fifty metres before smashing him into the wall of the palace.

He fell to the ground, stunned, the breath driven from his body.

Kam walked to the prone figure, dissolving his wings as he went. The crimson edge of fury was still driving him. He sent out a curl of light and flipped Salaq onto his back. The jinn sprawled like a beetle and Kam knelt next to him. He made a gesture and a loop of white slid round Salaq’s neck.

Salaq tried to summon his own power but Kam sent out more coils and pinned his arms to the ground. The Marid slumped, defeated.

“I yield,” he said.

“You don’t get off that easy.” The band tightened around Salaq’s throat and the jinn suddenly realised Kam had no intention of letting him go.

“Your Majesty, I concede. You win. It’s over.”

But Kam couldn’t hear over the blood thundering in his ears. He was still in the grip of his rage. With a convulsive jerk he made the band taut. The veins stood out on Salaq’s neck as he struggled for breath.

“You hurt her,” Kam snarled, “Of all the despicable things you’ve done – to me, to my friends, to Nush’aldaam – it’s forthatreason I’m going to kill you.”

Salaq’s face began to turn an ugly mottled colour His feet thrashed as he fought for air.Now, thought Kam exultantly.Now, finally, I’ll have my revenge.

“Kam, no!”

Ren’s voice cut through his rage. He turned to find her standing behind him. The sickly pallor of pain was gone from her skin and he was relieved.

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