Do what? Josephina croaked, unable to pull her attention away from the battle.
Whatever youre planning. The boys will attack anyone inside their force field, and Kane will punish them for it. They may not survive, and like I told Kane, a part of me wants them to survive.
That force field raised the fine hairs on the back of her neck. It possessed some sort of electrical charge, attempting to pull the energy out of her the way she often pulled the energy out of others.
Was it draining Kane?
Let her join, White said. Shell die, and Ill have an open playing field.
You wouldnt have an open playing field if you were the last woman on earth, Josephina snapped.
An open playing field? William growled. I thought you wanted Kane dead.
I did.
And now?
Supposedly Kane is my destined mate, and my destined mate has no business lusting after another woman.
You said you cared nothing about destiny, William roared.
Josephina didnt hear Whites reply, didnt care to; she was too busy marching forward. Whether Kane realized it or not, he needed her. He could take those men, but she doubted he could take the cloud. Look how easily hed fallen when pitted against her.
When she reached the darkened dome, she removed her gloves and reached out. Lightning jolted through her, startling her. Her bones throbbed, and her blood fizzed, but she pushed through. The darkness soon cleared, and she realized she was standing in the midst of a raging battle. Blood was splattered across the floor. And Kanes opponents...theyd become monsters.
One had horns. Or rather, what should have been horns. They were shredded and bleeding.
One had wings. Or rather, what used to be wings. They were misshapen and bleeding.
One had scales. Or rather, what were probably scales. They were ripped out in patches and bleeding.
All had fangs and claws.
What...how...
Kane stood in place, wielding two daggers with perfect precision. He contorted his body left and right, forward and backward, avoiding impact with his enemies. He was...winning, despite the cloud and...and...despite the fact that the floor was cracking beneath his feet?
The demon was acting up again. Why? So hed lose?
Oh, yes. Defeat would be considered a disaster, after all.
Thank goodness Kane knew what he was doing. When his feet caught on one of the cracks, he tilted forward, going with it, rolling into the motion, allowing his weapons to slash against his opponents with more force.
Relief speared her. She backed away.
He must have sensed her, though, because his gaze found her across the distance. His eyes widened, and a roar split his lips. He gave up his offensive stance to stalk toward her. A mistake. One of the monsters nailed him in the chin, a brutal slash of claws, slicing his skin and leaving him bleeding.
Josephina didnt think about her next actions. She launched into motion, throwing herself into the monster closest to her. He went down with a moan the moment she touched him. A shocking amount of strength poured through her, more than her little body had ever had to hold, but she twisted to reach the second one...the third one...
On the heels of the strength came darkness, such terrible darkness. Worse than what had come with Kane. Then silence. Josephina stumbled. Whats happening? She was falling...falling... No, no, no! Im back inside the Never-ending.
A sharp pain tore through her head before blackness took over.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
TORIN, KEEPER OF Disease, paced the floor of the room where hed last seen Cameo. Days had passed since shed vanished, leaving all of the artifacts behind, but he couldnt stop thinking about what had happened here. Her gaze had locked with Maddoxs. She had reached out. Then, she had been gone, with no trace of her remaining. Where was she? What had happened?
The other warriors had come and gone, inspecting the room before stalking out to hunt down anyone who might know how to save a woman Torin loved with all of his heart. Not as a lover, though they had once tried to go that route, but as his best friend.
If he would die for his friends, he would kill for his best friend.
And yet, Torin was stuck here. He could do nothing but wait. Hed already checked online, but the information he desired wasnt out there. Or, if it was, he hadnt yet found it.
He couldnt leave the fortress, because he couldnt risk touching anyone. Were his skin to accidentally brush against the skin of another immortal, that immortal would then carry the taint of Torins curse, infecting anyone they touched with disease. Were his skin to brush against the skin of a human, that human would sicken and diebut not before passing the disease on to others. A plague would erupt. Again.
Yeah. Hed once lusted after a woman he hadnt been meant to have. Hed rescued her from the hands of his enemytheyd noticed his interest in her. Then, hed removed his gloves and touched her, desperate for contact. Skin-to-skin. Warmth to warmth. Hed thought she would be the exception, that his yearning for her would somehow overcome his handicap.
Her eyes had closed, and her lips had curled into a small grin, and pleasure had overwhelmed him. But then shed sickened. Then her family and friends had sickened. Then they had all diedalong with thousands of others.
Now, when Cameo needed him...
He was worse than useless. He was a failure. He hadnt gotten here soon enough to save her, and he couldnt race to her rescue. Frustration and fury burned in his chest, a toxic combination adding to the poison in his blood.
He stopped in front of the Cage of Compulsion. Two of the artifacts were inside, exactly where theyd fallen when Cameo vanished. The Rod was propped outside, against the corner. If he did what Cameo had done, could he get to where she was? To where Viola was?
Maybe.
Probably.
Worth the risk, he thought.
He stepped forward and curled his fingers over the edge of the cage.
Hey! What do you think youre doing? a voice said from behind him.
He stiffened. What do you think Im doing?
Anya, the incarnation of Anarchy and girlfriend of the keeper of Death, leaned against the door frame, her arms crossed over her middle. She was tall and blonde and one of the most beautiful females ever created; she was also one of the most troublesome, preferring chaos over calm. Today she wore a skintight blue minidress that lookedwait, it was painted on.
Sweet heaven.
Better question. Are you going to tell Lucien?
When he took off this morning to escort a few souls to the hereafter, he failed to wake me with a kiss and tell me he loved me. Therefore, Im currently giving him the silent treatment.
And Lucien was probably loving it. Not that Torin would ever say such a thing aloud.
He changed the subject, saying, New look?
New form of torture for Lucien. Hell never not kiss me again!
He probably thought youd demand more than a kiss from him, when he wouldnt have the time to give it to you.
Theres always time to give it to me.
He wanted to smile, and the thread of humor, even as small as it was, surprised him. But then, Anya had that effect on people. Want to try and talk me out of this? he said, motioning to the artifacts.
Nah. I want Cameo brought back as much as you do. But if you die, well, I call dibs on your room. Im thinking about getting a pet that will eat Violas devil, and my baby will need a place all her own.
Its yours.
She nodded, as if shed expected nothing less. Just know that Ive always enjoyed looking at you. Ill miss your sexy face.
The smile bloomed to full wattage, unstoppable. Ive always enjoyed looking at you, too.
She blew him a kiss.
Because he carried the All-key inside his body, he was able to unlock anything with only a touch. The cage was no exception. He entered. The door slammed shut behind him.
I feel like this is the perfect time to admit Im the Cages owner, Anya said, tapping her chin and eyeing him thoughtfully. Cronus gave it to me. I could command you to strip and youd have to obey.
Torin ignored her, looking over the painting. A mans office. A glass display case. Artifacts. One of them was a small box made of bones. Pandoras box? Maybe. Why had he not noticed it before? He picked up the Cloak and draped the material over his shoulders, just as hed watched Cameo do. Then, he took off his glove, reached out and gripped the Rod. But...
Nothing happened.
Well, that wasnt disappointing, Anya said drily. See you later, Disease.
She left him alone in the room, and he cursed. You dont want my disease inside you? he growled at the Rod. Huh? Is that it? Do you get to pick and choose the ones you accept?
He tossed the artifact on the floor, exited the Cage, and, disgusted, followed the path Anya had taken.
* * *
CAMEO FELT AS though she was trapped inside a washing machine, being swirled and churned this way and that, round and round, never pausing. How many days...months...years...had passed since shed climbed inside the Cage of Compulsion and touched the Paring Rod? She wasnt sure. Time had ceased to exit.
Viola! she shouted.
She bumped into something solidsomething that grunted and cursed. Definitely not Viola. Someone other than the goddess was with her in this dark, winding pit?
Hard bands shackled her waist, jerking her against a male...yes...and he had to be eight feet tall, and as wide as a building. He surrounded her with his heat and his scent...sandalwood and peat smoke...and even stopped her from spinning.
Who are you? he demanded in a deep, rumbling voice she didnt recognize.
Cameo, she managed to grit out. She wished she could see him, but was kind of glad she couldnt. He couldnt see her, either, so he couldnt know how close she was to vomiting. Her stomach hurt. You?
Lazarus. Warm breath caressed the top of her head, ruffling strands of her hair.
Where?
He knew what she meant. The Paring Rod. Were trapped inside it. You were hurtling through itand youre still being pulled toward something. His tone was strained, as if all of his strength was needed to hold on to her. Im trying to keep you in place, and believe me, Im as tough as they come, but whatevers got you wants you desperately, because Im being dragged with you.
Well, then, let go. Translation: save yourself.
Uh, that would be a no. If youre being pulled out, Id kill my own kin to go with you.
Could be...dangerous, she said. Breathe. Just breathe.
There are hundreds of people trapped in here and no one has ever escaped. If theres a chance that is whats happening with you, Im going to take it.
No. Not yet. She hadnt had a chance to search. I cant leave without a little blonde whos in love with herself.
Sorry, female, but you dont get a choice in the matter.
But
He tightened his hold, practically flattening her lungs.
Air...need...
Thats not me, he gritted, sounding just as winded as she was. Walls...closing in.
Suddenly, the pressure eased. Cameo slammed into something solida floor, maybe...yes, a floor, she thought, patting the area around her. It was cold, solid.
The bottom of the Rod? she panted. That would mean the Rod had shrunk her to thimble size, and she wasnt okay with that.
Lazarus released her and rolled away. Ive been all over the confines of the Rod, and this isnt part of it. I think we did the impossible and escaped.
His excitement was contagious. Maybe Viola had escaped, too.
Blinking to clear her line of vision, Cameo clambered to her hands and knees. With the action, the urge to vomit increased, the dizziness careened out of control annndyes, she spewed the contents of her stomach all over the mans shoes.
Nice, she thought she heard him say.
At least he hadnt batted her away.
I need you to move now, he said. I want these shoes off.
Inhale. Good. Now exhale. Several minutes passed before she was able to lift her head enough to see what was around her. An office. The one from the painting, she realized. There was a desk piled high with papers. There was a glass display case brimming with artifacts. And there was Pandoras box.
So close.
For the moment, Viola was forgotten. Cameo pushed to a stand and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
How did the Rod send us here? She took a step forward. And where was here, exactly?
Lazarus chucked his shoes. He moved beside her and latched onto her arm, his grip strong, unbreakable. She turned to face himand gaped. He wasnt as tall as shed imagined, but he was still a giant. He had a muscle mass even the biggest of her friends had yet to achieve. But it was his face that truly arrested her attention.
He. Was. Gorgeous. He wouldnt have to speak to a woman to gain her interest. Hed just have to look at her. He had black hair, black eyes. Fathomless eyes, really. A proud nose, a stubbornly square chin. Lips the color of rubies, and the perfect contrast to all that dark. His skin was bronzed to perfection.
You okay? he asked.
Yes. Youre a warrior. Act like one. She tugged from his hold, and the only reason she succeeded was because he let her; she knew it. Ive seen you before.
Strider was dating, or whatever, Kaia the Wing Shredder, and Strider had beheaded Lazarus to protect her. He was the consort of another Harpy, one even more annoying than Kaia, who was desperate to avenge his death.
How are you alive? she demanded.
My body was destroyed, but not my spirit. It was trapped inside the Rod all this time.
Trapped. Past tense. Theyd really gotten out? If your body was destroyed, why are you solid to me?
Your body was destroyed as well, the moment you entered the Rod.
No.
Dont worry. I can make us both another one, just as soon as I get home.
She wouldnt panic. She would believe him. She didnt like the alternative.
You have a weapon? he asked.
Did she? She patted herself down and came up with...nothing. Silent, refusing to admit the lack, she raised her chin. You want to fight me or something? Before you answer that, you should probably know I lack any sort of softer emotions and Ill do things to you that you wouldnt wish on your worst enemy.
Yes, I want to fight, but youre not the opponent Im jonesing foreven though Im intrigued by the things you say you can do. I want to fight him. Lazarus nodded to a place behind her. Well need to work together to defeat him. Im good, probably the best and strongest warrior youll never have the pleasure to meet, but we just happen to be in the same room as the only male ever to beat me.
Him, hed said. The skinny red-eyed male shed seen after draping the Cloak over her head and peering at the painting? And the guy had once beaten Lazarus? He must have powers the painting hadnt revealed. Dread washed through her as she turned, but...she couldnt see him.
Hes here? she demanded. Who is he?
You cant see him?
She licked her lips, once again refusing to admit to a lack.
He has the ability to reveal himselfor not. He must have decided youre not worth playing with. He sighed angrily. I guess its up to me to save the day, then.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
DISASTER LAUGHED WITH diabolical glee. Laughed harder than hed laughed when Kane had been tied down, raped, beaten and humiliated. All because Tink had collapsed to the floor, her body contorting into the most painful positions, her features screwing up tight. Moan after moan escaped her. The kind hed only ever heard in battle, after the last sword had been swung, the only enemy left standing finally defeated.
Red wheeled away from her, the horns on his head shrinking...vanishing. Whats happened to me? Im so weak, and yet...yet...
Black dropped to his knees, his wings snapping into his back and vanishing.
Weak yet...at peace.
Green stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock, the scales falling from his skin.
The cloak of mist surrounding them split at the sides, like a veil torn asunder. Suddenly Kane could see William, Synda and White, and when the three spotted the remnants of the battle scene, they stood in unison, chairs skidding backward.
I told her not to do it, William said, hands going up in a display of innocence.
Are you ready to leave now? Synda asked, studying her nails. Ive been waiting forever.
White nodded with satisfactionuntil she saw the state of her brothers. Angry eyes locked on Tinks writhing body. What did she do?
Ignoring everyone, Kane rushed over to Tink and scooped her up in his arms. Her presence barely registered, she was so light, but her scent was there, sweet and strong, wonderfully familiar, and he found comfort in it. He had her close. She would be okay. He would make sure she was okay.
She draws other peoples abilities inside herself. The secret was out now. He needed answers. Whatd she get from your boys? he demanded of William. Theyre not demons.
There was a heavy pause, then a shrug. No, theyre not, but as you know, they carry the essence of war, famine and death. Shes probably swarming with all three.
His heart slammed against his ribs. Get the princess to the palace. He didnt wait for a reply, but raced from the bar. The sun had dimmed, casting an eerie sort of darkness over the land. How long had he been fighting? The princesss carriage was gone, probably driving around the area to keep people from knowing exactly where the princess was and what she was doing. Taking the time to look for it wasnt an option.
People now littered the sidewalks. Men in suits. Women in fancy dresses. Every eye found him and remained locked on him. Hands brushed against him, pulled at his clothing.
Come home with me, a woman said.
I want to have your baby, another intoned. Please, Lord Kane!
He shoved his way through the crowd. He had to get Tink to the palace as quickly as possible. Had to summon the best physician in the realm. And he wasnt moving fast enough, he thought, his jaw locked in irritation and frustration. He scanned the area. There was a carriage winding down the street at a slow paceslow, but unencumbered.
Kane picked up speed. Though Tink was cradled in his arms, her head tucked securely in the hollow of his neck, her arms and legs flopped with the force of his motions. Finally he caught up to the carriage and jumped through the opening in the side.
Two females were seated inside; they gasped at his sudden appearance. Both women wore the same type of ruffled, lacy gown as Synda, taking up too much space, so he knew they were part of the upper class.
Either watch over the girl while I take over the driving, or get out of the vehicle, he said. But you should know that if you harm her, Ill kill you.
The two leaned toward him, pressing against him. Youre Lord Kane! Ive been so desperate to meet you.
Say youll come to my party tonight, the other pleaded.
They werent going to cooperate. Fine. He grabbed the female closest to him and helped her out of the vehicle. She rolled on the ground, screaming in shock and anger, dust flying all around her.
He turned to the other girl and reached.
She blew him a kiss and jumped.
Casting a final glance to Tinknothing had changed; she was in the same conditionKane swung out the door, holding on to the roof. He had to kick up his leg to crawl to the top of the vehicle, then slide down to the drivers seat. The scent of animal and sweat immediately assaulted him.
The driver jolted, startled by his sudden presence, and tried to seize a weapon. Kane kicked him off the ledge and confiscated the reins. He whipped at the horses, and the carriage picked up speed. Once Tink was healed, he would leave this land, he thought. From the beginning, shed been right. He couldnt help her. If not for him, she wouldnt be in this situation. Hed only made things worse for her.
In fact, hed made things worse for everyone.
Once Disaster was taken care of, he would come back for her.
While he was gone, a man might come along and fall in love with her. A man worthy of her, good for her. That man would move heaven and earth to save her; he would do whatever she needed done. Wage war on her family. Yes. Romance her. Absolutely. Delight her, thrill her. Definitely. Sweep her away to another land, somewhere safe. The two would marry, and they would make love, have the children Tink was too afraid to have now, and she would be happy. Finally, blissfully happy.
Yes, one day.
And then Ill kill the male for daring to take whats mine.
The horses suddenly whinnied and stopped, raising their front legs and kicking in protest.
Whoa, whoa, Kane said. When they settled, he saw the blonde from the forestPetrastanding in the road, her hands anchored on her hips.
You shot me, and I assure you Ill have my vengeance. But well deal with that later, she announced. Right now, I want the girl.
Get in line, female. Too bad. Shes mine.
Little golden flames exploded in her eyes. Why dont we bargain? You give her to me now. Ill enslave her in the way of my people, and consider us even, then Ill give her back in a few thousand years. Hows that?
Kane would die first. I hurt you once. Dont make me do it again.
She chuckled with genuine amusement. Id love to see you try, warrior. You wont catch me by surprise a second time.
Mine, Disaster said.
Kane snapped the reins, forcing the horses to plow ahead. The girl had to jump out of the way to avoid impact, but she waited until the very last second, grabbing onto the back wheel to be dragged along. Dust sprayed the air, probably choking her.
Silly girl. What did she think she would accomplish
Tendrils of smoke wafted to his nose, and he coughed. Stiffening, he glanced back. The Phoenix had fallen away from the carriage, but shed left one of the wheels engulfed by flames. That. Quickly. He grabbed the dagger hidden in his boot and cut the horses loose. As the carriage teetered to one side, Kane scrambled toward the doorway...teetered more wildly...and fell through the center door as the entire vehicle slammed into the ground.
Impact was brutal, but he managed to wrap his arms around Tink and absorb most of the shock. And when the carriage finally settled, smoke forming an impenetrable cloud, he realized Tink had gone quiet. Too quiet.
Extreme heat licked at him as he pressed two fingers into the pulse at her neck. A faint thump, thump greeted him, and he could have wailed with relief. Coughing, he lifted her and draped her limp body through the door frame. He pulled himself out, gaze scanning as he hefted her over his shoulder. Through the thickening smoke he saw the Phoenix racing toward them, her body a living flame, fully engulfed, just like the wheelno, the whole bottom half of the carriage nowand crackling with menace.
He expected to see her fellow warriors, but there were none. He made a split-second decision.
He had to kill her, if only for a little while. As with all Phoenix, she would die and her body would burn to ash. But there was a very real possibility she would rise again, more powerful than before.
Whatever. Kane threw the blade still clutched in his hand, and it soared toward her, flipping end over end. She jumped up and to the side, attempting to move out of harms way, but the dagger hed taken from the Fae king possessed an ability she hadnt anticipated, switching course and following her, amazing him. As high as she was, the blade found a home in her belly, rather than her spinal cord.
She grunted, hit the ground without any grace.
He tossed a second dagger, but didnt stick around to make sure it succeeded where the first one had failed. He hopped to the ground, ran off the road and into the forest with Tink bouncing on his shoulder. He tried to be gentle, but gentle wasnt possible. Thick trees surrounded him, but he pushed through the leaves and limbs, determined and angry and already planning his next move.
Ill take care of the Phoenix, he vowed to Tink. While he might not be able to do much for her before he left Séduire, he could do that.
He found tracks created by the palace guard, the imprint of their boots giving them away. Theyd clearly stopped and checked out all the singed places where the Phoenix had burned a bush or a plant or a patch of grass. But what he didnt see were imprints of more than one Phoenix. Only the girl.
Could she be on her own? Simply making it seem like others were with her?
That...made sense, he realized. She had to think an army of Phoenix would intimidate the Fae, make them more likely to give up Tink to save their land from war.
Not on my watch. He burst from the shield of the forest, turned a corner and made it to the cobbled path that led to the palace. Of course, the first person Kane spotted was Leopold, leading a contingent of armed guards out the front doors.
Youre going to pay, the prince vowed.
You can try to hurt me later, Kane replied, never slowing.
Blue eyes fell on Tink and flared with concern, the rage completely obliterated. What happened? What did you do to her? The prince waved the guards away. The moment Kane was within reach, he snapped, Give her to me.
Get out of my way! There was enough crazed fury in Kanes tone to startle the man. Wisely, the prince backed off. Kane barreled past him, past the double doors, and shouted, I want a doctor sent to my room. Now!
Leopold rushed to his side, keeping pace. She absorbed the abilities of someone, didnt she? No, no need to deny it. I know her. She did. I also know one of our doctors wouldnt be able to help her. Not with something like that. Take her to my room and Ill
Kane ignored him, stomping up the steps and into his own bedroom. He kicked the fancy, impractical cover away and eased her atop the mattress. She was still too quiet.
His hand trembled as he smoothed the hair from her face. Beads of sweat dotted her brow, causing several of the strands to stick. Her cheeks were fever-bright.
The prince approached the other side of the bed. I could have you arrested for what you did to me, and what you allowed to happen to the princesss blood slave.
I plan to leave as soon as shes healed. If you want me to spend my remaining days here wedding Synda, killing your father, taking over the kingdom and ordering your torture, youll threaten me again. Actually, that wasnt a bad plan. It was quick and easy and effectivebut it meant being with someone other than Tink. If not, youll shut your mouth.
The prince shut his mouth.
Kane hated that a doctor couldnt help her, hated that only time would heal this woman whod snuck past his defensesif there was even a cure. But he hated the feeling of helplessness more, of doing nothing but waiting for her to awaken...or die.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
JOSEPHINA TUMBLED THROUGH a world of darkness, every corner offering a new chamber of horrors. Screams of agony here. The worst kind of silence there. Big, fat insects everywhere, buzzing around her, biting at her. Pangs of the most intense, bone-deep hunger shed ever experienced, burning, gnawing at her insides. And rage, so much rage filled her; she wanted to fight someone, anyone. Wanted to conquer and destroy. But how could she do either? She was conquered herself, already destroyed.
Her blood was molten, liquid flame. Her throat hurt, as if it had been scraped raw with a blade. Did she have any skin left? She felt peeled...exposed to the world.