Page 61 of King of Fire and Flames

As Esen strode toward the rear wall, a passage became visible. “Come on. We don’t want to be here any longer than necessary. If we’re found… it wouldn’t go well for either of us, and we don’t want that. Understand?”

“Yes,” I said, my heart rate accelerating and a wave of dizziness engulfing me. This could be a trap. Esen might lock me in here forever or slit my throat or even…

Relax, I told myself. Death is but another journey. Be brave. Mydorian blood will never fail.

And if mine did, then surely the Zareen would agree to work with a male of my line in my stead. My brother Van was strong-willed, good-hearted, and I knew he’d make a wonderful ruler if needed.

I followed Esen through a rocky tunnel that opened into a vast cavern somewhere in the heart of the cliff. It was lit by a pyre of green flames burning inside a small pit in the middle of the limestone floor.

Veins of magic pulsed along intricate fire symbols etched into the walls. Dark Unseelie magic. The kind my parents had taught me to stay away from.

My gaze tracked upward, my breath rushing out of me when I saw what—or rather who—dangled above the fire pit.

Orion.

His limbs were tied to poles of Xanthanian metal, black and glittering like stars in a clear sky and shaped into a large inverted triangle. A lattice of enchanted flames made a circle of bars around him, forming a prison of dancing fire. Shadows flickered over his body, distorting his slackened face into a mask of horror. His white tusks and bushy beard had been cut off, his gray skin yellowing like sun-bleached paper.

The suffering the orc endured was sickeningly apparent. I swallowed bile, my entire body shaking. I wanted to run from the cave and scrub its memory from my brain. At the same time, I wanted to stand here forever, so Orion’s sacrifice would be carved into my heart for all time.

With every fiber of my being, I prayed he wouldn’t become a martyr for those who sought peace in the Five Realms. Orion deserved to live. To thrive. I just had to figure out how to get him down from there.

Hot embers floated through the shimmering, sour-smelling air, and no matter how many deep breaths I took, I couldn’t seem to draw enough oxygen in.

“They’re burning him alive,” I finally rasped.

“Not quite. Orc, wake up,” commanded Esen, her expression full of pity, despite her harsh words.

A moan rumbled from Orion’s chest, then he slowly raised his head, his single, red-rimmed amber eye fixing on me. Another moan split his lips—the sight of me adding to his anguish.

“Leaf,” he croaked. “Go… Please. I beg you.”

Bathed in the glow of shifting green and black patterns, he looked like an ancient fire god sentenced to burn forever in the hell realms, his agony a lesson for any fae who longed to revolt against Azarn.

Wiping tears from my cheeks, I stepped closer. Orion didn’t scream or sob, but the sweat dripping from his skin told the tale of his pain.

“Get him down,” I said, lunging at Esen and wrapping my hands around her throat. “Right now. Or I’ll kill you.”

“Impossible,” she said mildly, allowing me to back her against the wall. “You’re human and no match for my fire magic. One snap of my fingers and you’d be dead, unable to help the orc. I suggest you calm yourself, Zali. Your temper has only ever increased your troubles.”

“You sound like Arrow again,” I said, the words rushing out before my brain caught up to my mouth. I released Esen and turned back to the orc. “Can you speak, Orion? Give me your knife Esen. Please, let’s cut him down.”

As I began to step over the first line of flames, Orion groaned. Esen grabbed my arm and dragged me backward. “Idiot. Those flames will kill anyone who breaches them.”

Frustration surged inside me. “Then how in the dust will we get him down?”

“We can’t. You need a member of Azarn’s family or Melaya to break the spell and dissolve the prison of flames. There’s nothing you can do for him. The Sentura Pyre is a torture meant to endure forever. The flames themselves sustain the barest semblance of life, no water or food required, so that the victim will experience pain for as long as possible.”

“That’s vile.” I raised my palms in a plea of guilt. “Orion, I’m so sorry. This is my fault. Tell me how to help. I’ll find a way to free you, no matter the cost. I promise.”

He shook his head, emitting a dry moan through cracked lips.

“Your family… can I help them? You once mentioned your mother who lived under a mountain. Please, Orion, tell me how to find her.”

Drops of sweat sizzled in the flames as his chin slumped onto his chest.

Esen walked toward the exit. “Come, Zali. You’ve got what you wanted. Now you know what’s inside the fire cave.”

“I’ll be back,” I told Orion, swallowing sobs, my head aching with impotent fury. “Don’t doubt it.”

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