Page 29 of Darkness Rising
The light shines against their flashing eyes. Nollix’s build is slightly smaller than Jeriko’s. He’s made of beautiful lines and sharp angles while Jeriko is nothing but thick muscle. His neck itself looks like it’s filled with too much strength, bulging around the collar of his shirt.
It doesn’t go unnoticed by me that this is the second time Nollix has stuck up for me. It’s two too many but it does peak my curiosity.
“Let’s just get this over with.” Link sidesteps the two men who are staring daggers at each other. His chest brushes against my arm, his glaring attention held on Jeriko as he takes the first echoing step into the dark hallway. Aggression crackles through us all.
With concentrated force, I tear the veil of invisibility from the four of us. Link groans as it rips away and he shoots me a small, slightly impressed look.
If we’re coming for my father, I want him to know. I want him to look into my eyes as it all unfolds.
I trail after Link. Quietly, he pulls the blade from his belt. The more danger a hunter is in, the more power the weapon emits. It fumes a bluish tone. It smokes with color. Pure blue smoke rolls off of the blade and clouds around our feet as we stalk through the hall.
Tension fills my limbs as I too pull the weapon from my belt. One by one, the men behind me do the same.
“I guess I’ll just rely on my sharp wit to protect me,” Cameron says under his breath.
I don’t look back at his sarcastic remark. The Warlock is more than capable of protecting himself. It’ll be keeping close to me that’ll be a problem. If too much distance separates us, he’ll be drug behind me like a ball and chain.
The tunnel leads to winding steps. Link takes the stairs quickly, his weapon held low. We’re quiet. The Wild Hunt is meant to be unseen. Our steps barely make a sound. Cameron, however, sounds like he’s competing in a river dancing competition.
And he’s taking first prize for sure.
If my father is seated at his spot near the window on the highest floor, he will be waiting for us. He probably sensed us the moment we blew in.
My powers are strong; deadly strong. And that’s because I inherited my father’s magic. I am the most powerful female in the kingdom. But he’s the most powerful Fae in all the land. There is a reason our neighboring Kingdoms do not invade the Mad King’s land.
Because they know they would not survive it.
Why am I risking this at all? Why am I leading these men to what could very possibly be their deaths?
Because he pushed too far. He took her life just to prove he could.
And because we’re dead either way. I’d much rather die on my own terms.
My hand wraps around Link’s bicep. The corded muscle is taut beneath my touch. My fingers tense against his smooth skin. He halts and I point ahead. There, at the top of the stairs, is a single door. Amber light glows from the crack of space beneath it.
We stand in silence staring at that slice of light.
I push past Link. His white shirt is soft against my arm as I skim against his frame. On careful steps, I stalk toward the door as if it’s the enemy itself.
The cold metal of the small handle meets my palm and I hesitate for only a second. Careful thoughts trail through my mind. My wrist turns slowly, my fingers gripping the hilt of my sword tighter.
It creaks open and every muscle in my body is poised for defense.
But nothing is there.
An abandoned room is all that greets me. The lantern on my father’s favorite little desk burns with a golden glow. It casts light onto scattered papers. The light illuminates an open book at the center of the desktop. I walk toward it, my boots tapping quietly against the stone. My fingers skim across the worn wooden chair that’s pushed out just slightly.
Little bottles are scattered across the desk. Dark liquid coats them. The labels on the front are written in letters that I’ve never seen before. The open book demands my attention. The words stand out against the crisp white pages.
Severing
To sever a soul, simply listen for the insistent beating of your victim’s heart. Find the rhythm of that beat. Find the pattern. Then, within the strumming, let your magic wrap around their heart. During the hollow sound of the blood pumping, is when the soul is the weakest. Strike then and strike quickly.
Death will occur instantaneously.
My breath catches and I’m suddenly all too aware of how loud my heartbeat is in my ears.
"It is an interesting little journal. Who knew a thieving Warlock would be hiding the single most intriguing book I've ever laid eyes on."
