Page 162 of A Crown Without Mercy

“This is it,”Tobias said.

After walking along the veil for a short period, Mordeci held up his hand. “Kadric, this is the spot where you appeared.”

“Why don’t you explain to us all that took place? Maybe there is something we missed that would be of help?” Tobias suggested.

Kadric explained what had occurred, and although it did not provide them with any solid information that would help them cross the veil, it revealed something else of importance.

“The girl you met whose wrist looked like it had been severed. Could it have been Cathagne?” Tobias questioned.

Kadric looked at him when the realization struck. “I knew I had seen her before. Is she the girl in the painting in the grand hall?”

“Yes,” Tobias replied.

Cadell walked over and placed his hand on Kadric’s shoulder. “You are lucky to have made it out.”

“If it wasn’t for Myrine, I would still be there. On another note, I do not have the words to express my gratitude, but I want to thank you for all you have done for my bairns in my absence.”

“There is none needed. I know you would do the same for Laurent.”

“Without question,” Kadric agreed.

“In that case, I may need you to save him from his mother,” Cadell joked.

A loud screech echoed from off in the distance, capturing their attention. “Ready your

swords, and should the veil open, be prepared to follow. If Sylvana is there, secure her first and then, if at all possible, search for Cathagne,” Tobias ordered.

Thunderous roars and high-pitched screeching rang out overhead. Tobias and his warriors could not see through the thick, gray mists, so they levitated themselves for a better view. They looked down when they heard the stampede of warriors rushing toward the veil where they had been waiting only moments before.

“Be prepared, if we make it in, as will they,” Mordeci warned.

The dragon dove in front of the Griffin as if blocking its path to the veil, and the Griffin slammed its body into the dragon, who locked its jaws around the Griffin’s neck. The Griffin drug its gigantic talons down the side of the dragon, tearing it open, and sounded as if the wind had carried an errant object through an enormous, glass pane. As the dragon released its grip, layer after layer of opaque scales formed over the lacerations.

Riordan appeared, along with a legion of warriors, and the Griffin’s wings spanned out and then slammed into its body as it dove through a small expansion in the veil as it began opening.

“Go. Now!” Riordan demanded.

Lucinda and Astaroth walked the grounds, surveying the damage, and making sure there were not any Faye or Lycans in hiding or breathing. All the while, Astaroth was calling out orders and making sure the warriors were manning the parapets, walls, and towers.

Shards of glass crunched beneath their feet when Alaric and Victor walked onto the veranda, with the girls following behind. The heady smell of smoke and the scent of burning flesh met them, and based on the bright glow, it looked like a dozen campfires had been lit on the other side of the wall. The once exotic gardens were unrecognizable; the ponds were now filled with debris and discolored, and the tiered fountains and stone statues had been knocked over and were laying in pieces; shrubs were broken, bare and trampled, and the lush lawns were saturated, muddy and filled with the bodies and entrails of the dead. Stable hands were rounding up the stallions who were wandering about, and the warriors and Helots were tossing bodies over the wall where they were being burned in the fields.

“My god,” Lenora stated.

“It’s unrecognizable,” Venthana added.

Alaric turned to Calista and squeezed her hand. “With so many having left with the Acherons, we are all being called to arms. Are you and Mira going to be okay?”

Calista wrapped her arms around him. “Go. We will be fine.”

Mira tugged on his tunic. “Alaric, don’t leave.”

He kneeled down and hugged her tightly. “I’m not leaving, but duty calls. Stay here with the girls. I will check on you later.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands. “You were incredible tonight, by the way.” He winked.

“Really?” She beamed.

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