“Jorgen, you haven’t even slept yet. Maybe you should wait to send a search party after this girl until tomorrow. I’m sure she’s fine. Maybe she just wandered off somewhere because she wanted to be alone.”
It’s Cassandra, she’s with Jorgen in the hall. I’m surprised she’s still up, it must be around five am. Thayer doesn’t know there’s a traitor in the palace, I trust him, but this matter’s very sensitive. I need to speak to Jorgen alone.
“Astri hasn’t been seen in twenty four hours, and it’s not like her. She’s a Wyvern shifter and we both know that someone–”
“I’m here now … safe,” I cut him off, walking into the room, not wanting to be a burden anymore. Thayer’s behind me, and suddenly several people are glancing at me, stepping away to give me space. My clothes are stinking and I know I must look filthy.
“I was kidnapped by Lucas. He’s a traitor, they caught me when I was hunting in the forest last night,” I explain, looking at him and still remembering how upset I had been when he said we should forget about that passionate kiss in the tent.
Jorgen looks so relieved, seeing me walking towards him alive and well. I feel stripped of my emotions, trying to push aside the fact that he shouldn’t be happy to see me, because I betrayed him. Deep down, I want to run to him and throw myself into his arms, but there’s too many other shifters around, and Cassandra’s watching us.
“See, I told you she’s all right,” Cassandra says, and walks past me. “I’m going to bed. She had you worried for no reason, Jorgen. The sooner you realise you need to change things around here the better.”
Then she leaves the room and everyone can hear her heavy footsteps in the corridor.
“I need to speak to you, my lord, it’s urgent,” I say, unable to move, his heavy eyes are seeing through me and I can’t bear to look at him, knowing what I’ve done. My heart aches in my chest as other emotions remind me I shouldn’t just be standing here, but explaining what happened.
“You’re all dismissed,” Jorgen shouts and then walks toward me, grabbing my arm and pushing me away from the room.
“What the hell happened to you?” he hisses, when we get outside the corridor. He seems furious and anger’s flaring in his azure eyes.
I glance at his fingers curled around my arm and realise he’s mad because he was worried about me. The guards are talking and we turn towards the opposite direction, leaving Thayer and everyone else behind. My heart pounds in my chest loudly, and happiness slides through my stomach. He cares more than he’s prepared to admit.
“There’s a traitor in the castle, someone who works for your twin brother. We have to keep this between us,” I say quickly, not waiting until we’re completely alone, but the corridor’s empty and Cassandra left, probably heading to her own chamber.
Jorgen stops all of a sudden and brings me close to his chest, without saying a word. My body goes stiff, and surging heat flares between my breasts. He smells wonderful, like honey and spice. Parts of my body are tingling and this sudden moment of affection’s turning me into a pool of mush.
He grabs my arms and scans my face.
“You have no idea how worried I’ve been about you,” he says, and I don’t want to resist him any longer, I can’t.
“Well, well … isn’t that sweet. I had no idea, Jorgen, that you would lose your head for a Wyvern. A creature who shouldn’t even be called a dragon,” says a voice we both recognise.
Falcon emerges from the dark corridor and all the lights are being switched on at the same time. My heart leaps into my throat when I realise he has Lenin and Jetli. He’s squeezing them both in his palm. The blood drains from my face.
“Astri, Astri … don’t … he’s–”
“Shut up little guy or I’ll snap your wings,” Falcon snarls and I step towards him, ready to unleash my fire magic and tear him apart. I have to use it. No one dares lift a hand on my Pixies.
“Aaaa … don’t dare move or this little guy’s going to be dead,” Falcon warns me and his eyes shine with excitement.
“Falcon, what the hell are you doing?” Jorgen shouts, holding my arm tightly. I don’t get it, he can’t be the one Lucas was talking about. He’s Cassandra’s guard and should be loyal to her.
“Brother, it’s such a shame you don’t even recognise me. It’s been a blast pretending not to be me, but I think it’s time to end the theatrics,” he adds and suddenly a bright light blinds me and I’m forced to close my eyes. When I’m able to look at him again, Falcon’s features start to change. His brown hair turns blond, and his eyes…
Jorgen swears loudly and I feel sick to my stomach. No… no it can be him. He’s been in the castle this entire time.
“Ruscal, I should’ve suspected this whole thing had something to do with you,” Jorgen growls, his body goes rigid, and I want to launch myself at him. I’ve been waiting for this moment forever, and now I’m imagining snapping his neck and watching him die.
No it’s too easy, he needs to experience pain and suffering like I have.
“I’ve been waiting for an invitation for a while, and I thought our father would ask for me, now that he’s well enough,” the mage who murdered my parents says. The resemblance is shocking, he’s the spitting image of Jorgen. The same hair, eyes, broad shoulders, and overwhelming hatred burns inside of me. “Now this can be easy or difficult. I want the girl, she’s the last of her clan. I thought I killed her eleven years ago, but it seems she somehow survived.”
“Let Lenin and Jetli go, this is between you and me, you coward!” I roar, losing control and clenching my fists so hard that I’m hurting.
“Astri … wait … do you know him?”
“He’s the mage who gave me the scar, and the mage who murdered my parents,” I say, staring at Ruscal, picturing him in flames. My fire magic can consume him, but I’m anxious about my Pixies. Lenin seems fine, but Jetli looks hurt. She’s unconscious, and my heart’s breaking.
“Yes, sorry brother but someone had to protect our clan. Wyverns would cause our downfall. The girl was meant to die,” Ruscal snaps, sounding annoyed that I’m still a living and breathing being. “You shouldn’t have protected her. I’ve been watching you for days. You’re weak, weaker than you’ve ever been with her around.”
Jorgen seems completely and utterly shocked, still squeezing my arm painfully. There’s no time for an explanation, he needs to leave while he still has a chance to survive.
“Your assistants are dead, killed by werewolves in the Back Forest. And you’re going to be next,” I snarl, stepping closer, but the mage keeps laughing and shaking his head. Suddenly I remember that day in the dark chamber, everything’s so vivid and real.
“You’ve grown up a little and maybe stronger and braver, but to me you’re still that frightened little girl, searching for her mama. Step forward or watch how I’ll crush your little Pixies like insects,” he says, and a shudder of repulsion moves down my spine.
I have to do what he asks, otherwise he’s going to hurt Lenin and Jetli, and I can’t let him do it.
It’s either me or the lives of my beloved Pixies.
Chapter 25
Emilia.
“What the hell do you want from Astri, Ruscal? She’s a Wyvern, she’s never done any harm to you or the clan,” Jorgen shouts, still trying to keep me close, but he should know he can’t protect me.
My fire magic’s brewing inside my core, but I have to be careful. Now I understand why Falcon’s been watching me this entire time. Lenin and Jetli are loyal and they’ve been with me for years. He’s had enough time to figure out how much I love my Pixies.
Once he frees them, he will die.
I underestimated him, knowing he had years to figure out I didn’t die that day in the chamber. Ruscal must have used complicated black magic and drank a gallon of potion to keep Falcon’s appearance for so long. Cassandra probably has no idea her guard died a long time ago. He was the one behind Rosanna’s stabbing and the death of that poo
r, human maid. It’s likely, he also poisoned Pollock with spells and ordered him to kill me.
“I don’t have time for family drama, Jorgen. I want the girl. The last Wyvern in the Eastern World; I’ve been waiting for this moment since I heard the prophecy from an old Warlock almost twenty years ago. He foresaw that the last Wyvern would destroy the Lindworm clan,” he says.
“Let me go Jorgen … let go of me. I can’t let anything happen to Lenin and Jetli. They’re the only family I have left,” I shout, trying to pull away from him, but Jorgen tightens his grip, looking tormented and furious. He knows he can’t help me in any way, his beast is gone–because of me–and his twin brother obviously isn’t going to listen to him.
He’s torn, but he can’t keep me safe. The guard, Thayer and even Cassandra have left. We’re alone and Ruscal has leverage, he must be aware of my magic. He’s seen enough during the time he’s been in the castle, and I should’ve known there was something suspicious about him. And what the hell kind of prophecy is he spouting off about? He’s certifiably insane.
“I’m sorry about everything,” Jorgen whispers and then pulls his hand away.
“Let them go and I’ll come with you,” I ground out, my voice vibrating with emotion. Anger, frustration and sadness pushes down the nausea in my stomach. If I had him in front of me weeks ago, I would never have guessed he wasn’t Jorgen, their similarities are too identical. Ruscal’s lips curve higher in a nasty smile, as he’s secretly mocking my request. I remember every small detail from my nightmare, and fear trickles like ice water, rushing through my veins.
“You have to give yourself to me first,” he says and then throws something at me. I catch a small flask, filled with some sort of blue liquid. I swallow hard, realising what he wants me to do. “Drink the potion first. I’m not going to take any chances.”
I already know what’s inside the flask. It’s the same potion Morlock injected me with in the Black Forest. I’ll lose my abilities and my fire magic if I drink it. Ruscal isn’t stupid and all my hope is slowly fading away. I wonder if he’s planning to kill me straight away or if he’s going to wait until we’re far from Rivenna.
“For Hommis, Ruscal, and the name of our mother, you don’t have to do this,” Jorgen shouts, but the mage doesn’t seem to listen, staring down at Lenin.
“Alyssa was a whore, brother, and father gave me away as if I meant nothing to this family. I’ve been waiting for this moment for too long,” he states, and glances at me. “Hurry up, Wyvern girl, the life of your other Pixie is slowly fading away.”
My hands are shaking when I unscrew the flask, tormented by my limited options. Jorgen’s eyes are drilling into me, and I sense his agitation. There’s no time to think about what’s going to happen once he gets his hands on me. This is the only way to save my Pixies.
Seconds are dragging by, and the stretch of silence becomes too heavy. I can literally hear my heart pounding in my chest. Ruscal wants to disable me, to make sure I won’t cause him any trouble. I need to be smart, but my head’s blank. I have no idea what else to do.
“Astri, don’t even dare drink that crap!” shouts another voice and in a heartbeat the floor beneath my feet begins to shake, as if there’s an earthquake on the way. Behind the evil mage, I spot Emilia and she looks absolutely fierce, wearing a long red cloak, holding a magic wand in her hand.
Ruscal smiles again, and I force myself to look at him. A warm, strong hand curls around my fingers. Jorgen’s beside me again, but then Ruscal shifts to the side and I know he’s going to kill my Pixies either way. He was never planning to let them go. I want him dead, now.
Everything from that moment onwards happens in slow motion. I see Emilia waving her magic wand so fast, I can’t keep up–I have no idea what’s going on. I start to believe I’m having hallucinations, because she’s suddenly levitating above the ground. A stream of pure, black energy shoots from her wand, speeding towards the mage who has my beloved Pixies.
I part my lips, seeing Emilia in her true form, her hair’s standing on end and power pounds through me.
Now I begin to understand why everyone in Rivenna believes she’s one of the most powerful witches in the entire Eastern World.
Ruscal’s doesn’t create a protection barrier in time, and her magic hits him square in the chest. He drops my Pixies, and I panic seeing a dark magical fog begin drifting around him. I hear heavy footsteps, someone’s shouting orders as guards are approaching.
The mage panics, spreading his arms wide and roaring loudly. His face twists with rage, and I realise he’s going to shift. The rush of Emilia’s magic moves down my skin.
I try to find Lenin and Jetli, but the fog keeps rising, spreading everywhere. Ruscal starts changing shape, his limbs are growing, and he roars, shifting. In a matter of seconds, his body grows, his limbs transforming into dragon legs and giant wings. It’s the same dragon I saw during our battle, the black beast with shiny skin. In a heartbeat, I launch myself forward, knowing I haven’t got much time. His roar rings in my ears and I run quickly, spotting my Pixies lying several meters away from him. They’re both unconscious and I scoop them up while Emilia keeps the mage inside the castle.
I can’t risk launching my fire magic right now, and it’s already too late. Ruscal’s almost completely in his dragon form, and there’s too many other people I care about around. Everyone needs to be evacuated. The castle walls won’t hold up and we could all be buried underneath the falling stone and debris if he continues.
“Astri, get away from there now. He’s shifting!” Jorgen screams at me as I’m running, holding my Pixies in my hands. The mage grows, and his giant tail hits the north wall, crumbling immediately from impact. The guards and everyone else around are suddenly aware of the danger. I hear screams, panic and loud snarling.
Ruscal’s beast is moving around, crushing the walls and the whole castle starts to rumble. I jump avoiding the tumbling rock inches away from me. I turn around, seeing the beast spreads its black wings, rising above the marble floor. He releases his fire tearing through the ceiling. In seconds, he manages to escape through the north tower.
Anger burns its way through me as I rush towards the exit, trying to save myself and hoping Emilia’s safe too.
I hear Ruscal’s beast roaring somewhere above the castle grounds as I barge through the door, heading outside. For a moment, I watch him from the distance, holding my Pixies in my arms. The mage who killed my parents is escaping, but I’ll find him, even if it’s the last thing I do.
The damages to the castle are extensive, the entire north side has been destroyed and some of the guards are in there evacuating anyone who may have been left behind. Staff, Jorgen’s family and other shifters are outside; there’s complete panic on the grounds. I have a few cuts on my arms, but I don’t feel any pain. I wander off, still holding Lenin and Jetli in my arms.
“Astri … thank Hommis you’re all right.”
Strong hands bring me closer, and I recognise Jorgen’s scent. He’s holding me closely, but I’m too numb to react, to recognise the heat enveloping my body.
“I need to find Derek. Jetli isn’t breathing…” I mumble, looking at Jetli’s pale face, she has tiny bruises around her neck and her pulse is so faint. I don’t know anything about Pixie healing spells.
“Thayer start counting people who are missing and get me Derek,” Jorgen shouts, and the old mage nods, hurrying through the crowd of people.
I try to use my magic to heal them both, but I don’t know what to do. Jorgen keeps telling me that everything’s going to be all right, that Derek will save the Pixies. Then he vanishes, telling me not to go anywhere. A feeling of desperation and anger floods through me as I stand there alone. Tears force their way into my eyes, I feel useless. Jorgen finally comes back with Derek, who seems shaken up.
“Help them … I’m begging you,” I say to the healer. He nods, and scoops the Pixies from my hands, checking them over thoroughly.
“The
male’s going to be all right, he may have a concussion, but the female–”
“No, you can’t let her die. Please use magic, there must be a way. I can go to the forest and hunt for herbs,” I say as tears stream down my cheeks, unable to accept that Jetli might die.
“I’ll try my best, but you have to let me work. I’ll give her something strong, but we won’t know until tomorrow if she’s going to make it,” Derek explains.
Then Thayer comes back dragging Jorgen away from me. Now, it’s just a waiting game.
“How are you feeling?” Jorgen asks, handing me a cup of something warm to drink. I don’t care what it is, I don’t feel hungry or thirsty. My whole body’s numb, and my thoughts are racing. It’s almost mid-morning now, and there’s still no news about Jetli.
It turns out, the North tower was the only part of the castle that was damaged, and most shifters were able to get back inside. Construction engineers arrived hours earlier and spoke to the duke after all the damage had been assessed. Derek has been trying to heal Lenin and Jetli for hours now. I couldn’t sit any longer in the hospital wing, I needed some time out to get some fresh air.
Jorgen must have followed me all the way here.
“I don’t feel anything … numb I guess. I truly hope Hommis will spare Jetli,” I answer with a heavy sigh, taking the cup from him. His presence is calming. I want to believe there’s hope, Jetli’s little, but strong. She’s survived many years with me and I’m not ready to let her go yet. This isn’t her time, it can’t be.
“She’ll be fine, stop worrying. You’ve gone through enough as it is. I promise Ruscal will pay for all the pain he’s caused you,” Jorgen adds. Emilia’s with Jetli now. She showed up in the courtyard unexpectedly, after everyone was evacuated. I have no idea how she knew I needed help. We didn’t have a chance to talk about what happened yet.