Chapter 258
He broke off, the sudden realization of imminent danger flashing in his eyes. With a surge of desperate power, enormous black wings erupted from his back, unfurling rapidly to fill the cramped space with shadow and displaced air.
But Frost was faster. Before Kieran could fully deploy his wings or launch an attack, Frost moved with blinding, supernatural speed. His sword became a silver blur in the harsh light. There was a sickening thwack, a spray of dark blood erupting, followed by Kieran’s shriek of pure agony. He collapsed heavily to his knees, his magnificent black wings tumbling uselessly to the floor beside him, severed brutally at the base.
The sight of those wings–the wings I’d once envied and admired–lying useless on the floor sent a vindictive thrill through me. I staggered forward, snatching the silver dagger from where Kieran had placed it. My fingers closed around the hilt despite the burn of the silver against my skin.
“Didn’t I tell you, I will kill you?” I hissed, advancing on the kneeling man. Blood poured from the wounds where his wings had been, but his eyes were fixed on mine, terror replacing his earlier arrogance. “Now kneel.”
“Kieran L…” He began, his voice breaking.
I didn’t let him finish. With one swift motion, I drove the dagger through his neck, drawing it across in a clean slice. His head toppled from his shoulders, rolling grotesquely across the floor.
For a moment, neither Frost nor I moved. The reality of what I’d done–of the life I’d taken–struck me with full force. But there was no regret, only a cold satisfaction that one of my tormentors would never hurt anyone again.
Frost’s hand on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts. “We need to go,” he said urgently. “Now.”
I nodded, allowing him to guide me toward the door. The hallway outside was empty, the guards who’d brought Lysandra nowhere to
be seen.
“How did you find me?” I asked as we moved swiftly through the corridors.
“Later,” Frost replied, his attention focused on our surroundings. “First we need to get out of here.”
We turned a corner, and suddenly there was light–natural light–streaming through windows at the end of a long passage. Freedom was so close I could almost taste it.
“Going somewhere?” Thalia’s voice froze us in our tracks.
She stood between us and the exit, her ageless face twisted with rage. Blood stained her clothing–not her own, I realized with dawning horror. Had she killed Kaius? Was I too late?
“Kieran is dead. Kaius killed him. I guess this means our deal is… off Her smile was terrible to behold. “Which means I no longer need to keep him alive. Caleb is handling that right now.”
Relief washed through me at the news that Kaius still lived, followed immediately by fresh terror. Caleb was with him now? Doing
what?
“I’m sorry,” I said, stepping forward, though whether I was speaking to Thalia or Frost was unclear even to me.
For what? This pateic escape attempt?” Thalia laughed. “You forget who owns you, Elowen.‘ Her voice took on that resonant quality that bypassed my will, reaching directly into my mind. “Kill Frost.”
My body moved without my permission, the silver dagger still clutched in my hand as I turned toward Frost. Horror filled me as I Taised the blade, my muscles obeying Thalia’s command even as my mind screamed in resistance.
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Chapter 258
“Fight it, Elowen, Frost urged, backing away without drawing his weapon. He wouldn’t hurt me, even to save himself.
“I… can’t…” I struggled against the compulsion, every muscle straining with the effort to regain control, Sweat headed on my forehead as I fought a battle that seemed impossible to win.
Thalia’s laughter rang in my ears. “I do love this game. The harder you fight, the more painful it becomes.”
She was right. The more I resisted, the more it felt like my veins were filled with molten lead. But I couldn’t–wouldn’t–hurt Frost.
“Frost, behind you!” I managed to cry out as Thalia lunged.
He spun, his sword meeting her attack with a resounding clash. The sound broke through the haze of compulsion, giving me the moment I needed. With every ounce of willpower I possessed, I drove the silver dagger into my own thigh.
Pain exploded through me, white–hot and searing, but it worked. The shock of it shattered Thalia’s command, leaving me gasping
and free.
Frost and Thalia were locked in combat, her ancient strength matched against his speed and skill. Blood streaked his face from a gash across his forehead, but determination showed in every line of his body.
I pulled the dagger from my leg, ignoring the fresh wave of agony. Gathering what strength remained, I launched myself at Thalia’s
back.
The silver blade sank deep between her shoulder blades, drawing a scream of rage and pain. She whirled, throwing me off with supernatural strength. I hit the wall hard, my vision blurring as I slid to the floor.
“Look at me Elowen; focus on me,” Frost’s voice came from far away, his hands gentle on my face.
I blinked, struggling to clear my vision. “I can’t…”
“You can,” he insisted, helping me to my feet.
Through the haze, I saw Thalia staggering toward the exit, her hand pressed to the wound in her back. The silver was weakening her, just as it had weakened me.
I shook my head, fighting through the pain fogging my senses. “Kaius,” I gasped. “We have to find him. Now.”
“I will,” Frost insisted, his grip firm on my arm, “but first, I need to get you out of here, safe.” He pulled me firmly out of the room and into the chaos of the corridor. He pointed down the hallway, towards the direction of escape. “Go. Get clear.”
I pulled against his hold, shaking my head vehemently. No. I’m going with you.”
“Listen to me, he urged, his voice low but intense. “Kaius wouldn’t want you risking yourself like this for him.”
My gaze met his, steel overcoming the pain. “I have to find Kaius,” I stated, my voice unwavering despite the tremor in my body. “I’m not leaving without him
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