Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 121339 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121339 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Prove it he did, over and over. They fought the dawn, relishing in the night. In each other. All too soon, though, the fates came calling. The power that had given her magic was a power that expected its due.
35
Daisy
They walked down the corridor hand in hand. A Celestial and a human. A joke in the making.
A Celestial and a human walk into a bar…
He wore princely attire, clothes he’d had made years ago, using them as a carrot to keep him motivated. His hair was straight and flat as befitted a Celestial, the effect applied with magic and saving so much time.
She wore something he’d recently had made for her, taking his favorite designs from the human world and having the fae tailors bring his vision to life. He couldn’t have known at the time how perfect the result would be.
The straps at the shoulders looped down to the bodice, mostly open at the chest, revealing the gorgeous diamond-dust tattoo, sparkling and shimmering in the hall lighting. A wide belt of fabric circled her waist before the silk cascaded down her legs and flowed around her feet. A cape-like addition was attached at her shoulder straps and trailed out behind her, giving her presence a majestic feel. A queenly feel.
It was a real pity he hadn’t had a tiara handy.
Nobles pushed back against the wall, hands often at their chests, looks of reverence or fright covering their faces. Those with tainted magic often tried to slip away, and Tarian let them. He would not play judge and jury. He’d let the cleansed Faerie magic do that. He’d let Daisy initiate that.
Servants didn’t run like their noteworthy counterparts. Instead, they faced the pair and bowed, their hands not on their chests in fear, but on their hearts in respect. Help had come. The fear of turning twisted like their employers was at an end.
They continued on, his measured pace befitting someone of his rank. She couldn’t help thinking of it as a death march, though. Butterflies filled her stomach, but she did not balk. She did not allow the tension to stiffen her shoulders.
Instead, she thought about her family. She thought about their good times, recalling a memory with each one.
Play them for me, Tarian said, and he slowed a little more. Play each memory for me so that I can bear witness.
She walked closer to him, their arms touching. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked over at him, then nodded in thanks. He’d carry their memories on for however long he remained here.
Even though Lexi had saved her, she played memories of Mordecai first. Of that morning in the hospital when he’d been cured. Of the hope in his eyes. The subsequent spring in his step. His miracle.
Lexi was, of course, next, Daisy thinking of all the times Lexi had worried about her “kids’” wellbeing. All the stress she’d endured on their behalf. Then of the day she’d realized her kids were taken care of and their money troubles were over. Daisy would never forget the look of supreme relief on her face and the love in her eyes.
She thought of the rest, of their banter and laughter, their fierce expressions when telling Daisy to stay out of trouble. She had so many uncles and aunts now. So many people who cared about her.
She wondered what they’d think of her, with this crazy though exhilarating magic. With the ability to shrivel a person’s magic or take it away entirely. The latter likely wouldn’t kill a human, since the magic worked differently there, but it would certainly surprise the hell out of them. And in that time…she’d dance a little closer and slit their throats. Easy-peasy.
Tarian huffed a laugh. “What a joy that would be to see. Despite my level of discomfort, it was a damn good time seeing you fight in the court games. Your ability to manipulate your opponent was exceptional.”
“Not as good as that other small-statured female. Who the hell was that? She could’ve killed me. Instead, she helped me—helped you—and killed herself.”
He shook his head as they reached a wing of the castle she’d never been to. His grip on her hand tightened. They must be close. “I don’t know. She was listed as Xanon’s champion. But, of course, Xanon was dead. It was assumed another noble did it, but no one knows who. His champion should’ve been forfeited but…she went ahead. The guards put her into the rotation.”
“Unless she wasn’t Xanon’s champion.”
“Or maybe she was the one to kill him. Another thing—her body has vanished.”
Daisy looked over at him. “What? Are you sure?”
“Yes. She was dragged into the room with the other dead, but there is no record of her body being buried or incinerated. After the games, there is no record of her at all.”