DIANNA’S EYES BLED CRIMSON AS SHE YELLED AT ME. Her fury I was used to, I had seen it before but the power that blasted off of her, that shook this room was new. She was slipping, and I felt it. A part of me felt her, felt her emotions. She was filled with fear, and a darker part I could feel lurking, waiting for its chance. I knew I was losing her.
Static hit the air and the large TV in the center of the room blinked on. We turned toward it and took a step closer. Words scrolled along a small red banner at the bottom, telling us that this was a live feed. A man and woman sat reclined in the anchor chairs. Their suits were ripped and smeared with blood. They were dead, which meant Tobias was there.
‘Good evening and welcome to KMN news at night. Tonight’s top story is A king with a broken crown that wasn’t even his to begin with. The woman shuffled the pages in front of her as she spoke, and her words made my jaw clench.
The man turned toward her. I could see the bruises on his neck, and as he tried to smile it looked like his jaw was barely hanging on. ‘Now, Jill, this has been a story circulating for ages. A man gifted with a title and throne but child-like in his ideals and no follow through.’
Jill, nods in agreement. ‘If you think about it, Anthony, it’s pretty sad. A whole planet was destroyed because he just couldn’t cut it.’
I knew every jab was directed at me, but I didn’t care. I had heard it all before. No, my gut wrenched for another reason. Dianna.
‘Well, Jill, that’s what happens when you send a boy to do a man’s job. Speaking of jobs, let’s check in with Casey for the weather.’
The camera swung to the other side of the room, focusing on a woman standing with a small device in her hand. Her suit was also in tatters, and I could tell that Tobias’s magic was the only thing keeping her upright. The screen behind her turned into a large map with what looked like clouds dancing across certain areas.
‘Thanks, Anthony and Jill. The forecast calls for clear skies and sunny weather for the next few days, but the incoming apocalypse may put a stop to that. If that happens, we may be looking at thunderous clouds as the realms rip open. Precipitation will be heavy with a copper smell as his blood rains from the sky. We are predicting a few earthquakes but those should subside before the planet tears itself apart. Back to you, Jill.’
‘Thanks, Casey. When can we expect this drastic change?’
‘Oh, very soon.’ Her voice said from off -screen.
Jill’s smile was a little too wide. ‘Can’t wait.’
Anthony chuckled lightly, his jaw bobbing obscenely as he folded his hands together and regarded the camera. ‘I guess it would be a good idea for everyone to get inside, huh?’
‘Oh, Anthony, there’s no hiding from this. Now, we do have a special guest with us tonight. Quite a few actually.’
Anthony pointed to her. ‘You know what, Jill? You’re right. Now let’s welcome our co-host tonight. Kaden.’
The camera swung again and a jolt went through me. His suit was dark and he had his feet propped up on a desk, but I had seen this man before. I had seen him sitting atop a throne made of bones, wearing horned armor. He smirked out at me from the screen, his face wholly visible, and I got my first good look at my true enemy. He relaxed so casually as if his hands and the white shirt he wore beneath his suit were not stained with blood. His collar was unbuttoned and I could see the glint of a silver chain around his neck. He licked his fingers clean and smiled at the camera.
Kaden.
The air in the room shifted as Logan and Vincent popped in. They spoke over each other as Dianna stared at the screen, her body not moving a single inch.
‘Liam. It’s on every channel, every station.’
Kaden just sat there, staring back as if he could see her, too.
‘What?’ I asked, not taking my eyes from her.
‘Globally. We checked.’
‘Where is it coming from? Can you pinpoint a location?’
Vincent shook his head. ‘That’s the thing, it’s as if the frequency is coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. There is no way to turn it off.’
My next questions died as Anthony started talking once more.
‘Now, Kaden, please tell us, what exactly is the Otherworld?’
My adrenaline spiked, knowing this wasn’t something mortals needed to learn. Not like this. Logan said they’d tried to stop the feed but couldn’t.
‘Sounds like something out of a movie, am I right?’ Jill laughed.
Kaden sat up, leaning over the side of the table and clasping his hands together. ‘I can agree, but it is so much more. See, you all think monsters do not exist. That they are created from the imaginations of mortals. But you are oh so wrong. Every monster has an origin based in reality.’
Jill nodded along as if she could even comprehend what was happening. She was Tobias’s puppet, just like the ones in El Donuma. They all were. ‘So you’re saying every supernatural creature is real?’
‘Everything and so much more. The only problem is the population is practically non-existent in this realm.’
It was Anthony’s turn to speak and he placed his hand under his wobbly chin to really listen. ‘How so?’
Kaden smiled, still staring intently into the camera. ‘I’ll tell you a story. Once upon a time, in a world far far away from here lived a vile and vicious king. Ruler to all and adored by the many but he bore secrets. Dark, ghastly ones he buried even from the ones he claimed to love the most. He believed peace was achieved through force. That force he used and abused until they meant nothing to him any longer. Once his goal was achieved they were discarded like trash. Then one day he bore a son. A being like him, pure of light and everything he wished for his new world. His son was next in line to rule and there was concern you see.’
‘Concern?’ the disjointed voice of Jill piqued up.
‘Oh yes. Concern he would be just like the ones before him, just like his father. The truth slowly came to fruition and friend turned to foe. There was an uprising, blood of the gods spilled across the stars you can’t even see now. The Gods War but it was so much more than that.’ Kaden’s’ eyes seemed to gleam over as if he himself had been there.
‘What happened next?’
Kaden sighed leaning back as he folded his hands in front of himself. ‘Well what your legends say of the great and powerful Samkiel. He saved the world did he not? Everyone that had stood against them were locked away by his blood. Every realm, every world sealed’ he paused as he moved, reaching under the table. A loud thud hit the desk as he slammed the Book of Azrael atop it. His smile was venom and rage as he glanced towards the camera ‘Well for now at least.’
Static built in the room, an oppressive air thick and heavy and I knew I was losing my patience. I didn’t hear what else he said as they continued to speak. He spoke of my father, of my world as if he knew it personally and yet I had no recollection of him or his name. I turned to Logan and Vincent.
‘Go, see if you can find where he is. I need every celestial form here to Ruuman searching. He cannot hide from us, not when this is on every station around the world. Once you find him you summon me immediately.’
They both nodded before shooting from the room in a flash of blue light. Words from the screen filtered back as I glanced back towards the TV. Kaden’s hands were now decorated in thick black gloves as he flipped through the Book of Azrael as if it wasn’t a powerful ancient decaying artifact and one that held the means to my death.
Jill clutched her chest as if she could feel. ‘That is such a sad story.’
‘Is it? I like to think of it as a rebirth. A new beginning some would say. See right here.’ he pointed one finger towards a page as Jill and Anthony half leaned over ‘This is the key to opening the realms now.’
‘Such a pretty weapon.’
‘I agree and once I make it this world will bleed and I am betting that there are thousands, if not millions, of pissed -off beings looking for a little bit of payback.’
Anthony’s head tilted. ‘Well what happens to us mortals if this comes to pass?’
Kaden laughed, the sound making even me grimace as he slammed the book closed. ‘Well, you die.’ He stopped and shrugged as if he hadn’t just condemned the world. ‘Or you are enslaved. It’s really up in the air right now.’
Jill and Anthony laughed as if that was the funniest joke they’d ever heard. Once Jill had control over herself, she said, ‘Well, that sounds lovely. Can’t wait.’
Anthony cleared his mangled throat. ‘Now, usually we have a hot topic round sponsored by Jeff, but since you dismembered him, I guess you’ll have to do the hot topic round. So, tell us, Kaden, what’s the hot topic tonight?’
‘Well, love, of course.’
‘Love?’ All eyes turned toward the camera, and I knew this next part was for Dianna. I shifted closer to her.
‘Why yes.’
Jill waved her hand and said, ‘The stage is all yours.’ Anthony and Jill froze in place, and I knew Tobias was slowly releasing his hold on them. They stare straight ahead as their eyes turn the glassy white of the dead.
‘Now, I know you are all thinking that I am evil incarnate, but you would be wrong. I love love and no one loves harder than Dianna.’
A picture of Dianna and me pops up on the screen, and I realize he has been a lot closer to us than I’d assumed. How had I not felt it? My gaze swung to Dianna. She was fixated on the screen, her arms folded as she glared, radiating pure rage. As I studied her, I knew she had felt him. Those times she had those chills, she had sensed him, but hadn’t known what it meant.
Kaden’s eyes flashed red in studio lights as he stood and moved closer to the camera. He removed those gloves from his hand one finger at a time as he glanced toward the camera. ‘I gave her everything I could. A trade off some would say for what she asked.’ He rubbed at his jaw with one blood-stained hand.
A picture of Dianna popped up on the screen and stayed there, taking up one of the corners. ‘All that she is, all of her power, is because of me, and yet I’ve met dogs that are more loyal. She can’t keep her legs closed, not that I can complain he took me merely saving her sister before she let me bend her over. Which I am sure she let you do too Samkiel.’ The picture switched to one of Dianna smiling up at me at the carnival. ‘I hope you enjoy her while you can because make no mistake, she will turn on you too.’
I watched as he flicked his eyes toward someone off -screen as the pictures faded. A few moments later his demeanor changed. Dianna’s stance did not waiver. It was as if her body had turned to stone. I stood next to her, my gaze flicking between her and the screen as my gut churned. I had no idea what his plan was, but I couldn’t leave to search for him, not when she needed me.
‘Dianna tsk tsk tsk you know better. You know I have eyes everywhere. This world belongs to me my love, and I was never far away. Didn’t you feel me?’
My heart sank further, the pit of my stomach rolling. I was right. She had sensed him. It was inconceivable that I had not. How had I not known that he was so close? And not just once. Kaden’s next words made me wonder if he had the ability to read minds because they mirrored my thoughts.
‘I’m just curious though what your train of thought with this failed relationship is? Just fun? Stop me, save the world and then what? You think he loves you? Cares for you? Ask how many men and women he has whispered those words too. How many have fallen at his feet hoping to stand by his side. You are nothing to him and you never will be. You are and always will be nothing but a monster no matter what he tells you. No matter what you pretend. You think you could rule at his side Dianna? Even after I am gone you think they would accept you? After everything you have done. He’s truly immortal Dianna. Have you thought about that? We aren’t. Do you really hate yourself so much that you would be comfortable being his consort for the rest of your life while he married an actual queen? He will need an equal. Someone to rule by his side, to bear his children into this perfect world of theirs’ His nostrils flared and his fists clenched. I knew that anger bubbled below the surface of his calm facade. His eyes flared with red embers, but then he glanced beyond the camera and seemed to remember that he was not alone. He shrugged and braced his hands on the table. ‘Let’s play a game. Say you two succeed, the realms are saved and people sing and cheer in the streets. Deep down Dianna do you really think he would choose you? After all of this is over. Be realistic.’ He clicked his teeth, shaking his head slowly. ‘I don’t. I think even if I don’t win you will still lose.’
Kaden paused for a moment, maybe realizing he had revealed too much. I glanced at Dianna and her body had gone so rigid she looked like she would break with one touch. She was so closed off that I couldn’t feel anything from her and that was terrifying. Dianna was never contained.
‘Now,’ he clapped his hands together before rubbing them twice, ‘back to business. See, here is the thing, Dianna. I wanted you by my side, you know? My perfect, beautiful weapon for what’s to come.’ He sighed in disappointment and rubbed his chin before pointing at the camera. ‘But, alas, you have chosen the wrong side. It’s okay, though. I think I can forgive you and let you come home. I just need to teach you a lesson first.’
He stopped speaking and waved someone forward. The camera panned back and turned slightly. The new angle allowed us to see Kaden, a closed off corridor with a curtain above it, and the seats holding an audience. I looked closer and saw the audience was full of Otherworld creatures. Eyes fluoresce in various colors, and I saw more than a dozen pairs gleaming red. The Irvikuva stood in the back corridor with their wings spread, making sure no one tried to leave.
The crowd split and went silent as Drake stood and started toward Kaden. My lips curled in a silent snarl at his betrayal of her friendship and love. How could he have done this to her? I had trusted him against my better judgment for her, because she believed him her friend. The coward refused to look at the camera as he stopped beside Kaden.
‘Come on, Drake. Center stage is yours, buddy,’ Kaden mocked, slapping a hand on Drake’s back as if they were old friends.
‘Drake told me all about you and your new boyfriend’s little trip to El Donuma. He told me when you would arrive, how long you stayed, and your next move. Camilla filled me in from there.’
He waved toward the audience, and Camilla nodded, keeping her head held high. I scanned the audience, recognizing several others. Santiago was there, his and Camilla’s covens intermingled. Elijah sat next to a few mortals from the Kashvenia embassy. I guess she was not the only one betrayed. It seemed some of the mortals under my jurisdiction had switched sides too. I felt a tight constricting knot forming in my stomach. It was pure unadulterated rage. I reached out, placing my hand on Dianna’s arm. Her skin beneath her long sleeve shirt felt heated. I rubbed my thumb in small slow circles, trying to ground her, and let her know I was here for her. Even if the ones she had trusted the most were not.
‘True loyalty from the beginning Dianna.’ Kaden said, patting Drake on the back. ‘Why don’t you head back to your family, old friend,
Drake strode away from Kaden without looking at the camera once. I watched as he joined Ethan and a dark -haired woman I assumed was Ethan’s wife. The wife who had been too busy to greet us while we were staying in Zarall. The pieces started to click together and I didn’t like the picture they made. Had they sold Dianna out for the wife?
‘You see, Dianna–‘ his voice continued to speak but I needed her away from the pull he had on her. I could feel those claws he had on her like talons dipped in acid digging into her even from here. Could feel every word he threw at her, slicing her open.
‘Dianna.’ My voice was soft, and I felt her shift near me. The air grew heavy as if a storm was brewing in the room. ‘Remember what I taught you. Do not let him bait you.’
I couldn’t tell if she heard me or not. Her breathing was coming in small pants, her eyes glazed and unfocused as she stared straight ahead.
Kaden’s voice cut in followed by a whistle as he looked directly into the camera and said, ‘Tobias, if you would be so kind. There is one last thing I would like to show my sweet, precious girl.’
The camera shook as Tobias walked from behind it. He turned and flashed an ice -cold grin I knew was meant for Dianna. He disappeared behind the large dark curtain. It was only a moment after he left that curtain moved once more and he reemerged, dragging a hooded figure with him. The woman struggled against him, kicking her legs but failing to gain traction against the slick floor. Tobias threw her at Kaden’s feet. Kaden leaned down and grabbed her under her arm with one hand before pulling the hood off with the other.
Gabriella.
I heard it then, in sync with my own. The pounding of her heart and mine. They beat rapidly, mine bashing itself so hard against my ribs I wondered if it would burst. I tried taking deep breaths, hoping to slow mine and in turn hers. We watched as Gabby kicked out and Kaden dropped her. She tried to scoot away, but several of Kaden’s Irvikuva snarled and snapped behind her, causing her to stop.
Dianna jerked away from my touch to drop to the floor in front of the TV. I didn’t think she was even aware of how close she got as her hands gripped the sides of the screen.
Kaden whistled, signaling one of the Irvikuva. Gabby grunted in pain as the beast grabbed her by the arm. The Irvikuva looked to Kaden, and when he nodded, tossed Gabby toward him. Kaden caught her, grabbing Gabby hard enough that she winced as he dragged her closer to the camera.
‘Do you like the present Drake brought to me Dianna? He even snagged me a member of The Hand.’ He said as a deadly smile curved his features. He squeezed Gabby’s face as he stared at the camera. ‘Say hello to big sister, now,’
‘I hope you rot in whatever dimension you are from. Permanently,’ she spat, glaring up at him, defiance apparent in every line of her body.
Kaden laughed and looked out at the creatures in the audience. ‘Feisty, isn’t she? Just like her sister.’
The crowd laughed, and I wanted to rip every single one of them to pieces. Hot white rage skittered through my body at the blatant disrespect. They would pay. I would make sure of it. Kaden’s eyes were bright red as he held her close. She glared at him with all the fury she could muster even as her eyes filled with tears.
‘Now is there something you want to say to big sis? You know she is watching.’ His smile was downright venomous as he squeezed Gabby’s face a fraction tighter, his thumb caressing against her jawline.
Gabby’s eyes bore into the screen a silent desperation and not one for herself but for the one she knew stared back at her. The one person who gave up her life for hers.
Her eyes clouded with unshed tears as the world held its breath. Not even the creatures behind him moved or breathed. This was it, a defining moment into what was to come. Kaden held the world in his grasp and he relished in it.
‘Remember.’ Gabby swallowed a single tear shedding down her cheek ‘Remember that I love you.’
Kaden jerked upright, taking Gabby with him as he stood. He laughed as Gabby seemed to release a breath, her chest heaving from the fear we all held.
‘See.’ Kaden turned towards the room waving his free hand as his other remained underneath Gabby’s neck holding her in place. ‘That wasn’t so hard was it and they say I am cruel.’ He turned back towards the camera this time his eyes boring into mine as he cupped Gabriella’s chin. ‘Would you like to see the true beast that rests under Dianna’s pretty skin, Samkiel? Do you think you will care for her still? Let’s find out.’
He moved so quickly it even startled me, but I heard it. The crack. I felt it as if it vibrated through the room and into me. No one moved, no one breathed. It was as if time itself slowed down as I watched the light leave her eyes, her soul disappearing from her body. Her body thudded to the ground, her neck contorted. Her small lifeless hand was outstretched, attempting to reach through the screen, desperate for the one she loved the most. I hissed, flexing my hand as a blinding white heat danced across my palm. I glanced down and my heart stuttered as a glowing yellow line seared across my palm bright and iridescent before disappearing.
The blood deal reached completion in the most horrid way.
Blood of my blood my life is sealed with yours until the deal is made complete. I grant you my maker’s life in exchange for my sister’s life. She shall remain free, unharmed, and alive or the deal is broken.
I smelled it before I saw it. A single tilt of her head and a world -shattering boom filled the room. Not a boom. A scream. It was so loud and painful that it shook the building and I knew it could be heard through the realms. Wings and scales replaced skin and limbs as the Ig’Morruthen beneath her skin ripped its way into the world in a matter of seconds. The flames that erupted from her were so hot and bright they blinded me. The force of that massive tail slammed me through walls, concrete, and glass as it tossed me from the room. My vision was consumed with the inferno as the building was engulfed.
My head throbbed, and my ears rang as I sat up cupping them. Moisture coated my palms as my ear drums healed themselves. My clothes burned and torn clung to me, melted into my skin. I patted out some embers along my sleeve as another soul shattering scream split the air. A fissure in the world, pure of pain and rage. An echo of ruin. My dreams came flooding back, and I realized I had gotten it wrong. My translation was mistaken. There were too many words and languages in my brain.
This is how the world ends. That’s what Roccurrem had said.
There will be a shuddering crack, an echo of not only what is lost but what cannot be healed. Then, Samkiel, you will know this is how the world ends.
But it was not this world.
No, it was mine.
It was Dianna.
