Death Bringer

“Are you suggesting your petty conflict with my son is more important than the deaths of his siblings?” the Fae king demanded.

“No, my king. I’m saying that death by combat would be a fitting end for a creature that considers itself the strongest power in Otherworld. Wouldn’t you like to see that, sire? Your son finally overthrown, his power stripped from him and his life ended?”

The king hesitated, his gaze going between Adam and Vadim. “It isn’t my decision. It is up to the court.”

“But would you be willing to consider it?” Adam turned to the others at the table.

“I would enjoy seeing a fight to the death.” Not surprisingly, the Dark Lord’s representative looked suitably excited by the prospect of blood and mayhem. “If the court permits.”

Spencer turned to the two Fae queens, who were quietly conferring. The older woman looked up.

“We have no objection to this fight, as long as it is clear that if Death Bringer wins, all charges against him, including those regarding Nia and Ciaran, are dropped completely.”

“Hold on.” Ella said. “What about what I think? He’s my mate. Don’t I get a say in anything?”

Spencer looked down his nose at her. “I hardly think you have anything of interest to add, Ms. Walsh. This is an Otherworld matter.”

“What about Vadim? He might not want to face Adam.”

“I am more than willing to face him, Soul Sucker.” Vadim’s voice carried clearly across the room to her. “I would only ask that if I lose, your face is returned to you, and you are allowed to leave this world unharmed.”

Adam nodded. “That is agreeable to me.”

“And you speak for the whole sect?”

“I do.”

“Like you think they’ll keep their word.” Ella scowled at the lot of them. “You’re all a bunch of idiots.”

Spencer gathered up his papers. “Then there is no need for any further deliberation on my part. If all parties are content with Death Bringer being held to account in a battle to the death, so am I. This case is adjourned.”

Even while he was speaking, Ella took the opportunity to edge as close to Vadim as she dared.

“Can you hear me?” His cool blue gaze flicked over her. “Do you want me to break you out of there?”

“Why would you want to do that?”

“Because there’s something fishy going on here, and I need to talk it through with you.”

There were sounds of movement behind her, but she didn’t dare look back. “Didn’t you get that bit about our combined powers? I bet we can do anything we want.” She held out her hand. “Are you game?”

“Of course I am, Soul Sucker.”

She focused her thoughts and reached through the thin web of power to take his waiting hand. Shouts echoed behind her, but they meant nothing, because as her power met Vadim’s, they were suddenly and impossibly free.

* * *

“That’s ridiculous.”

Vadim paced back and forth in front of his mate, who was regarding him with a somewhat aggrieved expression.

“No, it makes perfect sense. Adam steals my face, you come back in a rage, threatening to wipe out your entire family—either way he wins.”

“You think this was all set up to destroy me?”

“Why else would the sect be so desperate to get hold of you? Think about it. Think about their obsession with patterns!”

“And killing me would be Adam’s ultimate triumph.”

“Yes!”

He considered the spectacular view over the forest. The sun was setting and he sensed their pursuers were not far behind. Ella still bore his father’s mark. They would be easy to track.

“We have to go back.”

“I know.”

He walked over to her and cupped her cheek. “I have to go back, you do not. If you wish, I can help you find your way home.”

“But I’d have this face, and at some point, if Adam is still alive, he’ll come after me to reclaim his prize and end the contest.”

“I will do my best to kill him for you before I succumb.”

She attempted a grin, but it was a pitiful sight. “You’re so freaking noble.”

“No, I simply want you to survive more than life itself.”

She grabbed his wrist. “Do you want me to go?”

“I don’t want you to see me die.”

“That’s hardly an answer.”

“Ella, I want to live out my life with you for all eternity.” She made as if to break free, but he covered her hand with his own. “I need you.” It was so much easier to express himself in his true form, so much simpler when he didn’t have to worry about exposing his dark side. Ella knew all about him now, and she still hadn’t walked away.

“And I don’t want to leave. I can’t do that to you. Whatever happens, we should face this together.”

He let out a slow breath. “In their supreme arrogance, that’s one thing they haven’t thought about, isn’t it? Your power added to mine brings a whole new dimension to their ability to bring me down.”

“I can help you.”

“I know that.” He kissed her hand. “It’s going to be difficult to prove what you suspect.”

“I suppose it doesn’t matter, if you kill them all anyway.”

“But it does. It matters to my family. I’d rather obtain a confession first.”

“Why should you care? None of them have exactly stood up for you, have they?”

“My mother and grandmother have supported me to the best of their ability, but the charges of killing Nia and Ciaran were enough to shake even their faith. They believed I’d become a danger to everyone.” He sighed. “If what you suspect is true, my death will simply enhance the power of the sect.”

“If Adam really has delusions of ruling Otherworld.”

“We can’t allow that to happen.” He glanced over at the hills, where an ominous cloud was forming. “They are coming. Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

“Absolutely. If anyone is going to kick your ass, Morosov, it’s going to be me, not a bunch of crazy old Fae.”

“I love you, Soul Sucker.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Dude, don’t say that. Wait until the end of the movie. If you start getting all emotional now, it means you’ll never make it.”

“But what if I never have the opportunity to say it again?” He hesitated. “What if they succeed in killing me?”

“They will, if you go in with such a defeatist attitude. What’s wrong with you?” She smacked his upper arm. “You’re the most powerful being in Otherworld! Get a grip!”

Her ability to simultaneously see through his doubts and make him feel like a complete dork made him want to smile. She was maddening, but God help him, he couldn’t imagine a world without her. If only she would say the words to him. He would carry them into battle like a medieval lady’s favor and become invincible.

He stepped away from her and swept an elaborate bow. “As my lady wishes.”

Guards appeared all around the small clearing. Adam materialized and nodded complacently at them both.

“I assume you are ready now, Death Bringer?”

“Damn right, he is.” Ella strolled up to Adam and smiled at him. “There’s something else you should