And then there.” I point to the hordes of demons.

She curls her lip. “So, you are set on rejoining the Bloodbane. Filthy liar.”

I barely glance at her as I march down the rocky hillside. “I’m going to kill Sadal.”

Chapter 20

Altair

Sadal and his army are within flying distance and a half day’s march for my army. If I can help it, I want to suspend the bloodshed until Sadal is gone. We outmatch his Bloodbane and demons on the field. Sadal is the real threat. One I’ll eliminate tonight.

I stand on the balcony overlooking the sea, but my eyes are trained on the mainland. It’s to the north that my query lies. The sun sets over the sea, red like blood and I can’t help but think of the carnage and gore that awaits. My lips twist into a worried frown as I consider what’s to come. With Sadal dead, there will be nothing to control the demons. They’ll scatter like leaves in the wind. Before that happens, my army needs to be ready. We move into position tonight, while I take care of the dark god.

I feel Thal appear at my shoulder, moving silently. “What is it?” I ask, gaze still locked on the inky darkness in the distance. I check for the enchanted dagger at my waist.

“Don’t do this,” he says. He leans against the railing and looks out over the sea. “There’s no need to sacrifice yourself, Altair. We have soldiers who’ve trained as assassins in the past; send one of them.”

Thal couldn’t understand the responsibility I bear at this point. Everything that’s happened until this point has been because of my mistakes. I can’t let someone else pay for them. Of course, Thal will simply retort that it’s my duty as King to stay alive. I eye him, keeping my face a mask. “I want the satisfaction.” I don’t balk at the half-lie. I do want to be the one who cuts his heart out, but there’s more to it than that.

Thal shakes his head. “Don’t be stupid.”

“Stay here, ask the witch how to get Verity out of the ether,” I say. It isn’t a request and he knows it.

Thal’s eyes drop to his hands, clenched tightly in front of him. “We’ll get her out, Altair.”

My thoughts drift back to the night of the summer solstice. I remember being consumed with jealousy as I watched Thal and Verity together. It was so easy for him to make her laugh. I frown. “Keep her happy,” I finally say even though it makes my stomach churn.

“Don’t.” Thal shakes his head. “I care about her, but don’t ever think for one second she wouldn’t choose you over anything. Besides, you’re coming back, you arrogant fool.”

I clap him on the back and force a smile. “What I said before – about you taking my place – still stands.”

“Gods, no,” he groans.

The last light of day winks out over the horizon and I clamber up onto the balcony railing. “Don’t fuck it up like I did,” I say, half-joking.

“You didn’t. You won’t,” Thal says as he narrows his eyes at me. I know what he’s thinking. Don’t you dare die, Altair.

“I’ll do my best.” I dip my chin at him before diving headfirst off the balcony.

I don’t hear his response as I rush towards the violent waves below. I curl in on myself, willing the curse to take effect. My nails extend into sharp and deadly claws and my eyesight grows more acute in the darkness. Fur covers my skin, warming me in the chill air. I stretch out my wings, letting them catch the strong winds the blister against the walls. Ocean spray wets my wings.

I wheel away from the cliffs and up the walls of the castle. I pass Thal, blasting him with a gust of wind. He curses at me under his breath but I’m out of earshot in seconds. I turn towards Sadal’s army in the distance, wishing the night sky was cloudy to obscure my approach.

To the east, I catch sight of a Fae woman on the crest of a hill, but she darts out of sight quickly. Below me, the demon army has started to stretch out. Dots and clusters of demons cover the landscape. Some individuals lope across the landscape and sharp howls reach my ears. I soar higher, into a wisp of cloud so I’m certain they won’t hear the rhythm of my wings. Eyes narrowed, I search the length of the horde for signs of Sadal. If he’s here, he’ll be in the most luxurious tent. Humble, he is not.

As I pass over the Bloodbane tents, I see the one I’m certain is his. Sitting outside a cluster of makeshift shelters, Sadal’s tent is grand – larger than any others by far. Even in the darkness, I can tell the canopy is blood red. I circle it twice, searching for any signs of guards or life within. But I can’t do this all night and I don’t know when Sadal will order the attack.

Taking a deep breath to still my nerves, I swoop low, gliding on the gentle wind so I don’t make a sound. I land behind the tent, facing out towards the darkness. My eyes rake over the hills and gnarly trees, searching for signs of patrol. But there’s nothing. I huff softly. The arrogance of my enemies is astounding.

I shift back into my Fae form when I’m certain that there will be no surprise Bloodbane attack. Silently, I draw Verity’s dagger from its place at my waist and hold it loosely in one hand. My heart is pounding rapidly with adrenaline, cold seat beading on my brows. I slip around the edge of the tent towards the door and listen. A soft glow emanates from inside; a single candle perhaps. My Fae ears strain to hear any traces of noise within the tent. But there’s nothing. Just silence.

Hair on end, I slink between the tent flaps and into the

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