He spins away, jogging towards the portal before I can speak again. My gut twists. I wish I had been able to say more to him. I force a smile, watching his lean figure disappearing into the haze of heat. He'll come back, I assure myself. Of course, he will. But my thoughts are hollow and I know I don't trust them myself. Thal is long gone by the time I pull myself away from watching him. I head towards the cobweb cage, prepared to tear it open and seal it back up when the Shades have been forced through. I can't help but glance over my shoulder every few minutes to scan the horizon for any signs of my friend. My heart pounds, a steady drum of fear.
I haven’t been in a real battle since the scouting group that found me after I escaped the Ether was attacked by the enemy. I was paralyzed by fear then, and I wonder if I will be now. I clench my hands into fists. I can’t be. I have to protect the people I care about the most. I stare at Altair as he and Erzur move from position to position, gesturing. I can’t lose anyone. And I’ll do anything I have to. I thumb the ornate dagger at my waist. Anything.
Chapter 17
Altair
The night is pitch black, lit only by the soft glow of the cobweb cages and the torches we’ve scattered around the perimeter. I stand in the middle, sword in hand, staring into the darkness. My Fae sight isn’t as sharp in the Ether as it is in the realms above and I feel a wave of frustration that I can’t see much farther than a mortal could. My skin tingles with apprehension, muscles tight. Erzur prowls the perimeter like a wild cat. From time to time she swings her sword experimentally and I know she’s eager for the battle to begin.
“Once more,” Serus says from behind me. His voice is even but I can hear the strain in it. Even one of the most powerful beings in the Ether is frightened of what’s to come.
“Okay,” Verity says, sounding tired but focused.
Magic thrums in the air and I hear the whisper of silk as Verity weaves the cage back together. The sound lasts for only an instant and I feel the tightness in my chest ease. She’s getting better, closing it more quickly now. Even Serus seems satisfied by her success. Suddenly, I see a flash of movement in the darkness and I whip towards it, heart racing. Erzur halts her stalking, watching.
Howls pierce the night, shattering the stillness. I move closer to the torches, joining Erzur, and we drop into combat stances. The air hums with energy and fear but I still myself. I picture a mountain lake and a sunset so vibrant it paints the water blood red. Soon, the ground will be soaked with blood, a lake in and of itself. The serene picture settles me and I breathe deeply and evenly until my heart rate is slow and steady. The sword is an extension of my arm, a part of me bred for killing.
And the Shades are coming.
I hear the ringing of metal against metal and I know Verity has drawn her own dagger. She’ll be near the cage for most of the battle as we herd the Shades towards the cage. If we’re lucky, Verity won’t need to spill any blood. But I doubt we’ll be so fortunate. Sadal will be beside her, and I’ve already warned her that if she must, she can use him as a defensive shield. I grin at the prospect, but Verity wasn’t pleased when she heard my advice. She’s too kind-hearted for her own good.
I hear a soft chuckle and turn towards the sound, brows furrowed with confusion. “Sadal,” Verity says, her voice raised with surprise and fear.
The former Dark God is standing beside Freia’s cage, grinning like a madman. I narrow my eyes at him. “What are you doing? We don’t have time for this.”
“No,” he purrs. “You don’t have much time at all.”
Suddenly, flames burst from his palms and envelop his forearms. He lifts his arms admiring the magic. Erzur’s gaze darts between Sadal and the darkness where the Shades are coming closer quickly. “Altair,” she says warningly.
Sadal saunters towards us as Freia looks on with a wicked smile. He flings his hand out at me and I dart to the side as a ball of fire careens towards me. It bursts on the dried earth, singeing it, and sparks fly. “Gods, it feels good to be me again,” he says, satisfaction oozing in his voice.
I look sharply at Freia, realization striking me. “What have you done?”
She waves a lazy hand. “We made a bargain. A favor for a favor.”
“Just a touch of her power and it’s almost as good as new,” Sadal sighs. He turns black eyes on me. “Do you know what I would like to do first? Repay you for your kindness.”
“I told you we should have killed him,” Erzur snarls.
“Next time you want to kill someone, I’ll listen,” I snap.
Sadal turns towards Verity and cocks his head. “Don’t you think they already make a darling couple? But you and I, we could be stronger. Better. You could be a God.”
“Focus, Sadal,” Freia hisses. Her eyes turn towards the darkness. “We can’t wait much longer.”
He tuts and shrugs at Verity. “It’s too bad we didn’t have more time, darling. But don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll find a way to move on.”
“Hurry,” Freia urges, smiling manically.
Sadal looks at her with scorn. “Never trust a God, Freia.”
“Let me out, like we agreed,” Freia demands, her voice strained with emotion.
“No.” Sadal curls his lip at her. “I don’t think I will.”
“Damn you, Sadal,” Freia screams, eyes wild with rage. “Damn you!”
“Enjoy eternity, Freia, I’m sure the Shades will make wonderful company.” Sadal smirks.
Freia screams, the sound ragged with fury at Sadal’s betrayal but
