Broken

know if he lies.”

“I agree,” Luka said. “I want to see their proof with my own eyes.”

Octavion thought about that for a moment. If Nigel had her, then she could still be alive-at least for the moment. He needed to believe that if he’d saved her life once, he’d not harm her now.

But if Kira was indeed dead, there was nothing they could do to help her. And if she were held captive by Kazedon, Octavion would have to plan their attack carefully so she would not be harmed. Luka was right. He had to see this proof of death first. Then he would know what must be done.

“Luka, I want you to go to my lair. Gather our weapons and ask my father to meet me in the grand hall. Cade, there are two tiger cubs wandering near where we found Shandira. They are without a mother. Find them and bring them back to the castle. Altaria will know what to do with them.”

“You are not going there alone, Octavion,” Cade said. “We are not leaving until we have your word.”

“You have it. There is another task that lies before me. I must take my sister home to her father.”

Chapter Thirty Eight

Under advisement from both Belesgar and Nestor, Octavion decided to ask permission to enter at the main gate. He requested another meeting with the king under the pretense of viewing his proof. It was understood that they came in peace and that what they sought was merely a formality-a necessity to prevent any further bloodshed. Surprising to them, he agreed. Octavion believed King Tyrious simply wanted to gloat.

When they entered the castle they were met by the same Royal guards who had escorted Luka and Octavion on their last visit-and about a dozen more. King Tyrious had sired only one heir, but he had many brothers who had many sons. They were not lacking in their Royal strength, as was Xantara.

Octavion had never before seen such a flamboyant display of conceit as he strode down the long grand hall. Gold statues lined the room on both sides-most of them resembling the king-and everything in the room was either covered in gold, gems or both. When his reflection caught the light from several large torches positioned around the perimeter, it almost blinded him.

At the far end of the room sat King Tyrious, perched on a grand gold and gem-encrusted throne raised from the floor by several steps. Upon his head sat an equally opulent crown, slightly askew atop his bald head.

“What is it you seek?” he asked as they approached.

The guards stepped in front of Cade and Luka, preventing them from going any further, though Octavion was allowed to continue. As he reached the bottom of the first step, King Tyrious held up his hand, signaling that Octavion had come close enough.

Reluctant to show respect, Octavion cringed as he knelt on one knee and bowed his head. “We come in peace, King Tyrious.” Octavion raised his head to find the king’s eyes watching him intently. Octavion could see fear in them and it surprised him. “We hear you hold proof of your son’s avengement and we desire to see it with our own eyes.”

Tyrious’ focus shifted behind Octavion and then to his side. He motioned with his hand, sending a young boy scurrying behind a large curtain at the side of the room.

“I trust this proof will end your enquiries on this subject,” Tyrious said.

“It will,” Octavion lied.

Tyrious gestured again, this time giving Octavion permission to stand. “Then I shall allow you to see it.”

Octavion’s imagination had run wild with what the proof might be-of everything from her severed head to her lifeless heart presented on a platter. The images in his head caused bile to rise in his throat. He swallowed hard to avoid showing the kingdom of Kazedon any weakness.

When the curtain parted, and the young boy came out holding something wrapped in a bloody piece of fabric, the muscles in Octavion’s back twitched and he stopped breathing. He could hear Luka and Cade trying to convince the guards that it was just as important for them to view the evidence, finally persuading them to allow them through. As they took their place by his side, their thoughts tried to comfort him, but he gave no response. He focused on one thing-the proof held by a young boy that could cut him in two.

The boy approached with shaking hands and wide eyes. “Shall I open it for you?” he asked.

Still not breathing, Octavion turned his head away from the bundle and took in a short breath, barely enough to satisfy his lungs. It still burned-the blood belonged to Kira. “No,” Octavion whispered. He stretched out his arms and let the boy lower the object into his hands. It was light, too light for what Octavion’s mind had imagined. He took another breath.

Octavion, would you like me to do it? Cade asked.

Octavion shook his head. He slowly unwound the fabric. When the last piece lay back and their so-called evidence came into view, Octavion didn’t know how to react. Their proof-their solid evidence that Kira was indeed dead-was a blood soaked braid of red hair. It was Kira’s hair and Kira’s blood, but it was no proof of death. The only thing this proved, was that she had been injured and some sadistic fool of a Royal had received a reward for something he hadn’t done.

“Is this your only proof?” Octavion asked.

“It is.” King Tyrious said. “I am told her body was fed to the lions.” His words held no remorse and neither did the smirk on his face.

Octavion tried to push the image from his mind. “The woman who this belonged to was to be my wife; she would have been queen of Xantara. May I enquire of the man who brought you this proof? I would like to retrieve what is left of her body so we may have an honorable burial.”

Cade and Luka both tensed. Careful, Luka thought. We do not want to anger them, not here.

Octavion ignored him.

“I am told there is nothing left. What purpose would it serve to view the feeding grounds of a wild beast?”

Octavion took more air into his lungs, fighting to control his rage. “I will not view it myself, your majesty, but send my cousins there to search for her remains. If there is but a single bone that can be retrieved, I want it properly laid to rest. I would also request that I take this with me as well.” He gently folded the fabric back around her braid and handed it to Cade. “If it is all we have, it will be enough.”

Tyrious considered him for a few moments, then agreed to Octavion’s request. In a moment, a man appeared before the king. Octavion recognized him by the scar on his face.

Luka grabbed Octavion’s shoulder to keep him from advancing. Not yet, he instructed. We will deal with him later. Right now we need to find Kira.

Octavion nodded. He knew Luka was right, but it was all he could do not to rip the monster to pieces with his bare hands.

“Draego, these Xantarian’s would like the location of their. . wench.”

The king’s words caused Octavion’s muscles to swell. He leaned forward, exposed his feline teeth and growled.

“Down, boy,” Draego said. Then he bared his feline teeth and hissed.

The rage Octavion had been suppressing surged through his body and there was no holding back. He flew at Draego, taking him to the ground. As Octavion opened his mouth and lowered his razor sharp teeth to his neck, the room exploded with Royals. Octavion felt Draego’s pulse on his lips as his teeth punctured his skin. Cade and Luka ripped Octavion from the room with so much force it was impossible for him to resist. They came down hard, right in front of the hunting cottage.

“How dare you!” Octavion roared, the taste of Draego’s blood fresh on his lips.

They were all fully transformed-hunched over and ready to fight.

Luka snarled. “You gave us no choice. Do you want them to wage war on your people? Do you want them seeking revenge on your family?”

“He said he killed Kira! He deserves to die.” He advanced toward Luka, but Cade stepped between them.

“You do not know that, Octavion. We have seen nothing to prove her death. Nothing.” He held her blood