Gripping my dagger, I let my anger take over as I charged after one of the dark fae and stabbed him in the heart, his body turning to ash within seconds. Ridge’s jaw clenched and I smiled just before my body gave out beneath me and I fell to my knees.
“Not a fair fight considering it takes twelve of you bastards to fight me.”
Ridge stalked closer and grabbed my neck, hauling me up to my feet. “I don’t play fair.”
I scoffed. “You wouldn’t stand a chance against me.”
Two of his men came up beside me, and their bruising grips held my arms so tight they began to feel numb. Ridge stepped back and picked my dagger up off the floor, inspecting it curiously.
“So, this is the dagger that killed my father.” His eyes gleamed when he looked at me. “Just think of how poetic it will be to kill you with the same one.”
I tried to conjure my magic to form a portal, but I was too weak to concentrate. Finally, my legs grew heavy, and everything around me spun. Ridge drew closer, his face only a mere inch from mine.
Licking his lips, he stared down at my mouth. “Your power is strong. I can feel it flowing through me.”
Without hesitation, I headbutted him and felt his nose crack. “Can you feelthat?” I fired back.
Growling in pain, Ridge grabbed his nose and blood poured through his fingers. “Fucking bitch!” he snarled, slapping me across the face.
Usually, a hit to the face didn’t hurt me, but this stung like hell. My legs grew heavier, and I didn’t know how much longer I’d be able to stand, but I pushed through it. Ridge grabbed my neck and squeezed, cutting off my air.Never show weakness.I repeated that over and over in my mind. His grip loosened and he smiled as I sucked in a ragged breath.
“You know, I heard a fascinating story the other day.” He let me go and paced back and forth in front of me, still holding my dagger. “Do you want to hear it?”
“I’m sure you’re going to tell it to me either way,” I grumbled.
Ridge chuckled and wiped the rest of the blood off his face with his T-shirt. “I found out through Kai’s blood that you and he were connected. It’s amazing what a powerful witch can find out.” And I was sure the same witch was the one who produced all the different siphoning stones. As he walked past, Ridge slid my dagger over my chest, ripping the top of my shirt in the process. “Oh, how many secrets my brother has kept from me. I have to say everything has worked out perfectly.” He stopped in front of me and grazed the dagger down the side of my neck. I could feel the warmth of my blood sliding down my skin and soaking my shirt. Ridge bit his lip as he watched my blood flow. “You are the final step to starting the war. If everything had been clear from the beginning, my brother never would’ve been enthralled by your pussy.” He raked the dagger down the front of my shirt, ripping it open until he got to the waistband of my jeans. “There was a time when I wanted to know what you tasted like. It’s a shame we’re running out of time.”
“You’re a sick, twisted bastard.” The loss of blood didn’t help with them siphoning my energy. “Before this is all said and done,” I continued, trying to keep my voice strong, “I will watch you die. And I’m going to enjoy every second of it.”
Smirking, Ridge grabbed my face, nipping my bottom lip with his teeth. “Sorry,Your Highness,” he taunted, “your reign ends now.” He stepped back and nodded at the two men holding my arms. “Hold her steady. This is going to be quick.”
Everything happened so fast that I didn’t even see him slit my wrists clear to the bone. My arms were already heavy and numb, so I didn’t feel a thing. All I knew was that I wasn’t far from taking my last breath.
As my blood pooled on the floor, my vision went blurry. A woman walked up, but I couldn’t see her face clearly; she was strong, a witch. She stopped beside Ridge and held a small blue stone next to my blood on the floor. I watched as some of it absorbed into the rock. Once that was done, she handed the stone to Ridge.
“I’ve done what you’ve asked. Now leave me be. I don’t want any part in this. The fae are not my enemy.”
Scowling, Ridge dismissed her with a wave of his hand. “Get the fuck out of here then. I don’t need you anymore.” She quickly walked away, and he pocketed the stone. “All right, guys, let her go. We’re done here.” The second they let me go, I fell to the floor, unable to feel a thing. “Kai will be here soon, and then it’ll be over. He’ll come back to us,” Ridge said, laughing.
He would only go back to them if he was pushed over the edge. To do that, he’d need to use his magic. And it just so happened he had my aunt Meliantha’s healing powers that his father stole and put in him.
The harsh reality of what was about to happen pierced through my heart.
I was going to lose Kai.
Iwas going to be his undoing.
Chapter27
Kai
The second Ella disappeared, I couldn’t feel our connection anymore. It gave me the relief I needed. But I knew the moment she stepped back into the mortal world, the need for vengeance would amplify. My control was hanging on by a thread. I honestly didn’t know if I’d be able to touch her again without wanting to kill her.
I didn’t want those thoughts in my mind, but they plagued my soul. Even now, I wanted to go on the hunt, but I also wanted to spread her wide and claim every square inch of her. My mind was a complete clusterfuck.
Hours passed as I sat in our cabin, waiting for her to show back up. The more time that went on, the more impatient I became. There was a gnawing feeling in my gut, screaming something was wrong. All I wanted was to see her again, even if it was the last time.
I opened a portal to the Land of the Fae and stepped through, right into the living room of Ella’s cottage. I was hoping to feel her presence somewhere, but there was nothing. Everything was dark and quiet except for the snow pattering on the icy roof.