Page 148 of Fated In Ruin
I couldn’t explain how, or what changed, but something shifted.
Ravok held up his hand, dark eyes gleaming when the beast went silent. My burgeoning hope went still at the utter satisfaction on his face. “There. Blood oathsalwayswin out. You will obey me and she will be my queen.”
Fuck. Somehow that goddamned blood oath Malachi had sworn eons ago somehow held dominance over…this.
Malachi really couldn’t move, frozen into place with a wave of Ravok’s hand. I was soaking wet, back flattened against the wall, my dark flames curled protectively around me, but they paled in comparison to the two immortals in the room.
I stared at Ravok in disbelief. “Your queen? Are you serious?”
His rough laugh bounced off the glossy walls. “Once my kind has bowed to me, I need the covens to follow. When the High Priestesses know I control Rhiannon magic, no witch in the world will dare oppose me.”
“Yeah, just kill me now,” I spat, searching Malachi’s face for any hint of movement
“That can be arranged,” he replied mildly. “But what a waste that would be.” He extended his hand. “Come willingly, and I will ensure your friends survive the coming purge. Resist, and...” He gestured toward the captive creature. “Well, my new pet needs feeding.”
I snorted as the rumbling in Malachi’s chest rose to thunderous levels.
“You are seriously an idiot,” I muttered to myself, pushing myself up out of the water, which flowed back into the still pool without so much as a ripple.
I glanced at Malachi, and for one heartbeat, something flickered in those burning eyes—a momentary clarity—his broad chest heaving as he watched me with unnatural stillness. He was still in there, at least, even if his body was under Ravok’s control. More and more power flowed from him, some sucked into the void behind him, some mixing with the magic leaking up from the floor.
There wasn’t a shred of doubt he was stronger than Ravok could ever hope to be.
And maybe…maybe I could break Ravok’s hold on him long enough for him to use that power to destroy his Maker. God knew it was time for this fucker to die.
But if these two went to war down here, they would bring this mountain down around us. Blake, Rohr and Eldric were in these tunnels—and quite possibly Nash and Fiona.
And while I wanted nothing more than to see this asshole burn, I had no desire for my friends to burn along with him.
I had to get us all out of here.
Alive. Intact.
I need you to trust me, Malachi. Just…play along, if you remember what that means.
“Fine. You fucking win.” I turned toward Ravok, letting my shoulders slump in defeat. My flames flickered out and died. I splashed across the pool toward Ravok, then paused. “May at least I say goodbye?” I asked, my voice small and broken. “Please. Just…can I tell him how much he meant to me?”
Ravok considered, then nodded, as if he was granting a great gift. “A final farewell. How pathetic.”
Icy water swirled around my ankles as I approached the beast, my hands open at my sides to show I meant no harm. The creature tracked my approach, obsidian eyes glimmering. This close, the resemblance to Malachi was apparent in the shape of its jaw, the set of its wide shoulders, bulky with muscle, yet somehow, still him.
I’m not going to hurt you. But I need your help.
“I know you're in there,” I whispered, hesitating before I reached out and traced my fingers over his skin. Soft, almost velvety.Warm.
For the briefest moment, the stars in his eyes sparked, then he blinked once, slowly, deliberately.
If you and Ravok do battle down here, this mountain will collapse. We’ll all die. You’ll get your chance, but…I need you to help me get everyone out first. Can you do that for me?
I slung a glare over my shoulder at Ravok, for good measure.And I’ll never let him use you. I swear it on my life.
The beast’s arm shook as he reached out and dragged a talon, sharp and black and as long as my finger, down my cheek with the utmost gentleness, the tip barely scraping my skin.
I don’t know how to dematerialize. But I need you to take me to Riordan and Blake, they’re down here somewhere.His eyes lifted over my head; gaze directed at the doorway.
Yes, out there in the tunnels. I can still move. I’ll incapacitate Ravok, then you take me to Riordan and Blake, and we all escape. Understand?
He didn't move, then, finally,Yes, I understand.
