Page 15 of Moth & Flame
A watery grin splits her gorgeous face as she gives a surprised laugh.
“You don’t think I’m insane?”
I chuckle, my nose grazing her temple before I plant a kiss on her forehead.
“Kitten, it’s one of my favorite things about you.”
HELLA
LATER THAT EVENING
I’ve spent my life hiding from everyone I know. Born amongst vipers, I never felt safe enough to express anything other than righteous anger or disgust. And now, I’ve been given the gift of Draven Morainu.
I’ve never been much for religion or its zealots, but I will thankAkashevery day for uniting me with mysoulbound.
Even if he is leading me back into the lair of Lazarus—the infamous underground crime lord who gave me Draven’s name. As it turns out, Lazarus has many allies, including Draven. Little did I know, Lazarus was once a Reaper alongside him—many years before Draven retired.
Dark, busted-out windows observe us like haunted, hollow eyes as I scan the abandoned buildings lining the cobblestoned street. Draven, with me moulded to his back, cuts the engine of his motorbike and steers us to the entrance of the same warehouse I visited only months ago.
“There are only two people in this world I would trust with my life outside of you. Lazarus is one of them.”
Still…
“This place is even creepier at night.”
Draven chuckles. “I brought you for one reason, or else I’d have come alone.”
“Why is that?”
“I want his golems to see you. To know that you belong to me and that you’re a friend of Laz’s.”
A shudder runs through me.Golems.
“But why?”
“They are his eyes. They have a hive mind and are everywhere in this city. Under Laz’s orders, they haunt the same nightclubs as Alisterand the otherserpents slithering around the underbelly of this city.If they see that you are mysoulboundandan ally to Laz, they’ll always keep an eye out for you too. You’re safe, Hella. They’ll be another measure of security. If Alister so much as speaks your name, they’ll know about it.”
My stomach churns even as I steel myself. Draven pats my thigh, signalling me to slide off his bike. He follows, pulling me against his chest. Large hands frame my face as he presses a lingering kiss to my lips.
“Nothing will happen, kitten. Lazarus will lure Alister to me, and then he’ll be too fucking dead to raise a hand against you.”
Draven takes my hand, leading me to the warehouse entrance. My heart leaps into my throat as two golems step out of the shadows–orthin-fucking-air–and open the double doors wide for us.
Shafts of moonlight spill through the cavernous ceiling as we’re led by another golem. They’re increasingly rare beings, supposedly animated not by soul but entirely of magic. My eyes roam across the sprawling interior of the warehouse, bouncing from one golem to the next. Some stand sentry, others unpack strange artifacts, while others weave ancient magic through the air and bring new golems to life.
It would take an inconceivable amount of magic to sustain such a large army of golems. Access and control over that kindof magic hasn’t been possible since before The Exiled founded Gothika & the Blackspire Empire.
As a Sanguinati, I should be able towilla goblet of blood into my hand as easily as pouring one. Instead, I am only able to manually pour one, like any otherminori—a being with lesser magic.
But seeing Draven’s magic, and now Lazarus’, makes me wonder if perhaps magic is returning to Gothika.
The golem leading us comes to a stop, silently gesturing us towards a large table draped in black velvet and cluttered with artefacts; a glowing amber orb floats from above.
Behind it stands the notorious crime lord we’ve come to see. With the exception of his gold prosthetic arm, Lazarus is covered head to toe in tattoos. His eyes blaze an unnatural shade of gold—a color that very nearly matches the preternatural shade of his skin and slightly darker hair. His otherworldly beauty is a contrast to the coldness carving his features—until a knowing grin slides across his face to reveal a glittering smile and gilded fangs. His deep voice holds the warmth of the sun as he rounds the table to stand in front of us.
“What a pleasure to see the two of you.Together.”
I can’t help but grin. “Yes, thank you for all your…assistance.”
