Violet fire.
That means…
There are low growls coming from all directions as the bush catches fire. I push Amias off me, only to turn him over so he’s under me. I can't let him get hurt.
“Clara!” he snaps.
I bare my teeth. “Stay down.”
“I never thought I would see something so ironic,” Vasilisa's familiar voice cackles. I come face to face with the purple dreamscreecher, her deadly eyes glowing.
Shit!
“Amara's offspring and a dreamscreecher. Confessing their unrequited love for each other. How fun!”
Chapter 40
Amias
I glance between Clara and the dreamscreecher. The approaching dreamscreecher growls black shadows of the same species coming out from the bushes.
Clara brings herself to her feet, standing in front of me. “Get away from us!”
I can't let them get after Clara.
I get up despite Clara's earlier warning. Once I'm on my feet, I grab her by the shoulder, and step between her and the attacker. “You’ll have to fight me first!”
“Amias!” Clara growls, pulling my tensed up arm. “Sit down!”
“So protective over your dearest little dreamscreecher, aren't you?” The violet dreamscreecher teases. “Your grandmother would love to see this.”
Clara shoves my shoulder. “Leave him alone! He has nothing to do with this!”
I yank her behind me. “It has everything to do with me!” I glower at our attacker, my muscles tight against my skin.
“Don't make this harder than it needs to be,” The dreamscreecher snickers. “In fact, this could be an opportunity to amend things with your family. Let us kill the monster that made you wish for such insanity, and they’ll forgive you.”
Dreamscreechers deserve to die!
No! Not that voice!
I grumble at the voice while clenching my fists. “No. I won't do that.”
“Just think about it. You'll be back in yourGrandmommy'sfavor, and you'll be everyone's little good boy. Everyone will praise you. Meanwhile, I can get rid of the very thing that's burdened you.”
“Amias! Get out of here!” Clara shouts.
Let Dreamscreechers die!
I shake my head again. I'm not just going to leave. That voice has no power over me.
“I wouldn't dare betray her for a kingdom that’s looked at me like shit under their shoes.” I look at Clara. “She has always been on my side, even when everyone else has called me a freak. I love my Grandmother, but my defiance is for her own good. I would give my life for Clara. I’d rather it be me than her.”
Clara gawks at me. “No, Amias… I can't-”
“You're not getting rid of me,” I say firmly, reaching and squeezing her hand. “You can't change my mind about this.”
Whoosh!
