“Remnant, no!”
Roaring, I sprung forward out of my dazed stupor to stop her and to send her stubborn ass through that window myself, but again my father and I were slammed back into the wall, this time fully restrained by the red shadows. I roared when my fathers eyesrolled in the back of his head and he slumped in their hold, losing consciousness.
“Release me! Release me you fool!”Ethereal clawed outward and I struggled to hold the walls, the power inside of me churning.
Not enough. Never enough. This was not happening again. Red shadows sprung forward and a small gasp escaped my soulmate's lips when they penetrated through her body, extending out of her back and lifting her to eye level with the possessed master healer.
“Stop this!” I roared and the walls rattled with my anguish.
“I will take everything from you Daemon Ash Strider—!” Another burgundy shadow sprung forth, this time impaling Remnant through the chest. So fucking close to her heart. I stared, horrified when my soulmate’s sword slipped from her fingers and clattered harshly to the floor.
My cries of agony rattled the entire fucking city.
Emerald green eyes met mine.
“No!” I screamed as pure unfiltered power, so gold it was white, released from deep inside me and blinded me from the outside in.
This world was going to fucking burn.
Chapter 76
Istayedslumpedoverthestolen corrupted shadows that now impaled me. The pain was almost unbearable but not life threatening…yet. I had no time to tell Emon my plan. The roars coming from him were thunderous but I maintained my focus. Ice cold focus. Despite the terror in Emon’s beautiful gold eyes, I had no intention of dying today.
I would see Emon again…and Riella.
I only hoped I had bought Penina enough time to get Riella to safety. Tears filled my eyes at the memory…
Decision made, I knelt before Riella. “There is no time to explain, little one. I’m sorry it always feels like this.” Then I dropped Shen’s dragon scale over her head.
It’s okay, Remnant.” Her voice trembled, but her chin tilted high. She was goddess damn brave.
I kissed herforehead. “Continue to be brave, my sweet little one. There is a shifter below, her name is Penina. Listen to her well. I will find you again when I’m done here.” I whispered fiercely.
Her tiny hand cupped my face. “You won’t have to be alone then either…mother.” The gold in her eyes swirled with the emerald green knowingly.
Holding back my sob, I leaned into her touch, memorizing every precious feel of her hand on my face, a claiming brand I wish I could have forever. “I’m sorry, my daughter.” Then without hesitating, I lifted her and launched her out the alcove.
My daughter gave no cry while she flew from the second story alcove into the waiting shifter’s arms. Penina caught her with ease and cradled her tightly against her chest, then nodded and turned to run far, far away from here. If Emon was my soul then Riella was my heart. I wouldn’t live without either of them.
Turning I drew my sword…
“Forta.”Called a warm soothing voice.
I blinked back the memory and looked up with tears in my eyes to see bright blue ancient ones staring back at me. Clear of the Sanguine.
“Jarquinn.” Sorrow filled me. I could see the pain within him, the fight he was losing, the cost it took for him to speak to me, to hold it off for a moment longer.
I gasped when a fierce golden light blasted around us and the burgundy shadows hissed, releasing us both from their grip as if burned.
Jarquinn and I crumbled to the floor, my hand landing on my dropped sword. Gripping it, I crawled to the healer, dragging it across the floor against the surging power around us.
Jar’s pain stricken eyes looked up at me.
“I am at your service, master healer.” I whispered.
“It is time to be who you are meant to be,forta.” His voice was but a mere whisper yet the strength there could raise the sun.
Tears dropped from my eyes and stained the wooden floor next to his mangled body. “A lesson to be had and learned.” I whispered back.
