Page 94 of The Dark Will Fall


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“So have you!” Nuada snapped back, through gritted teeth, but the garbled words came out assuh hab yoo.Her wings snapped out, but they were ragged stubs. Nuadapulled,and the shadows lurking in every corner of the room gained form. Reaching for Balor, as if they were substantial.

Balor hopped back, waving away the shadows, though her hands did not pass through them as she hoped.

Nuada exploded. The Queen of Air and Darkness had truly earned her name. She would have been faster with her wings; there was no doubt about that, but she more than made up for the ravaged appendages. Summoning shadowy limbs that clawed at Balor—finally, the Dark God dropped her amused smile. Bubbles rose, as the water parted in several places, as if Nuada had brought the sky with her. The light cast more shadows. Air and Darkness.

Balor skidded backward, grabbing one of the tendrils of her dress and wrapping it around her fist.

They danced, neither one willing to get close enough to touch. Grief painted Nuada’s face, and tearless sobs rocked her body as she summoned the energy to fight. Kicking, biting, and scratching at Balor. Blood turned the water pink, where the shadows parted enough to see.

Nuada stopped, grasping an invisible restraint. Balor had formed a rope from her dress, dropping the Siren Queen to her knees with the leash. Balor placed her foot between her broken wings.

“That was your ilk, was it?” Balor purred. “A fitting end, to die with your kin. Is it not?”

Arden was dead.

I’d forgotten the plan. Did we have a plan?

It felt like the world had dissolved under my feet.

“Let her go!” I stepped forward, holding out my hands.

Balor’s head snapped to the side, as if she had only just realized I was there. She blinked, as if waking up. She dropped Nuada, kicking her to the ground. Looking down her nose as the broken woman, as she gasped for breath.

“You’re right.” Balor brushed her hands down the front of her dress. “My quarrel isn’t such a defective being. Belisama is the one who deserves my rage. And when the Fomorians devourthe Tuatha Dé Danann, and all the gods within, I will finally be vindicated.”

My eyes narrowed at her words. “You want revenge against my mother?” I echoed back.

“Amongst other things.” Balor held out her hands. “Nuada displeased me. I almost had everything I wanted before she came and stole you away, little Cruinn.”

But I was walking a tightrope. Balor needed to be in giant form if we had any hope of killing her. But the chances were higher of her killing my mates before that happened.

“So, you want me?” I stepped away from my mates.

I’d made an effort not to look at them. Not to draw attention to our bonds. It had hurt like hell, but I couldn’t risk them again. Balor knew who they were to me, but if she knew how much they meant to me, she could very well kill them just to hurt me.

Balor had sent them to the harem last time. Stating that all males were the same. She didn’t have a high opinion of our relationship. I could use that.

“Well, you have me.” I held my arms out, the gesture open as if I was on display. “But that wasn’t the bargain, was it?”

Balor regarded me as if seeing me for the first time. She stepped away from Nuada’s unconscious body. For every step she took, I took another, until we circled each other like sharks.

“The Kelpie for Dadga’s magic,” I stated.

Balor squinted, searching for the trick. “Yes. That was the bargain. Return the dadga’s magic to the throne, and the Kelpie is yours.”

He’s already mine! “Return Dagda’s magic to the throne.” I echoed. Careful to get the words exactly right.

“Yes.” She purred suspiciously.

“Perhaps I could interest you in another bargain?”

“Maeve! No!” Rainn argued, before someone silenced him. Likely Shay Mac Eoin.

“What would you offer?” Balor asked gently. Neither of us allowed the other to get closer.

“Send Nuada away, and the others. The Mer, Selkie, Kelpie, and Nymph. Perhaps Liam Cruinn, as well. Let them leave the city, unscathed, and I will sit on the throne for you without argument.” I stated plainly, meeting her eyes. “Let them for, and I will allow the throne to bleed me dry for whatever nefarious purpose you can dream up.”

Balor’s eyes sparkled. “But, it’s more fun when you fight me.” She flashed her pale white teeth. “It’s more fun when you scream.”