The Eden Series: The Complete Collection (87 page)

“What news?” Aziz asked, his voice betraying no sign of noticing her awkward moment.

“The two armies are in place. They are to meet at sunrise,” Elex replied.

A wide, pleased smile spread across Aziz’s face. Rain kept her focus on him rather than Elex. “And so things will finally begin to progress,” he said happily. “I am pleased with this. Any trouble?”

Elex shook his head. “Nothing immediate. Three people sensed me, but I stayed above the clouds.”

Aziz sat up straighter, his face filled with surprise. “Who sensed you?” Rain looked to Elex for his answer, and found herself admiring the intricate tattoo on his face as he spoke.

“It was the witch the High King keeps with him, the forest person, and, of course, Aiden,” he replied. Aziz sat back, deep in thought. Elex turned his head slightly so their eyes met.
Your face is still bruised,
his deep voice filled her mind.
Are you well?

I’m fine,
she projected back to him in a flat tone. She raised one of her hands to touch the still tender side of her face where she had been struck. It was yellow now, but would probably be gone within another day or so.

“It is interesting that he has allowed the witch to remain this time,” Aziz said, interrupting her private thoughts. She looked across the table at him as he rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “The forest person is also a surprise, although more of a pleasant one I should say.” He looked to Elex, and Rain had the distinct impression they were communicating silently to each other. Now that she thought about it, she remembered that the Shaman had also been interested in the involvement of the forest person. She wondered what was so significant about her. The Shaman had almost been afraid, although it didn’t appear that Aziz was having the same sort of reaction. He looked quite pleased about the news, which confused her even more. She would have asked, but didn’t want to interrupt what was happening between them.

The image of the white haired girl sprung into her mind. All Rain could think about was how she had killed the Shaman. She had wanted to attack the girl in that moment, but had been rooted to her spot in disbelief. There was also the fact that all forest people were much stronger than normal humans. Rain never understood exactly what was different about them, but her father had always said they were something more than human. Directly bread from the Gods he said, and lived longer than humans could. The girl who killed the Shaman had been tiny, but Rain wasn’t fooled.

“And did you sense Aiden as well?” Aziz spoke out loud. It startled her, and she jumped slightly in her seat.

“Yes, father,” Elex replied.

“Excellent.”

Aiden’s face now popped into her mind, along with the feeling of guilt that always accompanied it. She hated feeling guilty. When he first arrived, she had done her best not to like him. The Shaman encouraged her to keep a distance, while still keeping an eye on him. Then Aiden had to go and ruin it by taking her out riding. It was that one act of kindness that almost made her want to save him from Aziz and the Shaman, but it was just too important. No matter how nice he was, she needed this and wasn’t going to give it up for a boy. Lots of people are nice, she told herself. That didn’t mean she had to be friends with them. No, he was no friend of hers, and she would not care about anything that was done to him.

“Make sure you keep him in your sight at all times,” Aziz was saying, bringing her back to the present conversation. “If Callum does not do the job correctly, you will.”

Elex bowed his head. “Of course, father.”

“Now,” he said, his face suddenly brightening, “why don’t we go see the surprise I have for you?” They were both looking at her. Even though Elex wasn’t saying anything, Rain had a feeling wash over her that he did not approve. It made her heart race, weary of what Aziz might have in store. Of course there was no way she could show this, so instead she plastered on a smile, and nodded agreeably.

“Yes, lets,” she agreed, not meeting Elex’s gaze. The three of them walked down towards the cavern that held Aziz’s army. He led the way, with Rain in the middle and Elex at the rear. She could feel his towering presence behind her as his large frame and wings filled in the small space. He was completely silent, but she was still aware of him in her mind and couldn’t shake it. Did it mean her mind was constantly open to him? Would he be honest if she asked?

I will always try to be honest with you,
he said. Her spine stiffened, and she found herself grinding her teeth but didn’t turn to look back at him.

As if I can trust you,
she shot back. Her hand immediately went to the fading mark of his bite on her neck. A feeling of regret filled her, and she knew it was not her own.
Stop that.

I cannot undo the past, but I am trying to be better. What can I do to prove you may trust me?

You can’t,
she said sternly. They were silent for a moment, the only sound their footsteps against the stone floors.
Can you then?
She asked.

Can I what?

Hear all my thoughts?

Only when you let your guard down, and only when we are close. I cannot hear you after a certain distance.

She thought about this and wondered if that was why he hadn’t arrived sooner during her attack.
How do I know when my guard is down?

When you are not thinking of keeping me out,
he replied, matter-of-factly. She wanted so badly to turn then, but knew better. He was so vexing.

You mean I have to be constantly closed off, or you’ll be able to hear everything?
She could only guess what he must have heard her think already.

I believe it will come to you easier the more you are around me. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a conscious thing, especially if it becomes second nature. And don’t worry,
he added,
you do not project as much as you may think. You seem to instinctively guard yourself against me.

This made her feel slightly better so she dropped the conversation, making sure to keep herself guarded. By that time they had reached the cavern and were beginning the slow decent to the floor. The creatures all around them were excited by their presence. Aziz lead them through the same hall she had taken the day she found Elex, and into the same room. It was horrible to be back, although thankfully the large cage was gone. Instead, there were chains with manacles secured to the walls. They were empty. Rain looked to Aziz in question, but he simply stood against the wall with a small smile playing on his lips. A shiver ran down her spine. Something was off.

“This is my surprise?” she asked, gesturing towards the chains.

Aziz scoffed disapprovingly. “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous,” he replied. Down the hall came sounds of men’s voices and a distinct struggle. There were curses, and sounds of flesh hitting flesh, before Rain could make out figures. It was a group of five soldiers, between them a figure that was walking awkwardly with his feet and hands in chains. “
This
is your surprise,” Aziz said, his voice right beside her ear now. She looked up over her shoulder at him. His eyes were bright with excitement, and the hand he had laid on her shoulder squeezed tightly, almost painfully. She looked back at the approaching group. A sickening feeling was building up from her stomach.

Breathe,
Elex’s voice spoke softly. She did, but it didn’t seem to be helping. When they came into the faint light of the cavern, she saw that the man was none other than the one who had hit her during her attack. His eyes were swollen shut and blue. One of his lips was cracked and bleeding, and he was having trouble breathing. He hadn’t died after all.

“Chain him to the wall,” Aziz ordered. Rain watched this in a detached silence. She felt like she was hovering over the entire scene, seeing it unfold as if it were happening to someone else entirely.

“I don’t understand,” she whispered. Aziz was standing close enough to hear. His hand moved to the center of her back, pushing her closer to the man. His caramel eyes seemed to shine against his brown skin.

“He attacked and hurt you,” Aziz said pointedly. “If you are to be my future Queen, you must show people what will happen if they defy you.”

She swallowed awkwardly around the hard lump in her throat. Her eyes looked to the man, who was now crying silent tears. He wasn’t even begging for his life.

“Use what you’ve learned today,” he continued, motioning with his hand. A soldier stepped forward, carrying a burning torch. Rain stared unseeingly into the fire.

I can’t do this,
she said silently.

Yes you can,
Elex replied.
You must show my father you are strong.

This is not me,
she argued.
I am no killer.

Rain,
he said, almost sadly,
I don’t think you have a choice.

“Come now, Rain,” Aziz urged, making her jump. “Show my men what you are capable of.”

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. With whatever courage she could muster, she focused her energy and said the spell she had learned that morning. Warmth spread across her palm. When she opened her eyes and looked down, she saw a perfect ball of fire resting neatly in her hand. Her gaze slowly rose to the man cowering against the wall. How was she to do this? Kill a man in such an awful way.

“I-I can’t,” she said, lowering her head. She sensed Aziz straighten beside her.

“Yes. You can,” he replied, emphasising each word. She shook her head vehemently.

“No, I won’t do it.” Aziz moved in front of her, his eyes full of barely repressed rage.

“You will do it, because I say you will. I need you strong, Rain.” She opened her mouth to argue, but stopped when she felt a strange sensation take over her. Her hand seemed to be lifting of its own accord, the ball of fire waiting to be launched.

What’s happening?
She asked in a panic. She could still feel Elex’s presence in her head, which she found oddly comforting. There was something new though, a foggy feeling that was clouding her mind.

No one denies him, Rain,
Elex replied in a matter of fact way.
He feeds you his food, all the while making you ingest his potions. You are another tool for him to control, just like me, just like those creatures out there. You’ll never be able to act against him if he does not wish it.

“No,” she whispered, her heart thudding loudly in her ears. He wouldn’t have done something so cruel, would he? Yet she watched in a disconnected sort of way as her hand aimed for the prisoner. He had tricked her, had turned her into some pawn for his use. She was his Queen, not some puppet! She turned her eyes to look at him, showing him the fury that was building inside.

He smiled, his mouth stretched wide. “Don’t look at me that way,” he chided. “I’m making you stronger, someone not to be trifled with. You will thank me in the years to come.”

She balked. “Thank you? You move me as if I’m some toy! What is there to be thankful for? I do not have choices anymore!”

His eyes and mouth went hard. “Throw the fire and be done!”

Rain closed her eyes as she felt her arm pull back and push forward, releasing the flames. A piercing screech filled the small cavern. The horrible smell of burnt flesh filled her nostrils, and she gagged against it. She covered her mouth and nose, her hand now her own again. The man continued to scream in agony. Rain stepped back, distancing herself from the now massive flames that covered his body. She slammed into something hard. Looking over her shoulder, she met Elex’s eyes, his face not betraying an ounce of emotion. His bare chest heated through the back of her dress. Not caring what anyone thought, she turned to bury her face in his warmth, covering her ears to block the sounds as best she could. She took a deep breath of his scent, welcoming the escape from the putrid stench around them.

His arms banded strongly around her, holding her tightly against him. One of his hands cupped the back of her head, his fingers lacing through the strands of her hair. The man’s screams had all but died out now, the only sound a slight moan and the sizzling of burning flesh.

“Your first kill is always the hardest,” Aziz said, speaking in a detached, conversational tone. “You’ll get used to it.” He must have looked at them, because she felt Elex stiffen. There was a tense silence before she heard him say, “Take her back to her room.” It was such a dismissive tone, Rain felt herself shudder. In one quick movement, Elex had her cradled in his arms, and was walking away from the terrible scene. A darrkness slowly washed over her, and she knew she was about to faint. It was an utter display of weakness, but there was nothing she could do. It dragged her down until she could no longer see or feel anything.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Her head was going to explode. Groaning against the throbbing pain, Elisa slowly rolled onto her side, pulling the covers all the way over her. The darkness seemed to help, but her side ached like she had been kicked there repeatedly.

“What the –” She sat up gingerly, lifting her top to look down at the design now permanently inked on her skin.

“How are you feeling?” Markus asked, causing her to jump.

“You scared me,” she breathed, dropping her shirt quickly. He was sitting down, tying his shin guards. He looked handsome in his armour, but there was a coldness in his eyes as he looked at her. Suddenly Elisa felt terribly uncomfortable.

“I’ve felt better,” she replied honestly. The truth was her head had never felt so bad in her entire life. Every movement made her cringe. What had she been thinking last night? Bits and pieces slowly came back to her, but most of the evening was a blur.

“You had better get ready,” he said, his voice flat. “We have a battle to win today, or did you forget?” Without waiting, Markus got up and left the tent, leaving Elisa feeling like a child that had just been scolded. Of course she hadn’t forgotten! What kind of stupid question was that? She hated when people made her feel as if she’d done something wrong, when really she didn’t think she had. Sure, maybe she shouldn’t have had so much to drink, but it’s not like that was going to stop her from performing at her best today. She got up shakily, grabbing her pulsing head. Okay, she
hoped
it wasn’t going to stop her from performing her best.