Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
The Ring of Truth roared, its flames casting molten heat across my skin, coiling down my throat like a serpent and ripping out my next words, honest, raw, and unfiltered.
“I choose the Ember.”
His attention shot to my wrists, but a third band didn’t appear. His shoulders wilted while mine squared.
“I can’t afford to take a chance on you. This is the last loop.” I’d made my decision, and I wouldn’t be swayed. Even when parts of me preferred cuddling.
“No, it’s not the last,” he barked, and the flames flared. “It can’t be.”
A silver band shimmered into existence around his right wrist. His jaw went slack, and color drained from his cheeks.
So it was true. This was my last shot at victory, and deep inside, he knew it. I wouldn’t get another chance to defeat Ian. And I was glad…so glad for that. No more living for the next life. Only here and now.
Time to take steps in that direction. “I have a new motto,” I announced. “No monstra. No surrender. No compromise.”
No new chain.
“I will kill Ian for you,” he vowed, stepping toward me.
More sparks. A silver band appeared around his left ankle, seeming to lock him in place. Shock seized his features. He jerked at his foot once, twice. Again. Muscles strained and veins bulged. His wings flapped, increasing his momentum.
He never budged.
Fresh strength rippled through me, a river unbound, ancient and awake. “More lies.” But even then, the sight of Jasher in chains hurt me.
Get this done. “If I’m given an opportunity to take out Ian, I’ll take it,” I told him, voice steady, rising. Certain. “I won’t hesitate, even though you are tied to him.”
Again, no new chain.
With eyes like open wounds, Jasher tried again. “I will kill Ian for me.”
The brightest sparks of all. A shackle materialized around his right ankle. More strength flooded my veins. I felt no triumph, only sadness. “You won’t. But I will. If you haven’t found a way to sever your life from his by the time I end his life, I’ll end yours, too.”
His gaze begged me to stop this, to take a chance on him. On us. “It doesn’t have to be this way. I’m not lying to you. But Ian, he’s still in here.” He slammed a fist against his sternum. “We’re still tied together, his intentions mine.”
A collar formed around his throat, his head bowing beneath its weight, his spine curving as if the truth itself had crushed him. He dropped to his knees, forced to bear the weight of his own words.
The chains vanished from me, truth satisfied, punishment complete. But it wasn’t a victory I savored. Too much guilt. Too much sorrow.
“Apparently, it does have to be this way,” I said, ready to cry. I should kill him now. End his hold on me once and for all. But I didn’t cry, and I didn’t act against him. Determination filled every hollow space within me and oh, there were far more than usual. “The next time we meet, I’ll be ready.” I wouldn’t feel raw and empty. Broken. “I’ll do whatever is necessary.” Crystallize the monstra? In a heartbeat. “Prepare yourself. The monstra reign of terror has reached its end.”
No new cuff appeared on me, and he threw back his head, roaring.
I looked away, unable to face him. Around us, the flames whooshed, snuffing out.
Legs trembling, I stepped from the dais. He attempted to follow; I heard his struggle. But he gained no ground, remaining stuck in his chains.
A sob rushed up in my throat.
One breath, I stood in the cathedral, on the dais, the air heavy with ash and endings. The next, I used my powers as a water maiden to pass through water. There might be only a trace of moisture, but it did the job. I landed back in the cavern where I’d danced within the mist.
“Now you know all,” a familiar voice declared. “Well, almost all. I’m glad.”
That voice turned me faster than instinct. Elowen lounged at the far wall, poised like a painting brought to life, resplendent in a sheer red gown.
I shoved the thought of Jasher and his pain—my pain—into a hidden corner.
“Hello, Elowen.” The sight of her affected me in ways it never had before. From the beginning, I’d felt a connection to her. Here, now, the bond we’d shared poured from memory after memory, a tether I prized.
“Hmm.” She didn’t even glance in my direction. “Is that affection I hear in your voice? Honestly, I expected wrath. Perhaps a sprinkle of hatred.”
Wrath? Yeah. I experienced that, too. Hands fisted, I snapped, “You threw me to the wolves this go-round, when you led me into Hakeldama, unprepared.”
“To the wolves, yes, but you have emerged as leader of the pack.” She smiled at me, but it was a little sad. “You’re welcome, sister mine.”