Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 110080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Breath sawed in and out of Roux’s mouth. Each new sentence hit him with the force of a cannonball, proving his suspicion was, in fact, correct. “Tell me the rest.”
“I was commanded to keep her safe until the Astra Planeta invaded her world. And I did. With every ounce of my strength, I did. But Erebus issued other commands once he had me in his possession. Do you wish to know what I was ordered to do if you came to my room today?”
No. “Tell me,” he croaked.
“I am to kill Isla and ensure the blame points to you.”
Bile seared his throat. That...that Roux had not expected. “Harm your own child?” He gave his head a violent shake. “No. You will not kill your daughter.”
“You think I want to?” Laban shouted. He dropped the length of chain and reached up. With only a flick of his wrists, he removed the metal collar. It dropped, too. A loud clink pierced the airwaves. “This was merely for show. You realize that, yes? I was to wear it until our private confrontation, and I always do what I’m told. I have failed to stop myself from completing any of Erebus’s previous orders. Remain quiet about my transformation. Let you kill me the day of your invasion. Try to convince Blythe to pick me over you. I won’t be able to stop the next action, either. So, you have a choice, Astra. Let me murder my own child or kill me and lose Blythe, just as I told you. Exactly what Erebus hopes you’ll do.”
Roux reeled. He couldn’t...he didn’t...
“Kill me,” Laban snapped, raising his chin. “That is what I hope you’ll do. What Blythe and Isla need you to do. I know you love them because I know your heart better than my own.” He pounded a fist into his chest. “I know you’re a good male. So do this. Don’t make me beg for my own end. Let me go with at least a shred of dignity, knowing I finally did the right thing.”
As rage and protectiveness collided, Roux did it. He didn’t think any more. Didn’t give himself a chance to change his mind. He simply struck. In one fluid motion, he withdrew a trinite dagger and slammed the blade through the manticore’s heart. A true death for any phantom.
Blood trickled from the corners of Laban’s mouth as he offered a sad but relieved smile. “Thank you,” he rasped. “I’m sorry you’ve lost Blythe. If I can’t have her, you were a decent second choice. Tell her...” He went quiet then, his gaze sliding to the side. Soon, he stared at nothing and began to evaporate.
Roux both panicked and rejoiced. Isla was safe, but his relationship with Blythe was over. He’d just ended her first consort’s life. Again. He’d made this so easy for Erebus. Because no matter how fervently Roux explained the situation, the harpy would not believe him. She would accuse him of being jealous, and she would be right. On the surface, he looked guilty as sin.
How much more would Blythe hate him now?
* * *
Blythe perched on the bench in No Man’s Land, crouched and balancing on the back. Her mind had yet to settle. At least the scenery soothed. Golden sunshine bathed flowers of every color and winding stone pathways. A sweet fragrance saturated a cool breeze.
“I thought I might find you here.”
She glanced up to see her half sister striding toward her, tall, pale, lithe, and scowling. A General filled with confidence—and dressed for war.
“Are we to do battle?” Blythe asked. “The harpy General against the new Queen of Ation? Very well. I should probably warn you, though. I’m not really in the mood to go easy on you this time.”
Taliyah joined her with a snort, stretching across the bench. “No battle, even though I’m furious with you for trying to sabotage the Astra and putting yourself in harm’s way. But mostly for not bringing me a souvenir from Ation. Just came to chat. So, chat. Tell me you’re okay.”
“Not willing to lie to you.” She heaved a sigh. “Where’s Isla?” The little girl deserved to see her father the second he’d appeared, and Blythe was ashamed she hadn’t gone to her first.
“I’ve got her polishing the royal weapons, so she’ll be very preoccupied for a few weeks. By the way,” T-bone added, “you are the only harpy in history to score two consorts. I didn’t even think it was possible. No one did. Oh! You’ll be pleased to know I’ve spoken with Neeka about your situation.”
“She’s here?” Blythe could get real answers—real help—with her situation?
“Nope. She’s still with the hell king and having a great time secretly ruining his life, but we’ve managed to sneak in a few conversations here and there. Well, after he and Roc fought. It was glorious. Anyway. Neeks asked me to tell you this: Your heart is your heart, whether it’s this one or that one, so you can toss it and keep it.”