Page 9 of Shadows of Light
“We won’t need an army,”Alston continued. “I was on the dark fae council. Brokk won’t eagerly welcome me into the realm, but he won’t turn me away, especially if I bring some of the dark fae who lived on my lands with me. I know where most of them are; they don’t have to know my plan. They simply have to come too.
“The queen and her followers are looking for peace and to repair Dragonia’s relationship with all the realms; they’ll have no choice but to talk to me. The Gloaming may be gone, but I am still a powerful, well-respected dark fae. Once I’m inside the realm and close enough, I’ll kill her.”
Cole’s blood boiled at the casual ease with which this man spoke of destroying his mate.
“That could work,” the vampire said.
“And I assume you plan on taking the throne afterward,” the other lycan said.
“Of course, someone has to, and I will be putting myself at risk to do so,” Alston said.
Alston must believe killing Lexi was a far easier challenge than the trials if he was willing to do it himself. He was a bigger idiot than Cole had realized.
“But I will ensure that all those who help me take control and stand by my side are rewarded. That includes all ofyou. There is much wealth in Dragonia and many realms available for you all to rule.”
They all practically salivated as they exchanged looks before nodding. Cole didn’t know who was dumber, Alston for thinking Lexi would be easy pickings, especially after the destruction she helped rain down on the Lord, or these morons for thinking Alston would reward them with anything.
The last Lord had gone insane and nearly destroyed all the realms, his enemies, and his allies. Some immortals never learned there were things they shouldn’t mess with. One of those things was the arach throne.
“You can all go to Dragonia too when I go,” Alston said. “If they’re looking for peace, they’ll welcome us all. And then, they’ll die.”
“When do we leave?” the vamp asked.
“We’ll go tomorrow at sunset,” Alston said.
“I think this will work,” one of the other dark fae said.
Cole smiled as he released the shadows cloaking him. “I don’t.”
As the traitors cried out and stumbled away from him, he focused on Alston. “First, you offer up your son for certain death, and now you plan to attackmymate andmybrothers. I am yourfuckingking, yet you plot against me and mine. Your son didn’t survive the trials, and I should have killed you after them; I won’t replicate that mistake today.”
Alston started stammering excuses. “Milord, I would never…. You misunderstood…. We only mean to… to….”
His words trailed off as Cole glided closer, carried by the shadows swarming around him. When some of the others tried to run, the shadows cut them off as they snapped in their faces while propelling them back.
Alston fell to his knees and clasped his hands before him as Cole loomed over him. “We only meant to offer them assistance!”
“Liar!” The voice that issued from Cole was a mixture of his and the shadows. “Do you think we can’t hear? Do you think we are noteverywhere?”
Alston started to sob as the shadows laughed. Their maniacal sound echoed around the room as Cole released the shadows. They’d been good so far; it was time for them to play.
They slid across the floor, dropped from the ceiling, and twined around their victims. Screams filled the air, blood splattered the walls, and scattered pieces littered the ground.
Alston’s sobs grew louder, and his face became deathly pale. “Please! You’re mistaken, milord. I was… I was….” When blood splattered his face, he released a muffled cry before blubbering. “I was trying to lure out your enemies. I swear, I planned to turn them all over to your brothers tomorrow.”
“That’s the worst lie I’ve ever heard anyone utter.”
Alston’s head bowed, and his shoulders shook as he wept. Cole rested his hand on the man’s head before sliding his thumb down to wipe away some of his tears.
“Your son showed more courage in death than you, but that’s not surprising. No more crying; it’s humiliating.”
Alston cried so hard his teeth chattered and snot rolled down his face. Disgusted, Cole returned his hand to the top of Alston’s head.
“I meant to make this last, but I can’t take this shit anymore,” Cole snarled. “You’re a coward.”
The shadows were allowed to have the others, but Alston was his, and Cole broke his neck with a swift jerk. Ligaments tore as he twisted the head further before ripping it free.
Alston made a few more sounds, and his mouth opened and closed before going still. His lips remained partly open, tear marks stained his cheeks, and muscles and spine dangled from his severed head.
