Page 26 of The Crown of the Dark Prince
I clawed for the last sputtering scraps of my magic, using the last of my sanity to do so even as my body fought against me every step of the way.
And when I finally had that power within my grasp... Ipushed.
The venom screamed against my magic, resisting, scraping its claws into me, but I continued. I pushed harder, my own heartbeat stuttering as I forced it back out of the wound it had used to invade me.
I would not die like this.
My blood boiled, my body trembled violently.
And then—
Darkness.
Chapter Seven
Pain.
There was no end to it. Agony tore through me, unrelenting and raw, as if the venom had scorched every one of my veins. My muscles ached with unnatural heaviness, and my throat was raw, shredded by my screams.
I could barely think, barely breathe. The world swirled around me, indistinct and hazy, but I clung to the faint edges of consciousness, desperate not to slip away because I knew if I did there was a chance I might not return from the Underworld this time.
Then I felt it. The air shifting around me. The rush of movement—flapping wings, hurried footsteps—and the sound of voices breaking through the haze.
“Your Highness, she’s managed to push out most of the venom herself, but some still remains. She needs immediate treatment!” a feminine voice demanded, urgent and sharp.
“The rules of the trial are clear. No one may intervene,” came the Dragon’s bitter reply.
An animalistic snarl rumbled near my ear, low and fierce, as strong arms slipped under my shoulders and knees. A moment later, I was lifted, cradled against a warm chest. The movement sent shards of pain slicing through mybody, and I whimpered, curling instinctively toward the familiar cinnamon scent that enveloped me.
“Father,” Clay’s voice was tight, his anger barely contained. “The trial was to defeat the Hydraxan, something no Descendant has ever done. She passed your test. Are you really going to let her die here, on this field?”
“Others have died in their trials, Clayton! Why should this girl be any different?” the Dragon barked.
“Your Majesty,” another voice interjected, steady and clear. Gregory Handel’s tenor. “The Crown Prince is correct. The trial’s objective was clear: kill the Hydraxan. Lady Moore succeeded where no one else could. If she dies now, so does the Council. Without her, there is no heir to Hyrax.”
“Do you want your people to watch as you let her die?” Clay growled, his arms tightening around me protectively. “Do you think that will inspire their loyalty?”
Before the Dragon could reply, Clay turned, striding away with purpose. The cold air brushed against my tender skin as we moved, and the chill sent fresh waves of agony crashing through me. I gasped, another scream tearing from my throat, but Clay only held me closer, shielding me from the wind.
“Where do you think you’re going?” the Dragon roared, his voice echoing across the field.
“You can find me in the Hall of Hyrax,” Clay shot back without slowing.
“Kent and I can take her,” Rankor’s voice called, laced with concern and anger. “A Zion prince shouldn’t be in the bedroom of a Hyraxian princess.”
Fingers pressed against my back, too firm on my fragile, dying body, and the contact sent pain spiraling outward in violent waves. It started at my fingers and toes, radiating to my heart and back again.
I barely even recognized the sounds of my own cries.
I couldn’t take much more. I wasn’t strong enough.
Clay’s voice came sharp and unyielding. “I don’t care how many years of friendship we have, Rankor. You try to take her from me, and I’ll burn you alive where you stand.”
My body trembled, my breath faltering as the edges of consciousness blurred. Sleep beckoned, dark and inviting.
But I couldn’t let go. I didn't want to.
I wasn't strong enough to fight anymore though.
