Ashes of Chaos (Legacy of the Nine Realms #2) - Amelia Hutchins Page 0,69

“I’m not captain-save-a-hoe either. I am here to help you fight, to help prevent your head from becoming a wall fixture. I’ve been here for months, and I’ve only needed saving once!” I huffed, and she frowned, narrowing her gaze on me.

“Where is your coven hiding?” she asked softly, her hair floating as power slithered through the room.

“I don’t need one,” I shrugged. “But I am building one. You’re the first witch I have encountered who didn’t try to murder me, Esme. I guess, for now, you’re it. Congratulations.”

“You’re alone here? I thought there were more of you?” Esme’s head canted to the side, peering at me through calculating slits. I glared back, wondering if she intended to turn me in to save her neck. Her lips tugged into a frown, and her eyes lifted to the patched ceiling filled with holes. “You are alone.”

“The King of Norvalla marked me,” I admitted, watching her lips tighten with my truth laid bare. “I was inside the human realm, in Haven Falls, when I met him. I was naïve when I experienced my first heat cycle. The elders sent him to our town, or so he’d made us believe. He said the mark would protect me, when in reality, it was a beacon for him to find me. It means I can’t be near my sisters or aunt, not without bringing the head of the rebellion right to them. I chose to be on my own to protect them from my mistake. So, you will take care of the witches I save, and I will make sure you have what is needed. That’s my offer. I expect loyalty. I want your word that you will help those needlessly persecuted for the blood in their veins. I, in turn, will handle the leader of the rebellion, who seeks to end all witches, removing us from this world.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

“Have you met that man? Nothing is simple with Knox. He wants to own me, and worse, the monster inside of me, she wants him to own us viscerally, which is why I can’t be around my family.”

“We all have our demons.”

I snorted and then laughed as my head shook. “No, I literally have one inside of me. She pops up every once in a while. If my teeth grow, and my fingers turn into talons, just slowly nod and smile while backing away. Hell, you may even like her. Although, she’s pretty driven by the need to eat, fuck, and fight. Luckily, she thinks Knox is one-stop-shopping for all of her needs.”

“I don’t even know what the hell to say to that,” Esme scoffed, her lips twitching as she watched me.

“I’m learning to embrace my creature’s chaos. I have it on good authority that this world requires a monster to match the one trying to bring it to its knees. I just happen to have King Norvalla’s match within me, and I’m hoping I can change his perspective views on witches in general.”

“You’re planning on taking him on, even though you’re aware of whom he is?”

“Absolutely,” I said with conviction.

“I was wrong,” Esme snorted while searching my face. “You’re not smart. You’re a psycho.”

I smirked before shrugging my sore shoulders. “Sometimes, you have to be a little insane to play with monsters. It’s not like I’m planning to take Knox on alone. I have a creature he can’t get enough of, and she intends to help me. Most people say they have made peace with their inner demons. I haven’t, not even come close. I do, however, intend to let my demon out to play with his, and then I’m going to bring him to his knees. Once he is there, I’ll change his narrative on who is leaving and staying in this world. I can’t do that and save those who are deserving of it while protecting them during the process. Join me, and I will protect you. You have my word.”

Shouting sounded outside the hut, and I turned, moving toward the screams. “Save those you know are good and get to the keep. Beneath the upper levels are several tunnels. Once you’re there, keep going through the water until you reach the platforms. Hidden, there is enough supplies and food to feed an army. Don’t speak to the dead; they’re mine. They’ll be joining us for the coming war against those wishing to oppress us.”

“Holy shit, you’re serious. Aren’t you?”

I smiled at the door, turning to wink at her