Knox’s eyes, mingled with judgment, filled me with the need to tell him that it wasn’t what it looked like, and yet if I did that, I’d ruin the plan and the entire reason we were here.
Warriors pulled huge machines to the front of the line, setting them up as the army stood motionless, watching, waiting for the order to attack. Looking out over the field, I took in the impressive army, strategically spread as far as the eye could see, out over the gorge.
It had taken Knox three days to reach us, and I’d known he would come with a formidable force once he’d realized I hid within the stronghold. The entire time we’d been here, I’d witnessed things playing out in front of me that turned my stomach upside down.
The only reason we hadn’t slaughtered these witches earlier in the week was that the moon had to reach its zenith in the sky for the spell I’d crafted to be powerful enough to work correctly, if it worked at all.
I felt Knox’s stern gaze studying me, noting the nervousness that I couldn’t manage to hide. The horse I was on danced sideways again, sensing my discomfort while I tried to keep it still without unseating me.
Fear was running rampant through me, making everything seem more intense. My heartbeat pounded louder than the war drums of Knox’s army. It sounded in my ears, mirroring the drum solo at a rock concert, echoing through me, creating so much unease that I knew Knox could sense it.
I wasn’t worried about my life. I could get myself out of this if I was alone, but my sisters and aunt were in the same vicinity, and I could not abandon them. Their being here complicated everything, and yet I couldn’t do this without them. I understood the necessity of allowing others to help when needed, but the cost of failure would be more than I was willing to pay. Not that I hadn’t enjoyed spending time with my family.
Over the last week, I’d gotten to hug and visit with all my sisters and aunt, listening to news and plans about the new House of Magic, and discussing everything we still needed to procure. It was blissful to see them without fear trickling down my spine, worrying about Knox finding us and capturing them.
The only downside was Asil. She had almost ruined it by implementing herself in the middle of everything we’d done. I hadn’t slept more than an hour or two at a time since we were camped inside this murdering bitch’s stronghold, sleeping with one eye open among our enemies.
Now Knox was here, and that would end our time together. Too much was on the line now.
No pressure…
Just breathe and remember who the fuck you are, Aria.
Right?
Sit straight, show no fear, and be a rock in a storm; unmovable and unbreakable.
“King Karnavious,” Asil sneered.
Her lips pulled back as she spoke, revealing blackening teeth. Evil had a cost, and this bitch was deep into her payment. Her blonde hair was graying, something that wouldn’t have happened had she not used the dark magic she wielded. Her yellowing skin looked jaundiced and taut on her bones.
“Asil, are you prepared to surrender? How many more innocent lives have you ended this month to pay for that magic you use so freely?” Knox asked coldly, sliding accusing eyes to mine before slowly dragging them down my scantily dressed body.
Knox rattled low, letting the sound ease out of him, watching me with a knowing grin. My core tightened, and my nipples grew into perky peaks as his lips twisted into a wicked smirk. Slowly dismissing me, his attention slid back to Asil.
“I have the high queen endorsing my hold to this land. You dare march an army against me?” Asil growled as her power slithered through the clearing, pushing through the thin barrier. “You will be punished greatly for this, King Karnavious. I knew we should have moved on you sooner. You’re lucky our hands were tied, or you’d be secured to a post and used for nothing more than pleasure when I wanted it.”
I turned my narrowing eyes toward Asil. Like hell, she’d use him for pleasure. That dick was mine, even if I didn’t plan to use it anytime soon.
Knox rattled again, low in his chest, forcing my eyes to close against the sound. Silently praying he would stop before he gave me away. My head bowed while I squirmed on the horse, silently pleading