Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

As Lord and Lady of Hermon Ridge, Dyna would need to get used to addressing the court. It didn’t mean she wasn’t nervous. Her lady’s maid had her dressed and ready by the time Sowmya let in her Guardians. They were dressed in black leathered armor, poised for their roles. Dyna rose from the vanity and folded her hands together at her waist, the sheer, tapered sleeves coming to an end at her middle fingers.

All three took one look at her and bowed.

She chuckled. “Stop that.”

Zev straightened with an awed expression on his face. “You look…” He sniffed, and the tension she hadn’t noticed in his shoulders eased. “You’re not mated.”

Dyna blushed at the open statement. “We…uh…didn’t.”

“But the maids confirmed you did?” Lucenna whispered.

“I had my bleed.”

She grinned. “Ah. Me, too. It’s very light. It’s wonderful.”

“How are you, my lady?” Rawn asked, searching her face worriedly.

It had given them a scare to see her fall off the mountain. But Dyna hadn’t felt fear at that moment. And it wasn’t because it was another instance she was falling through the air or because she had her magic. It was merely because Cassiel had been there. She simply knew he would catch her. Whether they would land or fall had been irrelevant.

“I’m all right,” she assured them.

They looked her over again, as if needing to confirm for themselves. She had survived unscathed, for the most part. Any bruising and cuts had been healed by her mate.

Cassiel stepped into the room, dressed all in black finery that shone of royalty. “Good, you are all here—”

She heard his audible inhale when he saw her. His silver eyes roved over the sapphire crown, slowly taking in the dress encasing her like the midnight sky. The pure adoration lifting to his face was so intimate, so potent, it made the others respectfully lower their gazes.

Cassiel took her hand and brushed his lips on the back of her fingers. You look like a Queen.

Then whatever had been stirring in her settled with only his presence and the touch of starlight in his eyes. He was her balance. Her equilibrium in every way. The everlasting night, who named her his dawn.

Dyna bowed her head to him, hair falling down her arms in soft red waves. His surprise fluttered in the bond. He would never ask her to bow to him, but she felt such regard for him, it was her way of showing it.

His thumb brushed over the sapphire ring on her finger. After today, she planned to give it back, at least until she could rightfully wear it.

How are you feeling? Dyna asked, because she could feel the disquiet he had been trying to bury all morning.

Cassiel looked down at their linked fingers. Perhaps it had been foolish, but a part of me had secretly hoped it was misplaced anger, or merely disgust. That one day my brother could accept me, but last night proved I will never be part of the family.

Dyna squeezed his hand. You’re a part of mine.

He followed her gaze to where their friends now waited in the hall and emotion traversed his face. His throat bobbed a moment before he nodded. “Shall we?”

“Lead the way, Your Highness.” Linking her arm through Cassiel’s, he escorted her into the hall. Her Guardians took guard at their backs, then the Valkyrie up front, and they were led through the winding corridors to a section of the castle she hadn’t seen yet. They came to a quiet foyer before a set of doors.

This was their first calling of court. The beginning that would pave their future with the Realm.

Dyna straightened her shoulders and composed her face into a cool, unfeeling mask. The Valkyrie opened the doors.

It opened to the high dais of the throne room.

Debris littered the marbled floors, and cracks splintered the walls, but the gallery and the alcoves were full of waiting Celestials. The buzz of voices quieted as they walked in together, arm in arm. Her Guardians entered but stayed behind within the shadowed corners. The Valkyrie lined the dais and the steps, standing at attention in their golden, scaled armor.

Cassiel brought her before the throne with another of equal size beside it. Inwardly she smiled. Even in that, he beheld her.

The herald at the bottom of the steps announced them. “Presenting before the court, the Lord and Lady of Hermon Ridge: Prince Cassiel Soaraway and Dynalya Soaraway of House Astron, Princess Consort of Hilos.”

They looked out at the crowd, and they all bowed. Cassiel and Dyna took their seats. Standing at the end of the steps to the right was Lord Jophiel, Asiel, and Lady Sarrai.

Lord Jophiel tried to catch his eye, but her mate looked straight ahead.

“Bring in the prisoner.” Cassiel’s voice sounded deceptively calm, yet Dyna was so in tuned with him, she heard the switch in his voice. It was the cold, authoritative demeanor he used with others.

The black hearted prince.

A groaned broke the silence as the main doors loudly open. It was followed by the rattle of chains as the Valkyrie ushered Prince Malakel down the scorched runner to the foot of the stairs. His clothing was ragged and torn, face and hair smeared with soot. Yet he stood straight and regal with an insolent curl of his lip.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I will only say this once.” Cassiel leaned back in his seat, his command filling the throne room. “On your knees.”

Fury twisted Malakel’s face. From the bob in his throat, he was aware of every eye on him. Gritting his teeth, he stiffly lowered himself to the ground.

“This is where your eyes meet mine,” Cassiel said, and his gaze as sharp as steel. Then he spoke aloud for all to hear, his words carrying in the silence. “Malakel Soaraway, the court witnessed the challenge you called upon their Lord, as they witnessed the kidnapping of their Lady and of Lady Sarrai. For all your efforts, you lost. Now your future is mine to decree.”

“It’s not,” Malakel sneered. “You should have killed me during the challenge, Cassiel. Now you have lost any right to take my life.”

“But I do have rights to other things,” Cassiel said, his expression unreadable. Malakel’s sneer faded. “Unlike my own sentencing, I will give you a chance to stay my hand if you do one simple thing.” Her mate paused, gaze boring into his brother. “Beg.”

Malakel snarled. “I will never beg to you.”

“Not me.” His head tilted in her direction, making Dyna’s insides jolt. “To her. It is she to whom you will plead.”

“To a human?”

A coil of flame wove through Cassiel’s fingers. “To my wife.”

“I don’t recognize her nor you. Neither do the Realms. They will never accept you in place of me. Defeating me does not change who you are, Nephilim.”

An ominous glow of Cassiel’s anger seeped into his eyes. The room darkened with the dimming of the chandeliers, and a tremendous heat filled the air, sprouting a sweat on Dyna’s back. Malakel lifted his chin, though he couldn’t quite keep the fear hovering in the angles of his stiff body. She laid a hand over Cassiel’s fist gripping the armrest. It vibrated with his restraint.

“You will,” he said. “If you ever wish to fly again.”

Malakel’s jaw clenched, the twitch of his wings giving away his unease. He dipped his head a smidge of an inch. “I…beg…your forgiveness…my lady.”

Every harsh word was forced and spiteful.

None of it genuine in the least.

Dyna’s magic hummed beneath her skin with the urge to terminate. He tried to kill them. He almost succeeded. Perhaps they should take his wings as punishment, or take something more. But killing him would only prove she wasn’t much different than him. Responding violence with violence wasn’t right. It couldn’t be. As rulers of this Realm, they had to be wise and dealing with a prince of Hilos required finesse.

Malakel moved to stand.

“Remain where you are,” Dyna commanded. He glowered at her incredulously, his mouth opening to respond. “And you will kindly remain silent.”

The prince was so shocked his teeth snapped shut.

She glanced at Cassiel. Do you mind if I…?

A pleased smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. By all means, princess. You never have to ask.

Dyna rose and moved to the front of the dais. “I am not a Celestial,” she said aloud for all to hear. “I’m not even a half-breed. I’m young and don’t know much of life, but I know about humans. About people. We feel and love, and fight, and hope, as you do. I know much could grow between humans and Celestials if given the chance. I would like to be the first to take part in that.” She dropped her gaze to the one in chains. “I forgive you for your wrongs against me, Prince Malakel. I wish you no ill today.”

He stared at her mutely.

Confused by her words or perhaps not expecting them. Whatever he was thinking, she hoped it would in some small way, make a difference.

Cassiel came to stand beside her. “Dynalya is kind in her verdict. I, too, will enact mine. Malakel Soaraway, I hereby strip you of your title, your lands, and every asset of your wealth. You are forthwith banished to Edym. Never to step foot in Hilos or the other Realms again.”

Malakel gaped as gasps and murmurs shook the room. Dyna was careful not to show any surprise on her face. They hadn’t spoken much of what the decision would be regarding Malakel, but when Cassiel asked her about it, she left the decision to him.

This was between brothers.

But she was secretly satisfied with the verdict. It was about time Malakel received his comeuppance.

“You came after my mate, and for that, I will make you suffer as only I can,” Cassiel told him.

“You have no authority to banish me!” Malakel shouted.

“Be glad I’m not choosing to exile you instead. It was you who set the terms, now you will reap them.” Cassiel led her away.

“You cur!” Malakel leaped up and the Valkyrie stepped in his way, crossing their spears.  “Look at me as I swear this to you now.”

They turned, meeting the craze burning in his gaze.

“One way or another, you will pay dearly for this, Cassiel. And I swear to all the gods—” Malakel’s eyes cut to her with a profound abhorrence she felt all the way to her bones. “It will shatter the very depths of your soul.”

His pledge physically struck Dyna’s chest, as though his hatred marked her with a vile curse.

Cassiel leveled Malakel with a look that made the hair rise on her neck. Any hesitations he had for his brother died at that moment.

Along with another piece of himself.

A vengeful blue flame blazed in Cassiel’s eyes as clouds passed over the sun, casting the throne room in shadow. “She has forgiven you because she has a good heart. But your torment made sure a long time ago that I would not. I warned you what would happen if you touched her again.”

Dyna softly gasped when she felt his decision.

Wildfire sprouted from Cassiel’s feet and shot down the steps faster than she could object, cresting over Malakel in a bright blue wave. The throne room erupted with screams. Lord Jophiel flew up the steps, shouting at Cassiel to stop. But he lifted a wall of Seraph fire that kept him and everyone else at bay.

The prince writhed on the ground as the inferno climbed over his left wing. The feathers curled, quickly turning black. Dyna’s stomach churned at the horrible smell and the agonizing screams ripping into her ears. Cassiel watched it intently, his features hard and cruel.

Dyna took his face. His brightly glowing eyes met hers, and behind the fury was the depth of his misery. She felt the poisonous hatred sowing in Cassiel’s heart and she didn’t want that fusing to his soul. Let him go, hakohav.

His fire wrapped around her like a gentle veil, cool to the touch. It didn’t burn, and she knew it never would. He hurt you.

This isn’t who you are. Killing him would only bring you pain in the end. Don’t let this be another mark on your soul.

Cassiel closed his eyes and the flames died away. Malakel shuddered on the floor as smoke spiraled from his left wing completely charred black. Only his ragged breathing could be heard in the hushed quiet.

“You live by her mercy,” Cassiel said. “Remember that.”

“Guards, take Malakel to the infirmary,” Lord Jophiel thundered. He turned to them and said tightly under his breath, “In the council room. Now.”

They followed his uncle; Sarrai, Asiel, and her Guardians trailing behind. The Valkyrie took their posts outside another set of doors and let them in the room.

As soon as they were seated, Lord Jophiel whirled around. “You cannot kill a prince of Hilos!”

“Well, fortunately for him, he lives,” her mate said, his voice deathly quiet.

“Seraph fire burns faster than divine blood can withstand. The healers will have no choice but to put him into a deep sleep to heal. The damage was so extensive, he may never wake.”

“I don’t care,” Cassiel said through his teeth and Dyna felt the heat rising in the room.

“This is not the conduct of a lord. If you had killed him—”

“He nearly killed my wife!” Cassiel roared, startling them all. “Then he threatened her life again. He deserves nothing more than to burn for it.”

Lord Jophiel shook his head, staring at him as if he was afraid. “You have changed. I don’t recognize you right now.”

“You are right, I did change,” Cassiel said, as he force himself to take a breath. There was only anger on his face, but Dyna felt the twinge of gaining his uncles disappointment. “I am her damned husband, and I will do everything necessary to keep her safe.”

“You took one of his wings, Cassiel.” Lord Jophiel rubbed his forehead. “You burned half of his body. Only your father has the right to exile a royal.”

“I did not exile him. He is banished to the Realm of Edym, and merely no longer welcome to the others.”

Dyna quirked her brows. You sent him to the desert?

The unbearable heat will do him some good.

Edym was also ruled by Malakel’s grandfather. Even in that, Cassiel had shown some leniency.

Asiel scoffed. “Truthfully, Father, I intended to rip him apart, too. When I saw what he’d done to my mate, I cared not who he was.”

Sarrai ducked her head when Lord Jophiel’s wide eyes flickered to her. “What?”

“Why did you think I was there?” Asiel asked him. “If not to win back my bride?”

No one else reacted to the revelation. Dyna had already told them everything that had happened.

“Since when did this…?” His father could only blink at him, stunned. “I never suspected. You didn’t show any interest in her or Hermon.”

“How could I?” Asiel’s gaze lowered to the table. “When you had chosen another to replace me.”

Lord Jophiel stared at his son, a pained look crossing his features. He sighed heavily and rubbed his face. “Gods, I have failed you both in so many ways. But I will not allow you to destroy yourselves. Asiel, we will speak on this later. Cassiel, be angry if you must, you have a right to be, but you cannot let that rule you. A Lord, much less a King, cannot afford to make such mistakes. Malakel will not go quietly, nor the High Queen. Prepare yourself. There will be consequences for this.”

Cassiel’s eyes flamed again, casting the room with eerie light. “Come what may, I will feel no remorse for what I did. Today marks the last day I show any leniency—regardless of who it is. And trust me, what you witnessed is the least of what I will do. All threats against my wife will be completely eliminated. No law will supersede that. No status or standing. For she is the only thing that matters to me. She is above everything. Always.”

Dyna’s heart lodged in her throat, her next breath stalling as she stared at her mate. He meant every word.

Lord Jophiel’s startled gaze flickered at the blue spark flashing in Cassiel’s fist on the table. Then he stared at her next with a new understanding, one that she had slowly come to realize herself. When it came to her, nothing, absolutely nothing, would stop Cassiel from protecting her. He would no longer hold himself back anymore.

His power now made him unstoppable. Unchecked.

A shiver traveled down her spine at what that could mean.

“He is your brother. However much you hate him, he is still your kin.”

“Our shared blood meant nothing to him. Long has it stopped meaning anything to me.” Cassiel stood. “Thank you, Uncle, for your kindness and hospitality. Forgive me, for disappointing you. I hope to do better once I return.”

Lord Jophiel froze. “Return?”

“I’m afraid it’s time we leave Hermon Ridge and continue on our journey.”

Relief lifted the apprehension from the last four days off Dyna’s shoulders. She was more than ready to go. By the expressions of the others, so were they.

“But you cannot leave. You must greet your father. I received word that he is on his way.”

Surprise swept through the bond, though Cassiel’s expression didn’t change.

“Then please excuse me with the High King,” he said with every authority of a Lord, stunning his uncle—and her. “Regrettably, we cannot stay. Enough time has been spent here and the first snow is immanent. We are departing today. I will leave arrangements in my absence. Be well, Uncle.”

They bowed and Cassiel hurried for the door, pulling her along. Now that they knew King Yoel was coming, he was anxious to go.

“Running changes nothing.” Lord Jophiel’s statement stopped them in place, their backs to him. Cassiel’s jaw clenched and she felt his dread. “Because you know what this means. Out of respect for your troubles last night, I deferred to speak about this. Whether you recognize it or not, the law does. From today, you own everything Malakel had—including his inheritance. Notwithstanding validation from the High King, you are now the crown prince, and the heir apparent to the throne of Hilos.”