His brows furrowed. “Congratulations?”
Castien smiled. “The Forsaken Blade is a dangerous weapon, and it cannot be wielded by just anyone.”
Inferna’s eyes blazed. “We’re banned from interfering with mortal problems, but many years ago, we were tasked to watch over the Forsaken Blade, among other things. It’s our duty to ensure that only those with pure intentions take the dagger.”
They were all smiling at him as if this was…
“You were testing me?” His eyes widened, and his nostrils flared as burning anger surged through him.
How dare they waste his time with this while Vivienne was in danger?
Omni’s eyes swirled with an internal storm. “It was a test, and you passed with flying colors. The blade is yours, Son of Kydona, and it will do what you need. But beware—if anyone else touches it, be they vampire, human, or shifter, they will perish.”
The warning reverberated through the space, the weight of each word settling upon Marius’s shoulders. This was a heavy burden, but he was ready to bear it.
He flexed his fingers, itching to get back to Vivienne. “I understand. I will keep the blade on me at all times.”
“We believe you.” Inferna stepped forward, placing her hand on his shoulder. He jolted, expecting to feel pain from the fiery touch, but none came. The Spirit leaned forward and whispered the instructions for blessing the Forsaken Blade, adding, “Remember, you are worthy of the blade and its power.”
Shimmering silver ribbons imbued with moonlight swirled around Marius.
“The dagger will lead you to safety,” Myhhena said cryptically. “It will act swiftly the moment you touch it. Remember who you are, and all will be well.”
“Aim for the heart, Prince,” Castien added as leaves, water, flames, and wind spun together. “The blade, once blessed, will need to strike in the center of the cursed one’s being. Only then will she truly die.”
His last words were barely audible, lost to the rushing of elements as they streamed past Marius.
A gust of wind blew, and then, the tile disappeared.
A scream rosein Marius’s throat as he tumbled through darkness,silver ribbons twirling around him like a cyclone. His breath came in short bursts, and his heartbeat echoed in his ears.
The wind rushed past him as this place that wasn’t a place sucked him down, down, down.
Time had no meaning.
Minutes were hours, and years passed in the blink of an eye.
And then, as suddenly as the never-ending fall had begun, it stopped.
Marius’s feet landed on firm ground. He crouched instinctively, falling into a fighting stance, as his vision adjusted to the sudden appearance of brilliant blue light.
His heart pounded in his chest as three realizations slammed into him at once.
First, he was back in Death Mountain.
Second, he felt refreshed, as though he’d slept for hours. Days even.
Third, and probably most importantly, it seemed that time had stood still while he met with the Spirits.
A roar shook the space, and Vivienne was still standing at the entrance, her sword extended.
The vampire looked over her shoulder, her brows creased. “Grab the dagger, Marius,” she said. “Hurry! It’s coming.”
A terrifying scratching sound accompanied the next roar.
He stared at her. How was this possible?
“Your Highness!” Vivienne yelled, her eyes widening as urgency bled into her voice. “The dagger!”