Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

As much as Cassiel was glad to be in the one place he had considered home for most of his life, tension stiffened his wings with the urge to fly away. He lifted his shield to keep Dyna from feeling it. Not that he could truly hide it. The feeling of dread hovered on his person since they had reached the town. But his uncle was a fair and just Lord. Cassiel put his faith in that.

“His Royal Highness, Prince Cassiel Soaraway of Hilos!” The herald’s announcement echoed loudly in the throne room. “In the company of Her Grace, Lady Sarrai and honored guests!”

Sarrai linked her arm through his, resting her hand on the crook of his elbow. It seemed to tremble, but that was probably him. He rather have Dyna with him, but decorum required he go in with Sarrai first.

Taking a steadying breath, he led the way inside. The throne room was deathly quiet. His anxiety grew with each step as their footfalls echoed on the polished stone.

Candles flickered from the golden chandeliers above them and on iron stands throughout. The throne room had two levels, the one they entered on and a second was a gallery made up of two marble platforms on both sides of it. They were full of Celestial nobles, dignitaries, court advisors, and aristocrats. All watching. Every eye felt like pins on his back. The castle guards stood on the lower level, lining the walls.

Cassiel took the blue rug across the enormous room to a series of tall white marble steps. Sowmya and some of the Valkyrie stood guard at the base. He let his eyes trail up the tall set of stairs. Light poured in from the unattainably high windows, crowning the massive gold throne constructed of wings that held court at the front.

It was an imposing chair. One demanding quiet obedience.

Then his gaze landed on the one who sat there. It took a moment for his mind to make sense of it, because it was the last person that he had expected to see.

Zev whispered a curse under his breath behind him, at the same time Dyna’s shock hit him like a cold splash of water.

Malakel appeared the same as the last time he’d seen him in Hilos. Perfect, long blond hair was held back by the golden circlet on his brow. Lavish white robes trimmed in gold flowed down to his feet. His pearlescent wings shone under the evening light. His eyes like sapphires, cold and sharp, tracked their approach.

“Ah. The black hearted prince at last graces us with his presence,” Malakel’s cool voice drifted down to them.

Cassiel clenched his jaw at the stupid moniker the Realms secretly called him behind his back, due to Malakel, of course. But why was he here? His steps slowed to a stop in the middle of the room, when he didn’t spot his uncle anywhere.

Sarrai’s fingers clutched his sleeve tightly and her startled gaze darted at their audience as if this wasn’t what she had expected, but she quickly schooled her expression. She curtsied and Cassiel bowed. He heard the soft rustle of clothing as the others behind him did the same. His wings twitched with his growing unease, but he forced himself to remain calm.

“Your Majesty, I was not aware court had been called,” Sarrai said as she straightened.

“When did you need to be made aware of anything?” came Malakel’s curt response, his gaze never leaving Cassiel.

Sarrai flushed pink, though her outward poise didn’t change.

“I’m pleased to see you,” Cassiel lied. He straightened his shoulders, folding his arms behind his back. He shot Sowmya and Sarrai a sidelong glance for not warning him. “I hope the journey found you well, brother.”

“Forgive me,” Sarrai whispered under her breath, keeping her face pointed forward. “He arrived a week ago. Lord Jophiel departed the same day. The prince commanded that none should reveal it to you.”

Of course. He wanted him to arrive caught off guard. This was all to show his superiority. Well, Cassiel was used to it. He merely needed to remain composed and let Malakel have his enjoyment at his expense. Then they could rest and wait until his uncle’s return.

“You have done your part in escorting him here. Take your leave,” Malakel dismissed her. “Court is now in session and he will be tried.”

A shocked murmur passed through the room.

Cassiel stared at him, his pulse jumping. It had to be some sort of jest. “This isn’t sanctioned. Court cannot be held without—”

Malakel held up a hand, cutting him off. “The High King and the Lord of Hermon Ridge are dealing with other concerns, as you well know. I speak for him in his absence. There is no need to draw out the inevitable. The entirety of the Realms knows what you have done, Cassiel.”

Dyna’s shield was crumbling. He felt her panic and her body trembling.

Cassiel, her voice broke in his mind.

Stay calm.

He was also speaking to himself. His thoughts were racing with how to find a way to escape the situation unscathed. With his uncle, they had a chance, but he knew from the dark satisfaction in his brothers gaze that possibility was fading.

Cassiel stepped forward. “Malakel—”

“Kneel.”

Two Royal Guards bearing the sigil of Hilos appeared from the shadows. They forced Cassiel to his knees and chained him to the thick steel links fused into the floor. His face heated with indignation, drowning out his apprehension. This was familiar. This he could understand. Bear it, he told himself. His fingers curled against the cold, hard floor.

Withstanding his brother’s humiliations was a common occurrence. It was merely to remind him of his place, that’s all. He need only bear it, and it will be over.

“This is where you meet my gaze,” Malakel told him. Then he sat back in the throne, projecting his voice through the still room. “Cassiel Soaraway, you stand accused of several offenses. Breaking the Accords, disobeying your king, exposing our people and giving your blood to humans. How do you plead?”

Merely bear it, Cassiel chanted to himself. Bear it.

“Well, Nephilim? I asked you a question.”

“I will not plead to you,” he snapped. “Unchain me. You have no right.”

“I have every right.” A cold smile curved Malakel’s mouth, and Cassiel realized this wasn’t another one of his cruel amusements.

“Where is Lord Jophiel?” he asked, sweat slicking his back. “Does he know about this?”

“Who do you think gave me the authority to oversee Hermon?” Malakel leaned forward, his blue eyes hard as stones. “I told you once. You may have escaped punishment the first time, but I will not allow a second. I know you hoped our uncle would spare you, but nothing will.”

A chill skittered down his spine, and static stirred in the air, prickling the hair on Cassiel’s scalp. He glanced at Dyna over his shoulder. She had her eyes shut. Her fists shook at her sides, sparking green. Zev took her clothed arm and pulled her to him. Rawn and Lucenna quickly blocked her from view of the court.

The pressure of her Essence pressed into his back. She was losing hold of her magic, and her fear was bleeding into him. Cassiel!

It will be all right.

 It was a lie. They both knew it.

“There were extenuating circumstances!” Dyna burst out, rushing to his side. “It wasn’t his fault.”

“If we could only explain,” Zev started.

Rawn said at the same time, “If I may beg on the indulgences of Your Majesty—”

“Outsiders don’t speak in this court,” Malakel thundered. “You will cease to interrupt or you will be chained beside him. Now half-breed, answer. How do you plead to the charges?”

Every Realm was in attendance, and Cassiel finally saw what this was. Malakel would use this opportunity to make him an example, and to finally get rid of him for good.

“Guilty,” Cassiel said blankly, too stunned to do anything else.

Dyna trembled next to him. He could feel her fighting to control her Essence. It crackled on her skin, sprouting a sweat on her face from the effort. Tears gathered on her lashes as she looked at him.

“Say it again so the court may bear witness,” Malakel commanded.

Cassiel held her gaze. “I don’t deny the charges.”

“Well, at least he is honest. We have lost much to humans. Many lives were sacrificed to attain the concealment and protection of the Realms. I will not see it destroyed.”

The dignitaries rumbled, voices rising and falling in a buzz of responses. And most sounded angry. There would be no support for him here.

The room was spinning. He made himself take a breath, but he knew what was going to happen and he wasn’t ready for it.

“Cassiel.”

He blinked up at Malakel. There was no kindness on his brother’s face. There never had been.

“The court hereby acknowledges your guilt of breaking Rael’s sacred laws. It thus follows without question; such a crime cannot go unpunished. With the will and authority of the Heavens, I have passed judgment.” He motioned at the crowd. “Executioners, come forward.”

“What?” Dyna gasped.

Sarrai covered her mouth.

“You cannot execute him on false charges!” Zev shouted.

“The charges are not false when he has confessed.” Malakel crossed one leg over the other. “But alas, this isn’t an execution. Don’t think me cruel.” He chuckled heartlessly. “It’s an exile.”

Four males dressed in black approached.

Cassiel jerked when two of them took hold of his wings and yanked them out taut, stretching them to expose the margins where it met the shoulder blade. Then the fear he’d been holding back barreled over him like a mudslide. He fought against his restraints, but the chains held him tight.

“Stop this, please!” Dyna cried.

“No! Release me,” Sarrai kicked and flailed as she was dragged away by another male Celestial. “You cannot do this!”

Cassiel jerked against the chains, shouting curses at his brother who merely sneered at him. His friends moved to defend him, but Hilos guards drew their weapons, forcing them back. Dyna dodged them and rushed to the dais. He shouted at her to stop. The guards wouldn’t hesitate to cut her down!

But Sowmya whipped out her glaive and Seraph fire swiveled around the blade as she used it to defend his mate. The Valkyrie also drew their weapons and shielded her from any guards that tried to stop her.

Malakel’s stare landed on Dyna when she reached the steps. “It was me!” Her cry echoed in the room for everyone to hear. “It was my fault. It never would have happened if not for me. I’m the one who should be punished!”

The room erupted with the shouts of nobles agreeing and disagreeing on the matter.

Dyna, don’t interfere!

The guards took a step forward, earning Zev’s growl. The Valkyrie braced to fight.

“Stand back,” Cassiel snapped at the guards. “Don’t touch her.”

Magic hummed in Lucenna’s hands, getting ready to attack if they so much as got near her. Rawn called for Dyna to return to them, but she stayed on the steps, staring up at the prince.

“It was my doing,” she said. “Not his.”

Malakel indolently flicked his hand. The room settled, and the guards stepped back. Cassiel didn’t like the way he was looking at her. Like she was merely an insect he would take pleasure in crushing under his boot.

“Don’t worry, human. Your immunity will be removed, along with him.”

At the dark promise, Cassiel yanked on the chains, straining to get to her. “Malakel! I don’t care what you do to me. Let them go!”

Malakel only smiled that same smile. The one that promised pain.

Dyna realized the same time Cassiel did that they were trapped. She stumbled, her knees cracking against the steps. Her body shook as flickers of green magic flashed around her. Cassiel could feel it burning through the bond, on the verge of bursting out of her control.

Breathe.

“How can you shear your own brother?” she asked. “This cannot be right.”

“I am the heir of Hilos, son of the Heavens. I carry the authority of its sacred will.” Malakel raised his chin, looking down at him without an ounce of compassion. Nothing short of cruel satisfaction. His sentencing resonated for all to hear, “Cassiel Soaraway is forthwith exiled from the Realms. Loss of the wings is loss of divinity, and with it the blessing of Elyōn. His name will be stricken from all records of history, never to be spoken again. His soul will forever be marked with disgrace, and at death, he will be turned away from the Gates of our ancestors. So be our sacred law.”

Dyna whipped around, her teary eyes finding his.

“No!” Her cry echoed in the throne room.

From the edges of his sight, the two remaining Celestials in black removed their swords of white flame and his wings were stretched out.

They would be severed clean through.

Cassiel tried to give her a smile, but it couldn’t disguise the fear and misery consuming him. The utter, perpetual devastation of what they would both lose. She ran for him, holding out a hand. But he was too far out of reach.

Look away, lev sheli. Close your eyes.

Cassiel lifted his shield if only to protect her from the pain. Their bond pulled taut between them like a glowing silver strand.

His heart came to a stop, his breath gone.

He heard nothing, felt nothing.

Not the cold floor beneath him, not the searing power in his veins, not the shouts of everyone around him. All else faded except for the beautiful woman who chose him.

It was the cruelest fate to find the one he wanted a future with—only to lose her like this.

Malakel signaled, and the executioners raised their weapons. The rays of the setting sun spilling through the large windows bathed the flickering flames bright red.

Please. Don’t look.

The divine swords came down.

Dyna’s scream shredded through his heart.

It pierced through the atmosphere as green light ripped through the throne room with a roar. The blaze hurled everything and everyone away. The force blew Cassiel back but he jerked to a stop against the chains. Shattered glass cut the air. Fractures split through the stone walls. Voices cried out. Magic wrenched through the room in a massive storm. The mountain violently shook from the fury of Dyna’s might, and her glowing form lifted off the ground as she rose above the chaos. Her radiated body radiated green like a menacing star. Her eyes had become two glowing torches as they fixed on Malakel.

He cowered by the throne, gaping up at her in horror.

Cassiel shouted over the storm for her to stop, but Dyna didn’t hear him. She raised her hands, her Essence burning bright. Magic bled through her fingers and spiraled up her arms as it grew brighter and brighter.

It was the same spell of the fjord.

She was going to kill Malakel.

Dynalya! Cassiel’s voice rang in her mind clear and true. Look at me!

The spell halted at her fingertips, and her glowing eyes snapped to him. Their bond was still there like a warm glow in his chest.

Fully intact.

A sob broke from her and Cassiel sagged at the sheer relief. I’m right here—

Purple lightning flashed in his vision. Cassiel felt the blow at the same time it struck Dyna’s chest and her magic disintegrated.

Then his mate dropped from the air with nothing to catch her.