Chapter 39

Jordan choked down a sob and buckled. The rush of receding power reduced her to a trembling wreck, and Norae flew to her aid, face creased with worry.

In mirror image, Nerys crouched over a stirring Calyx, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. She smiled through a sob as Calyx came to.

"What… did you do?" Calyx croaked, struggling to sit up.

Nerys shook her head with gentle amazement, lost for words. She reached out, tucked a wayward strand of hair behind Calyx's ear, and stared as if she'd never seen her before. Calyx blinked, and then tore free.

She jolted upright on a surge of violent energy, her power exploding around her.

"You killed me!"

Taken aback, Nerys lifted her hands, her own magic ready in defence.

"That was an accident!"

"Seriously, you two?" Jordan gasped from where she trembled uncontrollably on her hands and knees, "Calyx… she tore open the sky to save you."

Calyx hesitated, staring at Nerys. "You… what?"

Nerys folded her arms, cocked her head. "Don't make me regret it."

Fayne's voice ricocheted across the divide, startling them all.

"Nerys!" she snarled, marching forth on a tide of flame.

Nerys lifted her head, eyes swirling with soft wrath. She moved to stand in front of the others, barring the Queen's way, and Fayne jerked to a halt, ire burning bright around her.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?"

"Choosing sides."

Nerys raised one shimmering hand. Fayne recoiled, untold emotions flashing across her face. But she recovered fast. With a violent flick of her hand, Esadora and Nalvadian were thrown down at her feet. She bent, lifted the end of their chains, and her eyes never left Nerys for a second.

"Very well," she growled, "Their blood is on your hands, darling."

Esadora struggled, gaze locked on Jordan, trying desperately to spit free her gag. With a cry, Jordan tried to rise, but her movement only provided the distraction the Firekin needed – a flash of her fingers, and a glitter of steel rained from the shadows. With sharp gasps, both Lat'Nemele staggered. Jordan cried out again, this time with physical pain – for the Shadowkin's aim was true.

Fayne quirked a brow as they reeled, their magic eclipsed by the Soulstars. She smiled, savage and triumphant, as Jordan collapsed against Norae's bolstering shoulder. Nerys and Calyx kept their feet, but barely, and the shimmer of their magic sparked pale and feeble. Fayne smirked as the Shadowkin came forward to stand beside her.

"Quite the magic trick," Fayne gloated, slipping an arm around the Shadow Sorceress' waist, "Wouldn't you say?"

Nerys snarled. Fayne tossed her head with dark joy, and knocked her down with a blast of flame. She winked at Nerys as she rolled to douse the flames, and then turned her attention back to the prize at her feet.

"Ahh…" she smiled, enjoying herself, "The great Esadora Bal'Talanor – World Queen, Lost Queen... So many years you have been a thorn in my side, but the fall from grace is far, is it not?" She tilted her chin, dripping condescension. "Oh, this is a rare treat! Who'd have thought I'd get to kill three Bal'Talanors in one lifetime – and with my own hand!" She splayed her fingers, inspecting her crimson nails, and then leaned down as if imparting a secret. "I was going to kill you all, anyway, but now I get to do it with so much more… flair."

She straightened, tossing her fiery curls, and twirled her hand. In her palm, something glinted – the trigger for the Mor'Torquem.

"Any last words, Esadora?" she whispered beneath her serpentine smile.

The Lost Queen bowed her head. Jordan's face drained, and she pushed herself up with a desperate shout, but Fayne dropped her fist with an air of finality, and magic flashed. Jordan stumbled, gagging on her frantic cry, and Fayne threw her head back to crow her victory.

But she choked off.

For Esadora rose to her feet.

With a clink, the collar fell away; the shackles abandoned the Worldkin's wrists. Every soul in the vicinity fell silent, not daring to draw breath as the Lost Queen rolled her shoulders. Quicksilver and fury, she lashed out and caught Fayne by the throat, entrapping her with a vicious snap of magic. Kicking, and screaming, she dragged her away from the Shadowkin. Tabitha made to react, but a blast of power sent the Shadow Sorceress reeling. Fayne hung helpless, choking, and sparking fire.

"Well, well…" Esadora smiled, "How's THAT for a magic trick, dearie?"