Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
I roll my eyes and sigh. “I will stay here and remain hidden. You don’t have to worry about me.”
Before I can finish my words, the two vanish. I blow out a breath and go to the room I’ve been calling my own while here. Flopping on the bed, I begin to plan my next move.
I don’t need your help, Auntie. I can kill Bradan and his bitch on my own. Maybe it’s time we part ways.
The Bishop
It might be time for me to make another example around here. When Azar asked me for the use of Ferg, I granted her wish in hopes she’d finally produce the results I desired. I’m beginning to think Azar means to make a fool out of me.
I believe she has confused our connection for something more important than my mission. Nothing is more important than my mission. I close my eyes and try to rein in my temper. I still need her skills for the final battle; it’s one of the reasons I’ve spared her life thus far.
“Your Grace, you called?”
“Why exactly did I have to call for you? I have waited long enough for you to bring the girl to me. You asked to take Ferg with you.
“It was my belief that you intended to use him to get me what I asked for. So far, I have nothing. Why is this?” I ask and tilt my head.
“The djinn failed me. He sent the lamp to the girl, but she never received it.”
“Are you placing blame on someone else?”
“No, I am answering the question as to why I do not have her. You asked me to work with the genies to retrieve this girl. I did that, but he failed.”
“What of that fire fairy and Seraphina? Did he help you to release her? Can we use her now?”
Panic fills her eyes for a brief moment before she covers it. I know once she opens her mouth, she’s about to lie to me.
“No, he was killed before he could set her free. I haven’t had an opening since. That plan is lost to me. However, I have learned how to draw the fire wielder to me. I can guarantee you access to him whenever you want,” she says too quickly.
I think this over. Do I allow her to lie to me and take this offering, or do I address the blatant lie? Insolence is unacceptable.
I backhand her for her treachery. “You are lying to me. Where is our daughter?” I roar.
“Your Grace, please.”
I go to strike her again, but Ferg grabs my arm midstrike. I turn my head slowly to glare at him. He looks me in my eyes as if to challenge me.
“Kneel,” I growl with enough force to buckle his knees. It seems everyone has forgotten their place. I have no problem reminding them.
Ferg has no choice but to release me as he falls to his knees. I conjure a sword to my palm. Fear fills his eyes as I stand before him.
Good.
“Hizmetkar, no. You need him for the mission. I am the one who has earned your ire,” Azar cries out.
I freeze. Why is she pleading for this insignificant imbecile? I turn my glare on her and narrow my eyes as my anger begins to heighten.
Ferg
Our daughter?
What is the bishop talking about? He has been a man of the cloth for as long as I have known him. The beliefs of the church are those he has ingrained in us as his followers. Our mission has been cloaked in the religion of this man’s servitude. How could he have a daughter with this woman?
I have a million questions. Is this why she has asked me to look after that obnoxious, reckless, delusional fire fairy? Our kind can only reproduce with our fated mates. Does that mean … I was right, Azar has the powers of a queen. This is why she was able to subdue me. She shares the bishop’s powers.
She has called him by his first name. I’ve only heard the name once—centuries ago. However, she says it with such familiarity.
A sinister smile comes to the bishop’s lips. He then lifts the tip of his blade toward my eye—a mere hairbreadth away. I scowl but don’t move an inch otherwise.
“How is it you were able to attack me?” he seethes.
“He’s been fighting against my magic all this time. I didn’t want to worry you with my failed skills. I was embarrassed,” Azar says.
“So I’m fucking stupid to you now. I’m going to ask you one more time, Azar. Where is our daughter? I know you have freed her. Answer me, or he will lose an eye.
“And believe me, that will just be the start. I have time today to make life painful for you both.”
“I have told you the truth. Cole was killed. I have been using Ferg to help me find another way.