Dark Heir (Dark Rise, #2)

by C.S. Pacat

“Stop it.” Stepping between them was like stepping into a whirlwind, power lashing in the air around him. “I said stop.” Will forced himself forward, getting one hand on James’s chest, the other clasping the back of James’s neck. He was taller than James; barely, perhaps an inch. Just enough to make James look up at him.

He stayed there until the metal melted down into a sludge. Until there was nothing left of that life but ash and blackened stone. Only when it was done did he rise and ascend the stairs.

That felt too close to the secret part of him that had felt pleased to see James do as he ordered. That felt pleased that James was here, in a place he didn’t want to be, only for Will’s sake. It made Will want to keep him safe, give him warmth and approval, tell him he’d done well.

James looked like a consumptive heroine from a painting, the kind that dies beautifully.

Will felt himself flush, the slow, hot spread he felt every time James used his power, mixing confusingly with the throbbing in his head.

Will felt James’s hand come to rest on the back of his neck, fingers curling into his hair, a possessive gesture unmistakable in its meaning. “This one stays with me.”

“He’s loyal to us,” said Will. “Is he?” Cyprian’s voice was hard. “Don’t forget that he was reborn to serve the Dark King.” “I never forget that,” said Will.

Where there is fear, bring forth a beacon. For darkness cannot bear the light.

“My aunt is a midwife. Your mother came to her to give birth to your brother. And then twice later, for you and your sister.”

“Someone I believe could save this place.” And then, so quietly Will almost didn’t hear, “Someone I believe could save me.”

“I will find you,” Anharion said. “I will always find you. Try to run.”

“Take what was his. Prove you’re not afraid. And that nor am I. We have the night,” said James. “One night, before the end of the world.”

James said to Will, “Darling, I’m not here to kill you.” James only had to gesture once, and Visander went flying backward, hitting a pillar and then the floor, his body slumped and slack. Cyprian took a step forward, and James merely glanced at him, and sent Cyprian careening across the floor. Will was staring at James in shock. James looked down at Will and held out his hand. “Well?” “He’s the Dark King,” said Violet. “And I’m his lieutenant,” said James, “here to fight by his side.”