Page 77 of Kiss of Embers
Bloody hell. Drawing a deep breath, I went on tiptoe and took the vial from Vozgadach’s hand. Heat suffused my palm, and a sense of well-being spread through me. The ground rumbled, and Vozgadach began to descend.
I stepped back, wariness rising in my chest. But the demon merely continued to sink into the water, his gaze straight ahead and his face unchanging. The glow dimmed as his thighs disappeared. Then his chest.
Finally, his horns dipped below the surface, swallowed by the glowing water.
The surface went still, the water ordinary once more.
Everyone stared at me.
Inessa raised her arms to the crowd. “Let’s have a round of applause for the winner of the Games!”
A halfhearted cheer went up. In the back, a group of witches made rude gestures. More than a few competitors appeared to console each other. Zara continued to stare at the fountain, her face a mask of shock.
Finn came to me and put a hand on my bicep. He spoke in Gaelic under his breath as he cast a furtive glance around the crowd. “You should drink it now before we encounter any trouble.”
I nodded, uncorking the vial. We were surrounded by powerful immortals, all of whom had put their lives on the line to win the elixir. Finn was right. We couldn’t risk someone challenging us for the prize. And we couldn’t afford to delay. But duty was a weight around my shoulders as I put the vial to my lips and tipped it back in one swift motion.
A million different flavors burst on my tongue, each one more delicious than the last. Heat blossomed and then spread through me. The sense of well-being I’d felt holding the vial multiplied, putting a laugh in my throat. Joy bubbled like a spring inside me. Everything was okay. It had always been okay.
“Struan,” Finn hissed.
I looked at him, a smile tugging at my lips. He was so good-looking, with his wavy hair and those pretty gray eyes. And just the cutest pair of fangs I’d ever seen.
Finn tightened his grip on my arm. Shook me a little. “What’s wrong with you?” he said in Gaelic. “Make your wish already.”
I blinked. “Wish? Oh, right.” Lucidity returned, my thoughts sobering. I had to save my queen. Lowering my voice, I spoke in Gaelic. “I wish for Queen Isolde to be well.”
The sense of well-being flowed back, spreading heat and joy through my veins. Around the clearing, the air seemed a little brighter. The colors richer. And Finn was just as handsome and beloved.
And now, he was safe. Our people were safe. Whatever had plagued our queen was banished, never to return.
“It’s done,” I told Finn. “I’m certain of it.”
His shoulders sagged, and he nodded. As one, we turned to Zara. She hugged her midsection, her gaze on the spot where Vozgadach had disappeared into the water.
The crowd had settled. Ashcroft still moaned on the ground. Inessa and Bolveg remained by the fountain. A hundred pairs of curious eyes moved from Zara to me and Finn. Everyone waited to see what we’d do next. Anger flared. Zara’s heartbreak wasn’t gossip fodder.
“Come on,” I said to Finn. My heart ached as we approached Zara. She held herself stiffly, her eyes red-rimmed and raw. “Zara, love,” I said softly.
She turned, hurt and disbelief in her expression. “I…” She shook her head. “I never intended to cheat.”
My heart broke into pieces as I stroked my knuckles along her soot-stained cheek. “I know.” I tipped her chin up. “We’ll find a way to save your pack. I vow it.”
Inessa drifted forward. Her gown fluttered around her ankles as she addressed the crowd. “Well, that wraps things up for me. Thanks, everyone, for coming. Before you leave, please dispose of all trash in approved containers.” A disgruntled look flashed over her face. “I don’t know where you people are getting carry-out around here, but I’ve seen an alarming amount of styrofoam.”
Bolveg turned to the members of the Rules Committee. “Everyone ready?”
Inessa gave the demons a cheery wave. “Text me if you need anything. Except don’t because I’ll be in Ibiza.”
“Wait!” Drute stepped from the crowd. His face was tinged a sickly gray, and his dark eyes were filled with anguish.
Zara roused, instant worry on her face. “Drute?”
His chest swelled as he drew a deep breath. “Zara… There’s no excuse for what I’ve done.” He looked at Ashcroft on the ground.
Zara followed the gargoyle’s gaze. Then she turned back to Drute, the color draining from her face. “What have you done?”
The gargoyle sank to his knees, his wings folded so tightly they looked ready to break. “I only wanted to help,” he croaked. “Brader seemed like a good match. Your father wanted it for years. And when the moon sickness struck, a marriage seemed like the perfect solution.”