Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

Cassiel didn’t care how much it would hurt to touch her. He wouldn’t let her fall. Seraph fire flared at his wrists and the manacles snapped. He dove and caught Dyna from the sky, but no flashes of magic struck him for. He brushed the hair from her face. She was fine. Only unconscious.

He flew down and landed as his companions picked themselves up.

Lucenna gave him an apologetic wince. “I had to. I swore I’d stop her.”

“You did the only thing any of us could do,” Cassiel said. Zev crowded him, looking down at Dyna worriedly. “She’s all right.”

“Lady Dyna…her power…” Rawn looked around.

Crushed rock littered the ground. Torn tapestries hung from the broken windows. The throne room was destroyed. Movement shuffled everywhere as the Celestials stood from wherever they had hidden. Some were healing from injuries, but nothing serious—

Cassiel’s eyes caught on the black scorch marks on the rug. In the exact same spot, the executioners had once stood. Their swords never touched him. His pulse sped as he wildly searched the room for males in black garb, but he knew he wouldn’t find them.

There was nothing of them left to find.

“She didn’t know what she was doing,” Lucenna said, meeting his gaze. “Her magic reacted to her emotions. She didn’t mean to do it.”

Zev looked at the scorched rug, and his yellow eyes widened. “Did she…?”

Rawn rubbed his mouth. “God of Urn.”

“She is safe,” Cassiel murmured, wrapping his wings around Dyna. “That is the only thing I care about right now.”

“How about them?” Lucenna said under her breath. “They will care a great deal.”

The whole room was staring at them.

At her.

“You have brought a witch to Hermon Ridge.” Malakel rose to his feet, a snarl twisting his mouth. “There is no end to your treachery.”

Cassiel’s jaw clenched. “She isn’t a witch.”

“You would stand there with that lie on your tongue when we all bore witness to her sorcery? She disintegrated two executioners! Nothing will pardon you from this, Nephilim. Nothing. Your life is now forfeit, including hers.”

Hilos guards rushed through the throne room, lining up before the dais, and they drew their swords. Sowmya and the Valkyrie drew out their weapons—against the guards.

A burning heat curled in Cassiel’s chest. Zev, Rawn and Lucenna flanked him, arming themselves with their choice of weapon. Claw, sword, magic. Esh Shamayim hummed at his hip with the call of his fire. His veins burned with a fathomless need to protect what was his.

Suddenly nothing mattered to him. Not the Realms. Not the judgment of the crown or the state of his future. He would throw it all away, and they would fight their way out of here because no one would touch his mate.

Cassiel met his brother’s cold blue eyes with the steel of his own. “Attempt it, and I will truly show you the depths of my treachery.”

The golden doors of the throne room slammed open with a deafening boom.

A unit of Valkyrie swept into the room in a steady march of gold, Captain Yelrakel in the lead. They stopped mid center, and their armor clanked heavily as they stood sharply at attention.

And behind them, entered Lord Jophiel.

His dark blue robes fluttered around his legs with each purposeful stride. The fading light caught the ends of his circlet shaped like wings. He stopped in the center of his throne room and took in the destruction with an idle expression. No shock. No break in his regal pose. His deep blue eyes circled the room in one sweeping arc, then they landed on Dyna in Cassiel’s arms before rising to his face.

A dire gaze, cold and depthless as the ocean waves.

Cassiel immediately bowed, as deep as he could go while holding her. He heard the rustle around the room as everyone present did the same.

He swallowed, ignoring the flush of his cheeks and the shame weighing on his head. “My lord, I humbly beg—”

“Court is adjourned,” Lord Jophiel announced, the command echoing in the room. He had a modulated voice, but there was no pleasantry in it. “Disperse at once. All those involved, in the council chambers. Now.”

Lord Jophiel strode past him without sparing a glance. “Noemi.”

A petite female with dark, curly hair stepped forward out of the crowd gathered by the doors. Her small wings were shaded deep russet to sunset orange. They tucked tightly behind her back as she curtsied, her light blue servant robes pooling around her feet.

“See to Prince Cassiel’s guests.” Lord Jophiel continued on without saying anything else, with Yelrakel at his side. His pearlescent wings passed through another hidden doorway next to the dais, and he fell out of view.

The nobles muttered among themselves as they began leaving through the exits.

Noemi approached Cassiel, keeping her head lowered. “May I take her, Your Highness?”

Cassiel hesitated to let Dyna go, even though he knew his uncle was waiting for him.

“I will take her.” Lucenna stepped forward and lifted Dyna in a purple mist. She looked at Zev and Rawn. “Go with him. He will need allies in there. So will she.”

They all glanced at Dyna’s sleeping face. Whatever was said in that council room would affect her, too.

Lucenna let the small female lead her away. Cassiel glanced at the Valkyrie, and his gaze landed on Janel. The female bowed her head at his silent order and the warriors escorted his mate to safety.

He watched them go until they passed through the main doors. Every part of him wanted to go after her. When Dyna woke, she would be so confused and upset by what she’d done. He wanted to be there to assure her it wasn’t her fault.

Sowmya took her place beside him. “Come along, Your Highness.”

Sighing, Cassiel made himself turn and follow with Zev and Rawn trailing behind him. The best thing he could do for Dyna now was make sure the consequences only fell on him.

They left the throne room through the same door his uncle had exited and entered outside. He took the stone path corridor past the gardens to another vacant hall. Their footsteps echoed in the silence.

“How concerned should we be?” Zev asked when they reached a tall dark door at the end of the hall.

Cassiel straightened his back, looking directly ahead. “Very.”

Fates would be decided in that room. There was no telling which way they would fall. The only thing he cared about was keeping harm from Dyna. He would take it all.

The two Valkyrie already standing guard there grabbed the heavy brass handles.

“Do me a favor,” he quietly said. “Unless addressed, please don’t say anything.”

The doors parted, and they entered the large council chamber. It was a bland room with simple stone walls. The only decorative element was the large, blue tapestry with a sigil of Hermon Ridge in the center. One long wooden table took up the span of the room.

Malakel was already seated in a chair, along with Sarrai. Yelrakel and Sowmya stood guard in opposite corners. His uncle leaned against the windows, looking out at the sunset falling over his Realm.

“I must admit,” Lord Jophiel began. “When the High King called me away to meet him on a dire matter, I did not expect to come across the threat of war.” He turned with a heavy sigh. His hardened expression worn for the court fell away, and all that was left was exhaustion. “What have you done, Cassiel?”

The heavy disappointment in the question made him lower his gaze. Cassiel had expected to be shouted at, though his uncle never once had before. Somehow the soft tone in which he spoke was worse.

“He has doomed us all,” Malakel said.

“Was that question intended for you?” Lord Jophiel’s eyes cut sharply to his brother, making him stiffen. “Then you will not speak. Sit in silence, and wait your turn to be addressed.”

Zev muffled a faint cough.

“It pleases me that you are well, Cassiel,” Lord Jophiel continued. “We have much to discuss of your whereabouts since you departed from my Realm. Imagine my concern when I received my brother’s first inquiry for how well his son arrived. Your father was led to believe that you were here with me.”

Cassiel’s face heated.

“The trip from Hilos to Hermon Ridge takes about a week by night flight, but as a month passed with no word from you, I was beginning to worry. Then we received news of a bounty placed on your head. On the High King’s command, I immediately dispatched the Valkyrie to investigate and save you at whatever cost.”

The sound of distant screams and the smell of ash reached him. They had slaughtered the citizens of Azure. That had been the cost.

“Yet when they arrived you ran and evaded them. Now the very poacher that held you captive has attempted a number of times to cross into my territory. The Valkyrie have killed several of his men at the border but he manages to slip away each time.”

The weight of disgrace fell over Cassiel, and he bowed his head. “Forgive me, my lord. It was not my intention—”

“Your actions don’t match your intentions,” his uncle said sternly. “I have taught you better and expect more from you. Each time you travel between the Realms, discretion is your responsibility—the safety of your kin depends on it. A prince must have more sensibility. Our laws are in place for a reason, and all must abide by them, royals most of all.”

He bore the chastisement, knowing he deserved it.

The hunts have started again because of his actions. Shame and guilt settled heavily in his stomach.

Lord Jophiel exhaled sharply and motioned to the chairs. “Sit, Cassiel. Your guests, as well. I will hear from you exactly what occurred in the Port of Azure, and the events that led you there.”

Taking their seats, he told his uncle a vague version of the story. While being very careful not to mention he had done it for Dyna, the map to Mount Ida or his bond. That would probably save him now, pardon him even, but they had agreed to keep their secret. He had no idea how his uncle or his father would react to learning he accidently bonded with someone not chosen by the court.

With a non-Celestial.

He could only assume it would mean his exile, or worse. Much worse. But he wouldn’t think of that now.

“So, you disobeyed your father, and decided to travel across the kingdom with strangers, knowing it would put the Realms in jeopardy,” Lord Jophiel concluded dryly. “I fail to understand how you came to conclude this was the correct path.”

Beside him, Zev clenched his fists on his lap but remained quiet. Rawn’s neutral expression didn’t change either.

“There were extenuating circumstances,” Cassiel offered lamely.

“Oh, yes, of that I’m quite sure. Let us pretend you have told me everything,” he said coolly, and turned to glance at Malakel. “Now we shall discuss why you held court without my presence.”

Malakel cleared his throat. “As you know, I was here in ather’s stead. When Cassiel arrived, I saw to it that he was properly punished.”

“Punished?” Lord Jophiel glanced at Sowmya.

She inclined her head. “Prince Malakel ordered for the exile of Prince Cassiel.”

The look he fixed on Malakel would make any sane person run. “With what authority did you pass a sentencing?”

Malakel shifted in his seat. “I am the heir apparent, Uncle. The future of Hilos. You will do well to refer to me with due reverence. I have every authority to—”

Lord Jophiel slammed his hand on the table, making everyone flinch. “You are a prince without a reign,” he said tightly. “You don’t lord over any Realm, and you have no authority over mine. The only one to pass judgment in my court besides me is the High King—a title you have yet to hold. If you wish to dispute that, might I suggest you speak about it with your father? I imagine he will have much to say about the unauthorized exiling of a prince.”

Malakel shrunk in his chair.

Lord Jophiel removed his circlet and rubbed his temples. “What occurred in the throne room?”

“The girl…” Sarrai mumbled, keeping her gaze on the table.

Cassiel tensed.

“She’s a witch.” Malakel sneered at him. This was what he had been waiting for. Another opportunity to hurt him. “She unleashed her magic and slew the executioners. Then she tried to kill me.”

Lord Jophiel’s head whipped to him. “What?”

“He brought evil sorcery here, Uncle. She must be dealt with.”

Fire lit inside of Cassiel’s veins at the threat. It burned through him as his heart pounded in his ears with a sudden impulse to eliminate his brother.

Zev grabbed his arm under the table, squeezing hard enough to get his attention. Cassiel glanced down at his lap where his clenched fists flickered with flame. Fortunately, they were hidden from everyone else’s view.

He forced himself to breathe deeply and send the flames away. “My Lord, if I may explain.”

His uncle waved exasperatingly. “Please. For I’m clearly missing something.”

“Dynalya Astron is a sorceress of House Astron,” Cassiel said. His uncle straightened in his chair at her name. “She is still learning how to control her magic. She didn’t mean any harm.”

“She killed two and quite nearly killed your brother. That is a very grave offense, Cassiel.”

“She stopped the exile. She saved me.”

“Yes.” Lord Jophiel narrowed his eyes. “To a dire extent. Why? Your answer will include what actually happened in Azure this time.”

Cassiel couldn’t fully answer without exposing the truth. “There was some trouble in the port. Dyna was captured due to a bounty placed on her head. I thought if I could simply trade myself for her freedom, I could find a way to escape…and the rest you know.”

Lord Jophiel’s eyes widened. “You sacrificed yourself for a human?”

“With the help of that human we rescued him in turn,” Zev said defiantly. “Why should her race be questioned?”

“We came to his aid, Your Majesty,” Rawn said placatingly, giving Zev a look to comport himself. “We would not leave him in the hands of a poacher.”

“Pardon,” Cassiel interjected. “May I introduce Zev Astron of Lykos Peak and General Rawn Norrlen of Greenwood. As you gather, this is Jophiel Soaraway, my uncle, the High King’s brother, and Lord of Hermon Ridge.”

Rawn dipped his chin. “Your servant, Lord Jophiel.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“And yours.”

“Dyna may not be a Celestial but she is a person,” Cassiel said. “Someone important to all of us. I’m sorry, my lord. But I could not stand back while she was to be killed or hurt. Even if the greater good or the law demanded it.”

Lord Jophiel stared at him for a long stretch of a moment as something crossed his face. “Choices are difficult for princes and kings. Sometimes, one must choose the path that will save the most lives while sacrificing a few. It’s a dark day indeed when a monarch chooses to sacrifice the most lives to save one.”

Cassiel thought of the people that were slaughtered in the market because of him. He carried the loss of those lives and he couldn’t walk away from it. They came here searching and hoping for a chance to be spared, but he broke the law, people died.

The heat in his veins settled down and the bond quivered when Cassiel acknowledged the thought he had tried to ignore. He couldn’t run from that, no matter how much he wished it.

Standing, Cassiel came around the table to kneel before his uncle. “I will not beg for your forgiveness, for I know I don’t deserve it. But I will beg you to pardon Dynalya on her behalf. My actions are my own, and I will accept any punishment you see fit.” He closed his eyes. “Even if it requires the loss of my wings.”

Zev’s chair jerked back. “Cassiel!”

“I only ask that she and my companions be safely escorted from Hermon.” Because in the end, he could accept whatever came as long as his mate was safe.

Long drag of silence filled the room.

Then a soft touch on his shoulder. “Stand, Cassiel. Your verdict is for the High King to decide, but I can assure you, there will be no exile.”

The breath he had been holding shuddered out of him.

But Cassiel couldn’t feel any relief. His wings wouldn’t be sheared, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t escape some sort of penalty.

“What news of my father?” he asked hesitantly.

“He is preoccupied with other government matters. Your summons is delayed until further notice.”

Cassiel resisted rolling his eyes. Rael’s Laws were broken, yet his father couldn’t even be bothered with his own sentencing. It’s not as if he ever arrived when it counted.

Lord Jophiel looked at him. “We did, however, discuss your future, Cassiel. And the roles you must learn to play in the Realms. The High King and I both acknowledge you are more comfortable here than in Hilos, and given recent events, it’s clear you need something to dedicate your life to. After five hundred years, I’m also ready for a new course. So, I’m stepping down from my position as Lord of Hermon Ridge, and I have chosen its inheritor.”

Cassiel wasn’t sure why everyone in the room was staring at him. Then it hit him. “Me? You want me to assume lordship over Hermon Ridge? But Asiel is your heir.”

Lord Jophiel frowned. “My son, as you can see from his lack of presence here, cares nothing for politics. He has long proved he is not capable and has no interest in overseeing this Realm. Therefore, he has been disavowed. I have chosen you to take my place, Cassiel.”

He could only stand there mutely.

“You cannot be serious,” Malakel said. “He is a Nephilim.”

“Did you forget who lives in Hermon?” his uncle said sharply.

Cassiel’s head was reeling, a sound rushing through his thoughts like a loud wind. He couldn’t be Lord of Hermon Ridge. His father must have abandoned his proposal to make him High King, thank the gods, but Lord of the Realm was nearly as bad.

“The charge of overseeing a Realm is a great one, Cassiel. One you should not do alone.”

A chill sank through him. No.

“Your father must have discussed this with you already.” Lord Jophiel took in the expression frozen on his face and gave him an apologetic smile. “It’s not a punishment, but a new chapter in your life. I think you would find much joy in companionship.”

He shook his head. “My lord—”

“This is an order given by the High King, and you will not defy him. Your engagement is set and the bride selected. I assure you, it’s an auspicious match.” Lord Jophiel held out a hand to Sarrai, and she took his palm, a smile lighting her face as she stood.

Cassiel’s mouth opened and closed, trying to form words but he was too stunned to speak as was everyone else in the room. His chest was tight. The air too thick to breathe.

Lord Jophiel joined their hands together. “Cassiel, with my blessing, you are to marry Sarrai at the peak of the Festival of Light.”