"Viola," Callence speaks, and the way my name sensually rolls off of his tongue even while he's restraining himself makes me shiver.

I look in his direction and connect gazes, watching as he clenches and unclenches his fingers, his body deadly still as a predator watching his prey.

He watches me, wanting to know what my next move is— he wants me to command him. He wants my permission. A thrill finds its way up my spine in spite of the agony I feel, but I force myself to look in the direction of Kilian and Echo.

"You know," I find myself speaking softly, almost peacefully. "I actually very much enjoyed fucking you, Kilian." I don't have to look up to know that Callence had flinched, and Echo was bristling at this information. I guess she didn't know. Interesting.

"But," I continue. "Everyone's first time is a bit mediocre, isn't it? Now, I find myself excited for how I'll make blizzards appear for Callence's cock." I finish crudely, aware of Kilian's focused gaze; and how he'd clenched his fists. Aware of Callence's growl of approval.

This wasn't about using Callence to make him jealous— and if anything, I was already sorry to have brought his name in a conversation to my newfound enemy in this context. Even if it was true.

This was about what I knew every man's weakness was— demon or no.

Ego was a hell of a thing, and right now— I was trampling on his, in front of an audience.

This was about making Kilian feel something, and then ripping his very soul out from his dark and frigid body. This wouldn't be the end of me— it would be the beginning.

This would be the origin of my story. Because after today, I was done being the butt of everyone's joke. After today, I'd be participating in the war.

"War and destruction will be abrupt when-

Ice and flame paired one in the same.

Cold blooded killer, might be ruin- might fulfill her.

Darkness to the light, Illuminates sight.

Grave and stone, down to the bone-

Mayhap and wonder, those who go under.

Reluctant paths, seize the maps.

Save the war, with the spirit of the door.

Only those who go in will find their true kin-

Dark and light, those who must fight.

Join the war, with the element- Amor."

I repeat the prophecy in my head, having memorized each line.

The damn thing had warned me of betrayal that had been with me since the beginning— I'd just been blind to it.

I'd hoped it would be for Claire, I realize bitterly. I didn't want her to go through this pain, but everyone has a survival instinct; and unfortunately, mine was cowardice.

And yet, I find myself pushing to stand— despite the cowardice. Despite everything— I find myself smiling softly, lifting my arms slightly to gesture around the clearing while staring Kilian in his cold brutal eyes.

The first snowflake lands on my porcelain skin, dissolving quickly to the heat thrumming through my blood. I was filled icy fury— and I didn't have to look at myself to know shimmering scales were beginning to cover the light plump skin on my thighs.

"Beautiful." Kilian murmurs intently to himself, and I find myself fighting the urge to flinch.

Beautiful, and he wanted it for himself. He'd always wanted my power for himself, didn't he?

Without looking toward Callence, I open my lips and let loose my first command.

"You deal with her. He's mine." I purr quietly, never looking away from Kilian; or the breathtaking grin that splits onto his face, sharp jawline angling as he raises an eyebrow.

"This just got a little bit more interesting." He says as I watch my nails turn to deep blue claws, extending like stilettos.

The snow begins to rage on us as Callence hesitates, and then without another word, he summons light from his hand.

Echo tenses as Kilian licks his lips slowly, eyes glowing black as he stares into my eyes.

"That's cheating, brother." He says humorously.

I furrow my eyebrows, watching as a portal opens up next to him; unlike Kilian's black portals filled with darkness, Callence's are filled with icy light, wind billowing around us.

Then, a figure walks out of the light, ringing familiar to me.

"I can't bring myself to raise a hand to a female." He says, almost apologetically as I stare in shock at the woman who'd just walked out of the portal of light.

Waren. The horned woman from the book dimension— Cyron.

She bows her head slightly to Callence, appearing unfazed by the summoning.

"Brother." She greets warmly.

A pit grows in my stomach that rises nausea unto me.

I'd known that Callence was my betrothed, but how hadn't I connected the dots? Surely I couldn't have two betrothed men— one in Cyron and one running around making trouble in different dimensions. No, Callence is the ruler of Cyron; and he'd been making himself known to me since that day in the woods.

He'd been keeping his eyes on me.

Waren glances at me quickly and spares a wink; I blink.

And then it all unfolds.

Echo runs to Callence, not seeming to care that he'd have backup— but Waren focuses her gaze on the demon, a furious gaze that makes me slightly wither. I hadn't known the woman to be anything but kind, and warm.

Waren pulls out a dagger and Callence takes a step toward me, but Echo decides that she's going to take both of them on.

I don't have time to hyper fixate on how that's gonna go down because my gaze is narrowing back onto Kilian.

He's already watching me carefully, his eyes dimming down to that attractive red. He flashes me a cold smile as I feel the hatred fill me once more as I catch sight of my fathers crumpled body next to him.

What once could've taken my breath away was now making me bloodthirsty.

He takes a step forward, and I click my tongue with a grin.

I slam my hands into his direction, an almost invisible force sending the blizzard his way. The raging snowflakes speed his way, turning into sharp icicles, wizzing onto him from every direction.

He puts up a dark cloud to act as a shield, grinning as an icicle manages to scrape his cheek, drawing a little blood.

"That was cute, my little violin. But it reminds me of that night—" he husky voice drawls, but I've realized his talking tires me.

Holding back my scoff, I turn half a step and twist my arms into a a circle, watching as the icicles turn to frigid sloshy water, and begin to race for him again; his back unprotected.

Yet, as if he anticipates this, he turns last minute and breaks the wave with his palm, droplets snapping into different directions as I watch his stance, his strong method.

I don't wait around for him to turn back around, I start to sprint toward him, growling my words, my last blow. He's turning to me, a lazy grin on his face as he meets my eyes.

"And to think I was going to choose you." I scoff to myself as his grin flickers, dropping suddenly as a flash of brown comes to light in his eyes— an almost surprised look, but it's too late.

I'm tackling him to the ground forcefully and forming a sharp icicle into my palm, raising it above my head as my legs wrap tightly around his hips. His hands graze my hips as the surprised look still illuminates his face, almost breathless, his fighting and taunting coming to a stuttering stop as I move to plunge the icicle into his throat; but he speaks before I can.

"Your father is still alive." He rasps out, hands tightening onto my hips, almost painfully.

"It was an illusion. Magic." He finishes, softly as I hesitate in my action.

I would've made the killing blow— I could've.

The only thing stopping me, making my breath hitch painfully— was the crumpled body of my father mere feet away— vanishing into smoke, black and billowing. My chest hollows out as teardrops fall down my cheeks rapidly, frozen in my stance as my gaze watches the empty spot in disbelief.

And then Kilian is wrapping his arms around my waist fully, pulling me flush against him as that familiar inky blackness surrounds us; as he portals us away, taking me with him.

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