He didn’t fear it. As of this moment, he feared nothing.

“I think you need a new name,” he mused as it snarled and hissed, its too-large head loping from side to side. “Let’s call you the . . . ozziller. Perhaps you’ll find a new home in my forests until I can make use of you.”

He looked around the room at the terrified faces of everyone pressed against the cavern walls. He sighed, knowing he would have to deal with them. He gestured to the foreman, who took a moment to shuffle towards him.

“Your Majesty?” Surius said, his voice dry and thin with terror.

“You have all done well tonight,” Rion said.

Very well. This would give him the edge he needed in another war for the domination of Ouranos. Maybe he could finally claim the ruined territory of Heart in the process. It had resisted all of them, almost as if magic had prevented it, but could virulence make a difference? He could barely contain his smile, his heart lighter than it had been in years.

Then he turned on his heel and headed for the exit, hearing the same voice calling after him, “Your Majesty, what should we do with . . . it?”

Rion turned to look at him and gave him a feral smile.

“Whatever you like.”

Then he snapped his fingers and exited the cavern, sealing it behind him with a wall of magic.

A moment later, the sounds of horrified screams and ripping flesh followed him as he made his way back to the surface.

CHAPTER 29

LOR

WHO THE FUCK KNOWS?—PRESENT DAY

Ihuddle against a log hidden in the trees, tucking into myself as the chill in the air seeps into my bones. Night fell hours ago, and I’ve been pushing in the direction that I’m pretty sure is south, though I must admit my inner compass could be skewed. My feet and body and soul are so sore and tired, and I need a moment to rest. I need a moment to feel sorry for myself.

Nadir. Is he gone? Can I use the arks to bargain for his life? Or was the moment I lost control the moment I lost him for good? My chest is so tight, I can hardly breathe, and I suck in mouthfuls of humid air, wishing all of this would end. I want to die too. I want to give up. I just want it all to stop hurting so much. My head bounces before it snaps up again as I try to fight off a wave of bone-deep exhaustion.

Adrenaline has kept me moving for the past two days, but even my rage can’t keep me upright anymore. I found water and an apple tree yesterday, so I’m not entirely starving, but gods, what I wouldn’t give for a thick slice of buttered bread and a platter of roasted meat drowning in gravy.