Chapter 56

“Look out,” I yelled at Avery as a dark figure jumped from the trees. My motions seemed to be in slow motion as I ran to her.

Xzandeotir raised his hands and a bolt of magic struck the shadow in the chest, knocking it aside.

“Stop,” Avery cried. “It’s Malcolm.”

“Get away from him,” Xzander said in a low, firm voice and he didn’t lower his hands that crackled with amber sparks.

“What? You’re crazy.” Avery knelt beside my cousin.

His blond hair was matted on one side and his gaze darted back and forth between all of us.

But Xzander didn’t relax. I swung the tip of my sword at the dark Fae, blocking him from moving any closer to Avery or Malcolm. Even though we shared many thoughts when he had possessed me, I didn’t trust him. He had grown to care for Avery as had I, but there was no way he wasn’t evil after what he did. Taking away my free will and seducing Avery while using my body.

Fucking bastard. Next time he thinks of taking me over, I’ll destroy him… might even do so anyway. And despite my anger, something at the back of my mind bugged me that he didn’t let me see everything he felt while we were one. So, what was he hiding?

“Don’t listen to him,” Malcolm said in a voice like he’d run a marathon to get here.

I glanced over my shoulder at my cousin whose face was etched in pain and he was sweating.

“H-He knew I was following him and shoved me into a magical trap.” He pointed a shaking finger at Xzander. “I barely got out in time and came to warn you both.”

“No, I trapped a shadow kin trailing me,” Xzander said.

I kept my sword on him so he couldn’t get past me to Avery. Didn’t want the fucking bastard touching her. Not ever again.

“Liar.” Malcolm stood, slightly hunched over, and clasping his side. “He’s the one who put the arrow in the safe that poisoned Darrius. Kill him.”

Avery shook her head looking between us all and trying to make sense of everything. “He said he buried the arrows.”

“And you believe him?” Malcolm snorted. “He planted that false memory in Simeon’s mind and erased what he really did. What about how you were attacked that same night in the kitchen?”

“That wasn’t Xzander,” she said in an even tone. “Darrius’ brownie, Varaux, admitted letting in a shadow kin. I think he hoped I’d get frightened and leave.”

“Obviously, he didn’t know you.” Xzander’s mouth twitched at the corners.

“Don’t fall for his charms,” Malcolm snarled. “He stuffed the poisoned arrow into the safe. You know he did, Simeon. Only us three have the code.”

Avery gasped, turning to me. “No one else can open the safe?”

I shook my head. “He’s right. But Xzander could have done a spell to make me forget a lot of things.”

The magic crackled around the dark Fae’s palms. “Why would I bother to bury them in the first place?”

“Perhaps you gave me a false memory.” I kept my sword between us and took a step closer to him.

“And did I also plant the dirt under your nails too?” He glared. “Malcolm is deceiving you both. We must protect Avery now before this creature reveals its true nature.”

“You believe this dark Fae?” Malcolm’s voice rose. “He’s our enemy… your enemy. He wants to destroy all Fae and take over the throne. I tried to stop him when he left the castle and he attacked me. Don’t you believe your cousin?”

“Enough.” Xzander thrust out his hands.

I whipped my blade up in front of me. His magic bounced off the gleaming silver like sunlight off a reflection. The metal was encrusted with magic, blocking his attack, but it wouldn’t last long.

“Get Avery out of here,” I said, guarding her from this fucking monster getting anywhere near her.

“I can fight.” She rushed up beside me and squared her shoulders.

“No.” I slashed at Xzander, trying to keep him busy and focused on me.

“I am not the enemy.” He glowered at me.

“Could’ve fooled me.” I jabbed at his ribs, but he danced back. “Get Avery out of here. I don’t care if you have to throw her over your shoulder.”

Quickly, I glanced behind me. Malcolm yanked on Avery’s arm and drew her away.

“Let me stay,” she said struggling against him.

My chest squeezed, but this was for her own damn good. Xzander was a dangerous dark Fae and I didn’t fucking trust him. He had a hidden agenda. I just knew it.

“Stop this, Simeon. You know my true nature.” Xzander clenched his hands into fists.

“I only know what you wanted me to know.” How he’d been poured into my mind with magic and the help of the Gwyllion in order to get close to Avery and my cousins. “I know exactly who you are.” I swiped at him with my sword, but he dodged my blow. “You’re the Unseelie heir and prince.”

“That doesn’t matter. We need to protect Avery.” Xzander hesitated. “I love her.”

“The old nursery rhyme was right.” I laughed. My head and body felt lighter than I had in weeks. There was no way this asshole Unseelie was capable of love or anything close. “Unseelie are full of deceit and lies and every wicked thing.”

“You know I love her. It’s true and you know. You felt what I did just as I—”

“No. You planned on killing her and us. And I will see you never get that chance.” I clutched my sword tighter, gritting my teeth. “You will pay for what you’ve done to me, to Darrius, to Avery. I will gut you and cut you to fucking pieces until not even your magic-users and soothsayers will be able to put your corpse back together again. And you will never see or touch Avery ever again.”

Xzander growled, darkness rising from the shadows around him, gathering his power.

Not waiting, I rushed toward him, sword drawn, and prayed my sword had enough protective magic left to block whatever he threw at me. Because only one of us was going to leave this clearing alive.