A Crown of Cursed Hearts (Kingdom of Blighted Thorns #3)

70. Vexxion

70

VEXXION

A s I flew Glim up into the broad expanse of sky above the dregs, cries erupted from the air and ground, creating shockwaves that blasted across faerie.

Horns rang out.

The king’s army bellowed as they swept down the grassy hillside to the plain, where they met up with our soldiers and friends below. Beasts slashed out with their horns, impaling fae lords and ladies alike, and their shrill cries of pain dragged tines across my soul.

Dragons carrying riders swept up from the ground in a furious wave, some engaging the dregs while others flew higher, struggling to get above the swarming mass. Each rider clutched bone coins; their faces resolute.

Others flitted from one location to another, lashing out with magic to drop those we battled or gouge deeply with a blade. Hoarse bellows of pain and victory shot through the world around me.

Other dragons flew up to level off beside Glim, and my heart pounded with a sense of unity and shared purpose. These riders trusted me. They believed in our cause. Determination solidified my core—I couldn't let my fury down. Pride surged within me, but not for myself—for them, for us together. A quiet resolve settled over me like a comforting weight. We would push forward as one. Together, we were unstoppable.

Dregs dove down on our army, snatching fae and plunging back upward, only to rake their claws through the person and drop the pieces to the ground. Many of our soldiers flitted from dreg grips, slashing out with magic to kill the dreg before rejoining the battle below.

Ivenrail’s relentless army stomped toward the southern shore, cutting down anyone standing in their way. My eyes stung with tears at our soldiers’ bravery, at how they continued marching toward what could be their end. Their strength remained true, and I could do nothing less.

“Higher,” I called out to those flying near, and we shot upward before leveling out.

I swept my gaze across the carnage below, cheering on our relentless force who wouldn’t give up until they could no longer send magic or eliminate foes.

Someone nearby cried out, and I spun, my jaw dropping.

The sky split, and beings of all sorts rushed through the gap. Trolls carrying enormous hammers flew on beastly creatures with wings that soared down to land on the ground. The trolls leaped off and stomped toward Ivenrail’s force .

Pixies darted here and there, stabbing the treacherous army whose only goal was to conquer the world for their master. Fluffy challs jumped onto faces, clawing through flesh, sending those they attacked spinning while crying out in terror.

Marscapoles fought alongside centaurs and gnomes, ogres and griffins. This mass of creatures was no longer bound to the whim of a monster. Tempest had freed them, and they’d come to pay her back for her kindness, to help her defeat the threat to all of faerie.

Their belief in our mission ignited a fierce determination within us all. This was no longer just my or Tempest’s plan but ours . We would triumph or fall, but no matter what, we’d do so together. Each beat of my heart sent a mix of pride and resolve through my veins, charging me with fire.

I sent my threads down, and they wove among our soldiers, cutting down one attacker after another. They drained power to restore my own and greedily drank down the hoarse cries erupting from the throats of those falling.

Knots twisted deep within my stomach, but just as quickly, they unraveled as I took in every brave move our forces made. It was a strange balance of paralyzing fear tempered by an overwhelming surge of hope. We would bleed today. We would suffer tremendous loss. But something inside me whispered it wouldn’t be for nothing.

Lord Dultrette’s riders and soldiers attacked Ivenrail’s from the north and the west, driving into the king’s army with blades and magic slashing.

Iasar and Amronth’s blue fire scorched paths through the barraging beasts, cutting them and leaving only ashes behind .

When Iasar’s steely gaze met mine, he nodded. I didn’t find forgiveness there, but I did find a bit of acceptance. That was enough to make me stiffen my spine and swipe away the tear trickling from my eye.

“We’re using the coins,” I said. “My sister is using the coins.”

“Sssshe issss the one.” He peeled away from me, returning to battle.

“Ready?” Reyla called out, her voice a mix of excitement and stark terror that was mirrored within me. This would work. It had to work. My sister looked my way as if awaiting my command, but she was the force behind this venture. Tempest’s friend. My newfound family. All I had left of our mother.

I saluted her, and the grin I gave her made my face ache, but the feeling was echoed in my heart.

At my nod, she sucked in a breath and held her hand full of coins overhead. “Drop them. Drop them!”

I flung out the bone coins warmed from my skin and watched as they toppled through the air, their jewels sparkling in the sunlight.

A few dregs shuddered.

Every single one of them looked up and . . .

. . . I felt a waiting spell unfold—Tempest’s spell of unleashing.

Inside the pristine, gleefully gruesome tent at the top of the rise, Ivenrail roared.