Daemon
Whatever circumstances that led to Arthur getting Aurora, I knew that Arden had done all he could to stop it. He would have laid down his own life to save hers. We needed to get her out of Arthur's hold and fast. “We were once friends Arthur…” I started, hoping to appeal to his human nature, whatever was left of it. While the men beside me were some of the fastest and most experienced in our army, I knew we wouldn't be able to kill all of them before Arthur slit Aurora's throat. “I once called you brother.”
Arthur presses the blade further into Aurora's neck, drawing blood as its raw power chars her flesh. The smell of her skin blistering driving me to the brink of madness. “That was long ago. And long forgotten. You've defiled my heir to the throne.”
Desperation clawed at my chest as I watched Arthur's eyes glaze over in rage. He was teetering over the edge of insanity and Aurora would pay the price. Blood pounds in my ears, roaring in agony. A growl reverberated beside me, Arden preparing to strike. Even with his enhanced speed, we were no match for Excalibur. Its power weakened Vampires and any non-human creatures, and with Merlin so close there was no way that we could get to her before one or all of us were dead.
“No one defiled me, Father.” Aurora gasped, her throat bobbing against the blade, blood trickling down her neck. Her eyes were wide with fear. She knew just as well as I did that Arthur would end her life. Panic rose in my chest. She was going to die because Arden and I were selfish and wanted to keep her close. We were going to lose her. There was one way out. One way to sways Arthurs anger from her. It was fucking stupid and would likely end wretchedly. “I was held in a cell-” I cut off Aurora's next words with an amused laugh, darkness overtaking every baritone. “Your daughter is a deceptive little creature.” Arhtur whirls, gaze fixated on me with an unspeakable rage liking his features like a wildfire. Pushing him would be easy, but would he take the bait? Would he fall into my trap of pure and utter desperation? Aurora's eyes gleamed, tears racing down her flushed cheeks. I wanted to run to her, hold her in my embrace and reassure her that everything was okay. I had failed her immensely. I had promised her Arthurs head on a platter. I had promised her the crown, power. She now kneeled at his mercy, her life in his hands when I promised it would never happen again. Aurora's eyes search mine in desperation, vibrant shades of forest green illuminated by bloodshot streaks.
“She welcomed me to her bed in exchange for her freedom.” Aurora paled at my words, a sheen of sweat coated her milky skin. Arthur nearly vibrated in rage across the clearing. His knuckles turned white, stark against the pale hilt of Excalibur. “Take me in her place.” I offered. Arden stilled at my side, his hand finding my bicep, claws digging into my flesh. “Dae, there's another way out.” His gruff plea grazes my ear, my body begging to lean in and agree to whatever halfcocked plan he had concocted. But I knew that in order to keep both him and Aurora safe that this was the only way they both went unharmed. I pulled myself from his hold, leveling my gaze with Arthurs. “Take me. Do as you wish. Spare her, leave her here to rot. I am of far greater use to you.” Arthur's eyes glimmered, something dark overtaking him. It was then that I knew I had won. I would earn my mates safety and get the chance to exact my revenge all in one blow. He took the bait . He pulled Aurora up, fisting her hair violently. Her cries of pain pierced my heart. I looked to Arden, my hand lifting to cup his jaw. His brow was furrowed in anger, uncertainty swimming in the deep pools of his ocean blue eyes. “Protect our mate. Protect our home.” My words are firm, commanding. In this moment, I am not his King. I am the other half of his soul stripped bare and desperate. He lifts a hand and grips my wrist, hard. His eyes pleading. “Daem, no.”
Arthur shoves Aurora into Lancelot's hold yet again, aiming his blade my way.
“You would trade your freedom for hers?” With a final comforting squeeze, I release Arden and turn to my fate. “I would trade my life for hers.” Merlin lurks forward from his hiding place behind the line of Knights, eyes shining bright with opportunity. “It seems a fair trade, Your Majesty.” Merlin hums lowly , eying Aurora with disdain.
“The Princess is worth no more than a tavern whore.” Arthur pauses, and I know I have won. Arthur eyes me steadily, waiting to see if I will break my word. His sword tilted, beckoning me to him. Merlin produced cuffs made of Astyrn steel, one of the few metals that could withstand a Vampire's strength. The very pair that he had placed my father in before freeing his head from his body. I halt as I reach Merlin's grasp, the metal clasping around my wrists instantly weakening me. I was now no more than a man with a bloodlust. Aurora choked out a sob as she fights Lancelot's hold on her. “Please, Father!”
Her cries would haunt my dreams for the next century. Hearing the anguish in her wavering voice was a worse punishment than the steel wrapped around my wrists, burning into my skin. “Please, it was me! It was all me! I won't leave the tower again! I will be obedient!”
Arthur turns and backhands her as cuffs are locked around my ankles, withholding me from wiping each of them from existence for laying a hand on her. A growl reverberates deep in my chest as Arthur glares at her. “You belong with those filthy bloodsuckers. You are no Princess.” Lancelot begins to drag her to where Arden stood in waiting, agony gripping his every feature as he fisted his hair in turmoil.
“Daemon, please-” Aurora cried out, thrashing against Lancelot's firm hold. “Don't do this! Don't!” It felt as if the bond was ripping a hole in my chest, pulling and beaconing me to her. A siren call. One I would replay in my head until my final days of rest. “I love you.” I smiled wistfully, needing her to hear it, needing them both to hear it. To feel the reverence of my confession. She grasps Ardens armor, a wail of pain echoing across the clearing as she thrashes in his firm hold. Ardens eyes water in anger as he holds her, furious I would confess my love at a time like this. “Daemon!” She screams, kicking and clawing in Ardens hold.
Her hopeless cries of agony are the last thing I hear before the scenery around me fades into darkness and I am met with visions of Aurora and Arden .