A Surrender Of Hope (Umbra Hunters #3)

29. Valen

TWENTY-NINE

Valen

I hold my hand in front of me, watching the formation of Beastia while letting my magic flow freely. The darkness envelops my prey as it destroys everything in its path, eradicating them to dust before they can run from the black tendrils. There is a darker power at play here, something I can sense yet not touch with my magic. It hides in the recesses of the Beast's minds, turning them into mindless puppets for their master's personal use.

My magic hums beneath my dark skin, my Shade form pressing forward in relief to be set free once more. I’ve kept it on a tight leash, my emotions a jumbled mess since Meyer’s death. But out here, I don't have to worry about my control. I can let go and feel the souls rush through me as I ensnare them in my grasp.

My eyes shift to my brother as he cuts down a large Beastia, his ax slicing through its neck with ease as he spins and sets his sight on another. The manic gleam in Lennox’s eyes tells me he has been feeling just as out of control as I have, and I can’t help but be glad for this fight to expel our pent-up rage and frustration. Raz’s Beastia stalks behind our brother, his black eyes watching his every move, his bloody muzzle dripping with acid as he snarls and lunges for a beast stupid enough to get too close.

The events of our lives are entirely out of our control. Mi Sol is in constant danger, and it seems no matter what we do, she keeps getting injured. But this… I look back at the monstrous army before us as Father calls back his soldiers, letting Nox, Raz, and me handle them ourselves; this we can control. Not only do we excel in battle, we long for the rush of death. I may not have as many primal instincts as my brother, but I am still a Demon who lives on the thrill of the hunt and spilling the blood of my enemies.

Hordes of Beastia stream onto the battlefield, Father’s armies funneling them to us, and Jesthren ensuring they are split into smaller groups so we aren’t overrun with more than we can handle at one time.

“There are more here than we can handle alone,” I finally admit after fighting for a time; sweat dots my brow as my magic sings inside me at the death and destruction we have caused.

“Yes,” Father agrees, spinning to the left and bringing his hammer down on a random Therion that has joined the mix of Beastia. Its skull pops and makes a mess on the ground at Father's feet, making him chuckle as he nods at the path of destruction my magic has left behind us. “That was impressive.”

I smirk and nod my thanks as I wave my hand in front of us, tearing the souls from the handful of Beastia rushing toward us and pulverizing their flesh until they are nothing more than a sticky puddle at my feet. Lennox and Razar have moved to the right, taking out almost as many Beastia as I have, the two dripping in black blood as they move through the southern fields with a lethal grace I cannot replicate with a weapon. My magic, yes, but it stops there. Sure, I can fight. I was trained to become a killer, strong enough to rule if I ever wanted to, but my magic is and will always be my strongest weapon.

“I’ll call in Jesthren’s army. Let's push them toward the wall and corner them between us and Creed. Watch the southern gate for me. It was damaged on the last attack, but I want to get rid of these bastards and back to our girls,” Father grumbles. He nods at General Vega, who rides his Nuckelavee behind him, always there to guard his King’s back. The General brings a rawhide horn to his lips just as a sound echoes over the sprawling valley, chilling my blood with their call. I spin on my heel just as my father snarls, eyes flashing with magic as he turns in the same direction, watching the castle with intent eyes.

“I don’t see anything,” I rasp out just as Razar tips his head back and releases a haunting howl that carries through the air, making the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

“Your mother won’t ring the bells for nothing,” he grinds out, worried eyes scanning the area around us, looking for the threat Mom has seen. Nox is already fighting his way back to us just as the Helitike Forest shifts to the left, and a burst of bright red rises in the air, human-like screams making my teeth grit in fury as a monstrous flock of Ulama flies toward the castle.

“Fuck!” I move to dart around Father, needing to get closer to Mi Sol, but he holds his hand out and stops me.

“No! Your mom can handle this, and you need to let her prove herself. The people won’t respect her otherwise.”

“But I?—”

“No, Son. If this were a situation I believed your mother couldn’t handle, you know I would be the first to turn back. Ulama are dangerous but easily beaten. Let Meyer try to figure this out… alright?” he asks, scowling, throwing his hammer, the weapon sailing over my head, ruffling my hair just before it collides with the Beastia who was trying to sneak up on us. The General yells at his men who have surrounded us the moment I lost focus, killing the Beasts for us while my father talked me down.

In the next moment, Nox is by my side as I clench my fists together, trying not to look at the Ulama attacking the outer wall or the large number who are almost to the castle. “Creed’s men took out over half, and the Phoenixes have arrived… she’ll be okay,” he rasps, eyes jumping from the battlefield to the castle, and I grunt, unconvinced. I know Meyer well enough by now and, sure she is getting better at fighting and hand-to-hand combat, but our girl is a magnet for trouble, and the fact that I can’t lay eyes on her and that I’m not there fighting at her side makes my magic feral.

Darkness swirls around me as I turn back on the Beastia and Therion keeping me from Mi Sol. “Can you take them out?” Nox asks, voice husky as he shifts back and forth on his feet. His concern is palpable, and I suddenly have some more respect for my brother as he growls, his hands trembling at his sides. Nox is the only one wholly mated to Meyer. I have a half-formed Legion bond and can barely think of anything other than her right now. I don't think I could stop myself from running to her side if I were in his shoes.

Bloody ax clasped in his hand, Nox snarls at the fresh wave of Beastia that runs at us, and Razar bulldozes two of the enormous monsters away before they can get too close. He tears one’s throat out before attacking the other, his black, poison-tipped claws raking through its side.

“I don't know. There are more here than there were back on Earth, and I’m still unsure how I accomplished it before. My Shade was in complete control. I’m still running the party right now,” I admit. Nox growls in irritation but nods, slapping me on the shoulder before turning to attack the next wave of Beastia.

“No Wraiths?” Nox asks, and I frown, looking around. I hadn't thought about it until Nox mentioned it, but there are only monsters on the fields with us, not a black cloak in sight. My father typically keeps the undead mages under his control with the power granted to him. They are bound to the Royal family to protect and serve, but he dismissed the Wraith clans from the castle since they were being turned against him, choosing to lock as much of the castle down as possible until he knows who is betraying him.

“Push them toward the wall for easy slaughter,” Father shouts to his men, pulling me from my thoughts as I let my magic rush out in a deadly wave, stealing the breath then life from the monsters before me.

Father nods at Nox and me, eyeing us like he's unsure if we will actually stay and help or ditch the moment he turns his back. As much as I want to do the latter, I agree with his assessment of Meyer earning the soldiers' respect. If we swoop in to save her every time there is danger she will appear weak and will be left open to challenges when Nox ascends the throne.

“Protect the south gate,” he reminds me; his soldiers surround him as Jesthren’s men swarm the field, pressing the Beasts back, killing them with a practiced ease that suggests this isn’t my eldest brother's first time leading these men into a battle against the Beastia.

Like a vengeful god, Jesthren descends on the feral monsters, his broad sword cutting them down in seconds, and I chuckle, adding my magic to the mix to help keep the area near him clear to have the room to wield his weapon correctly. Most men see Nox’s ax or Jesthren’s sword and want to use it themselves. However, most don’t understand the strength and skill needed to wield such a large weapon.

“I want the Warrior Legions to move in once we have them cornered. Signal Creed to have his archers at the ready. I want this to end by nightfall!” Father bellows to be heard over the drums and bells. The screams of the Ulama torment me as I continue fighting, but when Father falters in his step, his hands moving to brace his head as he groans and almost topples to the ground, I freeze, then sprint to his side.

“Father!” Nox roars, rushing after me, Razar on his heels, and General Vega catches Father’s elbow to help support him. “Where are you hurt?” Nox skids to his side when I reach him, but he’s not looking at us. “Father!” Nox roars again, making our father shake his head and yank his arm from Vega’s tight grip.

“Get to the castle!” he rasps, his words sending a shiver of dread down my spine as he lurches for his Nuckelavee, his face pale, his eyes turning red.

“What’s happened?” I rasp, looking back at the castle but only seeing the Ulama, their number quickly dwindling in the skies above.

“The Amana Caverns have been breached. My spells just broke. The castle is no longer secure. Get to your mother and Meyer! Now!”

“Razar!” Nox bellows, his eyes wild with fear as he turns to command our brother to run, knowing he will be able to get there the fastest. But Nox doesn't have the opportunity. Razar’s black Beastia is already sprinting for the outer walls, moving faster than any beast I have ever seen.

I rush forward, grabbing the Nuckelavee I rode out onto the field and jumping into the saddle. Nox follows suit as Father digs his heels into the side of his horse and sends it galloping at full speed toward the castle walls. My heart feels like it's lodged in my throat, the sense of doom washing over me as I watch in horrified awe as Razar leaps at the wall, not bothering to find a gate. His large claws dig into the stone as he propels himself up the fifty-foot stone barrier that resides between him and the city, clearing it in a matter of seconds as we rush our Nuckelavee to the gates, my father bellowing for the soldiers to open the gates and move out of his way as we ride as fast as we can to the castle.

It feels like hours until we finally reach the castle walls, but it must have only been minutes. My eyes immediately fall on the soldiers fighting the Ulama. The red birds attack anything that moves, but it’s the giant shadow of Razar’s Beastia scaling the castle walls to the top peak of the castle that catches my attention as we finally make it through the gates, yanking our Nuckelavee to a stop by the guard who ran out to meet us, keeping the Ulama off us as the three of us sprint up the stone steps.

Father whips his magic out, surrounding the castle in shadows, darkening the day and turning it to night as he stalks into the halls of our home with a deadly air surrounding him. I can feel his magic brush against mine as we run up the stairs, flight after flight, the sounds of the battle above growing louder with each passing second.

“Get the girls off the roof,” Father commands. Nox and I dip our heads in a nod as we circle up the last flight of stairs. “Valen, take them to the royal chambers and lock that damn door. Nox, you are to meet me at the entrance of the caverns the moment our girls are safe.”

“Yes, father,” Nox growls, his horns and tail making an appearance, his control completely gone now that Meyer is in harm's way. “Kill every damn Wraith in your path,” he adds just as we burst out of the small stairway and into absolute chaos.

Dozens of Wraiths are on the rooftops, their steel flails glowing red with magic, the nine-foot-tall undead mages attacking everything in sight. Bursts of fire spark in the air as Mother’s Odyssey of Phoenixes flies overhead, setting the Ulama aflame with brilliant gold flames, sending them to their death like morbid shooting stars. But it's Meyer’s scream and the movement from the peak above that catch my attention as Meyer grabs my mother, yanking her out of the way just as an onyx-tipped arrow flies toward them.

“Vivian, move!” Father roars, the sound so loud that even I cringe, and cover my ears as I sprint toward them. My eyes set on the Wraith stalking behind them, ready to strike a deadly blow.

“Meyer!” Nox yells, seeing the Wraith, his hand outstretched as thick black magic explodes from his palms. But not even that's enough—we’re too far away!

“No, no, no, no!” I snarl, watching as the nightmare plays out in front of me. Meyer twists as they trip and fall to the ground. Mom tumbles after her and stares up at Archer in horror, tears streaming down her cheeks as she shakes her head in denial. “Meyer move!” I scream, my vision dimming as she turns, spotting the Wraith, and shoves my mom out of the way just as it starts to bring its flail down toward them. “No!”

Just as the flail is about to hit its mark, the Wraith is torn off its mangled feet, his arm now held firmly in the acidic jaws of a large black Beastia. My relief almost takes me to my knees, and Razar tears the Wraith away from Meyer, throwing it from the roof and snarling at two more as they advance on her. I immediately go on the attack, Nox’s black magic eating away at the Wraiths near Mom as Razar and I keep the two away from Meyer.

I can hear Father’s bellow of rage and try not to look as he rushes after Archer, chasing him down now that he knows we have the girls and will keep them safe. I know Arch has to die for his actions, but I don't think I can handle watching our father kill him.

“Get them out of here!” Nox snarls as he slaughters the Wraiths. He’s completely shifted, his full Demon form towering over everyone as he uses his claws to kill everything he touches. The soldiers scatter, eyes wide with awe and fear as they watch their Prince annihilate the Wraiths who dare step in front of him. Black magic swirls around him, making me wish I had the time to stop and watch his impressive display. I have never seen this kind of power from my brother before, and from his excited but startled look, it is a very new development.

“Meyer!” I shout, holding my hand out for her and cursing when she lunges at Mom, who is watching Father chase after Archer in his Demon form.

“Come on!” she whispers, trying to coax Mom out of whatever shock she is currently experiencing. The Wraiths move in, focusing solely on Mom and Meyer as they try to duck around Razar and Nox, only fighting enough to try to get away from them. I snarl in frustration, needing to get Mom and Mi Sol off this damned roof, but each time I kill one of these bastards another takes it spot. I can feel my magic waning, the amount I have to use to kill the Wraith almost ten times more than a Beastia.

“Where are they coming from?” Nox roars as Razar stays fighting in front of Meyer. I hear Raz’s Beastia growl and then yelp as a Wraith strikes his left side with a flail, making Meyer scream his name. She has a sword in her hand and is standing in front of Mom, who is trying to shove herself back onto her feet. Ulama are diving at them from above, all the enemy's efforts now on them and no one else.

“Get the Queen and Princess out of here!” I hear Mother’s Lieutenant order. The soldiers rush to assist, but they get blocked by even more Wraiths, making me curse and look to the roof, trying to find a way to jump in from above. But just as I move to climb to the spiraling peak of the roof, the gleam of silver blades cuts through the group of Wraiths, taking them down so fast that they don't have time to block the blows. Creed, covered in dirt and blood, attacks, his swords linked together and spinning so fast that it looks like a shield as he dips and turns, his fighting resembling a lethal dance.

I glare at the Wraith who is trying to fight my magic, and growl at it, eyes shifting, the world moving to shades of grey as I release my magic, letting it do as it pleases. Before I can take another breath, the Wraith is nothing more than dust on the roof, and I turn back to my girl just in time for her to shove Mom into my arms.

“Take her! I’ll get Razar and Creed and be right behind you!” she wheezes, her face red and sweaty and speckled with blood. Her blonde hair is twisted back into tiny braids, all woven together to create an elaborate twist. But the small silver and blue crown on her brow has me blinking at her in surprise, loving how it looks on her head. “Valen!” she snaps, her eyes widening when I don't respond to her.

“I’m not leaving without you,” I grind out, holding my mom up as she shakes her head and looks at me.

“Archer,” she rasps, tears streaming down her dirty cheeks, and I grind my teeth together, hating the pain in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I whisper, hand darting out and catching Meyer’s when I see her try to sneak away in my peripheral. Something inside me snaps at the thought of her running, and I release a deep growl. I slowly look back up at her and raise a brow. “And where do you think you're going?”

“Fuck! Dammit, Valen, let go!” she gasps, sounding panicked as she tries to tug out of my hold and fails. Before I can figure out why she’s trying to run, she lunges for the blade at my side, unsheathing it, and aims just as the blade lights with red, deadly magic. I can feel Meyer’s power drift through the air, the feeling new and unsettling as it collects around her like a protective shield just before throwing the blade with impressive strength.

My mouth drops open in shock when I see the knife sink into the side of a Wraith who had circled behind Razar. It releases a sound I have never heard before, the red magic engulfing it completely, making it curl in on itself, getting smaller and smaller until it pops, blood and bone erupting around us and making Meyer gag at the horrendous smell.

Razar spins, his needle-like fur standing on end and drenched in blood, black eyes freezing on the Wraith moments before its death, then moving to Meyer. He growls, giant paws scraping over the rooftops as he moves closer to our girl, and I snarl a warning at him. Razar’s Beastia is wild and feral and loves death. He would kill anyone and anything, and I do not trust it around Meyer.

“Don’t,” Meyer whispers, shaking her head as she looks at Razar. “He won't hurt me.” her words are full of a confidence I don't feel, and I growl again when Razar steps directly up to Meyer, his bloody snout only an inch from her face.

“Meyer. You don’t understand. He’s dangerous,” I whisper as she slowly lifts her free hand and moves it toward Razar.

“I know,” she murmurs just as her finger gently strokes over Razar’s large nose, her fingertips lightly brushing the small portion of his face not covered in needles. “But he still won’t hurt me.” Mom’s eyes are as wide as mine as we watch Razar close his eyes and release a noise that almost sounds like a terrifying purr. Meyer grins and laughs when Raz’s Beast leans into her touch. “See, he’s like a puppy.”

“Sure,” I immediately say, wishing I was strong enough to let her continue exploring, but knowing I need to get her out of danger before I lose my shit. “A really scary, deadly puppy.” I agree, tugging her back a little and glaring at Razar when his black eyes lock with mine, and he growls at me.

“Are you mad?” Creed snarls, rushing for Meyer, anger in his eyes that I don't typically see there as he scoops her up and off her feet. “He’ll kill you!”

“No, he won’t!”

I pull Mom close and rush after Creed, following him toward the broken door that leads back into the castle as Nox, Raz, and the soldiers finish killing the remainder of the Wraiths and Ulama.