Darkness Undone (29 page)

Dread grabbed him in a chokehold.
Fuck, no!

The
Stone
had caused the accident?

Oh, shit, this was so fucking bad.

More worrying, the artifact was no longer whole, but in fragments. And Eve, he realized in shock, was part of that equation.

Feeling like he’d been run over by a tanker, he rasped, “There is no Stone—Eve is the source.”

“What in Urias’s name are you talking about?” Aerén snapped in irritation. “We’ve been hunting for that relic for centuries, and now you say there’s nothing.”

“What do you mean she’s the source?” North asked, his attention sliding back to Eve.

His attention fixed on his mate who lay so still in his arms; Reynner brushed her damp hair away from her face. “Eve is the one. I should have known, suspected, since she possesses magic in her blood.”

“Reyn, for Urias’s sake, just spit it out,” Aerén barked.

In a daze, he explained, “After Eve made contact with the scroll, she had to come back to this precise place where the crash occurred for the Stone’s
power to resurrect.” Then he told them about what he’d seen in her memories, about the accident that had killed Eve’s parents, the Stone crashing into their vehicle—the reason for the tragedy. “It seems residue of the magic attached itself to the monument, which would explain why Eve reacted the way she did. The power recognized her and probably linked to her.”

“Hell’s shit,” Aerén muttered. “Once Eve knows, we’re so screwed.”

Reynner pressed a troubled kiss to her brow. “Not a word to her,” he warned. “I have to be the one to tell her—to explain.”

How did he inform his mate his world was responsible for the pain she’d suffered, for the loss of her parents?

A hand stroking his face brought him back. He found her watching him with those beautiful dark green eyes. Relief flowed through him and he pushed his worries aside for now. Smiled. “Eve.”

“Why are you all wet?” She brushed the water dripping from his hair onto his face.

“I decided to join you in the fountain. It’s far too humid tonight.”

She glanced around at the noisy crowd. “What happened?”

“A burst water pipe,” he evaded. “Can you stand?”

She nodded. He set her on her feet and rose, but kept an arm around her waist. A frown marred her brow. “Wait, I remember. I felt dizzy, a bright light or whatever that was disorientated me for a moment and… I fell?”

“Yeah. You knocked your head on the fountain floor.” He scanned her again, found no bumps, which surprised him. She seemed to be checking herself as well, then she snorted. “I'm fine, I'm not that fragile.”

“I'm just glad you weren't hurt.”

The noise level around them escalated. Reynner eyed the growing crowd. “Why don’t you sit down while we handle this confusion? Then we’ll leave.”

Making sure she was seated where he could keep an eye on her, Reynner glanced at North. “Let’s do this, before anything else goes wrong.”

“Reynner?”

He pivoted to find her behind him, raking back a tangle of wet hair. “Eve, I told you—”

She stopped him, a hand on his chest. “Did you find the Stone? I felt a humming, the Stone should be here, right?”

He shook his head. This wasn’t the place to talk about something this monumental, or for Eve to find out the truth about her parents’ deaths.

“Later.” He brushed a quick kiss on her lips and left to go deal with the cleanup and memory wipes.

***

Eve watched Reynner as he walked slowly through the noisy crowd. He nodded at whatever North said. With no idea how a mind sweep worked, she went back to the steps and surveyed the chaos around her.

Naturally, everyone would think the underground water pipe feeding the fountain had burst. But deep down, Eve knew she’d caused that. Something had happened when that light—power, whatever it was, exploded from her.

A sudden wave of pain swept through her.
Oh, Christ,
she gasped, unable to breathe.
Doesn’t that bitch ever take a break?

Panting to ease the torturous onslaught, she searched for Reynner, her anxiety increasing. She found him alone, moving unhurriedly through the gaping crowd. He appeared calm, focused, but her heart knew differently.

That Inanna would punish him like this for spurning her clawed at Eve’s gut. She had to find a way to stop this, if that malicious witch ever found out the truth about their relationship, she’d hurt him more. Or worse, have him back in her bed.

Eve knew, to keep her safe, Reynner would do anything.

Inhaling another harsh breath, unable to bear that thought, she hurried to him and grasped his arm.

“Eve,” he began then his expression tensed. “What’s wrong?”

Jesus, how could he be this brave, this strong, for so many centuries?

“Nothing.” She smiled. Tried to be strong for him. “I-I didn’t want to be alone.”

He drew her close and studied her face in the lights surrounding the fountain. Eve ducked her head, hiding in his chest. She didn't want him to see her pain. “Please, let’s go home.”

***

Reynner bit down on his molars as another wave of pure agony rode him. Eve gasped, a hand flying to her left breast, ending in a clenched fist, and then he knew. “You’re in pain.”

She shook her head. “I'm fine—I'm fine. It will pass.”

The fuck it would. He knew just how long this shit could ride, days before Inanna got bored and found something else to occupy her. And now every time she wanted to hurt him, Eve would suffer because of their strengthening bond.

He had to leave before that damn demented female took it into her head to come after him.

“Aerén,” he growled, the lines of pain bracketing Eve's mouth eating at him. While he could stand this torture, he couldn’t bear for her to suffer.

His prince jogged over. “What’s up?”

“Take Eve back to the apartment.”

“No—no!” She clutched his shirt in panic. “Reynner, wait—”

“Take her.” He didn't want Eve witnessing what he’d been reduced to do.

***

“No.” Eve fisted his damp tee. “Where are you going?”

He didn’t respond, his lips drawn tight. She saw the answer in his eyes.

“No, Reynner. Please, don’t,” she cried. “I can endure this—I can.”

“I won’t have you suffer a burden that was never yours.”

“No, you can’t let her win—oh, God, please don’t go.” She shook him hard. “I won’t let you go.”

“It’s the only way. I’m sorry, Eve. I won’t have you hurt.” The cold determination in his expression spoke volumes.

Shaken, she stared at him, her entire being fracturing. “You-you’re leaving me, to save me?”

His eyes gone impossibly cold, he peeled her fingers from his shirt and turned to Aerén. In a voice she’d never heard before, like he’d shut down every facet of emotion, he said, “Keep her safe.”

Then he strode off, crossed the busy street, and headed into the park, the darkness swallowing him.

Eve couldn’t breathe. The pain spilling through her gave way to a new one as her heart fractured.

“Eve?” Aerén took her arm. She shrugged him off, prayed with everything in her soul that Reynner would come back.

He didn’t.

She swayed, didn’t protest the hands that swept her off her feet. Utter desolation stole through her. She had to live with the despair, the agony, knowing
she
had driven Reynner into Inanna’s arms. She’d ruined their lives, their momentary happiness because she’d been unable to block those flashes of pain.

The scent of disinfectant and illness was an unpleasant smell to his heightened senses, but a small price to pay, Sebris decided, striding into the hospital.

One of the females in white hurried over to them as they stalked down the quiet corridor, past the nurses’ station. With Paxyn left to deal with the nurse, knowing the warrior would do a good job with mind control, Sebris and Xever headed for the ward.

Sebris had waited two days, paying heed to the fact that she had to remain there to heal. They could do little about that on this realm, and they needed her up and about as soon as possible. They had shut down the house and taken up residence in a nearby hotel so they could keep an eye on the female. He was well aware the Empyrean and Eve visited every day.

If he could, he’d take the female and disappear. But while on this realm, and weakened, he refused to have the Empyreans coming after them until he had the Stone. Plans had to be put into action, false memories inserted and info added to the records humans kept.

He wavered on his feet. Damn, he could barely stay upright much longer with agony eating through his bones. He ignored the looks Xever sent him and entered the ward. Stopping at the foot of the bed, Sebris studied the female lying there.

Her caramel skin appeared ashy. A large bruise covered her left cheek. Black hair lay limp and lifeless like seaweed on the pillow. The vibration that hummed through him was muted now. It had to be because she was unconscious. But the essence of it remained exactly like what he’d experienced on the street.

He frowned at the underlying floral scent taunting his senses. The fragrance a lot like the flowers that grew wildly at the house on the Hudson—damn thing hiked his problem. Pain spiked through his skull, his molars mowed together.

A soft moan came from the bed. Confused, dulled, crystalline blue eyes flickered open and stared blankly at him.

“You should go Equate, I’ll keep an eye on her,” Xever said quietly from beside him.

Sebris ignored him.

Digging deep into his psyche, he summoned the last bit of his waning power and sent her back to sleep. Unsheathing his dagger hidden beneath his tunic, he headed for her. He picked up her slender hand and sliced across the pad of her thumb. A ruby red line appeared.

He licked the blood. A coppery taste flooded his mouth, and like a fist to his belly the air was knocked out of him. His body heated, his groin stirred. His heart rate sped up. Struggling to breathe, he dropped her hand.

Yes,
she
was the foretold one.

“Take her.”

***

Eve stood by the window, unable to move. So sure her fractured heart would collapse if she did. Aerén had tried to convince her that Reynner had gone to Exilum, where he’d lock himself in the dungeon until the agony passed.

But Eve knew the truth. He was with Inanna. She felt none of his pain in her now.

Blurry-eyed, she stared at the stars wavering in the dark skies and blinked away her tears. Hours had past, she had no idea how many, since they’d gotten back to the apartment. Her clothes were damp and her skin itched.

“Eve, you should eat.” Aerén stopped next to her, tone roughened in concern.

“Not hungry.”

“He’ll be back,” he consoled.

Yes, he would. The Stone had to be found, but
they
would never be the same again. She shuddered on a broken breath.
Dammit, no
—she refused to let that bitch win. She turned to Aerén. “Take me to Exilum.”

“Eve, don’t. He wouldn’t want you to see him this way.”

“Don’t you see? For two thousand years he resisted her, and now, because of me—” Her breath hitched. Tears crowded her eyes. “Please, just take me.”

Whatever Aerén saw in her face, the desperation, the pain, or the tears that wouldn’t stop, he exhaled roughly and nodded.

***

Eve stepped through the portal into Exilum and Reynner’s mountain home. The brilliant afternoon sunlight had her shading her eyes. She breathed in the fresh, moisture-laden air while the portal closed with a soft hiss. The roaring waterfall, the stark beauty of the meandering mountains gave her no comfort. All it did was remind her of Reynner.

“Is he here?” she asked Aerén. He pushed back swathes of hair escaping its tie, his brow furrowed as he scanned the place. “No. I don’t sense him… I thought he’d be here.”

She bit her lip and wondered if her heart could break anymore. “The Sumerian pantheon. He has to be there. Let’s go—”

“Eve, no, you can’t,” he said horrified. “You’re mortal. Inanna would sense you the moment you step foot there. She will break you. She’ll use you to get Reynner back.”

And I am his weakness.

She sucked in a ragged breath, hating her mortality. “I have to help him. Please, would you go?”

A pained expression crossed his face. “I can’t leave you alone. If anything happened here, there would be no way for you to leave, and Reynner would kick my ass. He still hasn’t forgiven me for kissing you.”

It seemed so long ago when Reynner had turned on Aerén for touching her, and now she had to live with the thought of him with Inanna, probably touching her, kissing her…

No—no!
She wrapped her arms around her waist. He may not want to, but he’d do it to keep her safe.

“Ah, hell.” Aerén rubbed his neck with a helpless look. “Very well. I’ll try to be back as fast as I can.” He opened a portal, stepped through it, and vanished from sight.

Slowly, Eve walked indoors.

“Mistress?” An agitated Izzeri confronted her as she entered the foyer. “Why are you here?”

Usually, Reynner’s houseman appeared happy to see her. Now he looked harassed. Upset. “Izzeri, what’s wrong?”

And just as quick his expression cleared. “Nothing.” A quick smile. “You took me by surprise, mistress. Where is sire Aerén?”

“He had something to do. He’ll be back soon.” Truth was, she had no idea how long it would take for Aerén to go to the Sumerian pantheon and be back again. “Don’t worry, I won't get in your way.”

“No, mistress. It’s always a pleasure when you are here. I shall prepare you a meal.”

Eve nodded. She didn't have the heart to tell him she wasn’t hungry. Izzeri disappeared into the kitchen. She wandered to the living room and came to an abrupt halt.

There through the windows, she saw the granite balustrades edging the balcony. Her breath caught in her throat. Reynner had finally put in railings to keep her safe. Unable to look at them, she rushed from the room, stopping only when she found herself on the lower level, a few feet from the gym entrance with nowhere else to go.

God, she rubbed her burning eyes. How could she stay here, utterly helpless and unable to do anything?

A cool breeze blew over her heated skin. Eve glanced around, searching for the source. Stepping closer to the granite wall on her left, she examined the rough surface. Not even a crack there. Where did the draft come from?

Frowning, she ran her hand over the coarse surface and realized why she hadn’t noticed the passageway.

Slabs of granite overlapped, giving the illusion of a continuous wall. She stepped behind it into a narrow, gloomy passage and found herself on the top stair. It led down a crudely cut stairwell in the rock face disappearing into darkness.

Her stomach in a knot, Eve stepped into its gaping mouth. She wanted to see this dungeon Reynner’d used for so long to thwart Inanna.

A hand on the wall, she slowly made her way down. Stale air and the smell of mildew clogged her nose. Flickering lights below caught her attention. Eve carefully picked her way down the stuffy stairway to the firelight. She reached up and pulled the old-fashioned, broom-like torch off the wall. And continued down the stairs.

Deep inside the mountain, the air grew chilly. It seeped into her damp tank and capri jeans. She shivered, goosebumps scattering over her bare arms. But determination propelled her forward until she hit the last step.

A muffled sound carried to her.

Reynner?

Her heart drumming against her ribs, Eve tossed the torch to the floor. The flame died and pulled the gloom over her once more. A faint glow coming from the distance guided her. Hope, like a bright shiny light exploded in her heart and she sprinted toward the flickering light.

Aerén was right. He didn’t go to that malicious heifer—he’d come here. She’d wait with him while he rode this out, she would never leave him to suffer alone—and came to a grinding halt.

Oh, Christ, no!
Her hand rushed to her mouth, holding back a pained sob.

Manacled to the wall, Reynner hung by his wrists. His head bowed, his hair swung in damp swathes, concealing his face. His body contorted, muscles bunching as he suffered in silence. His beautiful wings dragged on the ground. Power bounced off the rough granite walls like streaks of lightning. And there, in the center of the power storm, Inanna stood several feet from him like some evil entity in a long black gown, safe from harm. So engrossed in Reynner, she didn’t notice Eve.

Why didn’t she feel his pain?

Her chest hurt at the truth. He still shielded her despite his immense agony.

“Why do you persist in suffering, lover?” Inanna snapped in irritation. “You know it can be good between us again. Say yes and this will all be over.”

Eve remembered similar words. The demoness had said the same thing when she’d trapped him.

“I’ll even allow you your little human plaything,” Inanna coaxed.

A low, animal-like snarl left him.

“You only have yourself to blame!” She weaved her hand and the glow in him upped. The eight-point star blazed, his body glowed like a flame engulfing him from within, the muscles in his chest and arms bunched in suffering. Several feathers singed floated to the ground.

Nooo!
Eve rushed into the dungeon—she would kill her for hurting him.

At the sound of her footsteps echoing on the stone floor, Reynner raised his head. She veered at last second and rushed over to him, instead, and touched his face, tears blurring her vision.

“Oh, Reynner,” she whispered. And there, in his agonized night-sky eyes, she saw it, a flicker of awareness. And then fear.

A feral hiss erupted behind her. Inanna grabbed a hunk of Eve's hair and hauled her away from him, flinging her aside. Eve hit the bars, pain flooding her scalp and spine.

Inanna’s smile widened with pure malevolence. “How quaint, your little pet came to rescue you. She’ll pay.”

“No!”
A hoarse snarl left Reynner. His shields dropped, and he lost control.

Eve stumbled, a wave of unadulterated agony spreading through her as if her insides were on fire. She fell to her knees, unable to breathe, finally experiencing what he truly suffered.

But the desperation to save the man she loved, pushed her to her feet, gave her the strength she needed. Her outraged cry rang out through the dungeon. “Leave him alone!”

“He is not yours, filthy human—”

“Eve—no, don’t!”
Reynner rasped, his voice guttural and thick with pain.

“He’s
my
mate!” Too angry to stop, Eve charged and rammed Inanna hard with both hands and sent her back several feet. Inanna lashed out, delivered a vicious blow to Eve's face. Pain exploded in her jaw, stars zipping across her vision as she landed on the ground.

Reynner lurched toward her. Only then did she realize that he wasn't chained, but holding onto the fetters.

Inanna waved her hand, her temper congealing the air. Whatever she did next, she had Reynner writhing on the floor. “I still own you, lover, never forget that. And for mating this tramp, you’ll pay dearly. It won’t be a year this time.”

Eve lost all rational cognizance at the threat to Reynner, the promise to trap him back in Hell where he’d been so cruelly tortured and violated. Adrenaline jetting into her veins, she pushed off the ground, lunged for Inanna and wrapped her hands around the goddess’s throat.

Eve gasped at the onslaught, thoughts flooding her mind. Inanna’s utter delight at knowing she’d win. Eve saw her own death and she didn't care. She struggled to hold on despite the darkness seeping into her consciousness. More images bled into her…
Inanna leaning over Reynner, a dagger in her hand, blood seeping from the wound on his chest—into a blue stone…a dark figure in the cavern…echoes of an eerie chant
, and the truth crashed through Eve.

The vicious black-hearted heifer!

Inanna laughed. “You puny little mortal, I’ll squash you like the bug you are!” She shoved Eve off her.

Eve’s hold slipped. Her fingers caught in the choker fastened around Inanna’s neck. The filigree design sunk into her palms and it took on life, each lattice piece cut through her soft flesh like being slashed with razors. She cried out in agony.

“Eve…”

At the rough whisper, her head whipped around. Reynner struggled to his feet. The star on his chest pulsed brightly as if he were seconds away from incinerating. Inanna growled, flung out a hand, holding him back while she tried to pry Eve off her with the other.