To Kill a God by C.S. Wilde

Chapter 23

The following day,Mera waited in the gardens, eager for Belinda’s arrival. The council still hadn’t decided where they would hold the assembly, though they should have. Azinor loomed in the distance, a snake ready to lunge. The dickheads really should check their priorities.

The lack of contact, however, meant that Corvus didn’t have to tell them about giving sanctuary not only to Mera, but to a dozen sirens. A double edged-sword, she supposed.

A portal of night and stars suddenly opened in the middle of the green lawn, and out came Bast, carrying Belinda. Her friend bent over immediately, nearly falling on her knees, before spewing the contents of her stomach on the ground.

Two nightlings whose presence Mera had completely ignored rushed closer. If their navy uniforms were any indication, they worked as servants in the palace. With a wave of their hands, they sent purple and yellow clouds of magic toward the spot, making the mess disappear from one moment to the next.

They bowed their heads at Mera and Bast then stepped away, but they didn’t get far.

“Wait,” he ordered before turning to her. “If your friend needs something for the nausea, we have—”

“I’m fine.” Still bent over, Belinda coughed. “Go get the rest of my people.”

With a nod, Bast motioned for the nightlings to follow him, then winnowed out of view, taking them along.

Of course. Her hart would need the servants to clean up the palace’s east wing, which was where he and Corvus were taking the twelve officers from Belinda’s convoy. Twelve sirens who’d never winnowed before in their lives.

Yeah, it wasn’t going to be pretty.

Belinda’s people had approached from the western side of Lunor Insul, making sure to stay off the nightbringers’ radars. While Bast and Corvus winnowed the officers through the magic barrier, the convoy’s cars would self-drive to the eastern side of the island, always remaining undetected and underwater.

“Mother of waterdragons.” Wiping the edge of her mouth with the back of her arm, Belinda forced herself to stand. “I am never doing that again.”

“You did better than expected.” Mera trapped her in a hug. “Glad to have you here.”

Belinda hugged her back with shaky hands. “I would say likewise, but everything is so strange on land.” She curled a lock of Mera’s hair around her index finger. “Even our hair feels different, for dolphin’s sake.”

Stepping away, Belinda glanced down at her own body as if to make her point. Her black bodysuit with silver embellishments remained the same, but her pink hide had begun acquiring a soft shade of peach. Her purple irises turned hazel, and her hair shifted into a lighter shade of yellow. Within moments, she looked as human as Mera.

Her friend swayed on her legs, probably getting accustomed to her heavier weight.

“You’ll get used to it,” Mera assured.

“Being on land isn’t completely new to me. We occasionally patrolled the Isles of Fog to ensure no one was being a prick to the natives. I mean, it’s why the bodysuits are mandatory—to help us adapt to the shift, among other things, like increasing speed and diminishing friction underwater. Still…” Belinda gawked at her membrane-less fingers, her mouth open. “So monumentally weird.”

“Well, I’m glad you made it to Lunor Insul safely.”

Her friend’s lips formed a line. “Not exactly. Poseidon has scout patrols. We knew he was recruiting people from the outer rims, but…” She shook her head. “They tried to catch us. We lost two officers fighting those crabapples.”

Mera’s chest fell, her friend’s loss achingly familiar. “I’m really sorry.”

“The price we pay, right?”

Julian’s face suddenly popped into her mind, but Mera pushed the memory away. She could only hope that he was safe in Clifftown, with Emma, and far away from the storm that was brewing.

Tir Na Nog was closest to Atlantea. If Azinor attacked, surely he had to start with the fae borough and not the others, as he’d done when he created the tsunami. Or so she thought. Mera couldn’t predict his next move, couldn’t guess what might be on his mind. She hated the powerlessness, hated the rage it spawned, but above all, she hated him.

“Did Azinor’s lackeys follow you?”

Belinda shook her head. “We neutralized the entire party, so the dickweed won’t be hearing about us.” Glancing around the garden, her gaze suddenly went up the palace’s giant façade, taking in every carved detail. “Wow. It looks like a giant waterdragon curling around the top of the mountain, doesn’t it?”

Mera nodded with a smile.

Once Belinda finished surveying the space around them, she shook a knowing finger at her. “You failed to mention your partner was stinking rich.”

“This isn’t his place, technically. Bast’s brother is the Night King. The castle belongs to him.”

“The sour mackerel with spiky short hair?” Her friend stuck out her tongue as if she’d tasted something rotten. “He plucked us from the water like coral roses without saying a word or acknowledging our presence. Not even a ‘Hi, prepare yourself to puke’. Pretentious idiot.”

“Corvus can be difficult sometimes, but he’s not a snob.” Thinking twice about it, she cringed. “Okay, he can be a major dick when he wants to, but as king, he has a lot on his shoulders.”

“We all do.” Belinda’s gaze fell to her feet. “Mer, back when we were thirteen; when you killed the queen and created a giant whirlpool around the arena…” The question dwindled with doubt.

“Go on.”

Her friend inhaled deeply, the motion clunky and uneven. “I figured everything you’d gone through with her had culminated in that maelstrom. A world of hurt, released at once. But now you stop tidal waves, and you kill people in a flash by using a type of magic that’s beyond forbidden.”

Lowering her chin, Mera stared at the grass. “I can’t understand why or how I do the things I do. It’s because of Azinor, of course, but at the same time… I don’t know.”

“Maybe your powers are like his.” Her friend shrugged, trading a knowing glance with her. “Maybe they’re more.”

Soulbreaker…

Mera bit her bottom lip, nails digging into her own palms. She didn’t want to think about it, not now. Besides, they had more pressing matters to discuss.

“Look, there’s a high chance I’ll be arrested soon, but an alliance with Atlantea might still be on the table. I need you to coordinate the war efforts with—”

“Wait. What?”

“The Tagradian council wants me to go on trial for lying about my nature for so long. We have to make sure—”

“With Poseidon looming on their backs? Are they daft?”

“Bel, please.”

“No! Let them try and arrest you.” She tapped the phaser attached to her belt. “You’re the Atlantean Princess. You’re not going to jail, and that isn’t up for discussion.”

Before Mera could try to dissuade her, two portals of night and stars blinked into the garden. Corvus and Bast stepped out of them almost simultaneously, both looking exhausted—the toll of winnowing non-stop.

“The convoy is settling in the east wing.” Her hart stepped closer and wrapped one heavy arm over Mera’s shoulders. He kissed her temple, his exhaustion weighing in on her, flowing through their bond.

She took it in, giving a bit of her energy to replenish his. Anything to make him feel better.

Corvus narrowed his eyes at Belinda. “Why aren’t you in the east wing along with the rest of your fishlings, akritana?”

“My fishlings?”

“I asked Bast to bring her here,” Mera answered. “Corvus, this is my oldest friend, Belinda Tiderider.”

He didn’t bother to greet her. “What does your oldest friend bring to the table, then?” Raising his chin, he arched one eyebrow. “Her pretty semblance?”

“My semblance doesn’t matter.” Belinda crossed her arms, unfazed by Corvus’ attempt to annoy her. “I’m here to protect the princess.”

“You think the detective needs protection?” He laughed loudly. “Did you hear that, broer?”

Bast rolled his eyes, letting out an exhausted sigh. “Corvus, will you behave? Officer Tiderider is our guest and—”

He raised his palm at Bast, his focus turning to Belinda. “No, please tell me, akritana. How can you do a better job than the detective herself, or my brother, who so happens to be a sarking Night Prince? A better job than the mighty Night King?” He waved at himself, head to bottom.

“Corvus,” Mera snapped. “You better start playing nice.”

“No need to defend me, Mer. I eat pricks like him for breakfast.” Belinda stepped closer, and by the look in her hazel eyes, it seemed that Corvus was awfully close to being murdered. “Want to see what I can do, landrider? Attack her. You won’t touch a thread of her hair before you’re on the ground.”

A wide grin spread on Corvus’s face while he assessed Belinda from top to bottom, his eyes taking in every bit of her. Licking his lips, he chuckled low in his chest. “An invitation simply too good to be denied, little starfish.”

“Broer, I swear—”

“The grownups are talking, Sebastian.” Without looking away from Belinda, he raised his hand as if to touch Mera’s hair.

With one quick move, Belinda grabbed his wrist and flipped him over her shoulder. Corvus’ back slammed against the grass, and before he could take a breath, Belinda had her knee on his throat.

“You blocked my winnowing,” he croaked, trying to raise his head, but her knee pressed harder against his windpipe. “I’m weakened after… winnowing your fishlings. Not… fair play!”

Belinda smirked. “Life isn’t fair, landrider.”

On the right, Beta Three’s heavy steps thumped loudly as he walked into the garden. “Pardon my delay. One can get lost within—” He stopped, staring at Belinda and Corvus. His eyes suddenly turned red, which meant he’d engaged battle mode. “Officer in danger!”

Beta Three rushed toward them surprisingly fast, the ground shaking with each step. His mouth opened, and a red glow beamed from the back of his throat.

“Beta Three, disengage!” Belinda shouted. “I’m fine!”

He froze midway, his eyes turning blue again. “Are you certain?” the automaton asked in his usual, polite monotone.

“Yes!”

“What in all the realms?” Corvus croaked, pushing her away and jumping to his feet. “That thing was going to kill me!”

Belinda stared at Beta Three with a frown. “Thank you. I didn’t think you cared about me.”

Truth be told, Mera couldn’t believe what had happened either, especially considering how her friend and Beta Three fought constantly.

“I cannot care, Officer. However, someone once told me that we choose our own family. I suppose I chose you and the detective. If that’s fine with you, of course.”

Belinda glanced at Mera, a surprised smile tugging at her lips. “We’re fine with that,” she assured for the both of them.

Bast turned to his brother, his blue eyes cold and merciless. “Are you done bothering our guest, Corvus?”

The prick watched Belinda for a moment, his yellow irises glinting with something Mera couldn’t name. Licking his lips, he raised one finger at her friend. “Oh, little starfish. What a wonderful beginning we’ve had.”

“I wouldn’t call it wonderful.”

“Are you certain, Officer Tiderider?” Beta Three cocked his head toward her. “Your heartbeat is elevated, and your serotonin levels—”

“No one asked you, Beta Three!” Belinda’s face turned a deep shade of crimson. “Gods!”

“Don’t worry, Belinda Tiderider.” Her name rolled easily off Corvus’ tongue as he stepped closer. “I tend to have that effect on women. Increase their heartbeat, you see. It’s a talent of mine.”

“I’m sure it is.” She scoffed before clearing her throat and stepping away, her hands joining behind her back. “Do all faeries enjoy shenanigans like this?”

Corvus turned to Bast, and both brothers shrugged before offering a resounding, “Yes.”

“All in good fun, mind you,” Corvus added, clapping his hands.

The sound startled Belinda since she’d probably had never heard it. The Night King grinned wickedly at that.

“My lord!” A Sidhe wearing a navy shirt and pants ran from inside the palace, heading toward them. When he reached Corvus, he whispered in his ear for a moment, then bowed and left.

Bast frowned. “What was that about?”

“Fabulous news. The council has decided the assembly will take place tomorrow in Lunor Insul. Things are looking good for the detective.”

Mera gasped, but before she knew it, Bast was already trapping her in a hug so tight that she could barely breathe.

“Colin came through, min hart. He came through,” he repeated, as if he couldn’t believe his own words.

She hugged him back, fingers digging into his clothes, relief washing over her.

“I say we welcome them in proper Night Court fashion.” Corvus’ lips curled back like a beast eager to feast. “Wouldn’t you agree it’s only fair, Detective? Especially after what they put you through?”

For a moment, she considered taking his offer. Shaking her head, however, Mera opted for the wiser choice. It was what Ruth would have done. Her uncle and the professor too.

“We do this the right way. We need the council on our side, so no tricks and no nonsense, understood?”

“Must we?” Corvus waved his hand as if swatting away a bug. “Doing things the right way is terribly tedious.”

“Following rules bores you?” Belinda scoffed, though a certain amusement beamed from her eyes. “What kind of king are you?”

Shrugging, Corvus gave her a charming grin. “Why, the fun kind, of course.”