Burning Dawn (Angels of the Dark #3)(84)
Author: Gena Showalter

He guarded what was his.

“Adrian was just here,” Xerxes said, his expression grim. “The other Sent Ones arrived just before Bjorn’s shadow woman. They’re all fine. Ricker, Kendra’s husband, must have hidden in the club when Ardeo came in, because he broke into the dungeon and escaped with her and the king.”

“Oh, Thane,” Elin said. “Your revenge…”

“I don’t care about that,” he said, and meant it.

Xerxes held up his hand, a request for quiet. “There’s something you both need to know. Chanel… She didn’t make it.”

“What!” Elin gasped out, trying to stand. “No. Not Chanel. She’s strong. She’ll pull through.”

“No. Not this time.” Xerxes shook his head. “The creatures devoured… They took… No.”

Thane tightened his hold on Elin. At first, she fought him. Then a sob left her and she sagged against him. Tears stung his eyes as she clung to him, pouring out her misery. The other girls must be overcome with sorrow, as well. The five had been as tight a unit as he, Xerxes and Bjorn.

“I’m sorry, kulta.”

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

“I know,” he said softly. “I know.”

One way or another, the prince would pay for this.

* * *

ELIN CRIED SO MUCH and so hard her eyes swelled and her tear ducts clogged. Her nose stuffed up, and her throat burned, the tissues raw. She wanted to comfort her friends, but everyone had been split up. Something about making it more difficult for the prince to get a lock. Whatever. She didn’t care.

Xerxes took Bellorie and McCadden. Bjorn took Octavia. Adrian took Savy.

Thane flew Elin to a home he kept on a deserted island. A true paradise, with palm trees, lush foliage and a white-sand beach. It was surely the Most High’s most beautiful handiwork. Crystal clear water lapped at the shore and frothed. The scent of coconut and orchids drifted on a gentle breeze. Birds soared overhead, the sun glowing bright orange and pink on the horizon.

She spent the first day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she sobbed. Thane spent the day sending mental orders to Axel and Elandra, helping to map out strategies for the Lords of the Underworld, as well as to other Sent Ones in a bid to find the prince. At least, that was what she thought she heard him say in the few moments she was calm.

Elin spent the second day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she sniffled. Thane spent it communicating with Zacharel, explaining what was going on, the reports that had come in, and gaining permission for every move he planned to make. Later, he told her that he would never again risk getting into trouble and losing his wings. His homes.

His woman.

Elin spent the third day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she watched the world continue on, as if nothing had happened. As if it hadn’t lost a precious gift. Thane watched her, silent.

On the fourth day, Thane sat beside her, waiting for her to speak.

“There’s so much death in the world,” she finally said.

“Yes. You’ve seen much in your short years. And the longer you live, the more you’ll see.”

And one day, if they stayed together, he would see hers. Or, in an ironic twist of fate, would she, the half human, see his? The thought shattered her. “Does it ever get easier?”

“I wish, but…no. No, it doesn’t.”

Brutal honesty. As always. A trait she loved, even when it hurt.

Still, her chin trembled as she fought the urge to scream. To scream and never stop. To rant and rail. To curse. This wasn’t fair. Chanel was—had been—a good person. A great person. Sweet, charming. Fun.

“Who killed her?” Elin croaked. “The demons or the Phoenix or the shadows?”

“The demons. Bellorie was with her and saw it happen.”

Poor Bellorie. She would have to live with the horrific images of her friend’s murder for the rest of her long life. And maybe she’d have to live with a dash of survivor’s guilt, too. Elin knew what that was like.

I want to hug her. I need to cry with her.

“I know we haven’t talked about the future,” she said. “I know I’ve told you again and again that I’m going back to the human world.”

He tensed.

“But I’m not. I’m staying with you. Now and always. I want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.” The violence… Well, she could obviously handle it now. She’d fought demons. She’d attacked Orson and survived. She’d watched his body be consumed without blinking. “And,” she added, “I want you. To be with you. Totally and completely.” He’d won her trust, and she refused to dish pretenses. Life could be cut short at any moment. Why live without her heart’s desire?

He breathed a sigh of relief. “I didn’t want you to go. I…never worked on your ID,” he admitted. “Elin, I’m sorry, but I wanted you with me, and put no effort into the task.”

Tricky Sent One. “I should be mad. Later, when things have calmed down, I’ll probably punish you.”

“And I will accept it as my due.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “Perhaps I shouldn’t admit this, but if it’s anything like the last punishment, I’ll enjoy it.”

“You might be the first male in this world or any other to say that—and mean it. But I’m glad you do.” Chest aching, she leaned against him. “What happens now?”

He sighed. “Now, we recover.” His expression darkened before he said, “Then we go to war.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

THANE KEPT ELIN on the island for a week. His home sat right on the beach, with glass walls peering into the sunrise. There was very little furniture, but what was there was luxurious. His favorite piece was the massive bed with the wispy canopy falling over the sides. When the material was parted, there was a direct ocean view.

All Sent Ones kept multiple homes all over the world, because they never knew where they would be stationed. He even had an underground residence, a place he used to fly the lovers he knew he would be particularly rough with, so nobody could hear their screams.

Time to sell it. That part of his life was over.

He’d kept in contact with his boys and knew everyone was safe. Mourning Chanel’s passing, but safe. He’d pampered Elin in every way he knew how to. He’d made love to her. Gently. Hard. Looong. Quick. He’d stayed in her bed all night and tried to remain awake, unwilling to risk a nightmare, but she had caught on and seduced him into a coma of pleasure. Nary a nightmare to be had.