House of Dreamers | book 1

𝐱𝐱𝐯𝐢𝐢

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕

𓆱

𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐀𝐍

𓆱

Flames of anger ignited his body at the sight of Ophelia, lying still and covered in crimson. He tightened his fist, eager to find Perseus and tear him apart, limb from limb. Eager to protect the princess lying on the table behind the man he'd been itching to end. A triumphant gleam shone in his eyes. He lowered his arms to his sides, pushing his hands into the pockets of his pants. Caspian wanted to cut him down. He yanked his sword free, ignoring Abraxas' command to stand down. He marched up to Perseus, forced back by a large, muscular man with a bird mask hiding his features.

"Need others to fight your battles?" Caspian growled, keeping his eyes pinned on the man. "You have a sword out. What else was he supposed to do?" Perseus shrugged his shoulders. "Weylin, attack!"

The large man moved quickly, slamming his fist into Caspian's gut. He coughed, nearly letting go of his sword. "Caspian!" He heard behind him. Caspian looked over his shoulder, watching as Abraxas swung his sword left and right, decapitating two of Perseus' soldiers in one swing. He turned his attention away from Caspian.

Caspian had dropped his sword in favor of the dagger strapped around his thigh.

Weylin loomed over him, glaring down through the circular eyes of his mask. Caspian crouched, ready to lunge. Weylin moved quicker, thrusting a blow to Caspian's nose. Tears sprang into his eyes, and Caspian groaned. Weylin grabbed Caspian, lifting him and throwing him towards Abraxas.

The king moved, folding the very existence of reality to get out of Caspian's way. He slammed into the unforgiving floors outside of the chapel. Ophelia's hair glittered with blood behind Weylin, igniting another wave of anger through Caspian.

Weylin stalked forward. Perseus stood on the raised dais, partially blocking Ophelia's form. He overlooked the battle as if he were a king. Caspian pushed himself to his knees, glaring at the man. Weylin sneered at him.

Perseus called Weylin's name. The man paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Stand down. I'll deal with him."

Weylin backed away. All fighting ceased, and Caspian got to his feet, dagger in his hands. He glanced down, counting the rubies embedded in the handle — one for his mother, one for his sister, and one for his father. He quickly sent a prayer to the war god, Aurelius, before lunging into battle. Perseus bared his teeth, dodging each blow that Caspian tried to land.

He laughed, toying with him.

Caspian growled. He ducked underneath Perseus' arm, stabbing upwards with his dagger. Blood coated Caspian, leaving a metallic taste in his mouth. Perseus growled, pressing his hand against the gash in his arm. He glared at Caspian. He waited for Perseus to come towards him.

"Come on." Caspian murmured, tilting his head. Perseus rushed towards him, bent at the waist. Caspian tossed the dagger to the side, meeting Perseus halfway. He grabbed Caspian, slamming him against the wall far behind him. Caspian sputtered, watching over his shoulder. A hooded man shifted, waving for someone to help him. A girl and a boy rushed up the dais — identical from their backs — grabbing each of Ophelia's legs. The hooded man slipped his hands underneath her shoulders, lifting her from the table. Ophelia's head hung limply to the side.

Caspian bared his teeth at Perseus, pushing against his chest. It had been useless.

"Admit it, Caspian, you're outmatched." Perseus spat, pressing harder against Caspian. "You can't beat me! I have her powers now, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."