A Blood Soaked Throne - Part Two

Eight- Alayah

You'll be pleased to know that the staff remained silent, but I know that you slipped into the lower district. It's only a matter of time before I find you, and when I do we'll be wed. My wedding gift to you will be Damien's public execution at our reception. His life could have been spared, but your selfishness has once again led him to his death.

I try to keep the tears from my eyes as his imposing voice continues to convince me that all of this is my fault, but the thought of watching Damien be pulled to the edge of death's door again is unbearable. I haven't been able to give him the love he deserves and the love I want to be capable of. I may not get the chance.

As I spiral further into myself watching Damien try to break through my walls a deafening commotion rings from outside. Damien stands up and moves towards the windows that are slick with the rain that has once again begun to pour from the dark clouds in the sky. His eyes widen as he looks back at me.

"They're coming," he says with a hint of worry splintering his words. I jump up from my spot on the couch and begin gathering what few belongings we have and shoving them back into the bag. "We need to hide, there's still a chance they won't find us."

He wraps his fingers around the blade and grabs my hand, leading us into the closet. It's a tight space, barely big enough for the two of us to conceal ourselves behind the hanging clothes. Damien crouches protectively in front of me and closes the door, locking us in darkness. I place a trembling hand on his back, feeling the warmth radiate from his skin. I can't see him despite him being directly in front of me so feeling his strong frame beneath my hand gives me the reassurance I need to keep calm.

A few minutes go by where the only sound is the quiet breathing that passes between the two of us. Doors suddenly begin fracturing through the halls as they're ripped from their hinges. Glass shatters and loud thuds ring painfully in my ears as they destroy each apartment in their search for us. I can't tell how many of them there are.

The splintering sound of our own door breaking apart makes me jump. I listen as they destroy the small space that we've called our home for the last few days. My heart pounds more impatiently with each step that they take closer to us. My eyes catch on the red glow of Damien's tattoo as it begins to brighten and he pulls his sleeve down to cover it.

As the closet door begins to open I jerk back as Damien lunges upward towards the awaiting guard. The sharp tip of the dagger slides easily between the thin line that separates his helmet from the metal armor covering his neck. Blood splatters from his throat as a haunting gurgle bubbles from his lips. He collapses to the ground and the sound attracts the attention of the other guards.

A few of them squeeze into the tight space of the bathroom, but even Damien can't possibly fight them all off. Is this really the end? The strong red glow begins to blossom in Damien's hand and he wastes no time attacking the two guards in front of him. They struggle to maneuver their heavy weapons in the small space and the piercing screams fill the air as his power burns through their armor.

Blood seeps from thin crevices as they drop to the tiled floor of the bathroom. Damien reaches down for my hand and I push the nauseous feeling from my stomach as my eyes wander over the blood soaking his shirt. I wrap my fingers tightly around his and he pulls me from the floor. We run from the bathroom, locking eyes with another half a dozen guards scrounging through the main living space.