Page 98 of The Serpent Prince

“I said I would take you here, I never said I’d help you afterward,” Kiran replied.

Esa let out a roar, but then she stilled and hissed when Zadie pressed her hand onto the wound. Ripping her shirt, Zadie tied it tight around the wound then helped Esa stand. They hobbled away into the trees, disappearing altogether.

Imani turned to Kiran. “You broke a deal with Esa. You said you’d take her to the Under, and now whatever task she needs to accomplish is incomplete.”

A dark look fell over the prince’s face as he shrugged. “I brought her here. I can’t be blamed when she’s injured.” He stared at Imani a moment longer. “Besides, I think what she wants can be achieved in a different way, and I intend to help her do so, just not today. Zadie and Esa were holding us back.”

“Why? Zadie and Esa helped us against the furies.”

“It’s true what the furies said; some of us don’t belong here. But they listen to you because of your red brands.” With those cryptic words, he sheathed his sword.

“Take me to him. I know he’s expecting us,” she sneered.

The leader narrowed her eyes at the order but grabbed her hand, marching them to where the other furies stood, waiting.

They trekked through the woods for five minutes before reaching the apex of the large white temple.

All three furies stood outside. “He’s in the atrium, praying. If he’s expecting you, the interruption will be fine.”

Without even a look at them, Kiran strode forward.

The temple was cool inside, as if made to perfectly capture the breeze. Imani admired the hieroglyphics and ancient writing on the walls, wondering what mysteries they held. She marveled at the pristine condition of the structure. The people of the Under still held the utmost respect for the Fabric.

It had hardly sunk in that she had traveled to another realm.

At the center of the temple stood six statues, and a man standing in front of them.

“Mateus,” Kiran said in greeting.

Imani’s mouth almost fell open upon seeing a male death angel. All children were told to fear the death angels, as they were said to be the guardians of the Under.

Midnight-black hair was tied at the nape of his neck, and large, discerning, black-violet eyes took in her form. Examined her.

She studied him right back.

He was gorgeous—intimidating, but beautiful, nonetheless.

He didn’t turn to acknowledge her or Kiran. “Prince Kiran. You return at last,” he said with his back to them.

“Apologies for interrupting your prayer. Your furies are quite persistent with their duties to guard the slip.”

“They do as they’re ordered,” was all the angel said.

After a moment of silence, the death angel eventually turned to face them. “These are not for prayer, you know.” He motioned to the six statues. “But the Six Saints remind us what it means to truly dream … and realize those dreams. Inspiring, no?”

“Quite,” Kiran said blandly, but Imani was fascinated. She didn’t know much about the old religion of the Six Saints, but she knew her grandmother had believed in them, and Ara had rarely believed in anything.

This wasn’t the time for questions, though.

Kiran continued, “Our accord is almost complete.” He motioned to Imani.

The high sentinel raised his brows in surprise as he approached Imani and Kiran. Shadows of black wings appeared on the wall behind him, and power emanated from his magical signature. Imani could see that this man held magic she couldn’t even begin to understand.

“Is this truly her? And you managed to convince her to follow you here?” Depthless eyes scanned her body as the death angel sized her up.

“Yes and yes.” Kiran’s voice was even, unafraid.

“I must admit, I didn’t expect you to return so quickly. You’re impressive, Kiran. Quite impressive.”