A Tangle of Hearts Read online

  Horses galloped outside, their hooves thundering across the soft grass.

  I counted at least six. The Destroyers hissed as they rushed past the tree, their stallions neighing and piercing through the night’s silence.

  They sounded like an earthquake thrashing and rumbling through the jungle.

  I stilled in Draven’s arms. His lips rested against my head, soft and settled on my skin. My heart drummed in my ears, desperate to jump out of my chest and away from the madness. He held me tightly, unyielding in his grip.

  A few moments passed before there was silence again.

  Bijarki, Anjani, and Jovi breathed out sighs of relief. Draven relaxed as well, but he didn’t let go, and I was too shaken up to move anyway.

  The Destroyers were gone. We had been inches away from certain death.

  Chills ran through me as my mind got tangled in the what-ifs. What if the Destroyers had found us inside that tree? I sank deeper into Draven’s arms, instinctively seeking the comfort he’d given me earlier while we were sleeping.

  Bijarki peered through the branches. “They’re gone, headed east,” he murmured.

  “That was close.” Anjani sighed and leaned into Jovi, who put his arm around her and pulled the succubus closer into his side.

  I breathed in and out, carefully counting as I exhaled in an attempt to regain my composure. I could feel my hands and feet trembling from the adrenaline rush. I dropped the knife, my fingers sweaty from the grip.

  While I may have been ready to face off against raging shape-shifters now that we had the poisonous arrows, I was in no way prepared to fight Destroyers.

  Draven held me tight, his lips still against my forehead.

  We stayed like that for a while. My fear sank back into the darkness, and I dozed off again, listening to the faint sound of his heart beating. Even after the prospect of Destroyers tearing us apart, Draven’s presence managed to soothe me and guide me back to sleep.

  Jovi

  [Victoria & Bastien’s son]

  The rest of the night went smoothly. Even the crickets were silent after the Destroyers left. The entire jungle seemed to tremble from crippling fear as those monsters galloped through its woods, their horses neighing and their hooves thundering like they carried death in their saddles. Well, they pretty much did carry death in their saddles—death in the form of evil Druids with massive snake tails and poisonous spears.

  Thanks to Anjani’s alertness and Bijarki’s rapid response, we’d been able to stomp out the fire and disappear inside the tree before the Destroyers reached us. She’d seen them from about a mile away, giving us enough time to climb down and hide ourselves.

  After that, Anjani and I stayed inside the tree with Draven until dawn. Serena took her turn after a short nap and climbed up to keep watch, while Bijarki rested his head against the amber casing, closing his eyes once in a while for short catnaps.

  I managed to fall asleep after a while, with my arm still wrapped around Anjani. In other circumstances she probably would have pushed me away, but instead she dozed off in my arms, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Her soft purr and her hair brushing against my face were the perfect antidote to the adrenaline rush that the Destroyers had triggered in me earlier.

  When I woke up in the early hours of the morning, she was already outside, changing her leg bandage by herself. I moved to help her but she shook her head sharply.

  “I can do it myself, thank you,” she muttered.

  And she’s back.

  Bijarki and Serena had already packed the bags, and Draven was sniffing the cool air, telling us we’d have clear skies for the rest of our journey.

  We resumed our trip, and several hours later we looked up and noticed the mountains towering over us—limestone giants with sharp ridges, thick pine forests, and snowy peaks disappearing into the clouds. The temperature and humidity had dropped a little, making it a perfect place to live—not too hot, and definitely not too cold. The jungle scattered where the mountain rose lazily toward the sky.

  The sun was high above when we reached the end of the trail and walked out into a wide clearing covered in grass and wildflowers. It was as if we had stepped out of one world and into another.

  The sound of running water lingered in the background, along with the trills of brightly colored birds and songs of what reminded me of cicadas.

  We stood in front of enormous slabs of pale gray limestone that seemingly blocked our path forward. They were laid out as a wall that stretched from left to right for miles and miles in both directions. They were too tall and smooth to be climbed, and we didn’t have any mountain-climbing equipment; Anjani hadn’t informed us that we would need any. The mountain stood proud beyond, piercing through the thinly clouded sky.

  Anjani left my side and went up to the wall. Her leg had regained some of its strength; her footing was more stable and relied less on my help. It was good to see her recover so quickly, but at the same time I would’ve been okay with her holding onto me for a little while longer.

  “We’re here,” she said, then placed her palm on the hard surface. She muttered something under her breath, and the limestone started to ripple outward, as if it was made of liquid. “Follow me.” Anjani looked over her shoulder at us, setting her gaze on me, then walked right into the stone.

  It swallowed her whole.

  Bijarki was the first to walk in after her, and I watched him disappear. I took a deep breath and joined them on the other side, followed by Serena and Draven.

  As soon as I stepped through the liquid rock, it glazed my body in a cool, tingling sensation. The limestone particles gently ground against my skin as I took another step. The fresh mountain air hit my face, and I opened my eyes to find a different world unfurling before me.

  The Red Tribe’s quarters splayed along the base of the giant mountain, covering a few hundred square yards, perfectly hidden behind the magic wall. According to Anjani, few ventured this far north. She’d known which trails to take to get there, whereas most unsuspecting travelers would have gotten lost and perished in the dark jungles that covered the miles of uncharted territory.

  “The waters are murky and treacherous and often covered in a thin film resembling grass, fooling people into walking across. They’re swallowed and never come back out,” Anjani had said on our way there. “And if the swamps don’t kill them, there are plenty of shape-shifters still roaming around and poisonous snakes, carnivorous apes, and large red-fangs that will finish the job.”

  “What are red-fangs?” I had asked.

  “Trust me, you don’t want to know,” had been her response.

  With that in perspective, I couldn’t help but feel grateful she’d been there to guide us through it all. But what waited for us beyond the limestone barrier seemed just as dangerous, based on what she’d told us about her tribe’s customs and animosity toward strangers. We were strangers to them, after all.

  A meadow spread out in front of us, flanked by the mountain’s gigantic base. Large conical tents rose on top of grass the color of blood, which was littered with sharp black rocks and pink and white wildflowers. Animal skins were sewn onto these tents in various patterns of spots and stripes. Large curved swords and spears leaned against them by each entrance, as if ready to pick up in case of an attack.

  They’re always ready to kill. But who would be foolish enough to attack?

  I took everything in, piece by piece. Dozens of succubi went about their chores in the Red Tribe, all of them tall and strong, their silvery skin covered in crimson war paint and tight leathers tied around their chests and hips. Their muscles were lean, glistening under the sunlight. The sky above was icy blue with white clouds scattered across it and swarms of small black birds undulating with the wind as they flew farther north.

  Some were carrying chunks of dark violet wood to the large bonfire that stood tall at the center of the camp. The fire burned, and a thick column of gray smoke rose up to the sky.

  Others
were sharpening their swords with obsidian rocks and dipping arrows into bright green liquids that looked deadly poisonous.

  Young succubi who looked like teenagers were busy skinning the animals from what must have been their morning hunt. The children were busy sparring with real knives in a couple of open spaces near the bonfire.

  Serena and Draven joined me from behind.

  Anjani stood in front of me, facing her tribe with Bijarki next to her.

  We didn’t move for a moment, Anjani allowing us a few moments to take it all in, but then one of the little girls running around noticed us. Her eyes widened at the sight of Bijarki, and she ran back to where she’d come from, shouting at every succubus she passed.

  Soon enough, all eyes were on us, a variety of gold, emerald, and gray mounted on silver and crimson faces. One by one, the succubi stopped what they were doing and approached us in silence. Some took out their weapons.

  Even with Anjani’s presence, I couldn’t stop my inner-wolf from firing up my defenses. I felt the muscles on my back flare up with tension as my fists closed, ready to strike if attacked. Even with Anjani’s previous reassurances, the succubi looked as though they were ready to kill us if we so much as moved.

  “I’ve returned.” Anjani raised her voice, prompting whispers and murmurs from the back. “Where is Hansa?”

  The succubi formed a semicircle, closing in on us. Their blades didn’t go down, and I instinctively took a step forward, bringing myself closer to Anjani. Bijarki threw me a sideways glance and frowned.

  “Don’t move, Jovi,” he whispered, as the succubi continued their advance.

  “Where are your sisters?” A voice thundered from the crowd.

  A tall, muscular succubus shoved her way through the horde. She was taller than me, I concluded, as she reached us and stopped in front of Anjani.

  She was strong and looked like she had been sculpted, then carefully poured into a silver mold to preserve every muscle, every curve, and every sharp edge. A cascade of jet black hair ran over her broad shoulders and down her back in generous curls, and her eyes were storms of green and gold. Her smooth facial structure, her full indigo lips, and her arched eyebrows further strengthened my growing suspicion that she was related to Anjani.

  Her breasts were ample, captive beneath a handcrafted gold chestplate, and she wore tight leather pants, sewn on the sides with thick red string. A scarlet-colored cape rested on her right shoulder, and a massive sword hung from her belt, partially concealed by the cape. One hand rested on the hilt. Gemstones were braided through the top half of her hair. They twinkled red and yellow under the sunlight.

  “They’re dead. Shifters got us,” Anjani finally answered, her voice weak before the woman, whose face darkened at the news.

  The tall succubus had to be the chief. Everything about her demanded respect and attention. Her stature imposed fear despite her enticing curves, and her glare made me want to shrink behind Anjani. I’d never thought I’d be fearful of a woman other than my mother, until I met this succubus.

  I peered over my shoulder to find Serena staring, her mouth open, trying to take it all in. Draven, bless him, was still blind and couldn’t see what had gotten us feeling so tiny and vulnerable. Serena leaned into him and whispered something in his ear, prompting him to nod solemnly.

  I turned my head to see Anjani take a few steps toward the chief.

  “The hunter became the hunted, then,” said the chief, her voice rough and cold.

  “I’m sorry, Hansa,” Anjani mumbled and bowed before her. “We thought we could handle it. We lost the poisons in a fall, and we were out gathering herbs to make new ones when the shape-shifters ambushed us—”

  “I don’t need to hear details of your incompetence!” Hansa spat back.

  I could almost feel Anjani freeze beneath her glare. I would’ve done anything to get her out of there, but from what I’d learned about her kind, it would’ve only made things worse. Instead, I kept my mouth shut and watched, ready to jump in if anyone tried to hurt her.

  “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her voice trembling and almost tearing me apart inside. I clenched my jaw.

  “What’s done is done,” Hansa replied, then looked to either side at the other succubi. “Tonight we mourn our fallen sisters.”

  They all nodded slowly, and Anjani stood up straight. Hansa then looked at us, and my breath got stuck in my throat. I didn’t like her attention on us—on me in particular. She narrowed her eyes, and the eyes of countless other succubi zoned in on me, sizing me up with no shame.

  I was starting to feel like a slice of fresh meat. I wasn’t sure whether I should be flattered or scared. There was only one of me and so many of them. I’d barely gotten the hang of operating around Anjani. I definitely wasn’t ready to deal with an entire tribe.

  “Who are they?” Hansa asked, motioning toward me.

  Why me? Don’t look at me!

  Anjani looked over her shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile, “They saved my life. Otherwise I would have died along with my sisters. They are my friends,” she said and stepped back by my side.

  Her arm locked with mine, and she leaned into me. I felt my strength return. My chest inflated with warmth and confidence. I once again marveled at the effect Anjani had on me.

  And to think just two days ago she was hissing at me, telling me to stay away or she’d slit my throat.

  “This is Jovi. He and his friend jumped in and rescued me before the shape-shifters could kill me.” Anjani continued through the chief’s heavy silence, introducing the rest of our group. “This is Bijarki. He helped cure my wounds. And these are Serena and Draven, a Druid. His herbs saved my leg.”

  More murmurs came from the crowd, but a long moment passed before Hansa spoke again.

  “I didn’t think Druids were still alive.” She cocked her head to one side and narrowed her eyes, as if unsure that she believed what she was seeing.

  “I can assure you they’re mostly dead or Destroyers now. I may be the last one standing,” Draven replied as he stepped forward alongside Serena.

  “How are you still alive, then?” Hansa didn’t budge. Instead she crossed her arms.

  “I’ve been under the protection of the Daughters.”

  “It’s true,” Anjani interjected when Hansa didn’t respond. “They’re protected by powerful magic. Azazel doesn’t know how to find them.”

  “They?” came Hansa’s response.

  It felt like the more questions we answered, the more questions she had.

  “There’s a group of us.” I spoke up, much to Bijarki’s visible distress. He groaned and pinched the blade of his nose with two fingers. “The Druid keeps us safe.”

  Hansa’s attention shifted to me, and my temperature rose. She was gorgeous, despite her intimidating height and muscle mass. I couldn’t help but admire the way those leather pants glazed her thighs. Anjani cleared her throat. I looked at her and met her fiery glare.

  I guess I’m staring.

  I couldn’t really help it. They were all so beautiful. Chances were they were also letting their succubus nature loose on me. I felt a peculiar heat rising into the back of my head. I gripped Anjani’s forearm and squeezed tight in an attempt to anchor myself to reality.

  She gave me an understanding look, and I realized then that the succubi were, indeed, having a deliberate effect on me.

  “You saved her life?” Hansa asked, her gold-green eyes drilling into me.

  I nodded, unable to utter a single word.

  She walked toward me, and my heart stilled in my chest. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Her hand landed on my shoulder with considerable weight, and her face, crossed by two thick diagonal stripes of red paint, blossomed into a wide smile. Her teeth were perfect. Her canines and the two slight horns on her temples were equally sharp and white.

  “Anjani is my younger sister,” Hansa said to me. “She will one day take my place as chief of the Red Tribe. Unless I am killed, it will not
be for many centuries, but she is precious to me and to our clan. I thank you for rescuing her and for healing her wounds, young man. I—we—are all forever in your debt.”

  She looked over to Draven while she spoke, as if recognizing him as the leader of our group. I really didn’t mind someone else getting the chief’s attention.

  “Name your price,” she continued.

  Draven took a deep breath and smiled, having heard what I knew he’d wanted to hear—the admission of a life debt from a succubus tribe.

  The Druid didn’t waste a second. “We need your help.”

  “What can I do?” Hansa didn’t seem surprised, her hand still heavy on my shoulder, while mine persistently clutched Anjani’s forearm.

  “You know of Kristos, don’t you?” Draven asked.

  “Yes, the little rebel from Arid’s clan. Couldn’t fight to save his own life,” Hansa said, her smirk denoting a seasoned warrior’s contempt. I could see the resemblance in Anjani.

  “He’s dead. Show some respect,” Bijarki shot back from the side, his tone sharp.

  “Life is cruel,” Hansa replied bluntly. “You’re on my turf now, so you show some respect, incubus. We’re not impressed by your kind here.”

  “We’re the same species!” The incubus said with irritation.

  “You and I are nothing alike!” Hansa didn’t back down. Her voice thundered over us. “Not one of you incubi can face my tribe in battle. We crush men like you between our thighs for fun. Don’t expect my sympathy when you’re all crawling under Azazel’s skirt!”

  “Leave Bijarki out of this, please,” Draven interjected with a soothing voice of reason. “He has lost everyone and everything to Azazel, yet he stands with us here, today.”

  A moment passed before Hansa and Bijarki curtly bowed their heads at each other to bury the hatchet. There was no room for pride in our situation.

  “Kristos’s father is about to make a big mistake and pledge his allegiance to Azazel. That is roughly five thousand more incubi joining his ranks, and we can’t let that happen,” Draven continued.