When Gods Fall (The Gifts of the Gods Book 1) by S. E. Bouvier

Author:S. E. Bouvier [Bouvier, S. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FORTY

Leukos’ face contorted in rage. “What are you doing here, traitor?”

Nik choked, struggling to breathe through the tight grip. “Leukos—”

The tip of Leukos’ blade rested over the Achaean’s heart. “Do you remember the promise I made if you ever crossed my path again?”

Leukos seemed to vibrate with a simmering, smouldering anger that threatened to erupt at any moment.

Alena’s knees locked at the sight. “Leukos…”

He whipped around, and his stare, cold and unyielding, collided with hers.

The air grew heavy with tension until he abruptly released his grip on Nik, and the blond fell to his knees with a sharp gasp.

“You know this man?” Darkness shrouded Leukos’ face and, on instinct, Alena took a step back. He snatched her arm, pulling her so close that his features blurred. “Answer me!”

“He was in one of the cells.” Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. “I came to the arena searching for Katell, and he said he knew her, so I bought him with the money you left me. He used his magic and helped me save the other slaves.”

Leukos’ gaze drilled into her with icy scrutiny, and any further words died in her throat.

A deep rumble followed by shouts echoed down the arched corridor, drawing them back to reality. Leukos released her without a word and headed for the staircase.

Alena let out a shaky breath, glancing from one man to the other. “I don’t understand. What happened?”

Neither of them answered.

When the shouts drew nearer, Leukos said in a brisk tone. “Let’s go. We still need to make it out of the city.” He shot up the coiling staircase without a backward glance.

Despite the heat of the fires, a cold feeling seeped into Alena’s gut, spreading through her chest.

She tried not to take Leukos’ outburst to heart, but it had shaken her. He’d never looked so hateful, not even back in the cave.

She glanced at Nik, who staggered to his feet, rubbing his throat.

“You heard the man.” He wheezed and jerked his head towards the stairs. “Go!”

She ascended the stairs once more, adjusting the tattered bandage around her wounded hand. Although the pain had lessened, it required prompt attention nonetheless.

Outside, sunlight poured over the open courtyard, and Alena shielded her eyes.

The battle continued around the arena. Shouts and screams filled the air as bright flames licked the arena walls. Beyond the gates, a handful of warriors used magic to fight off city guards, spreading chaos in the streets.

The Kantabri warrior, torch in hand, used his Gift to start fires in every bundle of wood or hay in sight, cackling. Close behind him, two other warriors—including the green-tongued boy—pushed back those who opposed them. The boy’s spit hit a city guard’s helmet, and the man screamed as the steel melted away, revealing his face beneath.

Grasping her elbow, Leukos led Alena out of the courtyard towards the narrow, cobbled streets. Nik followed close behind, sword in hand. Agapios waited in the shadows of an abandoned stall, signalling to make haste.

“Alena, my dear.” He clasped her shoulders and looked thoroughly relieved that she was alive.

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