Destroyed by Onyx (A Dance with Destiny Book 4) Read Free Page B

day has come when you can no longer deny me . The blessed day when you can no longer defy the pull I have over you .”
    He continued to move slowly toward her, yet she halted her advance.
    “Something great is meant for us, tiny Angel,” he said, holding fast her burning gaze. “It’s something bigger than the two of us alone, something historic, world changing. I have always known this, you have always known this. Our time has come at last, my love. The day our destiny is finally revealed. No longer can it be denied. The blessed day of us has arrived.”
    Kias stepped in front of him then, blocking his way just as he reached her trembling, frozen form.
    King Dofarel placed his hand upon Alastyn’s shoulder. “This explains so many things, my boy. I wondered why my daughter was so drawn to you. I wondered why you kept showing up amongst my people.” The old King smiled.
    “What are you saying, Dofarel?” Jenevier eyed the Elf warily. “Tell me what it is you’re hiding within your heart. Do not toy with me in this.”
    “I would never have guessed it without your gifts, Empress. I will share with you what I believe to be true.” He turned to face Alastyn. “You carry the blood of the first man. You are descended from the noble bloodline of the original Kings. Your great valor and tremendous heart are born naturally within you, for you are the son of the Kings of Old, the last to walk among us. You, my son, are an Olden. Does your father yet live?”
    At the question, tears filled his enchanting green eyes. “No, sir, he does not.”
    “Kias, Izadori, what you both proclaimed to me, back at that little rose-covered cottage, now rings truer than you could have possibly imagined.” He held up his arms and proclaimed loudly. “The days of men and Elves are once more. Centuries have we waited, but no longer. All hail the rightful King of this realm.” Dofarel held out a glowing wand, lightly touching Alastyn on the forehead. “All hail Alastyn, rightful King of Ashgard.”
    Their cheers were thunderous. The very leaves shook with excitement. Joy seemed to ring forth from every living creature, resonating throughout the ancient forest.
    Jenevier quietly stepped back within the trees—shaking all over, gasping for breath—as the happy Elves surrounded her stunned friend.
    Alastyn caught Izadori up in his arms, spinning her around. That night, Mangladune was filled with immeasurable joy.
    Slipping through the trees, Jenevier came out to stand near Jezreel. “Farewell, sister of my heart,” she whispered. “May you always know love, may you always smell roses, and may you be blessed with a hundred children as mischievous as you were.”
    The two girls cried and hugged and tried their best to squeeze a lifetime of goodbyes out of their last few moments together. Kias approached them, placing a hand upon each.
    Jenevier turned to him, hugged him fiercely, and then quickly stepped away. “Take care of my fair sister, brother Kias. I hold you accountable for her happiness. If she sheds but one tear, I will feel it fall bitterly upon my heart. I will tear through your precious trees and exact payment for her sorrow from your pale flesh, Onyx Eyes.”
    Kias only smiled and bowed to her. “As you say, Milady.”
    She kissed Jezreel one last time before she disappeared into the darkened forest.
    Strong hands grabbed her, pulling her back against a hard chest, holding her firm.
    “Were you truly going to leave without telling me goodbye?” he whispered into her curls. “After you promised, swore, and vowed, no less. This seems to be a dreadfully bad habit of yours, lovely Empress.”
    She smiled softly, turning in his arms, touching his tear-stained cheek. “Alastyn, my first love, your blessed destiny was revealed to you this night. I was told that my birth was to fulfill an ancient prophecy of this land. A wise Angel told me I was created to teach the King of Ashgard how to love… then I would leave this layer