The Whispers of the Fallen by J. D. Netto Read Free Book Online Page B

Athalas,” she explained.
    “Are you to do something you might come to regret later?” His voice was dark and foreboding. His face had become flushed; the veins on his neck were now visible.
    “I am not going to regret this in any way.” She turned to face Demetre and me. “This wine is poisoned. He—they want to destroy you. You are here because they want to destroy you both!”
    “That is absurd!” Athalas fiercely pointed his finger at her. “How dare you come against us in such a way? You should know better, Nephilin. No wonder your kind has been hiding in the shadows of the world for all these years. Guards !”
    Guards clothed in black armor marched in the moment Athalas was done speaking.
    “Tell them first! Tell them how you have fallen,” she yelled as the guards surrounded her. “Tell them how you sold your soul years ago!”
    “Why must I do anything you order me to do? Who are you before me, incompetent creature? Have you not seen or understood that you are an aberration? Your kind was never meant to be born.” As Athalas spoke, his teeth clattered. His hands moved in a strange, serpent-like manner.
    I was in a complete state of shock. Not only was Adawnas a Nephilin, but the place I had thought to be safe was the darkest yet.
    “You will regret this choice, Athalas,” she said as the guards pressed her down. I looked closely at them. There was something familiar about them. I realized they were also Nephilins. Their vibrant blue eyes were the clearest evidence of this fact.
    “Regret? Do you not see the ones that hold you down? They are just like you!” Athalas contested.
    “Other Nephilins in Justicia,” Devin mumbled in a somber voice.
    “Yes, servants of the Dark One,” Athalas roared.
    “What are you doing?” I protested, rushing toward Adawnas.
    “You better stay where you are,” Athalas commanded with a hiss. The other members that were seated rose up quickly and charged toward Demetre and me. My teeth cringed with desperation.
    The color of Athalas’ face changed to ashen gray, and his eyes turned a crimson red. Slowly he reached out for the knife that lay on the platter of pork roast.
    “You know, Adawnas,” he spoke, slowly moving toward her, measuring every word. “Your beauty is indeed something out of this world, but it is nothing that I cannot destroy. You should have been wiser.” He held the knife near her throat. His other hand caressed her face.
    I looked around and noticed the other members of the Council as motionless as the statues in their grand halls. I looked at Devin as he stared at the scene in shock.
    “Do something.” I mouthed the words to him but there was no response.
    Adawnas let out a terrifying scream. Athalas held the knife against her shoulder, deliberately carving deep into her flesh.
    “Immortals only until something wounds this pale, silky skin…unlike me, of course,” he spoke as she shrieked in torment.
    “Stop it!” I yelled in agony.
    Athalas’ gaze met mine.
    “Guards, take her to prison. I believe she will be tantalized by the entertainment we offer in the dark places of this castle.” Athalas scoffed as he approached Adawnas’ wounds and kissed them.
    The guards bound her with thick metal chains. I looked into her frightened eyes as the tears were streaming down her face. Devin’s eyes glimmered as he bowed his head and closed his eyes.
    “Pity…I did not want you to find out like this. I swear I was going to be somewhat merciful, I really was,” Athalas uttered in a malefic tone.
    “My chest…my chest…” Demetre screamed without warning. I shot him a look, only to find him pressing his hand on his chest once again.
    “Long have we played this game, haven’t we, Demetre?” Athalas growled menacingly and then hissed once again.
    “Please, stop! He does not need this!” I tried to go to his aid but one of the Council members violently grabbed my arm and held me back. I did not struggle for I knew it was