Zeera
Storming back to Adri's room after my conversation with Jonah proved useless, I can barely comprehend what I'm looking at—the guards sprawled on the bed, unconscious, and that precious golden child is nowhere to be found.
"Argh! Where the hell is my prisoner?" I scream. "I want that vixen transferred to isolated holding as soon as she is found. I've had enough of this 'princess' treatment."
The rage wells up inside me.
Only Amali can be responsible for this. She's the only one who can immobilize someone with just a touch.
The realization of my sister's betrayal stirs up an anger inside me that cannot be contained. I let out a roar of fury as my power surges uncontrollably.
This is unforgiveable!
Racing to Jonah, I'm determined to have him ready the troops for a hunt.
"Jonah!" I yell, bursting into our shared chamber. "That good-for-nothing crybaby has escaped. Not without the help of my lovely sister, though."
He emerges from his study calmly. "Are you certain?"
"Of course I'm certain! I want them found and executed! Ready the soldiers."
"Slow down. Zeera, this has gone far enough. Attacking your sister is one thing, but nobody is going to be executed. Let's not forget, they're still royalty and just gi—"
"Just girls?!" My voice drips with venom. "Do I need to remind you of their treachery and the consequences that apply to ALL Zephur-kind?"
Looking at me in disbelief, he shrugs and walks away.
"You're in love with her, aren't you?"
He stops in his tracks and turns to me violently. "Don't be ridiculous!"
"Oh, please, I saw the way you looked at her when I entered the room."
"Zeera, please. You can't be serious. This has nothing to do with love; it's about doing what is right."
His eyes plead for my understanding as he attempts to reach for my hand. My anger boils over, and I slap his hand away. "You're useless!"
Storming out of the room, I begin to plot who I can recruit as my ally.
Duran.
Finding that weasel burrowed in his quarters, his eyes light up as he bears witness to my ferocity. A thirst in him awakens, and I know just how to make this deal even sweeter.
"We need to get rid of Jonah. He's a traitor like our fugitives, and he will only hold the colony back from greatness." My voice low and vengeful.
A twisted smile spreads across his face. "I've been waiting for a moment like this since I was a child. Where do we begin?"
We commence our scheme, but before we can reach a conclusion, a guard comes flying into the room and flops onto the floor.
"Your Majesty, Princess Amali and Adri have taken the human with them. They're gone."
My rage flares anew.
"How the hell did you let this happen?!"
"King Jonah," he stammers. "He appeared behind them and ordered the human's release. When I refused, he attacked me."
Losing my mind, I destroy Duran's entire bedroom and let out a deep growl.
"Not only has he refused to help me, he is now actively sabotaging me. We need to do this quickly," I say, looking over at Duran.
So, they're no longer within the confines of the peak, huh? Well, we'll just have to go to them.
"Find them," I hiss. "I'll break the news to King Adrav about his darling little princess."
I don't care what it takes; they will pay for their recreancy.
Duran stares at me with a look that displays that he shares in my thirst for destruction. His eyes gleam with malice.
"I'll make sure they regret ever crossing us," he says.
My nails dig into my palms as I clench my fists.
This is far from over.