Edward POV
The palace is in flames by the time Winston and I return with the Gray Creatures. Cassian's men are still standing in formation while Nyx kills her way through the remaining rogue werewolves. I would like to take the time to marvel at how graceful she is while she kills, but I don't have the time. The Gray Creatures ascend in the fight like a plague.
They kill without conscience. Even those who attempt to surrender do not receive mercy. Their lifeless bodies litter the front lawn of the palace. The ones that try to run don't make it far. Their screams echo over the rumble of the flames as they are ripped limb from limb. The sight is so gruesome that it turns my iron stomach.
I have to look away, but Nyx seems pleased with their progress. She has settled onto the ground and is watching the chaos unfold.
"Nyx!" Cassian screams.
She shields her eyes from the sun and looks up from where she is seated. "What?"
He gestures toward the palace. "Would you like to do something about this?"
She flops down on her back. "I am a little tired. Maybe you can find another Fae to extinguish the flames."
"You know damn well there is no one else," he spits at her.
"Call my father," she spits at him. "I am sure he is still willing to do your bidding."
"Put out the flames," Cassian snarls.
"No," Nyx hisses as she gets to her feet.
I watch as she storms off. I have never seen Nyx defy Cassian, and clearly, neither has he. He runs his fingers through his hair and screams. "Someone put out these fucking flames."
The Fae warriors finally break formation. They take flight, presumably to look for a way to extinguish the fire.
The screams of the rogues have stopped, and the Gray Creatures emerge from the trees. After their massacre, I expect them to be covered in blood, but they are not. They surround Cassian, but he doesn't seem to notice or care.
"Open the portal," one of them demands.
Cassian scoffs. "I will not."
He is playing a dangerous game. It is one that I am not willing to play. Not with Macy on the other side of the portal. I can no longer stand by and wait for him to do the right thing. A growl rumbles in my chest and I lunge for him. My claws are extended, ready to kill the Fae King when someone pulls me back.
Winston steps between Cassian and me, holding up his hands. Another growl leaves my lips. "You can't seriously be on his side."
My brother shakes his head. His eyes are trying to convey a message, but for the first time in our lives, I have no idea what he is trying to say. I try to push him out of the way, but he remains rooted to the ground. His teeth are bared, and I think he might be seconds away from attacking me.
"I don't understand," I grind out.
Cassian chuckles. "I thought you were the smart twin."
I look around Winston at Cassian. There is a stupid grin on his face. "I will kill you," I warn him.
"If you kill me, then who will open your precious portal," he sneers. ''I am your only hope to getting your mate back."
"Fuck," I shout. That must have been what Winston was trying to tell me. No matter how much we hate him, we need him alive.
Dever is snarling in my mind. He wants to destroy something, and I am on the same page. A Fae warrior rushes by with a bucket of water. I grab the bucket from his hands and smash it over his head. Water splashes over his body, and I hit him another time for good measure. He crumples to the ground and shields his face from my next blow.
I kick him in the side before I toss the bucket at his face. "Go get more water."
The warrior looks up at me with an unreadable expression. He doesn't dare to move a muscle, but his eyes flicker to Cassian.
"Don't look at him," I hiss. "Go get more water and next time try to hold onto your bucket."
I hoist the warrior up by his armor and shove him away. He runs in the opposite direction of the palace but glances over his shoulder to make sure I am not following him.
I spin around to unleash more frustration, but the Gray Creatures are doubled over with laughter, and it stops me in my tracks. Tears are rolling down Winston's cheeks and he is gasping for air as he laughs silently. The only one not amused by my tantrum is Cassian.
"Do you feel better?" He grumbles.
"Not really," I admit. "Are you going to open the portal? Or do I have to find another warrior to harass?"
Cassian gestures to the burning palace. "No, I am not going to open the portal. Who knows what is waiting for us on the other side? We can't afford another attack. Selene was not to send her men into my realm."
"What did you say?" I growl.
"You heard me," he spits. "I have been working with her. It was the only way to return the moon to our realm."
"You stupid son of a bitch," I snarl. "I might actually kill you this time."
Strange hisses fill the air and the Gray Creatures glare at him. I take a step back and let them advance on Cassian. He tries to remain calm, but I can hear the irregular beat of his heart. He is scared.
One of the Grey Creatures touches him on the arm, and Cassian rips it away. "Don't touch me, Gracus."
Gracus doesn't respond; instead, he looks at me.
"Can you kill all of the Fae warriors?" I ask him.
"Quickly," Gracus confirms.
I let a smile creep across my lips. "Take Cassian into custody."
It happens instantly. Two Gray Creatures grab Cassian and rip his wings from his back. He drops to his knees and screams. It wasn't what I had in mind, but it will do. He doesn't need to fly if he spends eternity in a cell.
The Fae warriors abandon the fire in the palace and surround us. We are outnumbered, but I don't doubt Gracus's words. I let my claws slip from my fingers. Ready to fight.
"Are you ready to die for your king?" Gracus teases them.
A sword falls to the ground, and a warrior pushes his way to the front. He doesn't attack. "Gracus?"
"Brother," Gracus replies.
"You said he was dead," the warrior shouts at Cassian.
"He is dead to us," Cassian replies.
It was the wrong thing to say. Swords hit the ground and the warriors take a knee. Apparently, turning on your own kind is frowned upon, even among the Fae.