Niyx by Samantha Kroese (websites to read books for free TXT) 📕

you possess honor and wisdom. We seek to reach an agreement. I am Niyx, King of the Night Creatures.”

Eryk scowled at Demi standing behind Niyx. “You choose companions poorly, King Niyx. Is that not Deimios cowering behind you? It is difficult to recognize him in this form.”

“I don’t know about your fight is with the dragons. I do know that the dragons are responsible for the health and welfare of our planet in ways you cannot understand unless you are bound to one. The elves are destroying our world and taking this power for themselves for selfish gains. I seek only to free the dragons and save my people from the zealots hunting them. I have no quarrel with you, King Eryk,” Niyx said, stepping closer to Eryk to draw his attention. “Your armies have slaughtered my people under the misconception propagated by the elves that we are evil. We are people, just as any other race. Our magic is no different than any other that can be used for good or evil.”

Sephyrn smirked at Eryk, still circling. “You should be proud, Father. Look at Niyx. He is a brilliant and noble king. Everything you wanted from your line.”

Eryk scowled at Sephyrn, then glanced at Onyx. “And you are the assassin that has seized control of Aderaan.”

Onyx shrugged. “The Shadowed Divide was corrupt. Niyx helped me destroy them. I don’t control Aderaan, though. Ruel, my adopted brother, has been crowned as king. Ruel is also honorable and noble. He will make a good king and root out the corruption in the city. That’s all either of them want. They’re not the bad guys. So, who chooses companions poorly, my Lord? Is it Niyx? Or is it you?”

Eryk lowered his weapon at that, but his eyes narrowed. “Mind who you are speaking to, child. Your father is not a good role model for how one speaks to elders and royalty.” Eryk straightened and lowered his shield, ignoring the glare he earned from Sephyrn. “If you seek to root out the corruption in Aderaan and restore the dragon’s powers to the world, why do you have Deimios as your companion? It is well known he succumbed to power-hungry madness before he was captured.”

All gazes turned to Demi, who seemed to bristle at the words. He crossed his arms and glared at Eryk. “You and I have a rivalry that should not be drawn into this current battle. Let us settle our differences later. I assure you that, for the moment, I am merely helping Niyx restore order to this land. And as you can see, I lack the power to cause much mischief right now. The curse of the elves has bound me forever in this weakened form. I can no longer rule the dragons. You are welcome to name a successor for their king, as long as you agree to relent and leave Niyx to his business. The elves have deceived you also, great King. I assure you that my long imprisonment and the torture inflicted upon me by the elves has made me reevaluate my loyalties and strategies.”

Eryk gave them all a displeased look, then he melted the web behind him with a blast of light magic. He glared at Sephyrn. “You will come with me. There is much to discuss.” He bowed his head slightly to Niyx. “For now, I will retreat. If I find out I have been deceived, you will not survive my fury a second time.”

“Niyx couldn’t deceive anyone if he tried.” Sephyrn snorted. He waved a hand to them and fell into step behind Eryk.

“That’s it?” Onyx asked in disbelief, as he watched Eryk mount and the army retreat from the forest.

“Why does that confuse you?” asked Niyx. “An agreement was made. We are all on the same side. It is as simple as that. Return to Aderaan and protect Ruel. I must see that my people made it safely to the forest.” Niyx and Demi then stalked outside. Once there, Ice regained his full size and Niyx and Demi climbed on the giant dragon’s back.

Onyx watched them disappear into the sky and stood there for quite some time staring at the coming dusk and trying to figure out how he had ended up in this strange world.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Niyx rode in silence for a short time before he glanced over his shoulder at Demi. “There is much you need to tell me, Demi.”

“How much do you really wish to know? Is it not enough that I am helping you now? That I am quite taken with you and will follow you and your cause, no matter the cost?” Demi purred as he leaned against Niyx’s back and slid his arms around Niyx’s waist.

Niyx closed his eyes. He felt overwhelmed yet again with lust for this strange creature. Not just physical lust; he craved Demi’s blood and its power as well. That concerned him. He loved Kiril more than anything. This felt like something was influencing him. Some aspect of the dragon’s magic. “No,” he said. “It is not enough. Tell me before I fling you from Ice’s back and see if you still have the power to fly without wings.”

Demi hissed at him and sat back. “So violent you are. So cold. You are not like anyone I have ever met, Niyx. Your logic is refreshing and terrifying.”

Niyx reached to pet Ice’s blue scales as the dragon flew through the darkening sky. “Why do you want me? Simply because I am a means to an end for you?”

Demi fell silent for a time before he answered. “No. It is because you saved me. You didn’t question who I was, or why I was there. You only saw that I was a prisoner against my will and being tormented, and you acted.” Demi laid his head against the middle of Niyx’s back. “It moved me. You do not know how rare such a beautiful pure being like you is in this world. Even your