Flamecursed

By Camille Longley

It was supposed to be a simple job: open the tomb, steal the treasure. And afterward, Maku would be able to walk away from the king's court with enough money to free the girl he loves. Appius would finally prove himself a worthy prince. And Eva—well, they all knew she was only there to make things burn.

But when they overhear a plot to take Eva's throne, they know they can't leave the tomb without a plan to retaliate. Cursed treasure or not, they're leaving this city in flames.

This prequel novella travels into the depths of the Sun King's tomb with a heartless thief, his fiery demon, and their princeling. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Brandon Sanderson.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Camille Longley
• Release date: Sep 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781952795039

Book preview

Chapter One

The guard yanked open the door and shoved Maku into a cell. Filthy heap of ash.

A second guard marched down the hallway, dragging another body. The guard tossed Appius into the cell, and Maku grunted as Appius barreled into him. Maku tripped on the hem of his ragged, overlarge cloak and they both went sprawling. Appius landed on top, knocking the wind from Maku’s lungs and crushing Maku’s face against the wet stone floor. Filth ran in warm rivulets along the cracks in the ground and the stench of it filled Maku’s nose.

Maku’s hands were tied behind his back, but he still managed to elbow Appius as he slithered out from under him. The cell door clanged, and the guards marched away, their boot heels clicking on the stone floor.

Well, that went well, Appius said. They didn’t even break my nose this time.

There was a cut on Maku’s forehead, and he blinked blood out of his eye. Speak for yourself.

Maku grunted as he got to his feet and wiped his wet face on the shoulder of his cloak. His lips tasted vile. Whatever was on his face had gotten into his mouth.

He peered into the darkness of the tunnel outside their cell. Their only light came from a sconce on the opposite wall.

Where’s Eva? he asked.

I don’t know. We got separated at the door.

Do they have a different prison for women?

I don’t think so.

Maku’s blood went cold. They must have found the emberstone.

Appius swore and reached for the tiny knife hidden in the sole of his boot. He rotated the dagger in his hands and sawed at his ropes.

Hurry, Maku urged. She’s helpless with that thing on.

"I know, blast it."

The guards were returning, and their footsteps echoed through the sweltering desert prison. Appius stopped his sawing and they both pressed themselves against the side of the cell, hiding their faces in the shadow.

One of the guards cursed as he walked, and a familiar moan sounded from down the passageway.

Appius sighed and slumped against the wall. It’s Eva.

The guards unlocked the cell door and tossed her inside. She was limp and landed with a wet slap in a warm puddle.

She was with you, a guard said, looking down his nose at Maku. She got the plague or something?

Maku shrugged.

The guard sniffed. I hope she does, and she infects the rest of you lot. That’ll clean the streets up.

Eva moaned and shifted on the ground as the guards strode away.

Eva, Maku whispered, did they find the emberstone?

She cracked an eye open. "The guards were handsy, but not that handsy." Her voice was pained, but it obviously wasn’t enough pain to curb her wicked tongue.

With another groan she managed to turn herself onto her back. Her hands were tied beneath her and her hair was matted to her skin with sweat. Get these emberstones off me.

Maku wiggled his bound hands at her. I can’t. Just cut your ropes.

She scowled at him. If you can’t use your hands, use your teeth.

Appius pushed up and strode toward her. He had already cut himself loose. I’ll get them.

You touch me, Finger Boy, and I’ll peel and core you like an apple.

"That’s Prince Finger Boy to you."

She tried to slither away from him, but tired quickly and fell back to panting as she lay on the ground. She moaned Maku’s name right before she vomited.

Both boys jumped back from her, and Appius gagged. Eva, what did you eat before this? Smells like ginger.

She coughed and groaned, but the sound did nothing to arouse Maku’s sympathies. It was hard to pity a monster like her, especially for Maku, who had lost most of his ability to feel.

Cut me loose. I’ll get them, Maku said.

Appius crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. Appius’ eyes were a broody green: envy, anger, and resentment.

But he cut Maku’s ropes and Maku stepped around her vomit toward her. It did smell faintly of ginger, and it had gotten on her clothes.

Wait, Appius said when Maku bent down. Leave her like that. I like her better that way.

Tied up, or flameless?

He grinned. Both, I suppose.

Eva struggled weakly against her bonds as she wheezed. You get these emberstones off me, or I’ll gut you both.

Appius laughed and leaned over her. How low the great Tigress has fallen, down to the level of us mortals. I never thought I would see my betrothed look so helpless.

Say that word—one more time, she panted.

Appius bent over her, near her ear. Betrothed. He breathed the word out, letting it sigh from between his lips.

She jerked against the ropes that bound her wrists and snarled at him.

She’s going to kill you for this later, Maku said.

Appius sighed. I know. But she’s going to gut me on our wedding night anyway. Might as well enjoy my life while I can.

Untie me so I can rip your heart out of your chest, she begged.

Doesn’t that sound delightful? Do you think she’ll bathe in my blood afterward?

We’re not here for fun, Maku said. We have a job to do.

We have time to watch my bride suffer a little longer.

Maku held up his hands and found a seat against the wall. The stones radiated heat like an oven. Fine. Do what you want. I don’t care as long as I get paid.

I’m not your bride, Eva hissed. She was working her wrists, trying to cut the ropes with her metal nails.

Is this wedding really going to happen? Maku asked.

Appius laughed hollowly and the sound echoed down the corridor, mingling with the moans and the pleas of the jail’s other occupants. You don’t know my father like I do. I’m sure he’d like a monster like her for a daughter-in-law. And he wants an alliance with the famous Duranian acrobats.

He stooped and picked up a strand of her hair. Her golden hair had fallen out of her hood and was splayed around her like a halo. How can something so beautiful on the outside be so wicked on the inside?

She gnashed her teeth at him, then curled up into a ball as her body shook.

Appius settled next to Maku with one eye on Eva as he drummed a nervous rhythm on his collarbone. Maku, you’ve got to get me out of here. I can’t marry that thing.

She won’t kill you. She needs the promise of your father’s soldiers in case Duranius is attacked.

"For now, I’m safe, but I want to live a long life. And that creature was born to destroy."

At least she’s beautiful. There are benefits to marriage.

Appius scowled at him. Yeah, why don’t you tell me what it’s like kissing my bride.

Maku swallowed and looked away.

He and Appius used to be like brothers, until Appius’ father had decided Eva was an ideal political match for his son. Then things had gotten a little tense.

Appius slumped against the wall. "Forget I said anything. Will