Lost in Darkness: The Akrhyn Series, #2

By Eve L. Mitchell

Tegan Novikov Holt is missing. Bonded to an Akrhyn who has too many secrets, she needs to know what they are, no matter the danger to herself.

The accusations that Cord is working with the Drakhyn are preposterous, but Tegan knows the Castor is keeping things from her...from them all.

After the bold Drakhyn attack at the Akrhyn ball, Cord's life and death decision that night bears heavily on his soul. It is guilt no one but his mate knows he carries.

Tegan's father, Leonid, has been taken. Her sister hates her. Her uncle wishes to use her for gain with the Great Council. The Great Council want her watched, shadowed, and reported on. There are too many factions vying for control for a power that is not theirs to gain.

Through it all, the Drakhyn watch, they wait, they grow in numbers, and they prepare.

War is getting closer. Time is running out.

Akrhyn must learn to fight as one if they are to win against the agents of the Darkness.

For those lost in the darkness, even the smallest sliver of light burns brightest.

*This is Book 2 in the Akrhyn Series and is not a standalone book, Book 1 must be read in order to enjoy this book.*

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eve L. Mitchell
• Release date: Aug 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781838055714

Book preview

Tegan sat in the corner of the room that she had been put in after she took Cord’s hand five days ago. Five days . The Castor had held out his hand to her and asked her to come with him, and she had taken his hand. She banged her head against the wall as she sat on the floor, watching the door. He had so many things to tell her, so many things to explain, and she had gone with him to get that explanation. She had not gone with him to be locked in a room for five days.

The Castor was smart. He didn’t let anyone else into the room. Tegan knew there had to be others in the…building? She didn’t know what she was in or where she was. All she knew was that she was in a room with no window. There was no way in or out other than the door. The door had a small hatch that she couldn’t open from this side, and every day a tray was pushed through with food.

The Castor had not yet shown his face since he put her in here. Tegan was waiting for him. She had been ready for him for five days, and by the Ancients, she was going to commit bodily harm to him if he didn’t come for her soon.

Her small pouch of spells was useless. She had wasted a few spells on the room already and hadn’t been completely surprised when they had failed to work. Yes, Tegan was more than ready for the Castor to show his wretched face. As it so often did in the silence and solitude of the room, her mind wandered back to the day she had taken the deceitful Castor’s hand.

Come with me. Cord held his hand out again. Little tiger, do you trust me?

No, Tegan whispered, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him. Not even a little bit.

Good. Cord smiled softly, his hand extended again.

Tegan, no! Salem cried as Tegan reached out.

Cord became solid for a moment, his warm hand enclosing around hers. I’ve got you, little tiger.

He portalled them to a room and immediately let go of her hand. Really didn’t think you would come with me, Cord laughed in almost shocked disbelief.

Was I not supposed to? Tegan asked in confusion. Why am I in a bedroom? Tegan demanded as she focused on the bed with a single sheet before she looked around the room. The walls were bare, not even a window. There was a bed, a toilet, a pitcher of water and a large bowl, and that was all.

Cord watched her for a long moment, his face impassive before his eyes softened. It’s not a bedroom, little tiger, it’s a cell. You must believe me that when I can, when I know more, I will tell you. Cord took a deep inhale. Until then, I just need… He ran a hand over his face before he looked away from her. I just need to know where you are.

And then he portalled out of the room, and she was alone. In a cell.

Five days. Five food trays. They didn’t take the empty food trays. Probably because Tegan was stacking them up in a corner of the room; if they wanted it, they could come in and get it. No one came for them. No one was brave enough to come through the door and get them, she scoffed as she sat and considered her situation.

She knew Cord wouldn’t come in through the door. No, he would portal in because he could. The fact that the toilet was open with no privacy made for a very nervous morning and evening routine. Tegan hadn’t washed properly since he took her, so she knew she must stink by now. She had been training with Elite Sentinel Jasper when she had been asked to go to Salem’s, the Principal Elder’s, office. She had used the water bowl and pitcher to wash her face and parts of her body, but she would be very, very grateful for a shower.

Five days. Her fury was insurmountable because a small part of her knew that Cord had been in the room. Tegan was a Sentinel. No, not a Sentinel, an Elite Sentinel. She was a soldier, and she was one of the best. Trained by one of the best to be the best. However, much to her chagrin, she was not invincible. Tegan still needed to sleep. It was exactly because Tegan was a Sentinel that she knew the worthless, miserable Castor had been in the room while she slept.

While she slept, he came into the room. Like a coward.

He didn’t need to check on her. He didn’t need to make sure she was there, because she had nowhere to go.

While her anger mounted and her temper frayed, she sat in the corner and she waited.

Her head drooped forward, and she jerked upright. Cursing herself for falling asleep, Tegan was about to stand when she noticed the pitcher and bowl were gone. Glancing to her right, she noticed the trays were also gone.

Tegan took a deep breath and looked across the room. The Castor stood in the corner, hands folded across his chest, his robes a deep crimson red. He looked better than he had done when she saw him previously. That brief period of time that she had spent with him. He was clean now, his hair swept over his forehead, still too long to be fashionable, but her fingers itched for the feel of the silky strands anyway.

His cool grey eyes watched her steadily, his ever present mockery dimmed but not gone. The corner of his mouth hooked up slightly as he watched Tegan stare back at him. Slowly, Tegan rose to her feet. Cord didn’t move as she took a step forward. Another step and he remained still. Tegan gave him a hesitant smile, and Cord’s eyes narrowed fractionally.

Tegan moved like lightning and was satisfied when her elbow caught his chin, her leg swept his from under him, and as he went down, she raised her leg, pushing him down with her foot on his neck.

Little tiger… Cord gasped.

"No, Tegan snapped as she glared down at the prone Castor, her anger welling over inside. Do not little tiger me, you worthless son of a Drakhyn." Tegan’s foot pressed harder on Cord’s neck, and she gloried in the fact she had him underfoot. Literally under her foot. "I’ve been in here for five days. Why?"

If you let me up, she-demon, I can explain. Cord glared at being caught unawares.

I like you where you are. Tegan’s smile had a lot of teeth, and Cord groaned in acceptance.

Fine, you’re pissed at me, but… He portalled from under her foot and appeared in the other corner of the room. I will not talk to you, laid out on the floor like a Drakhyn about to be decapitated.

Tegan snorted at him in contempt as she stalked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. The adrenaline was still running through her, and she wanted to hit him again. Harder. A small smile escaped her as she thought of the satisfying thud her elbow had made on connection with his jaw. I doubt decapitation would kill you, Tegan muttered. "Can you even be killed with that on your back?"

Cord glanced at the door quickly. Be quiet, he hissed.

Tegan’s eyes widened in understanding as she got to her feet. No one knows? None of your little sycophants know about your Mark?

Tegan… Cord warned her, but she was already at the door. You cannot get out, little tiger; I thought you would have noticed after six days. His tone was mocking, but she ignored him as she lay out on the floor where the food flap was.

Cord has the Mark of—

She was suddenly mid-air, and his hand was over her mouth. Don’t, Cord hissed in her ear as he held Tegan against him. Her back was to his chest, and although Tegan was above average height, about five eight, the Castor still had to bend to speak in her ear. Speak not of the Mark, Tegan, he whispered quietly into her ear.

Why? Tegan asked as she tried to move out of his hold.

"Because you shouldn’t know about it. No one can know."

Tegan stilled as his arm tightened around her waist. She could feel the tension in him as he held her against him. You do not deserve my loyalty.

I did what was best for you, Cord said as he released her and pushed her gently away from him.

I’ve been in here for days, Tegan snapped. "Days."

And I would keep you in here for longer if I could! Cord snapped back. He inhaled deeply, obviously struggling with his own temper. But…I need to let you go.

Why? Tegan asked him as she watched him glare at the wall. You obviously do not want to. She gave a mirthless laugh.

What? Cord drawled as he looked her over lazily. "Now you want to stay?"

Tegan turned away from his mocking tone. I hope you burn in hell.

Tegan’s breath caught as she felt him behind her. No, you don’t, little tiger. His words were a whisper against her ear. If I burn in hell, I’ll make sure you burn with me.

Tegan spun to look at him in disbelief. That’s a despicable thing to say to someone.

Cord shrugged indifferently. I don’t lie.

"You lie all the time!" Tegan exclaimed, incredulous.

He grinned at her, and she was so overwhelmed with the sudden change she couldn’t find a thing to say. I need to return you to Headquarters, but I think I should bathe you first.

You will not. Tegan was glaring at him again. "I am not leaving until you tell me why you took me and why I have been locked in a cell."

I needed to protect you, Cord told her brusquely. The danger has passed…for now. He frowned as his thoughts drifted.

"How do I know that you are not the danger?" Tegan asked him quietly.

The Castor looked at her, his eyes hooded. We are mates, bonded.

They say it could be a trick.

It is not.

Tegan took a shaky breath. You said you could break it.

I cannot.

Have you tried? she asked him softly.

Yes.

Oh. Why did she feel so disappointed that he had tried? How many times? Did it matter? she questioned herself.

Too many. Cord’s voice was blunt and heavy with the truth.

Tegan felt herself wince at the harshness of his words. The Ancient cannot help you?

Cord gave a disgruntled huff as he continued to look at her. No.

Have you asked? Tegan pressed.

Yes.

So, you can talk to him? Tegan took a step forward in excitement. "Actually talk to him?"

Cord nodded once and didn’t elaborate. He didn’t want to tell her. He didn’t want to tell her that it was because of Cord that she was mated to him.

I need to take you back, Cord reminded her.

Why now? Tegan asked him again.

You were in danger. Cord shrugged. Now you’re not.

I’m an Elite Sentinel, Tegan answered him. I will always be in danger so long as there are Drakhyn out there.

This was a different level of danger. Cord inspected his hands as he spoke to her.

Different? Tegan watched him. She wasn’t convinced. The Castor wouldn’t look her in the eye, and although she didn’t know Cord well, she knew his arrogance. He was bold. He had absolutely no problem meeting people’s eyes when he spoke to them. He always had a challenging stare for anyone he spoke to. The Castor wouldn’t meet her eyes, and because of that, she knew he wasn’t telling her the truth. Why are you lying to me?

His head snapped up as he looked at her, and that corner of his mouth hooked up again. I knew I wouldn’t fool you, he grumbled as he ran a hand through his hair. That cursed bond.

"It has nothing to do with the bond, it’s you." Tegan’s frustration was coming through.

It’s the bond, Cord snorted derisively.

"What was the danger? Tell me now, or I swear to the Ancients, I will punch you so hard. Tegan felt her temper rising as she looked at him. She tore her gaze away from him in the hopes of trying to calm down, and realisation hit her. You removed the breakables from the room so I couldn’t throw them at you. Are you serious? I don’t need to throw things at you to hurt you."

They needed changing, and you were hoarding the food trays. Others need them.

You lie. Again. Tegan shook her head in derision. Where am I? Why am I here? And why are you taking me back now? Her arms folded over her chest, and she waited.

You want to stay longer? Cord demanded. I have absolutely no issue with locking you in here and leaving you. In fact, I would prefer it.

You wouldn’t dare! Tegan’s voice rose as she glared at him.

I already did, little tiger, Cord sneered at her. I don’t answer to you, and I don’t need to tell you anything. He strode over to her and grabbed her arm. Now stop talking, I’m taking you back.

Tegan wrenched her arm away from him, but it was too late. He had already portalled them to the woods.

Go, Cord said as he looked out over the trees. Go now, before this damn bond makes me take you again.

You took me for the bond? Tegan asked him curiously, but her feet were already moving away from him.

You were in danger, I knew it. You’re so ridiculously fearless, and I knew I couldn’t be with you. Cord ground his teeth together. Even now, my instincts are telling me to take you back. His hands clenched into fists. "By Brindlelay’s grace, go, Tegan."

Will you be okay? her voice was a whisper in the silent woods.

Cord barked out a laugh as he raised his eyes to look at her. I will be fine, little tiger.

I will be questioned.

You have nothing to tell. Cord dismissed her.

I know about the Mark.

His eyes flashed to hers and held. I would ask that you don’t share that.

I owe you nothing; you held me captive for five days. I willingly came with you, and you treated me like a captive. Tegan rubbed her arms against the cold. Why would I protect your secrets?

Six days, Cord corrected her. It was six days.

It was? Tegan bit her tongue from lashing out at the Castor. She knew by now that losing her temper with the male made no difference…to him. Why?

I told you, I needed to protect you.

You haven’t told me why. You haven’t told me why I should not share your secret! Tegan took a deep breath to control her emotions. Tell me why I would protect you, Castor?

Because I protected you. His voice was a whisper over the space between them. His eyes met hers. Stormy grey met indigo blue, and Tegan felt the tug of the bond. She fought herself from taking a step forward. "You must be careful, little tiger."

I will be, Tegan said as she watched him with a sense of trepidation. His eyes ran over her once, and then his lip curled in a smirk, and with a nod, he portalled out of the woods.

After he had gone, Tegan’s shoulders slumped for a moment before she straightened them and looked around and then down at herself. He couldn’t at least give me a coat? she thought to herself bitterly. As she considered her training fatigues and surmised they would have to do, Tegan took a moment before she tilted her head up to look at the sky. Heavy cloud cover hid the sun from her, and Tegan began to call the Castor some choice words in her head. She had no idea where she was. Looking around at the trees covered in snow, Tegan made her way over to the densely packed trees and looked closely where moss was heavy on one side of the tree base, and as she inspected more of the trees, she knew which way was north.

Cord was arrogant and taciturn, but he wouldn’t leave her too far from the Headquarters, especially without the proper outdoor clothing. Would he? Being careful of her surroundings, Tegan headed west. It was a long walk, and despite being active, Tegan was freezing by the time she saw the lights of the Headquarters beckoning her onwards.

Stop.

Tegan halted as she heard the command from behind her.

Raise your hands, came the barked command.

Okay, but you should know me as a Sentinel, Tegan told him as she raised her hands in the air. I have no weapon, and I am cold. Can we do this inside?

The snow crunched underfoot as the Sentinel walked around her. His uniform hood was pulled over his head, shielding his face. Elite Sentinel Tegan?

Yes, Sentinel…? Tegan dropped her arms.

The Sentinel pushed his hood back. Sentinel Hendry. He looked around wildly. Are you alone?

Yes. Tegan forced a smile. Can I go in now? She started to walk to the entrance again.

No.

No? Turning to the Sentinel, Tegan gave him a questioning look.

The Principal is not there, Elite Sentinel Tegan. Sentinel Hendry looked up at the Headquarters. Everyone has evacuated.

Evacuated? Tegan balked. Why?

The attack.

"What attack? Tegan snapped, moving closer to the Sentinel. Tell me everything."

Drakhyn attack. They came at us like…like… he trailed off. Like an army. His voice dropped, and he looked around again.

When?

Five days ago, Elite Sentinel—

Call me Tegan, Tegan cut him off abruptly. Who was hurt? How many were taken? She started walking again to the Headquarters. Hendry grabbed her arm and stopped her.

Tegan, there is no one there. He looked at her desperately.

No one? Tegan stopped to look at him.

Everyone has gone. The Drakhyn attacked, and we only got out by the grace of the Ancients.

If there is no one there, why are you here? Tegan asked Hendry, taking in his appearance for the first time. His uniform looked worn, and his hands were bruised as if he had been in a fist fight. He had yellowing on the side of his face from fading bruises. You’re alone? She took a step back in order to defend herself if she had to.

No, I’m with Lycans. They came to our aid, but they were too late. He looked at his feet. The Drakhyn won.

Tegan gasped and lurched forward, grabbing his jacket with both hands. "Drakhyn do not win, Sentinel. Now tell me where are my family?"

We haven’t been able to find them, Tegan, a familiar voice declared.

She turned swiftly to look at the speaker. Tove stood in front of her and watched her with a hooded expression on her face.

Tove? Tegan felt relief overwhelm her. Thank the Ancients you are alright! She fought the urge to race forward and greet her friend. What happened? Is my brother okay? Is Salem? Sloane?

Tove looked around the clearing before looking back at Tegan, studying her closely. Where did you come from? she asked.

A few miles to the west. Tegan took a step back, wary of the hard look in the older female’s eyes.

How did you get there?

I was portalled. Tegan swallowed against the lump in her throat.

"By him?" Tove’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Yes.

Did you know he was doing this? Did you know he was going to carry out the attack?

He wouldn’t. Tegan shook her head in denial.

Where have you been? Tove demanded impatiently.

I don’t know.

You don’t know? Tove repeated flatly.

No. Tegan chewed at the inside of her cheek. Are my family okay?

I do not know. Tove’s tone was cold. Hendry, take Elite Sentinel Holt back to base. I will follow.

Tove! Tegan protested as she reached out.

Now, Hendry. Tove strode past Tegan, not meeting Tegan’s pleading eyes. We’ll question her on my return. Tove strode into the trees, and Tegan watched her go, her head in turmoil. What had happened here?

Err…Tegan? Hendry said to her tentatively. Can you follow me?

Why am I to be questioned? Tegan asked him softly, still staring in the direction that Tove had gone.

Because you went with the Castor before he attacked the Headquarters with the Drakhyn, Hendry explained.

Castor?

Cord Ivanov.

Tegan closed her eyes as she realised how damning Cord’s and her disappearance was. Castor Ivanov is suspected of orchestrating the attack? With Drakhyn?

It is believed that he was involved. Hendry placed his hand on her arm and tugged gently. Come, Tegan, we can get you warmer clothing.

Tegan stood for a moment more, her gaze returning time and again to Headquarters. Where are the Drakhyn now? She turned to look at him. Are they in Headquarters?

We believe so.

Okay. She stared hard at Headquarters. Okay. Tegan nodded. Cord had told her he needed to protect her, and he had taken her six days ago. One day before the attack. Had he known? Was he part of it? Tegan’s whole being shied away from the question, as the bond thrummed in denial. Tegan knew she didn’t know the contrary Castor well, but his hatred of the Drakhyn was real. He had secrets, far too many secrets, but Tegan knew that this wasn’t one of them. She needed answers.

You ready?

She turned to meet the eyes of the Sentinel. Yes, I’m ready. Also, I’m sorry. She brought her fist up and punched the Sentinel in the jaw before following up with a vicious kick to his groin. As he yelled out in pain and doubled over, Tegan brought her knee up to his face, knocking him out completely.

Swiftly she took his coat off of him and was relieved to see he had warmer clothing on underneath. He would be found soon, she knew. Quickly taking his sword and only one of his knives, not leaving him utterly defenceless, she pulled the coat on, pulling the hood up over her head and low over her face.

It was time to find out what in shade’s name was happening in Headquarters.

Cord sat in his room in the complex that housed most of the Crimson Cast. Casts all followed the same practices: Castors kept together, they were not housed elsewhere. Married couples stayed in a different wing of the complex, families were in yet another part, while unmatched Castors stayed in the tower. Students were all together in a building in the middle of the complex. Protecting the young. The other wings were for teaching and holding Court.

Cord had been allowed to choose his room when he passed his Trials with such impressiveness. Cord being Cord had chosen a room at the very top of the tower. It was up hundreds of steps, and where the tower narrowed, it meant that only one room could be housed. His Prime had worried it would allow the Castor to become even more detached than he was already. Castors weren’t renowned for their social skills, and even though all the Castors in each territory were housed together, this did not make them sociable. However, they were also not hermits, and Cord being at the utmost peak of the tower spoke volumes to all who knew him as well as of him.

Cord knew what they whispered about him. He was aware of the looks he received when he was down in the halls; he simply chose to ignore them. Whispers and speculation weren’t worth his time. What was worth his time was understanding the Drakhyn attack on the Northern Territories Headquarters. He had kept Tegan away from the Headquarters on a hunch.

A hunch.

Cord sighed long and hard as he stared unseeingly at the wall of his room. Everything was unravelling, and he wasn’t sure how he could stop it. When he had left the house at Silver Lake, he was sure he could prevent the Drakhyn uprising. Or at least know where it was going to be aimed at. The fact that they had targeted Cornelius’s mansion was enough to put him on high alert. His instincts had told him he needed to protect Tegan at all costs, and he had. She had gone to him in the hall, she had given him her support. She had protected him as he regained his strength. She knew he had killed those Sentinels in a desperate bid to clear the hall of Drakhyn. Even when that irritating Lycan, Tove, had told her of her ridiculous fears construed from half-truths and rumours, Tegan had taken his hand and left with him.

Then what had he done? He had locked her in a room for six days. The urge to protect her, to keep her safe, had been suffocating in its intensity prior to that. He hadn’t been able to settle or commit concentration to any task without the steady pulsing thrumming in his veins: is she safe? Over and over again. Unable to take the torture any longer, he had taken Tegan, knowing the bond would pull her towards him. Cord had no doubt that, had they not shared the mating bond, Tegan would not have taken his hand. Would she?

However, she had. Tegan had trusted him even when she said she didn’t, she had. Despite everything, she had trusted him, and he had taken that trust and locked her—and it—in a room. With no contact with anyone. She thought he had people come and deliver her food trays. He had done it. No one could know where she was. No one could know he had her. Cord no longer knew who he could trust. Too many people were ready to doubt him, which he understood. He cared not for most Akrhyn, but those he respected still mistrusted him. His brother wouldn’t, Cord mused. Sloane was as loyal as a hound, but he was not who Cord needed. Sloane wasn’t strong enough to overcome Tegan. His easy-going nature meant he would let Tegan do whatever she wanted, and that female was strong-willed and stubborn. His lips twitched in amusement as he thought of her. So stubborn.

When he realised the attack was happening on the Headquarters, he had tried to portal to help. However, his magic was gone. He had not been able to portal, he had not been able to do one simple spell. Cord raised his eyes to the roof as if seeing beyond it. Was it Velvore who had stilled his magic? The Ancient had been silent for the days he had Tegan. Was he displeased? Cord was not a devout Akrhyn. In fact, others blanched at Cord’s complete disrespect of the Ancients. Yet it was Cord who had been gifted the Mark of Velvore.

His hand rubbed his lower back through his robes. How many times had he touched it? Looked at it? Studied it? The first day he noticed the slight markings, he thought he had cast too heavy a spell. Magic took its toll on a Castor. Akrhyn believed that you were drawing from the life force around you, but a Castor also drew from within. It was why they tired easily. Cord was an exceptional Sentinel. He would be Elite if he had cared to be. He had not. He had been born with the Flare, the magic inside an Akrhyn. An Akrhyn born with the Flare would be raised as a Castor. When Cord realised he had been gifted the Flare, his had been coveted and cared for. Cord trained harder than anyone else. From an early age, they knew he would be formidable. They did not foretell how impressive his power would be. Even without the Mark, he was more powerful than most members of any Cast.

Five months ago, an intricate spell he had been creating had tired him quickly, and unusually, he was spent from a short time in using it. Cord’s stamina was well known. However, after a few moments only, he had been drained.

When he awoke later, he had felt the first marking. Whenever he cast, he felt it growing. Curious, he had kept quiet, intent to see what the strange marking was. Until he realised what it was. Cord remembered too well the absolute astonishment as he researched the Mark of Velvore. He was a warrior? He had known that, all Akrhyn were. There was one recorded history of the Mark and that was of a Lycan. An alpha. He had worn it wisely and with pride. It had been during ancient Drakhyn wars, and the alpha had led his fellow Akrhyn into battle. The Drakhyn then hadn’t even been an army, just groups of Drakhyn with a common purpose. It was the most coordinated they had ever been. The complete decimation of the Drakhyn ensured they didn’t form groups again. Until now. Now they were grouping together and forming an army.

As he had worried over his loss of power with Tegan locked in a room, the Drakhyn had attacked the Prince George Headquarters. A united attack. Cord hadn’t even had the means to warn them.

He knew he was going to be a suspect. He had not given his Prime or the Principal Elder any reason to trust him due to his actions. However, he felt a little bit slighted that they had suspected

Reviews for Lost in Darkness

[Geneva Goodwin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely fabulous! I loved it and I'm very excited to read the next book in the series. ???

[Camilla Patzelt · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The story is as great as the first actually!! You really do get some explanation on what goes on in the beginning and there's a huge surprise inside too❤️

But... there are too many editorial faults or mistakes I don't know what to call them exactly, like this file haven't been edited at all??
, but enough for you to be forced to step back and reread paragraphs, this happened several times throughout and it disturbs the reading flow