Bloodjinn: Djinn, #3

By Laura Catherine

She learned the truth and it cost her everything. But will a mission across the world fix the mistakes of the past?

 

Kyra Lockhart knows the forbidden truth about who she really is: half Djinn, half Blooder. Forced on the run with her father … just like old times, the former future queen wants nothing to do with the Djinn world anymore. But a new discovery has her leaving her quiet normal life behind to go in search of her lost love and a way to final free the Guardjinn.

 

Teaming up with the ghost of an old friend, Kyra travels across the world to the origins of the Djinn. She finds a compound ruled by a tyrannical leader and a group of rebels who want her to help them start a rebellion. But she needs hidden information that might save Will from Alec's clutches in De Morte, the Blooder's city.

 

Can Kyra be the leader the Djinn need and follow her own goals to save Will from torture?

 

Bloodjinn is the suspenseful third book in the Djinn Series. If you like strong female leads, hidden magic and brewing war, then you'll love Laura Catherine's heroic journey.

 

Buy Bloodjinn to enter an urban fantasy world of tough decisions and heartbreak today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Catherine
• Release date: Dec 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386045618

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I PUSHED BACK the heavy black curtains that draped the palace windows, still dusty from their long years in storage. Looking down from my cushiony prison room, I could see black roses had replaced the usual colourful palace garden flowers.

It was a sad day for the Djinn.

Guardjinn moved back and forth below me, positioning chairs and dark decor. One man straightened the large portrait of Celeste Von Carlisle that was placed in front of the chairs, beside a podium. Celeste had been the queen of the Djinn community until a week ago when she tragically died of a brain tumour.

I sat on the window’s ledge, one of the curtains resting heavily against my back. I couldn’t help but wonder about the last time these decorations were used, when Celeste’s husband, the king, died. First his father, now his mother. My heart ached for Nate, my friend and once fiancé, until last week when he broke off our engagement.

A lot of things had happened in the last week.

I was pleased Nate had decided to call our arranged marriage off. We weren’t happy together; we didn’t love each other. I loved someone else, someone I had spent the night with just hours before Celeste had died and Nate broke up with me. He was someone I tried really hard not to think about. I couldn’t even say his name anymore, let alone think about how he looked naked or how he made me feel.

It was easier not to feel anything.

My stomach made a gurgling cry for food, and I glanced over at the door to my prison and wondered if Jack would be coming to feed me soon. Jack didn’t like me, which was strange considering how close and loyal he had been to Celeste. It mostly had to do with the fact he thought I corrupted Guardjinn to help me take down the Djinn from the inside for the enemy, the Blooders.

Jack couldn’t have been more wrong about the situation, but from the way I had been acting, I could see why he thought the way he did. Enlisting the help of Guardjinn, asking too many questions, having secret conversations with a captive Blooder… that was the main reason Jack didn’t trust me, but another strong contender was that Jack had been his mentor, his friend. He blamed me for his death.

It wasn’t my fault though. It was his choice to come with me. All of them made their own choices. I had stopped blaming myself for Pyke’s death long ago. It wasn’t my fault he died either, but that didn’t make the pain of losing the man I loved any less.

Another rumble from my belly cried out into the silence of my prison. I hoped Jack would bring me food soon, but he liked to make me wait to keep me weak so I wouldn’t be strong enough to use my abilities and escape. I had to admit it was working. I didn’t feel nearly as strong as I once had, but I didn’t have any desire to escape anyway. Not yet at least.

My father, my true father who wasn’t Ivan like I had once believed but Malcolm the Blooder who kidnapped me as a child, was being held in the cells below the palace awaiting trial, as was I. My father was the reason I ventured out that night to the Blooders warehouse. My friends had joined me, seeking the Djinn who had been kidnapped two months earlier. We found what we were searching for, but we were betrayed by someone I’d trusted, Alec. Just thinking his name caused my fists to clench. If I ever saw that two-faced, lying, murderer again…

A knock sounded on the door.

Kyra? Millie’s meek voice called on the other side.

I let my anger fade and lowered the couch I was hovering back to the floor.

Yes? I replied in exasperation.

Millie had visited me once or twice since my incarceration. I had told her not to, being seen with me was not a great idea at all. I was an abomination in the eyes of the Djinn and Guardjinn. A girl who was half Djinn and half Blooder. I was a monster, a danger. Millie wouldn’t listen though.

The tumblers in the door clicked as it unlocked and Millie pushed it open. She wore a black lace dress, her hair pinned up in a subtle bun and the somber look on her face was enough to tell me she was ready for Celeste’s funeral. Millie always looked pretty, but even now I could see the slightest bags under her eyes. Standing behind her was Mia, a Guardjinn and my friend. She wore black jeans and a white shirt. Her usual heavy make-up was toned down and her expression was blank.

I hadn’t seen Mia since I was first placed in my current living quarters. I’d told her to leave me alone and not to get involved in supporting me. I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt by choosing me. I wanted them to choose Nate and help him to start a new rule over the Djinn that might bring down the Guardjinn minority.

How are you? Millie asked, looking me over with concern.

I understood why she must have felt the need to ask. With my lack of food intake over the last week, I’d lost a bit of weight. My eyes were puffy from fitfull sleep, my hair unkempt and in need of a comb. Not to mention I had been wearing the same track pants and tee for a few days.

What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the funeral? I said, not inviting them into the room.

Millie shifted on her feet and glanced down the hallway. It’s starting soon, but I wanted to come and check on you beforehand.

You shouldn’t be here, I said forcefully.

I told you she’d say that, Mia said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Millie shook off our words, her face hard. I need to tell you what’s going on. Mia thinks you should know too. That’s why she came with me.

What do I need to know? I sighed, resting my arm on the door frame.

Nate just got word from the Djinn capital. High King Tibal will be here in a few days.

There were four Djinn compounds around the world, each with their own ruler, but even those kings and queens had to answer to the ruler of the first Djinn compound, and High King Tibal was its current ruler. Nate called Tibal his cousin, but it was more like third cousin once removed. They’d only met once when he was a child, along with Tibal’s younger sisters Radhika and Mara. Nate told me Radhika had died in her teens, but didn’t say how.

What does this visit mean for Nate? I asked Millie.

Your fath— I mean Ivan sent word to the High King informing him of everything that’s happened with the Blooders … and you. Millie paused.

Mia rolled her eyes. The High King sent a letter to Nate saying he was coming to investigate the allegations himself. That’s a big deal to have the High King leave his compound to come here, especially with the Blooder attacks, but the allegations of a hybrid—

I get it, I said, standing straight. He wants to see me. See if I’m real and what I can do.

He wants to interrogate you, Mia corrected. You, your father, your mother.

Isabelle?

Of course. She’s the one who started all this. No offence, Mia added with a shrug.

I frowned. I hadn’t seen or heard from my mother since I’d told her I was going after my father. She’d been hurt by my choice, but I had hoped she’d understand why I did what I did. I missed her.

How is she? I asked.

She’s living in the palace, Millie said. In the west wing under guard, but she’s okay. They haven’t hurt her or anything, Nate made sure.

Tell him thank you then, I replied with a sigh of relief.

Back on topic, Mia said. Depending on how the High King sees the situation regarding you will depend on whether or not Prince Nathaniel will be coronated.

What does that mean exactly?

It means that if the High King thinks Nate somehow knew about who you really were, then he won’t be allowed to be crowned king of this compound and will probably be executed for treason.

My stomach dropped for a moment. Then I relaxed. "If that’s the case, then there’s nothing to worry about because Nate didn’t know anything about who I was. I didn’t even know who I was."

I’m not worried about Nate, Millie said in a small voice. I’m worried about you.

I told you, I’m fine. I crossed my arms over my chest.

But you won’t be once the High King gets here! she shouted. He won’t see you like we do. He’ll think you’re a threat. He’ll want you killed!

Mia grabbed Millie’s hand and squeezed as Millie wiped away tears.

I appreciate your concern, but if my death means Nate can become king, then it’s something I have to do in order to give the Guardjinn the best chance for freedom.

Millie stared at me with utter horror, but I ignored it.

Now, you need to go and don’t come here again.

You’re my best friend, Millie said, pushing Mia away. I won’t abandon you.

You need to, I replied, taking a step back. Nate needs you, and you can’t be associated with me. The Djinn could turn their back on you and your parents are on the council. I looked at Mia. Get her out of here.

Mia sighed and grabbed Millie’s arm. Come on. There’s nothing we can do.

We have to try, Millie cried.

I could see a flash of pain cross Mia’s face. She was on Millie’s side, but she also knew the truth of the matter. There was nothing they could do for me without endangering Nate’s rule, and I would not let them do that.

I closed my door without looking back. I could still hear Millie’s cries on the other side as Mia locked the door once more.

I sat back on my windowsill and tried not to think about what my friends had told me. I had known Ivan planned to talk to the High King. He’d been shouting it as he was taken away after Nate threw him off the council. Ivan had always been in search of more power. Plus he’d never liked the way Celeste ruled the compound; their differing opinions caused a lot of arguments among the council.

Nate could handle this, I thought. He was the true king and I trusted in his abilities.

#

Organ music sounded, followed by a flash of lightning and clap of thunder. I looked down at the palace garden. Djinn filled the white folding chairs like a sea of black washing over the pure light colour. Guardjinn stood solemnly at the sides with their hands held in front of their waists and their heads hung in respect.

Out of the left corner of my window, I spotted Celeste’s casket held on the shoulders of six men, all of them Guardjinn, except one. Nate lead the procession, holding up the front right of the casket. Rain had started to spit down on the garden, the droplets dampening Nate’s hair. His mouth was pulled back in a hard line. I knew Nate well enough to know how upset he was behind his emotionless facade.

Walking alongside Nate was Jack in a black suit and matching tie. His jaw was set in place, and I wondered if he was trying not to cry. I knew Celeste had been very trusting of Jack. He was captain of the Guardjinn, and he and Celeste had been close. She trusted him, which only made me wonder why Jack seemed so against the Guardjinn being free.

The casket moved through the sea of mourners and placed on top of a marble block. The Guardjinn holding the box stepped to the side and took their place. Nate lingered a moment longer, one hand on the casket, then took his seat in the front row between Millie and Seth.

A woman with long grey hair stood from her chair and walked to the small podium next to the giant portrait of Celeste. I recognised her instantly as Violet Faith, a member of the council. She wore a black pantsuit, which looked baggy on her skinny frame. Violet looked out over the crowd and started to speak, but I couldn’t hear what she was saying over the rain and the fact I was indoors and a floor away.

I wished I could have been down there next to Nate, with my friends, saying goodbye to Celeste properly. She had been a wonderful queen and an even more inspiring woman. Celeste had worked most of her life towards the goal of getting rid of the Guardjinn and restoring them to their rightful status of Djinn with the rest of us because for some reason, during the great war many years ago, it was declared that anyone who could turn into a dog was deemed Guardjinn and had to live their life in servitude.

Rightfully, Celeste had seen the flaw in this logic, which didn’t always make her well liked, especially with those Djinn who believed the Guardjinn lived to serve them. Celeste’s death was sudden, from a brain tumour no one knew she’d had, except Nate. A side effect of being a powerful telepath. Despite the Djinn believing themselves above all else, they did still originally start out as humans, just like the Blooders. Evolution gave them amazing abilities, but it didn’t make them invincible, which was why so many of the Djinn were dead now.

I rested my head against the cold glass of the window and listened to the sound of raindrops pitter-pattering. Violet had finished speaking and Nate was standing in front of everyone talking. His shoulders were pushed back and he held himself with an air of authority. No doubt he was talking about how wonderful Celeste was and how he would do his best to make her proud as their new king.

Djinn in the crowd were dabbing their eyes with tissues and nodding. It seemed that Nate’s unauthorised mission to retrieve the stolen Djinn had done well for his reputation with his people. I could see Millie’s parents, the Baxters, in the row behind Millie. Mrs Baxter had been one of the Djinn we’d rescued, along with over a dozen more.

It had been a risky mission. Djinn never went after the ones taken by Blooders. It was always deemed too dangerous for them to send the Guardjinn and leave the compound unprotected. A despicable way to treat the people you were supposed to care about, but Nate wanted to be different. He wanted to continue his mother’s mission. He sent a team of Djinn and Guardjinn to work together, proof that Djinn were capable of defending themselves and not entirely useless.

I hoped all of Nate’s hard work didn’t come crashing down because of me and the impending High King’s visit.

Not wanting to watch the funeral anymore, I closed the curtain and retreated to my four-poster bed. This room might have been my prison but it was still a room in the palace, making it very comfortable.

I lay on my back and stared up at the red material draped across the top of the bed frame. The High King would be here in a few days. He’d interrogate me, my father, and my mother. Nate would be safe. I was sure of that, but what about our fates? The answer left my stomach feeling even more empty.

Death.

There was no other option for me and my father. He was a Blooder. His very existence was enough to have him killed, and me, I was dangerous. They couldn’t trust me. I was a threat they couldn’t risk the Blooders getting their hands on.

My only comfort was that maybe Mum would be spared. She was Djinn after all and maybe she’d be pardoned. As much as the thought pained me, I hoped she’d pretend Dad had forced himself on her. Then maybe she could be forgiven for not telling anyone about me. Isabelle was a good liar; she’d lied to everyone about me since before I was born.

#

Will and Alec were fighting each other across the warehouse. Alec’s skin shone silver as Will punched him. Kellan held my arm, holding me up. I felt so weak like I’d used all my energy.

We need to get out of here, Kellan said.

Not without Will, I replied.

Kellan ran over and tackled Alec to the ground. I raced to Will’s side. His golden eyes shone next to his dirt-smudged skin. I wanted to touch his face one more time, kiss his lips and let him hold me. I’d give anything to feel his warmth again.

The ground shook beneath our feet as Kellan came towards us. His body fazed into solid form just as Alec struck with Will’s knife.

Kellan! I watched Alec kick him to the ground and I turned to Will, whose face burned with a maddening fire.

Not again, he said, and charged at Alec before I could stop him.

That was it. Will’s choice. The choice that got him killed. If he had helped me grab Kellan instead, then maybe … There was no point in considering other options. This was the truth. This was the way it happened and would always happen.

The last thing I saw was Will looking at me with love, with sorrow, and with realisation as metal scraped against metal and the roof collapsed around us.

CHAPTER TWO

THE NEXT THREE days passed with my usual routine. I woke from my nightmares and did my best to forget about the loss I had endured. I ate small amounts of rice with chicken when Jack came to feed me once a day. He never spoke to me, just placed my food on the coffee table and left, locking the door behind him. Then I spent the rest of the day staring out the window as life continued without me.

Neither Mia nor Millie had come to visit me since the funeral, and I was glad they’d finally taken the hint and hoped they’d stay away until my fate was decided. I talked to no one and no one spoke to me.

It wasn’t until the forth day since the funeral did I realise the High King had arrived. I was sitting at my window when I noticed Guardjinn bowing to people dressed in red uniforms. A lot of talking could be heard from outside my locked door, worried voices calling to each other.

My suspicions were confirmed when Jack brought me the biggest breakfast I’d seen in weeks. He wheeled it in on a trolley, a stack of pancakes with maple syrup, orange juice in a tall glass, and a side of bacon rashers. I kept my mouth shut for fear of drooling all over the carpet, but my stomach let out an angry rumble, which gave me away.

Jack placed the plates on the table. Sit, he said.

I slid onto the couch. This is my favourite food. It was strange hearing my own voice after days of silence. Had I always sounded so raspy?

Eat. Quickly, Jack replied, and pushed the plate closer to me.

I picked up my knife and fork, staring down at the delicious food. A deep sadness filled me. This is it, isn’t it? I asked, looking up at Jack. He’s here to decide my fate. This is like a last meal.

Jack folded his arms across his chest and kept his gaze away from me. King Nathaniel wished to give you a special meal. The High King will be here to see you in an hour.

I see. I waited another moment then cut into my pancakes. They tasted even better than I remembered and I wondered how my stomach would react to such rich food.

Jack waited in the room until I had finished. He didn’t speak, didn’t move. He just stared into the distance. When the last bit of pancake and syrup was in my mouth, Jack bent down, picked up the plate and placed it back on the trolley. On the bottom tier of the cart was a large box I hadn’t noticed before. A purple rectangle wrapped in yellow ribbon. Jack pulled the box out and placed it in front of me.

What’s this? I asked.

A change of clothes, Jack replied with a continued stony gaze.

I glanced down at the grey trackies and tee I’d been wearing for the last week. I must have smelled so bad, but what did I care?

Thanks, I guess, I said, and tugged on the yellow ribbon.

Jack wheeled the trolley to the door, one wheel squeaking, and stopped at the threshold. Did he know?

I stared at Jack’s back, which was recognisably muscular under his navy shirt. I didn’t reply. I didn’t want to talk about him.

Jack turned slightly to catch my eye. Did King Nathaniel know what you were? he elaborated.

I breathed easier and dropped my hands into my lap. Jack hadn’t been talking about him.

Nate knew nothing about who I was, I replied truthfully. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise his future as king. The Djinn need him.

Jack made a hmm sound, and I wasn’t sure if he believed me or not. I wasn’t entirely sure it even mattered or why he’d asked in the first place. Jack had no reason to believe me.

What about Will?

I froze. It was the first time I’d heard his name spoken since he died.

Will.

My Will.

Dead Will.

Droplets splashed on my hands and I realised I was crying. I hadn’t cried in so long, I thought my tears had all dried up. It was easier to pretend Will hadn’t existed when no one talked about him. I sat up straight and stared Jack in the eyes.

He knew everything about me, I said without conviction. And he loved me anyway.

Jack didn’t make a sound that time. He simply turned his back to me and pushed the trolley out the door.

Inside the purple box was a cobalt blue dress made with many silky layers in the skirt. It wasn’t a dress from my wardrobe at home, which meant Nate must have picked it himself. I rubbed the fabric between my fingers. I wished he’d just given me a pair of jeans and a tee.

I stripped down and took a shower, taking time to make sure I was clean. While drying my hair, my breakfast decided to resurface either due to richness or nerves, I wasn’t sure, but it required me to take a second shower either way. Afterwards, I put on some clean underwear and returned to the couch to stare at the last thing I’d probably ever wear.

I didn’t know much about the High King, no one except Nate had actually met him or even knew anyone who’d met him. Djinn didn’t ever leave their compound except for arranged marriages, like my mother to Ivan or the occasional transfer. I felt it was too much to hope High King Tibal was anything like Celeste or Nate. The least I could hope for was he would listen to what I had to say.

I lifted the flowing dress out of the box and held it up, a silver piece of paper slipped out from between the skirt folds and fell to the floor. I dropped the dress back in the box and reached for the paper. It was a silver envelope I recognised as stationary from Celeste’s desk. There was no name on the outside so I flipped open the top and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

My heart beat fast in my chest and I chewed my bottom lip as I unfolded the paper and read the words etched inside.

Kyra,

I’m so sorry about Will. I wished to be there for you as you were there for me when Mother passed away, but things couldn’t be that way once you returned and revealed your true identity. It was definitely a shock, not something I thought was even possible and yet I have spoken with Isabelle and she told me everything.

I just want you to know this changes nothing between us. You continue to have my trust and I will do what I can to help you. I apologise for the way you have been treated, but with the High King coming, I need to show no favouritism. Please look after yourself.

Stay strong, Kyra.

I will see you soon,

N

I reread the letter once more, committing it to memory before tearing it into tiny pieces and flushing them down the toilet. I wasn’t going to let anyone see the letter and put Nate in danger. Was he crazy? Writing to me just before the High King visited. I was pleased Nate still trusted me, but his promise to help me was worrying.

I hoped he didn’t do anything to jeopardise his claim to the throne.

I waited until all the pieces of paper had disappeared down the U-bend before returning to put on my dress. It fit perfectly and seemed to bring out my golden eyes. I swished back and forth, and couldn’t help but think about trying on dresses at home with Mum. She loved when I dressed up. I hoped she was okay.

An hour passed as I sat on the couch, twisting my hands and stomach into a nervous mess. My palms were sweaty and the inside of my cheek bled from chewing. The silence was broken when the snip on the lock clicked loudly, and Jack pushed the door open. I jumped to my feet, eyes darting from Jack to the woman standing behind him. She was shorter than Jack by a head with the straightest, blackest hair I’d ever seen. Her skin was a dark olive against the white shirt and business skirt she wore. Her expression was emotionless, her gold eyes looking me over.

Looking around the room, as if assessing the situation for danger, the woman then stepped inside and stood before me. I stiffened, hands clenched at my sides.

I present his majesty, High King Tibal, first of his name, son of High King Kel, second of his name, the woman said in a loud, formal voice.

A man stepped through the door, his face similar to Nate’s but more angular. A goatee perched on his chin and a thick volume of hair sat on top of his head, which seemed to defy the heavy golden crown circling it. His expression looked to be one of extreme discomfort, but it couldn’t have been from his clothes. He wore red robes lined with tan fur, and red leather gloves. More likely, his look of discomfort was for having to be in my presence.

The woman with raven hair snapped her fingers and Jack moved my desk chair into the centre of the room. Tibal looked down at the small wooden chair with disgust then shot a glance behind him.

This is the hospitality my cousin offers me? he said in a gruff voice.

Nate appeared next through the doorway dressed in a black suit and pink shirt. You wished to talk to Kyra in her room so as to give her no opportunities to escape, cousin, he replied. A fine plan, but it does mean we are limited in formal decor.

"You will address me by my formal