The Mage Rebellion Hellbound: The Mage Rebellion, #3

By Brooke Gaspard

Well, twist and turn and let hell burn. If I could have predicted this series of events, I would have given the Queen of the Underworld the finger a long time ago. Subterfuge, betrayal, and a whole lot of destruction feed the flames of this rebellion. The darkness that haunts me may consume me at times, but I know an opportunity when I see it. Long-forgotten allies took their sweet time making themselves known before finally coming out to play. Maybe, just maybe, we have a chance of giving that witch of a Queen a run for her money. Pending I don't get consumed by the vicious and clever monster within me first.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brooke Gaspard
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215493847

Brooke Gaspard

Brooke Gaspard is a native of southwest Louisiana. She loves to connect with her readers to talk about the books or just connect with one another. You can contact her on Facebook page The Mage realm or on ticktock and instagram. You can find her when she is not lost in her own imaginary world gardening, tending to animals, at a good rock concert,  or homeschooling her two children. She is an avid reader, always up for some wild adventure, a watcher of hell's kitchen, and Joe Kendra. She can not wait to see everyone in the next book for another part of the adventure and would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, keep causing Chaos and Mayhem.

Book preview

Dedication

To those who came back to burn the village and showed them what true fear and uniqueness could become by lifting a middle finger in the air and not a single fuck given.

Chapter 1

Iwalked into the War room, my boots tapping softly on the floor. My shadow was long behind me and the people that I trusted the most were sitting right in front of me.

They couldn’t have been further away from me at the moment. I trusted them, but I wanted vengeance and I wanted blood. "You would think after all the shit I have been through and all the things I have seen, I would have seen this one coming.

Unfortunately, I didn’t and now I am madder than hell. I want their blood on my hands. This won’t be over until Darius is the dirt and ash under my boots."

J gave me an evil smirk while Cate gave me a sweet smile, one that would have been reserved for an angel. I was no angel, though. If anything, I was a demon and damn it, I was going to start acting like it.

They want to play dirty. J’s voice was soft, but the entire room heard him perfectly fine.

I gave him a grim nod, refusing to voice what I truly wanted to say. So do we want to go down that route, though? Wouldn’t that make us just like them? Or maybe even worse?

I let my eyes slowly slide towards Darrian before shrugging. "I know I will be. I fully understand why I would walk this path alone though. I have no problem destroying my soul and letting the darkness in while I go down in history books as the dark one later though.

The choice is up to each and everyone in this room. I won’t hold it against anyone. I just don’t want to hear shit when you don’t like my decisions."

The silence was deafening, not a single person wanted to say a damn thing. I knew no matter what happened, I would never be alone in the darkness.

These people had stuck with me through thick and thin. They would always be here in one shape or form. It didn’t matter if I wanted them here. It only mattered that they were here.

Making my way to my most comfortable chair I sat down roughly sighing. So does anyone have a clue what our next move is besides annihilation?

They all looked around at one another before going back to me expectantly. I believe it's called recovery princess.

I ran my tongue over my teeth, nodding as I raised an eyebrow. So, my wanting to attack immediately would cause some strife among the flock?

Laughing softly Darrian shook his head as he kept those beautiful green eyes locked on me. Yeah, we would all have a problem with an attack within the next week. We need time to mourn our dead, bury them, and then prepare for another battle.

Closing my eyes I leaned back in my chair placing my boots on the desktop. Then it’s settled, the devil will allow the flock to rest for two weeks. That's it, no more, no less.

The council had attacked us twice since Thanos had outed himself. I felt as if we were drowning and things weren’t ever going to be resolved.

My mind was still trying to find the clues that had surrounded Thanos and his betrayal. All the while, I looked for signs of anyone else possibly bullying the same shit on us.

My nights had been sleepless with constant researching and trying to find ways to attack once we figured out where they slithered off to. Yet I hadn’t found much I could share with the rest.

The silence after my statement lasted so long that I had thought everyone had left. Just as my mind began to wander though, Darrian’s deep rumble of a voice reached my ears softly. Sara, are you good?

Opening one eye I gave Darrian the best shit-eating grin I possessed as I watched him closely. I knew I was tired and just wanted to be alone, at the same time, I was tired of pushing people away that were actually trying to help me.

I am fine Darrian. Why are you choosing now to linger? Before you would have been the first out the door angry at me for god only knows what and bitching about it all the way down the hall.

Watching me curiously, Darrian gave me a devilish smirk. Everyone has their own secrets, can’t I just have this one, Sara?

Rolling my eyes closed once more I tried to ignore Darrian’s question causing him to force a cough to gain my attention once more. Snapping one eye open I glared him down. Was there something else you needed, Darrian? Please be straight to the point. My mind is going between wanting to kill someone and needing to drink every last drop of forget me liquor I can find in this damn place I call home.

Darrian’s soft laugh filled the war room as he stood up slowly, making his way to the end of my desk casually. "Don’t lose yourself, Sara. Play the part you need to play. Just make sure at the end of the day, that mask can come off and you can come back to us.

I know I have said this before, but  I will always be here for you. No matter what princess."

I sat up, taking several seconds to process what he was saying. When I had finally fully processed his words, a pit of snakes slithered to life in my stomach, making me feel as if I needed to run and hide.

Darrian waited patiently for me to finish my thought process on what he had just said. Apparently he didn’t expect the outcome I gave him though.

I slowly stood unfolding my now lean body from the chair I had been sitting in and made my way to the edge of the desk where he was standing. You know me better than most. You know I don’t want to put that damn mask back on, but it is something I have to do. I can’t win while I care for so many other people.

Giving me a soft smile Darrian leaned against the corner of my desk. I know that, and if you need help taking that mask off, just call for me. I’m always willing to help a friend in need.

With that, Darrian was gone leaving me wanting to sob my heart out to an empty room. Instead, I decided to take a few steadying breaths as I pushed the tears back and paced.

The peace I had found before the rat came out to play in the sunshine had been destroyed, along with it the woman that had been relearning herself all over again disappeared.

Making my way to the wall of books that held the door to my mothers secret room I pushed it open slowly. I only needed a few moments to myself.

The creaking and complaining it did as it swung open on its worn hinges sounded just like I felt, old, tired, and beaten down. Lingering in the doorway for a few moments, I let my eyes take in the never changing room.

This was one of the few constants I had left in my life. In return this room was comfortable as long as I didn’t think about all of the memories and questions that had resurfaced since I apparently came back to life.

Crossing the room to the window seat, I perched myself on the edge of it, silently thinking to myself. The sun was racing to its highest point. The snow was already slowly melting away. Our barrier was being reinforced, and I was watching as new bodies were being picked up, marked for the family coming to get them.

I don’t know how long I sat there, but I know it was long enough to see ten families come to get their loved ones. I watched a girl that couldn’t have been older than nineteen be carried away.

Her mother was trying to hold back tears and her father stood holding her body, sobbing loudly. He didn’t bother trying to hide his tears. When her body had been placed in his arms, he hit his knees and began to openly sob. Cradling her head in his arms he kissed her cheeks lovingly whispering words to her that I couldn’t quite hear.

I hated myself for sitting here so wrapped up in how I was going to win this war when this battle had already taken enough blood. Looking away from the scene disgusted with myself I found Rei watching me silently from the doorway.

You forgot to close the door, love.

Shrugging I sat back against the cold stones. It’s not that important to tell you the truth.

Laughing softly Rei raised an eyebrow as he watched me nervously. So you are in the mood for truths and not half truths, right?

I stilled, unsure what he was about to say. Rei took a few steps into the room, keeping his eyes on me, watching me for any reaction as he slowly pushed the door closed. So tell me, how many more can you kill with your magic and still live to tell the tale?

Frowning I looked down at my arms that had more tattoos showing on them before shrugging as if I had no care in the realms. "I don’t always use my magic to kill people. You know that. The reason warrior mages use weapons is because of this exact reason. Besides, what do you care?

You and your happy little life with little blood on your hands and all."

Rolling my eyes I watched as Rei pulled his sleeves up. Little blood. You should rephrase that to less blood than you. Still more than most in this castle though.

Tugging at my clothes subconsciously, knowing my best friend was about to push my buttons I tried to hide away from him. My soul is none of your business and neither is my life expectancies Rei.

Perching himself on the edge of my desk Rei’s eyes stayed locked on mine as he whispered softly. "We are friends, always have been in my mind. I am allowed to worry about my friends.

Besides, the last time you took a little time out, the whole damn place was out of sorts for weeks."

I watched him coldly before laughing as I shook my head. Friends.

I repeated the word only once to see how it tasted in my mouth. I didn’t like it. I thought after all this time we would be family, Rei.

I watched as he raised an eyebrow at me but remained silent, so I broke it quickly. "You know what? I sometimes wonder, why couldn’t I be part succubus?

I mean, having sex with someone and not caring about them is something I could work through. Having to kill and all the shit I have to. Well, it's something I really detest."

Rei snorted loudly and when I had finally pulled my courage up to look at him, he was gasping for air as he laughed. You have to be kidding me. This is how you are going to avoid the elephant in the room?

Pursing my lips, I tried to look as if I were innocent for a moment before giving him an uncaring shrug. Yeah I guess so.

Shaking his head, Rei stood to leave the room only to stop to turn back to me when he reached the door. "Sara, just remember, I have always supported you in your decisions.

This is the first one I really don’t think is necessary." With that Rei was gone, and I was left to watch the sunset alone.

Another day gone and nothing decided again. The waiting was what was killing me. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I was waiting for the final breath and the last moment of battle and it was stealing away my humanity little by little.

Peace was all I wanted, and all I had ever gotten was war. I never thought my life would end up this way. I never wanted to fight for my entire existence. I didn’t want to experience all the death and betrayal and yet here I am sitting at the window wondering who to trust, to love, and how to continue on with all the things set out in front of me. Backing down isn’t an option even if every part of me was telling me to do just that.

My daily routine of brooding had to be pushed away as I made my way down to the great hall to have dinner and finish my daily routine without really seeing anyone. I was yet again lost in my mind and not really experiencing the life around me.

Sitting in the middle of one of the long tables I watched everyone around me talking and enjoying one another’s company. Darrian was sitting on my left and J on my right speaking to Cate. When I looked up slowly I couldn’t help but whisper to J softly. How can all of you just carry on like nothing has happened?

J’s perfect face fell into a frown before he forced a smile I had seen a million times before. "The dead do not wish for us to weep for them. They have it made. They have no worries and are the ones weeping for the living.

We have a rough life. We are the ones left behind with the hate, sorrow and uncertainty, not them."

Nodding numbly I set my drink down. I do not weep for the dead. I weep for the ones I had to sacrifice too young.

Setting his fork down roughly, Darrian watched me sharply. They sacrificed everything for what we are fighting for. To weep for them is to disgrace their name and sacrifice.

His words had me standing and heading for my rooms. I didn’t leave because I didn’t want to hear what he was saying. I just disagreed with it.

To me it was honoring what life they could have had if this would have never come to pass. If that stupid prophecy would have never been written down or even spoken, not a single soul would have acted on this impulse to take and rule us all.

They would have never died and I would have never had to deal with all of this. Maybe I would have been a different person. Could I have been loving and be loved? Or would I have been like my mother? I guess we will never get that answer will we though?

When I finally left the shower the fire was low in the grate, so I hardly noticed Darrian sitting before it in a chair he had brought in with him. When he finally spoke, I damn near jumped out of my skin, my loud gasp was the only thing filling the room for several minutes.

Finally Darrian cocked his head to the side, giving me a slow dark smile. It’s strange that you are so human, yet so damn inhuman all at the same time.

Shrugging I squeezed the water from my hair as I sneered at him. I’m not human and neither are you Darrian. We are both far from it.

His soft chuckle surrounded me, his green eyes never straying from mine as he leaned his head back ever so slightly. I was human once. I enjoyed my life.

Wrinkling my nose I gave him an indifferent tone. "No offense, but I don’t really want to rehash the past. The past has come and gone and it needs to stay that way. I have enough burdens on my shoulders as it is. I really don’t want to carry yours along with mine.

So Darrian take my advice and leave it where it belongs. Behind you and forgotten."

Patting the plush seat next to him Darrian scooted over a bit making room for me as he spoke darkly. Mind if I ask for your company tonight?

Sighing loudly I made a bit of a production of making my way to his side. The second I was next to him I was curling my legs under my body as I looked up at him from under my lashes. What ails your mind tonight, old friend?

Slipping his arm around me Darrian pulled me closer to him as he let his laugh rumble through me. The burden of the world.

Closing my eyes, tired of living in my own mind, I happily leaned into him, relenting to just listening to someone else’s problems, even if I did give him shit about them. I find most of my bloodline wishes to remain here in your home. This bothers me because we all know that your kind is violent. We truly don’t belong here in this sweet escape.

Snorting loudly I looked up at Darrian as if he had lost his mind finding his playful smile plastered on his lips. Darrian, it’s not necessary to punish ourselves for what we are. Your people staying here wouldn’t be a problem.

Darrian looked down at me with a look of confusion, causing a small smile to break across my face. Sometimes I do have a bit of wisdom come through all the violent thoughts.

I watched as he threw his head back, laughing loudly. So you are full of surprises.

Turning back to the fire I finally whispered softly. Most mages are not born violent. I wasn’t born this way. They made me this way.

Darrian remained silent for so long I was sure he had fallen asleep.

Sara, what would you say if I told you I am one of the ones wanting to stay?

I coughed, choking on my drink, responding between coughs. That would surprise me, but I would welcome you with open arms. Thing is I may not stick around myself. I mean, I will be here, and then will be there. You know I don’t want to stay in one spot forever. I enjoy a bit of travel.

I knew I was lying to him, hell I think part of me wished it would be that way when everything was over. The thing about my friends, they didn’t understand what was really happening.

When my mother came for us, I would kill her, take her heart, drain her body of its life and magic before taking her throne. I would have another realm to rule over and it would be something unrelenting.

Darrian’s rough voice pulled me from my thoughts. You have lived long enough to see the good and the bad. Why would you want to keep traveling through it to see the ugly?

I pushed away from him, sitting up watching him closely for a moment, letting my wishes finally fall from my lips even though I knew it was never coming true. I want to see the peace, see the good. I have seen little good in my lifetime and I plan on drinking all from my cup that I can.

Darrian watched me for a moment, concern coating his voice thickly. And what of the throne and your people?

I gave him a smirk before looking around the room for anything to distract me. I will leave J and Cate in charge until I am ready to come home. That is why I am the Queen and he is the King.

Darrian raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly. Or his half sister could take over.

Laughing softly I playfully slapped his knee as I looked up at him amused. You really want to be nice and toasty tonight, don’t you?

Silently Darrian stood up before looking back down at me seriously halting all of my giggles. "Just think about it Sara. If your brother decides to be selfish like you, where does that leave your people? Exactly where you didn’t want them to be, in the rule of someone heartless and cruel.

On the other hand, are you much better?"

With those words ringing in the silent room Darrian was gone. I was left with my own bitter tasting thoughts and much to my annoyance, reconsidering my plans.

I don’t know how long I sat gazing into the fire just thinking, but eventually I was awoken by someone knocking on my door and the soft glow of the morning light coming through my open windows. With plenty of grumbling and complaining about being woken up at such an early time, I pulled my door open only to come face to face with a childless Morganna.

Before you go all bitch mode. I just came to have some gal chat time.

I frowned down at the food and drinks in her hands before pulling the door all the way open. As long as that is a breakfast chat, I am fine with that.

Nodding Morganna shoved the food into my hands before making her way into my room as if she owned the place. Of course.

Sashaying over to the chair I just vacated, she plopped down in it heavily. So Darrian informed us that after the war you are planning on leaving us all.

I froze, watching her over my drink I had been sipping on before setting it down carefully. Us all, so you are planning on staying as well?

Giving me a small smirk Morganna tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Well, if I stayed here, I would have less of a chance of being hunted down and killed for being a witch. I have less of a chance of becoming your mother’s lap dog.

I mean, I’m a witch. You know what that means."

Morganna gave me a knowing look, causing me to push the door to my room closed with my foot before finally taking the seat next to her with my food. Yeah I do. Now that you mention it, I want to ask you why you made a deal to become a witch?

Giving me a sly smile Morganna began picking at the fruit on my plate as she mumbled. "I was accused of being a witch during one of the witch trials by my lover. His name was Jacob.

Anyways. The days before the trial, this woman came to me while my jailers were sleeping. She told me they would throw me in the water and I would drown. At the time I was with his child.

You can see how this was the worst thing that could happen to me. The woman offered me a deal. The first night I denied her. In fact  I denied her every night afterwards.

It wasn’t until a week passed I was told they would put me on trial. I was informed that if I could swim, I was a witch and they would perform a pressing on me.

If I couldn’t swim, they would save me. Then they would leave me alone from then on.

I remember while I was under the