Free Twin Flames by Elizabeth Winters Page B

solely on the hand that was holding hers so securely. She’d probably broken a few of his bones, at least.
    She was still conscious when the haze of agony ascended after a few minutes. Afraid to move, she opened her eyes and stared at Devlin.
    “It hurts,” she whispered.
    He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.” His hand smoothed back the strands of hair that had fallen across her face. “Isabella has been taken. She’ll pay for this.”
    Raven tried to lift her hand. She so wanted to touch his face, but the movement was beyond her ability. “You saved my life.”
    He kissed her again then turned to face the other men. She watched him order them from the room, a tired smile playing at her lips. The pain in her stomach had lessened as if the burning had indeed done some good. But after she recovered, a lesson in modern medicine was in order.
    Once the men retreated, the door closed firmly behind them, Devlin turned back to the bed. He ripped off his clothing and climbed in beside Raven.
    “Why do they hate me so much?” she whispered, her eyes shut against his masculine beauty. She could not bear to see him, much less touch him, knowing soon he would belong to another.
    “They do not hate you. Not everyone. Only those that are too closed-minded to see sense.”
    She shook her head, remembering the words of the Council. “They want me dead.”
    “It doesn’t matter what the Council wants. The time is coming when their threats will come to naught.” He cupped her chin in his hand, hovering over her still frame. “You must trust me. I failed you this time, but no more. Soon, everything will be as it was meant.”
    She squeezed her eyes shut, but tears still trickled down her cheeks. She wanted to believe him, but how could she. She had almost died. How much more was she supposed to endure?
     
    ***
     
    Isabella lay on the cold stone floor, her slender wrists bound tightly in iron. Devlin stared down at her with an all-encompassing rage. If he condemned her to death, he was no better than those he fought against.
    “Banish her,” he whispered. The words bounced off the stone of the wall and floor and echoed in the tiny chamber.
    Those behind him murmured in agreement as he turned to face the Council. “Banish her,” he repeated.
    “She did nothing wrong.”
    The voices of the crowd rose in uproar. Devlin stood before them, face to face with the Flame of the Council. He had anticipated this reaction and was ready.
    “You—” he pointed at the men seated before him, “—are a disgrace to our people and your race. You have ruled by tyranny for centuries, destroying all hopes for my people.”
    “Silence.” The Flame rose, his white, withered hand writhing in the air. “You will die for such talk.”
    Chalice stepped in front of Devlin, arms crossed. “No. My brother speaks the truth. You have wreaked too much destruction to be allowed to continue. The monarchy historically holds rule over the people and will do so until a new Council can be appointed.”
    “Treason,” the Flame screamed. The other members of the Council sat behind him, shifting in their seats, their fear apparent. “You will be killed for this. Guards.” His features contorted when the guards did not answer his call, but instead came to stand beside the brothers.
    “Your reign is over. Either accept it or we will make it so by whatever means necessary.” Chalice motioned for the guards to move forward.
    Devlin realized he needn’t have feared the reaction of the people. They stood behind him cheering, supporting the rebellion. They too had had enough.
    “Guards,” he yelled, “arrest these men.” He turned to Isabella. “And banish this woman.”
    The crowd erupted yet again, cheering as the Council members were led away. Devlin clasped Chalice on the shoulder. The first part of the prophecy had come to pass. Now, if only they could survive the