"It isn't the wings that make us who we are," Zorin reminded him. "How did you find me?" Zorin asked, countering his move.
"The news. Umbra is very distinct. And I figured, if you were in the area, you'd be here."
Zorin's hand fell to his sword. He could hide his face, but his blade would always be his tell.
"I've watched you these past days," the man said, moving a bishop. "You've taken on another apprentice."
Zorin captured a pawn and then studied the man before him. "I had to turn her. I owed her parents."
The man smiled, his dark eyes creasing. "Or did she remind you of someone? Perhaps, someone from long ago?"
"I don't know," said Zorin. "Like you said, it was long ago."
The man moved his Queen, posing a threat to Zorin's King. "You know the path you have set her on," the man said. "What she will become."
"She'd be dead if I'd done nothing."
The man frowned. "Perhaps that would have been better."
"Perhaps." Zorin moved his knight. "Checkmate." He stood and walked away, but the man called to him.
"You were always good at strategy, Zorin. Or shall I call you Nyx now?"
Zorin stopped and turned, towering over the man he'd known too long. "Do not tell the girl."
"I will not. At least, not for now—"
Zorin dashed forward and grabbed the man by the throat, lifting him off his chair and into the air. "I care for you, friend, but do not mistake my kindness for weakness." Zorin dropped the man to the cold floor.
He clutched at his throat, choking, before he could speak again. "I will not tell her."
Zorin stood over him with a challenge in his eyes. "Then will you follow me again?"
The man moved to his knees and kneeled. "I have followed you for many years. I shall not stop now."
A smile tugged at Zorin's lips as the wind howled around the Cathedral. "Then we have work to do. The Nephilim have returned."
TO BE CONTINUED
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS
Call us Karpov Kinrade. We're the husband and wife team behind Court of Nightfall. And we want to say… Thank you for reading it. It's our baby, and we hope you enjoyed it. We spent years crafting the world and characters in The Nightfall Chronicles, and we're thrilled to see so many readers find and enjoy this book.
Ever since our first novel, we've benefited tremendously from the feedback readers have given us, and we encourage you to write us directly with your thoughts at [email protected]. The inspiration and kindness we've received from so many of you has changed our entire career.
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Want to learn more about The Attack on Diamond Head? Check out The Forbidden Trilogy, starting with Forbidden Mind. Set years before Court of Nightfall, it chronicles the rise of Zeniths, known as paranormals long ago.
"...a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment." ~ Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews "The plot is very ALIAS and DARK ANGEL-like with X-MEN as its backdrop (awesome combo!). Forbidden Mind BLEW my mind!" ~Sour Skittles Book Blog Winner of 2011 Forward National Literature Award Get Forbidden Mind here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife writing duo of bestselling, award-winning authors Kimberly Kinrade and Dmytry Karpov.
Together, they write fantasy, paranormal, mystery, contemporary and romance novels and hook readers into new and exciting worlds with writing that blends side-splitting humor, heart-wrenching drama, spine-tingling twists and sigh-inducing happily ever afters.
Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Seduced Saga, the Forbidden Trilogy and more coming soon.
They live with three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers and who are also showing a propensity for telling tall tales and using the written word to weave stories of wonder and magic.
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