paranoianovel Trouble in Paradise III
Trouble in Paradise III
Trouble in Paradise III
Wherere you going? Ippolyte rose from beneath the blankets. Her face flushed and her lips curved in a dreamy smile. The lamplight danced along her sweat moistened skin; it was all Wurhi could do to tear her eyes away.
Let me breathe for a heartbeat, the Zabyallan chuckled, slipping on her tunic. Just a heartbeat.
Oh, now you want to breathe? And I thought I was greedy in lovemaking. Ippolyte stretched like a tigress after a full meal. From the way you talk of the Sengezian being a lecher, its a surprise to find you and he so alike. A good surprise. A teasing smile played on Ippolytes lips. Or is it that cheating caught up with you? Was this your last night before your execution?
Wurhi fought the urge to wince. Like the crazed knight said: live while you can.
Silence followed.
I can barely see you. The Vestulai began to move toward the fireplace. Lets light the flame. Its starting to get cold.
No! Wurhi rushed over, catching Ippolyte by the wrist.
What are you-
The little thief stole the taller womans lips. The warrior stiffened for a heartbeat, then leaned into her smaller partner, her eyes closing. The Zabyallan glanced toward the hidden gem. She pushed all thoughts of it from her mind, focusing on their dancing tongues.
Pulling away, her green eyes held Ippolytes red ones. Stay there. Im stepping out for a bit; when I get back, Ill heat you up again.
Ippolyte stared at her. move like all the wolves of hell are behind you.
Wurhi giggled. Ill be quick.
She slipped through the door, easing it shut behind her.
A cringe ripped through her body. Ill heat you up again? Really? she muttered. Ive been spending too much time with Kyembe.
Bearing a small clay lamp before her, she crept down the hall in a ring of wan light. Beyond that, a wall of darkness suffused the passage. She forced her mind not to consider it; enough troubled her without imagined phantoms.
Her steps quickened toward the lavatory.
Moving quietly down the hallway, she reached Kyembes door. Her tread slowed. Joined voices and heady laughter seeped from his room. Good. That would put him in the best mood in the morning.
Passing the saints door across the hall, she continued along until she reached the balcony that overlooked the wine room below. She made for the closest staircase, padded down the stone steps and into the dimly lit chamber.Visit for the best novel reading experience
Now see here- The young poet began, but more shuffling interrupted him.
Adelmar Horvoths face appeared at the slot, replacing the poets. Im not in mourning, my good man. The merchants son offered. Let me in and Ill search it out.
Hrm, dont know how youll search in the dark. But if its that important The doorkeeper unlatched the entrance and pulled the door open.
He yawned once more. Welcome to Para-
Schnk.
His breath died in his throat where the blade sank in.
Adelmar twisted the dagger before the twitching body dropped in a pool of red. He looked to Haldrych; his blue eyes alight. You should take the next one! It felt even better this time!
The young poet fought a wince, bringing his mask back to his face.
Berard rushed over the body, his nostrils flaring above his beard. I smell vermin! he growled, moving like a roused beast. Very close! Adelmar! Stay and guard the entrance. You four acolytes, stay with him!
The merchants son stiffened. Guard the entrance? I can help!
You are. The larger man grinned, his teeth bared. The wolf corners its prey, cutting off escape. This is your task. He looked to the others. The rest of you who took the scent, find the thief and the jewel. Kill anyone who sees you.
The cultists brandished their weapons hungrily.
With a growl, the large man threw off his robe, revealing his bear-like frame. Bone crunched and flesh writhed as his powerful bulk swelled and stretched. Haldrych gaped. When Adelmar transformed, he had been massive, but Berard was much larger as a man. As a beast, his lupine head towered above the doorway. The creature was immense.
Others embraced the change - save for Adelmar - and soon Haldrych found himself pressed within a tide of black robed rogues and snarling wolfish abominations. He took a step back toward the wall, fighting the urge to scream.
Rip!
The great beast that was Berard tore the door from its hinges. The frame imploded; shards of wood exploded with the force. Haldrych recoiled, covering his head with his arms.
Baying to the pack, the leader crouched through the doorway.
The wolves of Laexondael flooded Paradise.