Court of Nightfall (The Nightfall Chronicles #1)(49)

"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."