I stumble back, falling to the ground. A muffled cry slips from between my gritted teeth. My sides heave with each breath, and every muscle, every cell, in my body screams. I feel like I could sleep for a month.

"Are you alright, Luke?"

"Fine. Need to... destroy th-the Throne." I roll to my side, looking up. A purple blob floats in mid air. Out of its host but still not gone from me or Bryant, and certainly not gone for good.

"That's the Amethyst Throne's power?" Phoenix snorts, rolling his eyes.

"Need... need to keep it f-from a new... host." I pant, trying to catch my breath. When I try to get to my feet, Wolf pushes on my shoulder.

"Stay down, Luke. I've got this."

"I have to sit this part out, too? What the hell, Wolf? Do you really think I'm just gonna sit back and relax when KG14 is right there?"

The snake is nearly invisible in my mind. I feel light without it. When I look up, it seems Bryant's not doing much better. He looks deathly pale, and sweat has beaded on his forehead. His hands are shaking.

"Not doing so well without the Throne's power, are you?" I murmur with a soft chuckle.

"You had the power, too."

"I never wanted it."

"Oh, if the Throne's gone..." Phoenix's eyes light up in sick glee. "In that case then... hello, former King." His flames burn bright across his pelt, and he takes slow, stalking steps toward the foot of the once-Amethyst Throne.

Bryant stares down Phoenix, who stares right back.

The King of Ragdon clenches his fists. Grey scales begin to form on his cheeks and forearms. His pupils turn to slits. Ghosts of wings form faintly over his shoulders, but his transformation stops there.

"Stop right there, black cat." Bryant's voice is deeper, and it echoes as if 2 voices were talking at the same time.

The Amethyst Throne's power glows, pulsing with purple light. Phoenix is thrown against the opposite wall as a massive chunk of the ceiling collapses. I scramble back, and Wolf uses her Gemini constellation to move us further away from the Throne. Phoenix growls as he gets to his paws.

"Really? That was dumb."

"Seneca, Icarus, Luke, get out of here." Wolf waves her hand.

"What about you and Phoenix?"

"Phoenix isn't going to leave, and the Throne can't kill me."

"The Throne won't let me leave. It's still got the snake."

So wise, Dust Devil.

Shut it.

Care to put us back? It was really quite selfish of you to remove us from our host.

No.

Say yes and you can be our new host. Unlimited power at your fingertips. You'd be the sole ruler of Ragdon. You can make the island fit your dream.

No.

Haven't you always wanted power?

No. Stop talking.

Say yes and I will.

No.

"Then get as far away as you can."

"I really wanted to kill the King." Seneca pouts before patting Icarus's wing and saying to move.

"I already called dibs long ago. He's mine. I'll kill you if you try to kill him." Phoenix flashes his fangs. His flames blaze high in the air when the Amethyst Throne's power tries to send him flying again.

"Picky, picky. Alrighty, Luke. Can you walk?"

"Yeah." My vision tilts when I get to my feet, but I stay upright.

We're just about to leave Phoenix and Wolf in the throne room when the partially remaining doorway collapses, trapping us all in.

Not so fast, Dust Devil, the power of the Amethyst Throne booms in my mind.

Get out and leave. My hands come to grasp my hair as I glower at the floating orb.

Did you really think we were going to leave you so easily? You're our Dust Devil. The righthand man to the King.

Why are you still here?

You're our new host. Say yes and we will make you the most powerful being in the history of Ragdon.

No.

Don't you want the power at your fingertips? Unlimited power, no 1 to stop you. You could do what you wanted when you wanted to. Doesn't that sound like a dream? All you'd have to do is say yes.

Phoenix has a wall of fire that stretches to the ceiling surrounding the Amethyst Throne. He's spitting in rage, snarling that if Wolf hasn't destroyed the Throne's power in the next 2 minutes that he's going after Bryant regardless. The rage that burns in his eyes leaves no questions about the truthfulness of his words.

Each of Wolf's constellations glow, and it looks as though a light is shining from beneath her skin.

"Do you really want to do this, Midnight Wolf?" Bryant's voice is hoarse. I don't know that he could get any paler.

"You and the Throne killed my brother." Wolf's orange eyes flash.

"It was the Throne."

"You think you're not responsible? Oh, please. You could've said no, little King. But you didn't. You're not getting out of this 1. You wait your turn. Patience, now." Phoenix pouts in mock sadness.

Say yes, Dust Devil.

I'm not the Dust Devil.

Unlimited power! This is a gift we're bestowing upon you. Just say yes and become our host.

You destroyed Ragdon, and you ruined my life the instant I let the snake into my mind. It used my body to kill. That is something that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I could've said no, but I let myself believe in you and the King. I will have to carry that with me forever. I will not become your host. Not now, not ever.

"Luke, get the snake out of your mind now. I'm about to destroy the Throne."

"Ok."

See you never, snake. I venture into the depths of my mind, following the snake's trail. It isn't long before I see its silvery chain body. Its purple eyes darken when it sees me.

Get out.

No.

I take a step forward, and the snake opens its mouth to bare its teeth, tail beginning to shake. When I take another step, the snake strikes. Its jaws just barely miss my hand. I reach out and wrap my arms around its neck, and the snake writhes in my grip. Its tail winds around my leg, and the chain links bite at my armor. Leave.

You're ours, Dust Devil.

I'm in the very back of my mind, but I can hear what's going on around me. Wolf and the Amethyst Throne's power are locked in a fight. Seneca's keeping Icarus back. Phoenix is keeping Bryant on his throne, trying to taunt him into attacking, but the King never replies.

My hands slip on the snake's body, and its teeth dig into my arm, piercing through my armor. Blood flows freely. Leave. It's over.

As long as we stay here, Wolf cannot destroy us. You're ours, Dust Devil. You will be our new host.

Never. The snake tries to force its way further into my mind, but I push back, and the Amethyst Throne pours its power into the snake.

A cat materializes in my mind.

Don't you want to know where Ice is? They ask. Their fur is mottled with pinks and blues. A purple blindfold covers their eyes, held in place by yellow headphones.

What?

The Amethyst Throne is holding him hostage.

Oh, you've gotta be kidding me. Free him. Now.

I can't, but the Amethyst Throne can.

Do it, cat.

I can't.

You're in my mind, so you're the Throne. Free Ice. Now.

I ca-.

If you say 'I can't' again, I swear I'm gon-.

I'm technically part of the Amethyst Throne, but I was cut off from it after I declined to kill.

What is your name?

Cotton Candy.

Well, Cotton Candy. Let's say I believe you. How do I free Ice?

The Amethyst Throne can.

We already got that part figured out, but how?

I do not know.

"Hurry up, Luke!" Wolf's voice cuts through the air, and I silently reply with a 'working on it.'

I manage to get the snake in a headlock, though its teeth are still lodged in my arm. It sends venom through my veins, and I groan at the burning sensation.

Yield and tell me how I can free Ice.

I dig my fingernails into the snake's amethyst eyes while tightening the headlock with my opposite arm. Glittering blood oozes across my fingers and it tingles slightly against my skin. 

Make me.

I blind the snake when I claw at its eyes and gouge deep scores, sending blood streaming down its silvery body.

The Amethyst Throne's power tires to inch further into my mind, but I shove it back and gain ground. It's weakening, and I take advantage, pushing harder against it.

You've lost. Where is Ice?

He's already gone. He's lost in our former host.

What do you mean he's already gone?

He's lost in our former host.

The Throne's power is hanging on my a thread, and the snake's form is starting so shimmer.

"Isn't it lovely to see your reign come crumbling down, dearest King? You know, I've dreamed about this moment for years, and I've plotted about how I was going to get here. You slaughtered my family in ice-cold blood, and then you forced my brother into giving his life when you oh-so foolishly summed the Siren. Kinda idiotic to do that, wasn't it? What did you gain? Nothing. But, alas, you're the 1 responsible for my family's deaths. I hope you know what you signed up for. I never stopped hunting you, preparing for this moment. Fight back if you please, little King, and I really hope you do. I've been waiting for the moment I can finally get my revenge." By the time Phoenix has finished speaking, the snake is nearly gone. And a few moments later, I am the only 1 in my mind.

"Go," I say to Wolf. Aries and Lupus blaze on her skin. She uses Capricorn to bring Scorpius and Leo to life, and the scorpion and lion rush forward to meet the Amethyst Throne's power.

The fight doesn't last long, but it's violent. The Throne gives its all, but without a host it's greatly weakened. Wolf uses Gemini to keep Scorpius and Leo from getting hit too often, and the 2 constellations dissolve and reappear on the opposite side of the orb to attack once more. On Wolf's command, Scorpius attaches itself to the orb and paralyzes it, allowing Leo to bathe it in flames and destroy it, clawing at its sides until it's gone. Wolf clenches a fist, and the power of the Amethyst Throne disappears. Scorpius and Leo vanish, and their constellations softly pulse with light a few times before going dark on Wolf's skin.

I stare at the spot where the Throne's power had been floating for a few moments. The snake is gone as well, and I feel so light. I know I should be happier, but all I can feel is numb.

I gave you so many years and so much time and energy, but now you're gone.

I turn to Bryant. "It's over," I say. "No more Throne, no more King Garonda XIV, no more playing pretend. You never were a King, you were just someone from the White Tent Sea. It's over. I have a lot I'd like to say and do, but I know whatever Phoenix has decided will cover it. My name has always been Luke. Never once was it 'Soldier' or, worse, 'Dust Devil.' Luke."

"Lu-."

"Don't you dare."

"Seneca? Icarus? Wolf? Any last words to say to our dearest Bryant?" Phoenix glances over his shoulder, fiery eyes dancing with excitement.

"Skip to the fight. I'm getting impatient." Seneca crosses her arms.

"I-. Ah!" Icarus drops to the ground, bound wing spasming.

"Icarus!" Seneca rushes to his side.

"Oh, come on. Lemme guess, I can't go after our dearest friend yet?"

"Yes, Phoenix. Have some patience. Something's going on with Icarus." Wolf glares at the black cat. Phoenix sneers, but doesn't make a move toward Bryant..

Icarus writhes, face contorted in pain.

He's lost in our former host.

My mind had been trying to figure out what the Amethyst Throne meant by that, but then it clicks. "Ice is trapped in the Amethyst Throne."

"What? Where did you get that?" Wolf turns around.

"Something the Throne said to me before it was defeated."

"Figure out what's going on with Icarus, and then we can think about whether or not Ice is trapped in the Amethyst Throne. Come on!" Seneca glances up from where she's kneeling beside Icarus to glare at me and Wolf.

"No. Kill Bryant, and then worry about Icarus and Ice." Phoenix rolls his eyes.

"Split up and figure out?" I offer.

"No," Seneca says at the same time as Phoenix says 'yes.'

"You sure?"

"Fairly."

"Come here, Bryant." Phoenix bounds up the side of the Amethyst Throne and cuffs Bryant across the head, sending the former King tumbling down the side. The black cat snickers when he sees a trickle of blood running down the side of his head.

"Icarus, it's ok. Tell me what's going on!" My eyes flit across the throne room at the scene unfolding before me: Seneca kneeling beside Icarus, who's still thrashing, Wolf looking at the Amethyst Throne to try to find Ice, and Phoenix, who's batting at Bryant and slicing tiny little claw marks across the former King.

Exhaustion weighs over me like a heavy blanket, but I stay alert.

"Where in the Throne? Just, like, in the middle?" Wolf looks back.

"It didn't say where." I shrug, eyes finding Seneca and Icarus, who has settled down, though his eyes are mostly closed. What happened?

"Ice was always chained on the left side of the Throne. The right if you were looking at it. He's probably somewhere over there."

"Seneca," Icarus groans. My head snaps over to the 2.

"Yeah? What?"

"My wing." He seems to smile despite his beak.

"What about it?" I frown and crane my neck, following Seneca's gaze. The bindings on Icarus's wing are starting to shimmer. It glows amethyst before flickering. Once, twice, again, and it vanishes. Icarus stares at his now-freed wing before unfurling it slowly. His wing trembles and shakes, but he repeats the action a few times, folding it and unfolding it. He then looks at Seneca before chuckling and sharing a silent conversation.

"I can shift now," he says with another laugh.

"Do it," Seneca replies. Icarus sits up, closing his eyes. I watch, and Wolf does as well, though Phoenix doesn't even glance over, instead continuing to play with Bryant in his sick game.

But I won't stop him. It's cruel, but not unjustified. I don't want to know even a fraction of what Phoenix went through.

The edges of Icarus's form begin to shimmer in golden light, and then it ripples, distorting his image before it comes into focus again. But this time, instead of an eagle, it's a person. Icarus reaches his arms out, flipping his hands over and back several times before looking at the rest of his body. When he looks up at Seneca, he laughs before scrambling over and hugging her. "It feels wonderful to be able to do that again," he says.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Seneca murmurs into Icarus's shoulder.

"We went over that: it wasn't your fault and we knew there would be a cost."

"Still."

"Luke." Wolf waves me over to the Amethyst Throne.

"Have you found him?"

"I can't see Ice from the surface of the Throne, but I know he's there. Call it a 6th sense or whatever, but I know you're right. The Throne wasn't lying."

"Think he's alive?"

"I hope so. We gotta be quick."

"How are we going to get him out?"

"I'll summon 2 of my constellations. Sagittarius to create several cracks in the Throne and Aquarius to use water to break open the Throne. Like an egg. I hope it'll work."

"Alright," is all I can say.

Wolf takes a deep breath, and the 2 constellations materialize, glimmering in the light streaming through the holes in the ceiling and walls. They float a foot or so in the air, expressions blank as they await their orders. "Break it open," Wolf says. Their response is immediate.

Sagittarius nocks 3 arrows in their bow and pulls the string taut. After a brief moment to aim, they let the arrows fly, and each lands with a precise thunk in a row on the Amethyst Throne. Cracks splinter across the surface like a spiderweb. Sagittarius looses another round of arrows and they send more cracks spreading across the Throne. They turn around, looking to Wolf, who nods.

Sagittarius vanishes in a show of rainbow light, and Aquarius steps forward. They sweep their hands upward, and water materializes and follows their hands, floating around them. In a graceful movement, Aquarius throws their arms forward. The water crashes into the Amethyst Throne, streaming into the cracks formed by Sagittarius. Aquarius holds their hands out, palms facing away from each other, before bringing their arms down so their hands close into fists, palms up. Water crackles as it freezes. The Amethyst Throne groans under the pressure from the ice.

I take a small step forward, watching the Throne as it strains to keep itself together.

"Not any closer, Luke," Wolf grits out. Her eyebrows are furrowed in concentration. Every muscle is taut. I don't think Lupus or Aries could glow any brighter, the former amplifying the 12 constellations' powers and the latter giving her more strength.

"Sorry." I step back.

Aquarius slowly uncurls their fists, and the ice expands. Bits of quartz tumble down the sides of the Amethyst Throne. Cracks splinter further, leaving the Throne looking more like a mess of jagged edges than the piece of beauty I once thought it was.

There's a brief moment of stillness on the Amethyst Throne, mere threads holding it together, before it shatters and crumbles. Wolf immediately pulls Aquarius back before she sprints to the rubble of the Throne. I follow. I pull chunks of the Throne away, digging through the pieces. Where are you, Ice? I know you're in here somewhere.

Phoenix remains off to the side with Bryant, toying with the former King.

Seneca and Icarus come over to help us. We dig through the remains of the Amethyst Throne, removing piece after piece. It feels like it's never-ending, but eventually Icarus find something. 

"Here! I think I found him." He waves us over to where the right corner once was. He's brushing purple chunks of quartz off of blue fur.

"Ice! Can you hear us? You're safe now." Wolf places a gentle hand on Ice's flank. His side moves ever so slightly, but it moves.

"He was trapped in there?"

"The Throne needed a hostage. It tried to get me to be its new host by using him."

"You didn't take its offer?" Seneca's voice is curious.

"No. I couldn't have done that after being the Dust Devil. I figured out where he was instead."

"Great. You saved Ice and helped Icarus. Anyone want to do anything before I kill him?"

"Don't you want an audience, Phoenix?" Wolf stands up.

"That does sound rather lovely. Though I'm not as heartless as you are. I'll make you a deal. We'll have ourselves a little fight. You win, I'll make your death quick. I win, I'll do whatever I want. I'll even give you the first hit and be nice." My stomach twists when I hear what Phoenix said. Nothing about it sounded like him. What does he have planned?

"Deal," Bryant replies.

"Wonderful." The black cat smiles, and it's all fangs. "We'll have our little fight here, and then the outcome will play out tomorrow at the show I'll plan for everyone to watch. They can see what a weakling their former King was. How disgustingly powerless he is without his Throne. What a coward he is when he doesn't have the Throne to back him."

Bryant takes a step back every time Phoenix takes 1 forward.

"Seneca, Icarus, can you please take Ice to Miles? You know where he is, right?"

"Yeah, I believe so. Help me pick him up, Icarus?"

"Of course." They lift him into their arms, and Ice's head lolls to the side. The 2 scars on the back of his neck had been reopened, though they don't bleed. Wolf creates an opening in the rubble to allow them to leave the throne room.

"Luke, you were my righthand man. The Dust Devil." Bryant pleads, backing up further from Phoenix.

"No, I was never the Dust Devil. You decided I was the Dust Devil, not me. Your system of the Guard and Soldiers made it so I was never able to say I didn't want to be the Dust Devil, much less a Soldier. It was something I couldn't escape, so I created the persona of what you called the 'model Soldier' in order to survive."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"Do you know what would've happened if I had?"

"It could've been fixed."

"I would've been killed for saying that I didn't agree, calling out how it worked, trying to be something else. And if I hadn't been the so-called Dust Devil, you would not have cared. So please, spare me your sympathy." I hold back the tears; a waste of water and energy. And a part of me feels relieved to finally let Bryant know exactly what he did, how it hurt, how I truly felt.

Bryant opens his mouth to reply, but Phoenix beats him to hit. "Ah, ah," he snaps. "Save it. Luke doesn't want to hear it. Hit me. Come on, I know you want to. Do it!"

"If I win this, y-."

"I make your death quick. We already covered that. Now, hit me!"

"Promise?" Bryant's voice is strained.

"Really? Fine. I promise. Hit me! Let's get this show on the road."

Phoenix prances around the former King, until Bryant lashes out with a fist. Then he ducks.

Phoenix bounds behind Bryant before leaping forward and wrapping his forelegs around Bryant's torso, slamming the King to the ground and pinning him there. "Not fair, you said a hit."

"The world isn't fair. Sounds like a you problem."

Flames crackle across the black cat's inky pelt and his fiery eyes blaze in glee. The King is helpless without the Amethyst Throne's power, and he can do nothing as Phoenix's jaws wrap around Bryant's throat. Beads of blood bubble up around the points of Phoenix's canines. A sick grin pulls at the corners of the black cat's lips, and his eyes glow brighter as his claws dig into the King's arms. A growling laugh rumbles in Phoenix's throat before he speaks, but not to the King.

"We won, Ky. We did it. Our revenge is here."