I shoved him, needing to run. That agitated power inside of me simmered beneath the surface, urging me onward.
“Lana,” Storm shouted, this time so close to my ear I flinched. His arms folded around me before I could move, holding me back from my escape.
I blinked a few times and my body slackened. I stared down at my trembling hands, clawing at his still-bruised arm.
“Fates,” I yanked my hands away, guilt coursing through me.
I hadn’t even registered what I’d been doing. Storm was right. This power inside of me, though, refused to listen to logicas it writhed, begging to be set free. All I could do was shake my head before a tear fell down my face.
“Look at me,” Storm whispered.
I raised my head, turning to face him, as I met his gaze. It wasn’t just my eyes exuding desperation and exhaustion, but his as well.
“Wewillget Kade back,” he said firmly. “We will win this war. You will see your mate again. I will be with my brother again. But for now, we have to get somewhere safe.”
My gaze dropped, feeling as heavy as my heart. “It feels so wrong leaving him there with that kind of evil. The real Monster of Mysthaven. What if when we finally come up with a plan, he is too far gone to be saved? What if I’ve lost my mate before I’ve even had a chance to tell him that I know? That I love—” I choked on my words.
Storm took my hands in his. “In the short amount of time we’ve known each other, I have seen you fight for your people. Save them time and time again. I have no doubt in my mind that you will save Kade, save your people, and hopefully, save our world.” He chuckled dryly. “I’d expect nothing less from the Queen of Brookmere, let alone Kade’s mate. Fates help us once the world has been restored. You two will be unbearable.”
I couldn’t help the smile peeking through my distress. “You act as if Kade and I are incapable of acting with proper decorum.” I sighed, but before I could continue, Storm spoke once more.
“For all of us, my future queen. Let us give ourselves the best shot at you leading not just Brookmere, but all of Atheria.” He squeezed my hand one more time before walking away toward Jax and Raya.
I looked at the horizon again, inhaling the dry, gritty air before allowing Storm’s words to settle. He was right. I could do this.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to do it alone.
“I will see you soon,” I vowed my promise into the breeze, as if it could carry my words straight to Kade. “And I’ll hold my dagger to your throat until you swear to me you’ll never do something so reckless again.”
I returned to Onyx, brushing a hand over his mane before mounting him for the final stretch of today’s journey. Storm pressed his hand to Raya’s arm. “Hold on just a bit longer, my friend. We will get you the help you need.”
Raya took a deep breath, coherent enough that Jax relaxed his grip around her waist slightly, and with a nod of his head, we were back on track.
The sun dipped below the skyline as we crested the last hill and entered one of the side streets of Canyon City.
I couldn’t help but remember what had happened the last time I was here. The Fae who had been “murdered” by Kade’s shadows. This time when we entered, we tried to escape death, not be the onessupposedlycausing it.
Lanterns illuminated the dimming night sky around the strangely quiet city. An anxious energy filled the air as we made our way down the alleyway toward the center of town. A sole scream echoed in the silence. Instantly, my heart raced, triggering my defenses. Reaching down, I brushed my fingers over the dagger resting on my thigh, preparing to unsheathe it if need be.
Out of the corner of my eye, a woman in tattered robes ran toward us but stopped short to hide between some barrels.
“Opal?” Jax said.
Even from here I saw her shake her head and bring a finger to her mouth.
“What the hell?” Storm questioned, dismounting from his horse and staring around the far too empty streets.
“Well now,” a booming voice echoed through the square. A Guardian appeared, rounding a corner and twirling a sword in his hand. “What do we have here?”
Chapter 2
Lana
Storm straightened, approaching the cocky Guardian. “You, what’s your name?”
A smile spread over his lips as he let out a shrill whistle. Voices and boots thudded behind him until four more Guardians appeared.
He stepped around Storm, ignoring him completely. “Why is it you lot think you can break curfew?”
