CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
AYDRA TOOK THE phoenix back to Magnice.
Anger flowed from her core into the phoenix’s, and she could feel it heating black flames beneath her legs and hands. Black flames that wrapped her as a cool breeze, that tickled her flesh as wind would.
They flew in shadow, the whispers of its feathers beneath her hands as they crossed the Preymoor in a matter of hours instead of days.
They flew over the town, all the way up to the castle gates.
She pulled her sword and jumped from the creature’s back upon reaching the courtyard.
Belwarks drew their swords as she landed.
Aydra straightened and whirled her blade in her hand. “Do you really want to do this?” she asked the men.
Behind, called the phoenix.
Her sword clashed overhead with the one behind her. He pushed her forward, their swords crashing together. Aydra ducked low and struck his knees, wiping him out to the ground. Her blade landed in his throat. As the crack of his neck filled her ears, she straightened and looked around her again.
The phoenix chirped overhead and circled the courtyard. A chill ran down Aydra’s spine at its anger filling her core.
“One last warning, Belwarks,” Aydra dared the men.
Two of them crouched low, swords at the ready. Aydra held a hand up.
Her fist closed as they launched at her.
Black flames swallowed the courtyard.
Aydra stepped through the cold fire and pushed her way into the castle.
Servants moved out of the way. A few of the Belwarks started to draw their swords, but the sudden sight of the phoenix flying beside her out the windows made them stop in their tracks. She kept her sword in her hand, all the way up to her sister’s room. Her foot met the door upon reaching it.
Nyssa yelped upon seeing Aydra, and then her gaze softened. “Aydra—”
She bounded across the room and dove into Aydra’s arms, wrapping her arms tightly around her. Aydra hugged her close and then pulled back to see her face.
“Where are you hurt?” Aydra asked quickly. “Where did he—”
“It wasn’t like with you,” Nyssa cut her off. “It was just my arm.”
“It is neverjustyour arm,” Aydra affirmed. “Don’t ever let me hear that it was ‘just’ anything from you again. Do you understand?”
Nyssa swallowed hard and nodded.
Aydra’s weight shifted. “What happened?”
“I was arguing with him about you,” Nyssa answered. “I let it slip that I knew what he’d done to you. The flames grew on him instantly—”
“Where was your eagle?” Aydra cut in.
Nyssa’s jaw tighten, her nostrils flaring. “He was with me.”
“Did he defend you?”
A flicker of a smile found Nyssa’s lips. “You haven’t seen him yet.”
Aydra’s brows raised. “I came straight to you.”
