“Wait, one more thing.” I rush over to the bed and reach under the mattress, pulling out my dagger—the one that Raiden gave me. My eyes shift downward to my dress, and a frown immediately forms on my face. Where on earth am I going to put it?
“Here.” Zaria steps forward, holding out her hand.
I give her the dagger, and as she takes it, she reveals a hidden flap in my bodice. The perfect size for a dagger.
I beam at her. “Perfect.” Turning to face Nymeria and Anika, who are following close behind, I add, “You two stay here.”
Both wolves let out exasperated sighs and sit, their unwavering gazes focused on me.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I whine. “Just stay out of trouble.”
Stepping out into the hall, I see Tristan first, then warm solid arms spin me, and I’m wrapped in Kian’s embrace.
“You scared the shit out of us, princess.”
With my arms pinned to my side, there isn’t much to do but hang here.
“I’d apologize, but . . . not my fault.”
“Let her go, you brute,” Tristan's gruff voice pipes up from behind.
I grin as Kian puts me back on my feet, his hands landing on my shoulders, as he takes in my appearance. “He said you’d changed, but I wasn’t expecting this.”
I flush, feeling my cheeks heat, and shrug my shoulders.
“The crown prince wouldn’t let anyone but Nix and Zaria in the room,” Kian continues with a frown.
Tristan grabs my hand, breaking Kian’s hold, and pulls me into a hug. I’m so surprised and shocked by the gesture I don’t immediately move. Then hesitantly, I lift my arms, giving him a gentle squeeze. My eyes dart to Kian and Zaria, both of whom are smothering their amusement behind their hands.
“Don’t scare us like that again,” Tristan says gruffly before letting me go.
“Yes, the prince almost went into a rage when you blacked out,” Kian grouses.
Surprised, I step back and look at each of them. “He did?”
“Yep, would have destroyed what was left of the Evergreens palace if Zaria hadn’t reassured him you were okay.”
“We weren’t allowed anywhere near you. Tristan tried once and almost lost his head.” Kian laughs.
My eyes widen and dart to Tristan.
“What?” I croak.
Tristan grabs his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable. “It was my mistake.”
Zaria snorts. “If Raiden hadn’t intervened, you’d be headless.”
“How are you joking about this?” I shriek, completely horrified.
‘Stóirín, what’s wrong?’
Maxon’s voice in my head startles me, and I snap my mouth shut.
‘How are you in my head?’
‘The bond lets us speak to each other. I can feel your distress. What’s happening?’
‘You almost killed your friend because he got too close to me?’
