Alivar swings his sword at the same time as he throws out a spell, icy whips wrapping around my torso as I try to dodge both blows. I struggle against the magical restraints, the ground trembling beneath me as my magic surfaces. Cracks form, splitting the earth apart with a deafening roar, and the ice encasing me shatters to the ground.
Effortlessly, I draw my sword into my hand as my other arm becomes consumed by a swirling spiral of scorching flames. With a furious cry, Alivar channels his magic once more, this time summoning a torrential downpour. Raindrops turn into icy daggers, slashing through the air toward me. Each droplet carries the weight of his determination. Letting go of my sword, I bring my arms up in a wide arc, releasing the fire. The flames flare out like a shield, melting the ice before it can reach me.
I feel a sharp pain in my side and look down to see that while I was distracted, Alivar portalled closer and has now lodged hisdagger into my side. With a low growl escaping my throat, I pull it free and lunge forward, fury powering my every move.
My hand slashes through the air, aiming the dagger for Alivar’s throat. His icy blue eyes widen with surprise as the blade grazes his cheek. Blood drips down his face, but he doesn’t falter. He retaliates with a swift kick to my chest, sending me sprawling backward.
Pain shoots through my body, but I refuse to yield. I push myself up, magic lashing out around me.
Dragon’s fire.
A magic I’ve kept contained for a long time.
The wound on my side heals instantly as a layer of fire engulfs my body. I charge at him, dagger raised. Our blades clash, sparks igniting as we counter each strike. We dance back and forth, neither of us willing to back down.
The sound of thundering hooves breaks through our battle, taking advantage of Alivar's momentary distraction, I sweep his feet out from beneath him. Alivar curses as he hits the ground hard, but he’s quick, rolling to his feet and creating a portal.
Sending a glare my way, Alivar growls. “Until next time, prince.”
Then, with a swift step, he vanishes into thin air.
Chapter twenty-six
Everly
Anxiously, I pace back and forth in front of the grand gates of the castle. Storm remained steadfast in his obedience, ignoring my every plea to turn back as we continued toward the castle at full speed. The moment the castle became visible, I began yelling and waving my arms, causing a chorus of shouts to erupt. The soldiers and guards, upon seeing Storm, quickly gathered to greet me.
Raiden flew to me, and his graceful descent was a spectacle I won’t soon forget. Upon hearing what I had witnessed, he wasted no time hastily assembling a group of ten fae soldiers before departing swiftly. And now, they have been gone for what feels like an eternity, and my anxiety is growing with each passing moment. Like a finely-tuned machine ready for action, my senses have heightened as my body and mind have gone into overdrive.
“Stop pacing,” Kian grumbles from where he stands leaning against the gate. “You’re making everyone uneasy.”
“Well, they should be here! Why aren’t they back yet?”
Kian pushes his blonde hair from his face as he regards me. “You really are worried, aren’t you?”
“Yes!” A tight knot coils in the depths of my stomach, a physical manifestation of the unease within me.
A chuckle escapes Kian’s lips as he shakes his head. “The crown prince is more than capable of defending himself.”
“But–”
I’m cut off by the thunderous sound of approaching hooves, and the trembling of the ground beneath our feet. Kian pushes himself away from the wall and joins me, his presence providing a sense of reassurance as the soldier’s approach. My eyes catch Storm among the other horses, with Maxon on his back. A weight lifts from my chest, and I move without thinking.
“Everly!!” Kian shouts.
He’s okay. I want to cry. I can feel the pressure building behind my eyes but refuse to let the tears fall.
The severity in Maxon’s expression as I run toward them only adds to the fire coursing through my veins. The group gradually slows down and Maxon dismounts, his eyes never leaving mine. Ignoring the curious glances and hushed murmurs, I hurriedly make my way toward him and pull my arm back, delivering a firm punch to his arm. Shock registers on his face for a split second before he smirks, the silver ring in his eyes flaring to life.
“Stóirín?”
“How could you send me away like that?” I snap.
Maxon extends his hand toward me, but I forcefully push it away. I am not in the mood to be placated.
“I was worried!”
Maxon tilts his head, his violet eyes softening as his gaze bounces between my eyes. Slowly, he moves his hand to my face, his fingers sliding across my jaw, making my skin tingle. Refusing to succumb to his touch, I clench my jaw and pull my shoulders back. Maxon doesn't seem deterred. He cups my jaw, his touch sending a pulsating current of energy coursing through me.
