“They are fine, though I wouldn’t recommend bringing them into the war room.”
“The war room!” she shouts, her voice echoing down the hall.
I laugh as her cheeks turn a rosy shade of red. “Relax, it’s just where we meet to discuss important matters.”
A few of the noble fae are milling about, whispering and casting distrusting looks at Everly as we make our way through the castle. One group in particular catch my eye. Madeline is talking with Lord Wallcliffe, their eyes narrowing on Everly as they whisper between themselves. Madeline’s gaze moves to me, and her eyes widen.
“You’re glaring,” Everly murmurs under her breath.
With a grunt, I intertwine my fingers with hers, swiftly maneuvering through the crowded main halls. Stopping in front of the door of the war room, I turn Everly to face me, my hands cupping her shoulders. She’s still in her black training clothes andher hair is a complete mess from the ordeal outside, but still she holds herself with poise.
“You ready for this?” I ask her.
“No. I’m never ready for a confrontation with this woman. She is scary.”
“Scarier than me?” I inquire, a grin tugging the corner of my mouth.
“Definitely.”
Leaning forward, I place a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead and step back. “You and me. We face everything together.”
I hold my hand out for her and her brown eyes flicker with sparks of green. She takes my hand and then inhales deeply before looking over at the wolves.
“Nymeria and Anika, stay out here. I have Maxon. I will be fine.”
Both wolves, their snow-white fur shining under the soft sunlight filtering through the tall windows, tilt their heads in unison, their piercing eyes fixed on Everly. The silence hangs in the air, broken only by the faint rustle of the sheer curtains swaying gently in the breeze. Finally, they sit down and stretch out on the floor, their heads resting on their paws. In that moment, I can feel the invisible threads of loyalty and love weaving between Everly and the wolves, binding them together in an unbreakable bond.
“We called these wolves the Ghosts of the Evergreen.”
“Why?”
“They roam the area and the ruins of what I am assuming is your home. No one has ever been able to get a close enough look at them.”
Everly's sadness flows down the bond, weighing heavily on my heart. “They’ve been alone for a long time,” Everly whispers.
“We will figure out what happened. How you ended up in the mortal world.” I lean over and gently kiss her on the temple. Everly nods, her eyebrows raised, and a hint of doubt in her eyes. I lift my hand, and the sound of my knuckles rapping against the surface of the door echoes around us.
“Enter.”
I push open the door and see two of my aunt’s personal guards and a very angry Nolan. Seems he’s going to hold a grudge for getting thrown. I smirk at him, unable to help myself.
Nolan, his face contorted with anger, charges toward us, closing the distance in an instant. I position myself in front of Everly, feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My hand clasps firmly around the cold hilt of my sword as it materializes, its blade poised and ready to strike. Without hesitation, I direct it toward Nolan’s neck, the tension in the air almost tangible.
“Not another step,” I growl.
“Oh, boys. Calm down, would you. Nolan, we have much more pressing matters than your bruised ego.”
Nolan grunts and turns away as I drop my arm, allowing my sword to disappear.
“How did you do that?” Everly’s words are filled with awe.
“My sword?”
“Yes. It just appears. But it’s different from the one you carry.”
“I possess the ability to summon my sword, as it is an integral part of my magic. Additionally, I have a regular sword at my disposal.”
“I thought your magic was fire.”
