Maxon
Iam beyond pissed. I’m fucking livid.
With a group that big and armed, there is no way the Outcasts could have accidentally stumbled upon us. It’s clear that someone informed them in advance of our journey. Only a select few knew our destination, but rumors may have spread through the grapevine to others they deemed trustworthy. A low menacing growl emanates from my throat, the sound reverberating through my chest, making the air ripple around me. Everly’s wide brown eyes lock with mine over her shoulder as she tends to Tristan.
The insatiable need to shred something is so strong that I can feel it pulsating in my veins. My mate has been injured, bloodied, and nearly killed.
I was almost too late.
With my eyes squeezed shut, I clench my fists and inhale deeply, trying to find a sense of calm.
The sound of the others coming reaches my ears, their voices getting closer. Storm confidently leads the way, with Nymeria and Anika by his side. It is puzzling why the wolves made the choice to stay and lend us their assistance, rather than following Everly.
Both wolves trot over to her, their paws padding softly on the ground, and sandwich her between them. Their body language betrays their distress at seeing Everly in this state. Storm comes straight over to me, his head pushing into my shoulder as he snorts, obviously troubled.
“Shhh . . . I’m okay,” I murmur, stroking down the bridge of his nose.
Raiden, Zaria, and Kian dismount from their horses, their boots hitting the ground with a thud. Everly manages to disengage herself from the wolves and hurries over to Zaria, meeting her halfway. Their embrace speaks volumes for their friendship, conveying an undeniable sense of relief that resonates through our bond.
“Is everyone okay?” I ask tersely.
There is a murmur of agreements from everyone, but Everly steps forward. Worry fills her eyes as she reaches for her wolves, sinking her hands into their fur. “No. Tristan has many wounds, and Nova was injured trying to protect me from a deadling.”
With a grunt, Tristan pushes himself to his feet, leaning against the tree for balance. Everly spins, reaching out to assist him, and I can’t control the burning jealousy that ignites in my stomach. I must make a noise, because Raiden steps into my path and places a firm hand on my shoulder.
“It's fine. Calm down.”
My eyes narrow as I glare at him, my jaw locked and fists clenched.
“It’s really fucking hard when she is covered in blood,” I growl.
Understanding shines in Raiden’s gaze and he squeezes my shoulder before stepping back. We face the group, with everyone’s focus on me.
“This setback hasn’t changed our orders. We are to get Everly to the Evergreen stronghold before nightfall.”
“And we don’t have a lot of time. We have already lost most of the daylight,” Raiden adds.
I release a heavy sigh and direct my gaze toward the sky. He was right, the battle may have been short, but it still wasted precious time. We are now at least an hour or two behind schedule.
“What I want to know is why deadling’s are topside. They disappeared indefinitely when the Shadoweaver was exiled.” Tristan’s voice sounds rough. His heavy gaze lands on Everly, and I bristle at the harshness of his expression. I can’t help the surge of protectiveness that rises in my chest. I want to step forward and shield her from all those looks, but she needs to learn to hold her own. To navigate this world on her own, to stand tall amidst the scrutiny. Especially with my men. Yes, they have sworn to protect her for me, but I want them to swear it to her because they see her as worthy.
Kian clicks his tongue. “It is worrisome.”
Everly frowns, her brows furrowing slightly, creating the most endearing expression of bewilderment. Her eyes widen in innocence, and her lips form a subtle pout that only adds to her charm. The way she tilts her head to the side, as if trying to make sense of the situation, is utterly adorable. It’s in these moments of confusion that her true vulnerability shines through, making her irresistibly cute.
“Shadoweaver?” she asks.
“Yes,” Tristan bites out. “Something has upset the balance. If the Shadoweaver has woken from his eternal slumber . . . ”
“Who–”
“Do we have to talk about this here?” Zaria cuts Everly off, her eyes frantically scanning the area.
“Yes!” Tristan snaps.
Kian steps toward his friend. “Surely you heard the rumors, old man. Everly here is the long-lost princess. The last remaining full blood druid.”
“We don’t know that!” Raiden snaps, his wings spreading out behind him in agitation.
