Iridiel snorts. “Clever, but I don’t know if that will be enough to tempt him.”
“I brought two.” I pull a ruby as large as my fist from the pack, too.
Iridiel clicks his tongue. “Where’d you get that?”
“Chastain raided a slaver’s home looking for goods to pay up on his debt to the wyverns.”
“Did he find enough?”
“Nowhere near.” I toss the ruby in the air and catch it. “But he gave me these pieces to tempt the beast.”
“Good luck with that.”
“Take care of my Beth.” I look at him over my shoulder.
“I know. You’ve already threatened me.” He tosses his mane. “I’ll run like the wind as soon as she gets on top of me, rubbing that sweet, hot pus—”
“Not now.” I point a finger in his face.
He sighs. “Fine. I was only trying to give you a little fire to go into battle with.”
“I know.” I pat his muzzle. “Just keep Beth safe. That’s all I need.”
He drops his head and presses against me. “I’ll get her to the others. Don’t worry.”
“Good.” I pet him once more, and he backs away.
“Enjoy riding the wyvern. I certainly do.” With a lascivious neigh, he wanders over to the house.
Beth appears through the door, her eyes clear, her back straight. I want to run to her, to pull her into my arms and keep her safe from all harm. But I have to be strong. For her. And for everyone else counting on me.
She looks at me and pauses, her tension rattling to me. Then she shakes it off and gives me a beaming smile. One I can take into battle. The tension fades and is replaced with complete confidence, her trust in me like a bolt of light down the bond.
I return her smile as she mounts Iridiel.
She doesn’t have to say ‘I love you.’ I can feel it like a steady pulse throughout my body. She is my strength, and I will prevail as long as I have her on my side. With one more look, she grabs Iridiel’s reins and turns him toward the northern gate. The unicorn hurries away through the abandoned city streets along with a company of others. I watch until they turn a corner. Until I can’t see her anymore. But I can feel her sending courage and faith. I thank the Ancestors once again for granting me such a mate, one that I will never deserve but will strive to make happy.
Returning my gaze to the great sleeping wyvern, I take a deep breath. Cenet’s army is almost upon us, our soldiers marching out beyond the wall to greet it. Chastain has already ridden out, my Phalanx with him. They will lead the charge as I rain down fire from the air.
“Are you going to do this or what?”
I look down to find Phin prancing impatiently at my ankle.
“Shouldn’t you be in the jungle? Where’s Raywen?”
“I sent her without me.” He puts his snout in the air. “I can take care of myself.”
“Phin, get inside.” I point to the house. “Hurry now.”
“No!” he squeaks. “I’m a millennia old. I’m not sitting out because of some stupid curse, and—”
A shower of sparks draws my attention to the bull, and Phin scurries behind me.
The wyvern’s snout is only meters away, and its great, green eye is focused not on the gold in my hands, but the pig at my feet.
It claps its mighty jaws.
“Phin.” I bark out a warning and wave the ruby in the creature’s face. Ancestors know I don’t have time for this.
