Not all is as it seems.
They stared at each other. Solveig didn’t know what to say. Clearly, he’d figured out that Sten was a Seer with access to his magic. What the prince made of the words he’d spoken, she had no idea. He finally uncrossed his arms and stood up to his full height, walking towards her.
When she backed up a step, he hesitated, slowing his pace. He stood so close to her, their bodies not quite touching. A muscle feathered in his jaw as he struggled for words.
“Solveig,” he breathed, his scent washing over her, “I am that desperate wolf. I have raged a desperate battle. My hunger to save my people has been all-encompassing. Nothing matters more than saving my realm—than liberating them. I would have done anything ... Ihavedone horrendous things to wage this battle.”
He stared down at her with such intensity, such pain that she ached to reach for him. She couldn’t, though. Her body was rooted to the spot.
“We all do terrible things in war,” she whispered.
He shook his head, breaking eye contact. “Solveig, I have to tell you ...”
BOOM.
Thegroundshookbetweenthem and they jumped apart, Solveig’s weapons already in her hands before she even registered what was happening.
The prince swore under his breath as he muttered, “I swear, the number of times I’ve been interrupted in this godsforsaken realm ...”
Whatever was left unsaid writhed between them, but there wasn’t time. They ran towards camp, where the explosions were coming from.
BOOM.
Another blast sounded closer.
“The dungeon!” he said at the same time she yelled, “John!”
They sprinted towards the Vault, the prince’s long legs and Fae speed kicking in. He got there a few seconds before she did, allowing him to open the door first so Solveig didn’t have to hesitate. She threw herself into the building, another blast nearly taking her out as she went through the back door.
Try not to get yourself blown up,the prince silently called to her as he followed her in.
Well, there goes my grand plan.
Maybe I should lead since my eyesight is better than yours.The prince moved to get in front of her and, after a moment of hesitation, she let him.
Probably a good idea,she thought as he passed her.
He twisted with a look of astonishment.Did you just agree with me?
If you’re ahead of me that means anyone who attacks us will get you first. It’s a matter of survival.
Fuck you.
They raced down the short set of stairs and into the small room where John was kept. The mortal’s shrunken form was curled into a ball.
“John. John!” She ran over to him and shook his body, exhaling a relieved sigh when he stirred.
“What’s happening?” he croaked.
“I’m not entirely sure, but I think someone is either trying to kill you or rescue you,” she said lightly.
“If they’re trying to kill you, they’re doing a great job. If they’re trying to rescue you, their plan has some weak spots,” the prince said dryly.
Solveig shot the prince a look.Really? Jokes?
He smiled at her as he helped get the mortal to his feet. They were preparing to carry him towards the front entrance when they heard footsteps on the stairs. With a quick glance at each other, they switched their direction and headed for the back door.
Before they could escape, it burst open and three mortals ran in, stopping short when they spotted John being carried by a Fae and a Vanir.
