I finish off the man who punched him before he can do any more damage. But it’s not enough.
We’re cornered against the wall of a building.
Fatigue settles over me. It must be all the blood I’ve lost.
I don’t see how we can make it out of here alive. I’m so fucking reckless.
Horses whine in the distance. My heart drops. Oh no. More?
Heavy hooves pounding on the stone pavement echo. And then a group of riders dressed all in black, dark capes covering their faces, emerges.
Not Caligos. Not Ezkai.
Who the fuck are these people?
Deadly. That’s what they are.
Sitting high atop muscular black mares, they slay the Caligos with ease. By the time they finish, the street is lined with corpses.
“Oh, I knew she didn’t betray us!” Jax says, cheerily.
I frown at him. “Who?”
Jax smiles and shakes his head. One of the riders slides off their horse and approaches us. The hood falls to reveal a beautiful face with striking dark eyes and heart-shaped cherry-colored lips.
This fae looks me up and down. Then she looks at Jax. “Is this the champion you spoke of? One who can stand against the Talbot heir?”
Jax dips his chin. “Yes, my lady.”
Oh. She must be the infamous Madame Mercy.
Her sly gaze snaps to me again. “I hope you’re worth it. I lost three men tonight, to aid you.”
I hesitate for a moment. “Thank you, I guess. And my condolences. We were betrayed.”
She scrunches her nose in disgust. “Caligos is a disease with deep roots. Very few can be trusted.”
Ain’t that the truth. I keep learning it the painful way.
“I was surprised to find out you were aiding Savage King,” Madame Mercy tells Jax. “You never struck me as a noble heart.”
“That’s because I’m not,” Jax says with a lopsided smile.
“So, you’re the thorn in Caligos’s side, the infamous Savage King?”
Now, she’s looking at me. I’m not sure what to say.
“Not really,” I mutter.
I hear more sounds of hooves pounding on the pavement, and a moment later a carriage emerges. One holding Vera. The moment it comes to a halt, the door swings open and Vera jumps out, her eyes wild.
“You had no right!” She raises her voice at me. “You’re my champion! You had no right to force me to leave you behind!”
When she sees the corpses, and the mysterious riders, she collects herself.
“Vera D’Argent.” Madame Mercy turns to face Vera. “Your reputation precedes you.”
“Same can be said about you,” Vera says pleasantly. “It’s about time our paths crossed. We appreciate your aid tonight. And for keeping my champion alive. You have my personal gratitude.”
