“Hold me,” I whispered to Vyns.
“Of course,” he said.
Koar stayed by the door, back to us, as Vyns drew me to the bed and sat with me, arms wrapped around me, not too tight, perfectly comforting. I wished he could give me the drugged high Myel did. As soon as my perfect Goth shifter had left, my mood had slipped back to darkness.
“I won,” I breathed. “So why do I feel like I lost?”
But I knew why.
“Is it whatever Saldrea said to you afterward?” Vyns whispered.
I nodded. “She told the world I was safe, but then she told me none of my friends and family would be. You’re all in danger. She’s coming for you to get to me.”
A loud rumbling growl came from the door.
We both looked over at Koar.
“I won’t let anyone get to you.” He didn’t turn. “And I’ll protect everyone precious to you, if that’s what you wish.”
“You can’t protect everyone,” I said.
“I can try.”
“Not if you’re by my side while Rook isn’t… and Myel is out patrolling.”
A deeper, longer growl echoed from him. He knew it too.
“But I appreciate the sentiment,” I said. “You’ve been nothing but loyal…”for all of a day and a half. It still baffled me how Koar had gone from a threatening enemy to an incredibly loyal protector in such a short time. I still didn’t know how far I could trust him, but for some reason I believed him when he said he’d protect me. Vyns said he was loyal to the crown, but it was more than that. I couldn’t put my finger on it yet, but I felt safe with him around and since that’s what I needed right now, I didn’t dig any deeper into it. Perhaps I was picking up some of my grandmother’s skill at reading people? But then why couldn’t I read Rook… or Myel.
The dragon gave another, deeper, pained growl. “I… I couldn’t protect you during the match, and it tore me apart. I vow to protect you from now on, no matter what. No one willeverhurt you again.”
It was hard to argue with heartfelt words like that.
I leaned on Vyns.
“Thanks… you two… for being here for me.” I yawned. A wave of fatigue swept over me. I’d slept last night, but not nearly as much as I needed, and I’d been working hard training for most of two days.
“Stay with me while I sleep,” I said to Vyns.
He nodded and together we laid down, him close, holding me. Tears leaked from my eyes as I tried to find peace.
This was all too much. I’d won my life, but my fight was far from over. Now, everyone around me was in danger, and I’d have to train even harder to protect them. And eventually, I’d have to wage a war to claim a throne I wasn’t entirelysure I wanted. Because if I won, I’d be mired in a different type of conflict, playing the political game amongst a nest of vipers… or was it rats? Which was better? None of it sounded good.
It felt like I’d never be safe or secure or at peace ever again.
Needless to say… I didn’t sleep well.
MYELAS
When I returnedto the shifter barracks after completing my afternoon patrol, I quickly popped into my old room to make sure it was undisturbed before heading to Safir’s room to report in. The room was as I’d left it, except… someone had slipped a letter under my door.
I picked up the red envelope with a sinking sense of despair. I’d heard of red envelopes before but never seen one myself. Tearing it open I took out the note inside and read it quickly.
“Fuck,” I breathed. Then instantly shadow-stepped to Safir’s room, where he was talking quietly with Zora.
I threw the letter and envelope down on his table, interrupting them.
“I’ve been summoned to a punitive deathmatch,” I hissed and the other two instantly went silent. Given how they usually dismissed what I had to say, their silence spoke volumes.
