“Five thousand.”
“You will allow us to gain entry into Avelisar’s castle and slay their king.” Wrath refocuses on my original point. “Is that what you want? Do we have a deal?” He pulls off his right leather glove and extends his hand out to me.
Holding firmly, I keep my hands at my side. That was too easy… and yet, I have no other choice. If I refuse, they will likely kill me. Without Wrath, I am stuck with Olav.
“You must swear that no harm will come to me,” I demand.
Wrath rolls his eyes. “You’re insufferable, Princess.”
“Your soldiers tried to kill me!” I remind him of our mutual distrust.
“Fine,” he relents.
“Deal.” I reach forward and take his hand in mine.
The moment Wrath’s fingertips close around mine, something ignites between us. His magic seeps like fire under my skin, whispering shrouded promises directly into my veins. It violently claws up the length of my arm. My muscles tense from the searing pain. I try to pull away, but his grip only tightens.
The oath between us hums to life—an intense pull, a wicked temptation of fate. It feels as if he’s staring straight into the darkest parts of my soul, seeing everything I’ve tried to hide. I’m drowning in his power—in him—unable to tell where his magic begins and I end. And still, my first instinct is to leap toward it, immerse myself in that power, and claim it like it belongs tome.
Wrath releases his hold, returning his arm to his side. A tendril of silver slithers under my sleeve. Pulling up the fabric, I watch the magic take root on the inside of my forearm—thin, wispy lines snake across my skin like streaks of starlight.
“Gods…” I curse under my breath, pulling my sleeve down to cover it.
“You cannot cross me. If you do, the magic will have consequences,” Wrath explains. “Gilead, Stanik, take this stray back to where you found her.”
CHAPTER FOUR
It’s pitch black outside.I’m unsure what part of the wall the Elvarrans tossed me over. I search for Timothy’s body, my hands blindly patting around to find a path. As I turn the corner, I plow headfirst into a breastplate. I groan as I stumble back, and a strong pair of hands wraps around my shoulders to steady me.
“I found her!” the guard calls out. “Come, Princess.” He beckons me to follow him.
The guard guides me through the darkness, and I’m now numb to the shrubbery scraping my skin and catching on the fabric of my dress. The castle eventually comes into view, and I realize we’re on the southeast side of the inner bailey. He calls out for help as we ascend the stairs, my steps shaky as we walk inside.
My brother sprints down the hall. “Raelys!” He stops before me. “What happened?”
“Elvarrans… they came over the back wall.” Tears well at the corners of my eyes as I try my best to play the role of the distressed princess. “They killed Timothy, and I ran away. They chased me, but I hid in hopes they would leave.”
“Thank the gods you’re safe.” My brother hugs me. “Come, let’s get you cleaned up.” He guides me in the direction of my bedchamber. “Thank you, soldier.”
“Of course, Commander.” The guard bows, lowering his head to us.
“I want the entire castle grounds swept; Elvarrans could still be on the premises. Use the hounds if you have to.” My brother barks out orders to every guard he sees. He’s the epitome of strength and composure, never missing a beat as he works.
Opening the door to my chamber, Valentin and I walk inside. He forces me to sit on a nearby chair. “I’ll call for Eleanor to draw you a bath. Do you need a healer?”
“I’m all right; thank you.” I try to reassure him. “Just some bumps and bruises.”
“I’ll end every single one of them.” He seethes with fury. “They willnevertouch these grounds again. It was a mistake ever letting them that close.”
“Val—”
The door swings open, cutting off my protests. Lydia comes rushing to my side, her long, peach-colored gown trailing behind her. Her dark brunette hair flows in soft curls over her shoulders, framing her sun-kissed tan complexion. She crouches beside me, her hazel eyes wide with concern.
“I’ve got her,” she says, taking my hand to comfort me.
“Thank you, Lydia. I must go and make sure the grounds are secure.” Valentin quickly exits the room. I hear him barking orders to the guards on the other side of the door. He’s furious—rightfully so.
“Are you okay, Rae?” Lydia asks.
