Yavi smiled through her tears. “How much?”
Von lifted her onto the horse. He laced his fingers deep in her silken locks at the back of her head, pulling her close. “This much,” he whispered and dispelled any further protest with a kiss.
Chapter 32
Dynalya
Dyna stood on a knoll overlooking a vast green moorland dappled with wild heather. Wispy clouds moved idly across the morning sky, chased by their shadows sweeping beneath them. The weather was tolerable for a change.
Behind her, Cassiel and Zev conversed comfortably as they put away their bedrolls and packed their bags. Her cousin’s laughter rebounded off the short crag that had sheltered them for the night. The sound lightened her heart. But her smile wavered when she rubbed her right shoulder where his teeth had severed through. Cassiel’s blood had left no evidence of the injuries she sustained that night. She would have thought it only a nightmare, but a faint luminance exuded from her skin.
Dyna glanced at Cassiel. His black hair fell over his face as he put out their dying campfire. The sunlight gleamed on him, a soft haloed glow outlining his head. She thought his radiance was something she had imagined, but she realized it was the divine blood that flowed within him, and now within her.
His gray eyes met hers. Something fluttered in the pit of her stomach that sent warmth to her cheeks. Seeing him, being around him, sent a vibration through her. Since the full moon, his presence hovered on her skin as a tangible entity. No matter where Cassiel was, her awareness followed him, even when she didn’t intend it.
And when they touched, a flare of warmth ignited her very soul, tethering her to him in a way she didn’t comprehend.
Zev dropped an arm around her shoulders and peered down at her with concern. “All right?”
Dyna managed a smile. “Yes.”
He frowned. “You’re pale. Come, have a nip of water at least.” Zev guided her to sit on a boulder. He handed her a waterskin from his pack and watched her drink. Dyna’s hand trembled when she handed it back. “Are you feeling faint?”
“Oh no, I’m fine.” Dyna fidgeted with the frayed hem of the brown tunic she borrowed from him.
Zev crouched and rested a hand over hers, dwarfing it. “It was wrong to have you chain me, Dyna. It’s awful and dangerous. I almost killed you once before. If not for Cassiel … Forgive me.”
“Oh, Zev. I know you would never consciously hurt me.”
“I’ve decided that you will no longer bear the responsibility of my chains. I’ll not put you in such danger again.”
“But I made a promise.”
“Which is now void. I relieve you of your debt, Dyna.”
The heavy burden she had carried for so long lifted only to be replaced by guilt. “I must keep my promise, Zev. It’s my turn to save you now.”
She would have frozen to death on the Zafiro Mountains if not for him. He had never asked her for anything in return, but this she would do.
“I relieve you of your debt,” Zev said firmly.
“No, I won’t let you.”
He slumped on his heels, sighing heavily. “Dyna, please.”
“You need me. You can’t chain yourself!”
“I’ll do it,” Cassiel said where he stood on top of the crag above them, looking out at the horizon. The silver buttons of his dark blue vest hung undone, leaving his white tunic to flutter in the wind. The sun gleamed over the sleek plumage of his wings curving like half-moons to his heels.
Zev faced him. “You will?”
“For the duration of our journey, I will see to your chains.”
Dyna was speechless a moment, astonished by his offer. “Thank you …”
“Yes, thank you, Cassiel.”
The Prince shrugged. He hopped down and from his pack, he pulled out his enchanted coat. His wings vanished as it settled on his shoulders.
