“If you wish to fight me, then let us do so further away from the falls. I will not have you destroy more of my land.”
The Elite Guards were watching, Lady Aerina’s hand on Camsen’s arm as if to hold him back. Her friends were watching worriedly, too.
“Stop,” Dyna hissed sharply to Cassiel.
His Seraph fire was immediately extinguished. “I am not here to fight.”
“Why?” A cool smirk played on Raiden’s lips. “Afraid you would lose? Or that you would lose her to me? Rather late for that.”
Cassiel smiled, but nothing about it was kind. A menacing blue light spiraled in his eyes, making them glow eerily. “You truly are determined to find a patron for your funeral.”
The air grew heavy with stifling heat, and magic crackled violently on her skin.
A bracelet of runes formed around Raiden’s wrists as he positioned himself in front of her. “You may be king where you’re from, but you have no power here, Soaraway.”
Cassiel laughed shortly as he rubbed his jaw. “For someone who scorns those who attempt to court your mother while she is yet married, you have the gall to pursue my wife.”
Raiden’s expression hardened. “Cease to call her that.”
“Until our annulment is finalized, she is very much my wife.”
“That word holds no value anymore. I know it, as does she. So tell me, which will be more difficult for you? Letting go of something so beautiful, or watching me take her from you?”
Cassiel’s eyes glowed like blue torch fires in the night. “Be very careful what you say next. They may be the last words you ever speak.”
“Should I take that as a threat?”
“Continue to irritate me, and it will be.”
“All right, that is enough.” Dyna stepped in between them. To Raiden she said, “Would you give us a moment?”
He frowned at her questioningly.
“Please.”
Raiden hesitated to leave, but eventually nodded. “Shall I stay nearby?”
She shook her head. “No need.”
He reluctantly walked back to camp, glancing back every so often.
When he was far enough away, Dyna glared at Cassiel. “Really, Cassiel? You would threaten Rawn’s only son? In front of his mother, no less.”
He sighed and shut his eyes. “I have been more than cordial, yet he?—”
Dyna waved away the subject. “Well? What do you want?”
Cassiel shifted on his feet, hesitation lining his features. “I … I’m worried about you. I know you don’t wish to hear it from me, but using magic may not be wise right now…”
“I beg your pardon?”Dyna hissed through her teeth. Essence crackled around her fist. “You stole my magic from me, and now you want to determine when I use it?”
Letting out a groan, Cassiel raked a hand through his hair. “I meant to say you’re tired, Dyna. And your Essence is low. I can feel it. Perhaps resting would be best.”
“Gods, you are the last person who should tell me what is best for me.” Dyna stormed away toward camp.
“Lucenna mentioned you are having nightmares.”
She halted with her back to him. “That hardly concerns you, Cassiel.”
