“Well, I am concerned. They must be unbearable … if you find the need to rely on Witch’s Brew to stave them.”
Anger surged in Dyna’s lungs, and she scowled up at the trees. “What else has Sowmya told you?”
Because no one else knew about her taking Witch’s Brew other than Zev, and her cousin would never share that with him.
Cassiel ignored the question. “Are you taking it again?”
“Whether I am or not is no business of yours.”
“Have your nightmares of the Shadow returned?” he pressed.
“No, Cassiel. I am not dreaming of the Shadow again. It so happens the dark is no longer my greatest fear.” Conjuring a blade of magic, Dyna faced him. “You are.”
CHAPTER 60
Cassiel
The Valkyrie swooped down from the trees and surrounded them. Dyna didn’t react, though. Her eyes stayed on him, her grip tight on the glowing sword’s hilt.
Cassiel was rooted in place by her words.
Her greatest fear washim.
“My lady,” Sowmya whispered to her urgently. “It is treason to draw a weapon against the king.”
“He is not my king.” Dyna lurched forward and attacked.
Cassiel dodged the swipe. His personal guard instantly drew out their swords.
“Stay your weapons,” he commanded without looking away from Dyna. “Do not interfere.”
Yelrakel clenched her jaw. “If she draws blood, sire?”
“Then your Queen will draw blood.”
Dyna was enraged. He felt it pulsing in the bond. He also felt other things that told him she needed this.
“Dynalya is your High Queen, equal to me in every way. From today her word is law as much as mine. Be this the last time you ever draw a weapon against her. Even to defend me.”
The Valkyrie sheathed their swords in unison and clanked a fist over their hearts as they bowed. Dyna’s mouth thinned.
“Do you wish to duel,motek?” Cassiel drew out his divine sword, and blue flames swiveled around the blade. “Let’s duel.”
Fury simmered in her glowing eyes. Magic pulsed around her, and green flames enveloped her blade. So fierce, his mate. There was a wildness about her he couldn’t help but admire. Even if it was pointed at him.
Dyna attacked. Her moves were swift and brutal, and she wasn’t holding back. Cassiel met her swing for swing. The clash of their weapons rang through the forest as they fought. Many eyes were on them, but they kept their distance.
“Your skill with a blade has improved tremendously,” Cassiel said, panting heavily.
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish with time and rage.” She leaped off a boulder as she swiped for him.
He parried her blade’s next attack, and she countered. “Why do you fear me?”
Dyna lunged, and their swords crossed, bringing them face to face. “You know why.”
The blades screeched as she pushed back, breaking them away.
“I gave you my word.”
