“Relax,” I smirk. “Honestly, I’m doing us both a favour. No idea why you’re so cranky, Princess.”
She glares at me.
Her eyes are bright, fierce.
Trouble written all over them.
And for a second, the world shifts like beingpulledinto Ashvale’s woods. The kind of danger you don’t walk into unless you’ve got nothing left to lose.
Terrifying.
A little terror.
Then her voice cuts in. “Put. Me. Down.”
And just like that, I’m back. Still carrying a pissed-off woman who looks like she’s debating whether to slap me or set me on fire.
“Or what?” I challenge, not once breaking the fiery stare she’s giving me. The dusting of freckles across her button nose only sharpens her anger, making me feel like I’ve just taken a shot of the strongest fire whiskey. Then, out of nowhere, a cold, biting chill prickles at the base of my neck, freezing me in place.
“I’m getting sick of guys feeling entitled to do whatever the fuck they want,” Avilyna says, her voice smooth, deadly confident. A flash of challenge flickers, daring me to push her further. I swallow, my throat bobbing against her blade.
“Looks like you’ve upgraded your technique,” I shoot back, not able to hide the hint of respect in my voice.
“Well, words aren’t enough, are they?” She whispers in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “Now put me down. I won’t ask again.” Once she’s back on her feet, in one swift motion, I yank the blade from her hand as I pull her close. Her back presses into me, my palm flat against her stomach, the other hand firm around the steel at her neck, holding her immobile.
“Too bad I’ve got a few tricks of my own,” I mutter, my voice low, breath hot against her ear. She shivers, her body responding to every shift I make.
Unwilling to yield even an inch to her, my hand moves with the rhythm of her breathing. She’s not to be trusted, but in this position, her curves against me… Avilyna squirms, trying to pull away, but the movement only serves to entice me, my cock hardening. Fuck, she’s not making this easy.
Not the best time to get distracted, Brackwell.
Focus.
“Alright, Princess, I’m listening, but you have to help me andstopmoving like this,” I growl, my voice rough in her ear.
Avilyna freezes, a sharp breath catching in her throat. The air between us is palpably raw, and it stirs the hunter inside me. I exhale, pulling back, forcing myself to keep my distance. Sliding my knife into my boot, I drop to one knee.
"Get on," the command in my voice is crystal clear.
I am known to be a stubborn shit head, so I’ll listen when it won’t put her in harm’s way.
8
Kai
NO STRANGERS
Finally,we made it to the shelter. As we reach the living room, I get Avilyna off my back by letting her fall like dead weight onto the couch. I mean, at least I had the decency to do it over something softer than wood.
“What a gentleman,” she mutters with a huff from the impact.
“Only the best for you, Princess,” I wink, a grin tugging at my lips. Moving toward the fireplace, I scan the mantel for dry herbs. Muttering, ‘Naar,’ before a whoosh flares to life, spilling warm light over the room.
“You can use the room on the right down the hall. The bathroom’s straight ahead. No electricity here, everything runs on Kvirr.”
She raises an eyebrow. “So, everyone here has magic?”
I give her a look before realizing, and then I smooth down my features, “Not everyone. A few mundanes with the sight stick around, but they don’t last long on their own. Most can manage basic elemental spells to create light or heat. But those with a stronger natural affinity, those who don’t need a source from the earth to cast? They’re witches.”
