I dipped my chin and looked down at Ryder’s unmoving body.
“As always, Grave, it was a pleasure.” The corner of her mouth lifted. “Though I believe I would’ve had more pleasure if our dealings had been in my bed.”
As if she’d been waiting, she shrieked and ran toward the castle, arms flailing. She was conniving, and I couldn’t even fault her for it. Living in a home with both of the Sutton men set her up for nothing less.
Making my way back to Amalee, a female guard blocked me. The woman swung her blade hard, and I dodged.
“Audryn is missing!” I shouted toward my sister.
My sword clashed against the woman’s. She pulled back and swung again, missing me only by an inch. She shifted to water magic and sent a wave at my face, cutting off the air to my lungs while still swinging at me with her other hand.
Well, fuck me for letting her nearly drown me. I threw out my magic, leaving her with nothing but her ability to fight.
“Try it again.” I smiled with water dripping down my face. “I dare you.”
Our swords clashed once more, and my sister came to my back, fending off a guard behind me.
“If you weren’t late, we’d be flying back.” Amalee grunted. “But here we are!” She swung and took the male out with her rotting magic simultaneously. He slumped to the ground with a thud.
“I had to beg them to help.” I slashed at the female, metal connecting. “It took me days to get them to agree.” The Graystorm witches weren’t all too fond of my showing up and demanding help. At one point I was convinced they’d kill me and eat my heart.
Amalee stood at my side, twirling a sword in her hand, watching me fight the guard without assisting.
The woman struck me with her blade, slicing into my leather jacket.
“Okay, enough!” I yelled and drove my sword through her heart. It wasn’t the most dignified death, but it was quick and, from what I could imagine, painless.
Amalee rammed her sword through the guard’s eye socket.
“Angry much?” I asked.
“You have no idea.” She smiled, letting her black teeth sparkle. “I’m thinking your painting a target on us wasn’t such a bad idea. At least I can get some aggression out.”
A red-eyed wyvern bolted into the sky, legs dangling off its side. Flying fast and straight, the creature headed north. Sky’s blonde hair floated in the wind behind her.
The ground rumbled under our feet once again.
My eyes scanned the remaining people, wondering who else was using magic I hadn’t voided. But most everyone left standing was a witch or wore a ruby. Several minutes passed as we balanced ourselves before the quaking ground ceased.
“Where did you send Sky off to?” Amalee’s eyes stayed on the wyvern’s path as it shrank.
“Audryn’s dad was—” I exhaled, not able to get the words out.
“Are you Colgrave Grant?” a red-haired male interrupted, approaching cautiously. “I’m Jaspar.”
My brow lifted.
“A witch pointed you out, not like you didn’t stand out already,” the male quipped, clearly trying his best to lighten the mood. His back stiffened, and his face turned serious. “Audryn’s cornered in the prison and won’t leave. She’s with an injured guard but wanted me to tell you that you’d have been great together. I think you should tell her yourself.”
“Fisher.” Amalee shook her head. Her onyx eyes landed on Jaspar. “Wait. You left her there? Just her and someone who can’t even defend themselves?”
“She forced me to—” the male started.
“Where?” was the only word I could push from my mouth.
37
COLGRAVE
