Their blades locked close enough that Evander could smell the iron and sweat.
The older soldier’s lip curled.
“Fight harder, boy. I’d hate for you to die before you watch me take your virgin princess apart.”
Flame licked up Evander’s blade—fierce for a heartbeat—then guttered, smoldering out as his strength buckled.
Leolis laughed, cruel and close. He slid his blade past Evander’s guard, forcing him back.
“A few moments of thrill? Is that why she denies you?”
Each strike drove Evander farther, boots slipping in churned earth. The older elf’s grin widened—one more lunge would finish it.
“Evander!” Gabriel’s voice cut across the clash.
He booted his own opponent sprawling, snatched up a jagged stone, and hurled it. Evander swung at it by instinct, heat sparking through his palms, blade arcing wide.
The rock ignited mid-air—a screaming ball of fire that ripped past Leolis’s head, close enough to sear a black line through his hair.
For the first time, Leolis staggered.
His grin faltered, shock flashing across his face—
then twisted into something worse.
His eyes went wild, feral, hunger and fury tangled together.
He bared his teeth, voice low and guttural.
“Now you bleed.”
Chapter Forty-Six
You’ll Never Carry It Alone
The weight of a life taken. The vow of a love unbroken.
The clash behind them raged louder—iron, flame, and shouted names—but Storne’s voice cut through it all.
“We’re outmanned.”
He swung down from his saddle in one fluid motion, blade already drawn, eyes never leaving the riders closing in.
“Viktor—take her. Get her clear.”
Amerei’s breath caught. “Father—”
“Now!”
Viktor seized her wrist and hauled her onto Ruby’s back behind him. Her arms locked tight around his waist, the strength in her grip defying the tremor beneath it.
“Hold on,” he ordered, heels striking. Ruby surged forward, dirt and pine needles spitting beneath pounding hooves.
Amerei twisted in the saddle once, eyes burning. Her father still stood in the clearing—cloak snapping, blade raised, holding the line that let her flee. The sight seared into her chest as Ruby carried her away.
“Rider,” Viktor bit out, dragging her gaze forward.
A soldier broke from the trees, bearing down fast.
