The sound slipped away like a wave called back into the deep.
In silence, the tree released him.
And Viktor woke.
Chapter Six
I Will Show You Who You Are
He was never meant for more than a soldier's grave—until fate lit fire in his hands.
Light slipped through the tent’s canvas, gilding dust and shadow as Viktor woke.
His first thought was of her—the golden hair bent over him when he collapsed, the gentle hands that had held him.
He spied the cup of broth still sitting on the low table.
She was here.
A breath steadied him.
She was real.
Ache weighted his ribs, his limbs heavy as stone, yet his mantle and boots waited by the entrance.
He had survived—and the world expected him to rise.
The flap rustled.
Gabriel stepped in, eyes sharp and mouth too quick.
“Our tent was cozy enough, darling,” he drawled from the flap. “But I’m still not pledging myself to you.”
Viktor shoved him with a weary hand, forcing himself upright. Every limb ached as he reached for his gear, shoulders stiff with the reminder of the run.
“Take your time,” Gabriel said, watching him wrestle into his mantle.
“Storne’s on the archery ridge, but he won’t vanish before second hour.”
“I’ll go now,” Viktor rasped, buckling the last strap.
Gabriel caught his arm, tugging him back.
“Not yet. There’s a surprise first.”
A sharp, familiar scent curled through the air as Gabriel set a cup before him.
Emberbrew.
Viktor’s brows rose.
“Where did you—”
“Bartered with the scouts.”
Gabriel’s grin slanted into a smirk.
“Are you going to cry?”
