“Something like that.” I tug on the connection, his power filling in the cracks my magic doesn’t touch. It gives stability to the chaos inside me. For the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of my magic. I have something that helps me contain it.
“Good,” he comments, withdrawing his sword. “Do whatever is necessary.”
Guards burst through the pass, their path long and laborious. But these aren’t the dark uniforms of the Dark Fae, but bright golden armor and white linen of the Woodland Fae.
Kaden’s swords falls only slightly but he doesn’t move. He stands at the front, the first to battle if someone attacks. Hair blowing in the dry air, his brows slashed over his eyes, he looks like a fallen warrior back from the dead. And I stand beside him.
Fee and Reid walk up to my side, eyes on the newcomers. At the front are Fenrir and Mal, both dismounting before their horses fully stop.
“I knew we’d find you here,” Mal calls, hustling closer. “Our mothers always loved this village.”
“Convenient for you to show up now,” Kaden drawls, sword to the Fae’s throat. “Where were you when Zelos tortured my mate?”
Mal stops, hands up. Fenrir walks up beside his brother, rolling his eyes.
“Unfortunately, after you sister started a fight,” he explains, glaring at the princess who smirks, “Zelos put us all in lockdown. We weren’t to leave until he figuredout the traitor in our midst.”
“You couldn’t sneak out?” Reid asks, tone incredulous. No doubt because the younger Fae could.
“Guards were stationed at our door with the intent to kill. Our guards were locked into the great halls, kept from us. Not all of us are known thieves.” Fenrir scoffs, staring at Reid. “Nor born with magic. We could only escape when the guards were pulled to a disturbance.”
Mal shifts, warily watching the blade. “I assume that was you?”
“You assume correctly.”
He swallows. “You don’t seem so beasty.”
Kaden’s jaw clenches. “Thanks to my mate, my beast is controlled. For now.” The sword stays at Mal’s throat, just as Zeke comes up behind Fenrir, his blade at his back. “But tell me now. Where do your loyalties lie?”
Fenrir sighs, bored. “Solatake it, Kaden, you know Mother sent us to help you.”
Mal smirks, though the blade nicks his skin. “You know she’s always been more fond of you than us. She was the first to join your cause.”
Surprised, I glance at each of the Dark Fae siblings, then the Woodland Fae.They were in on it?They knew what Kaden was planning, even with all the hostilities? “Your mother pledged to help in the coup? You knew this was coming?”
“Against my better judgement,” Fenrir comments dryly, rolling his green eyes. Zeke drops his sword followed by Kaden though neither male step away. “But my mother was always close with Kaden. When his mother died, she took to his schooling, to his care, even some trainings. Whatever he wants, he gets.”
“I also sided with our mother,” Mal admits. “Zelos in power does us no good. Once he has the world, he’ll turn on his allies.”
Zelos is wretched and they’re right. He will go after his allies once he has the rest of the continent. His thirst for power is untamable.
And then, who will stop him?
My back aches as if remembering his cruel words, his glee in seeing my body break. My hand finds my shoulder, now healed, but the pain still remains.
“Good to see you’reyouagain.” Mal smirks smugly. “The curses your father spewed when you took your mate would make the entire army blush.”
“He deserves to die.” He shrugs. “Not to be alive to curse me. What news do you bring of the palace?”
Mal and Fenrir share a look and the older brother steps forward. “He prepares for your attack. It’ll be suicide to attack him directly.”
“We knew that,” Fee retorts, gripping her hilt. Her knuckles are white. “What have you heard of Oslo? Is he there?”
“He’s there.” Mal rubs his chin. “But it’s not good.”
The siblings stand still, Zeke walking around the group as if to offer comfort. Baris moves to my side, as silent as death, his coolness a welcomed steady presence. Somewhere in my memories, I know, I found comfort in him when I couldn’t sleep.
“What is it?” Kaden asks, voice low. I hear the current of his beast, garbling his words.
