Gods, his control is faulty. The bond might have given him strength to contain it, but one wrong move, one too strong of an emotion, and the beast will break free again.
“Zelos has labeled Oslo a traitor.” Fenrir shifts, ready for a blow. “He’s set to execute him the morning after next.”
The air rushes from Reid’s lips as Fee whips her head to Kaden, face twisting with worry. Both are waiting for his reaction.
My mate stands taller, digesting the words. He doesn’t break his mask, the beast doesn’t appear, but the whites of his eyes vanish. His shadows flow off his back like an angry cape and I know, he’s mentally preparing for war.
“Orders, my heir,” Zeke asks, the guards standing.
I remember what Reid said. The guards revere the general, respect him, and will fight forhim. Everyone here is ready to save him, tiredness gone, wounds forgotten. It’s a wave of fury that strikes me as I watch them ready to die for the male.
“We plan,” he replies, nodding. “We make a plan and attack. We get into the castle. We stop the execution and we take the throne.” The sword moves in his hand, the sound of bending metal the only noise around us.
The heartbeats in my ear grow louder, harder. Adrenaline pumps through them, willing to follow him into the fray. I almost smile as a piece of my soul ignites with my magic restored.
When his eyes meet mine, he smiles wickedly. “Zelos is mine.”
Chapter
Thirty-Eight
KADEN
Sneaking back to the Black Palace is harder now, more treacherous when the guards are actively trying to kill me.
The beast pulls at his chains, and I wince against the pressure. It’s high on the freedom it experienced. Years spent as a prisoner to me, and one small taste has it pushing for more.
Thank the Gods for the bond. With Max’s power thrumming through my veins, I feel invigorated. It’s a zap of chaotic energy, of life that boosts my control. But one misstep and he will take me under.
After feeling the demand, the surge of her magic, I admire my mate anew. This power is strong and demanding. It seeks blood, not waiting in my mind like my shadow magic, but hunting. It’s almost ravenous with no end in sight. I feel only a fraction of what Max has her entire life—how she has not leveled the world with this gift is surprising. It’s a testament to her strength.
We stop at the edge of the forest, guards covering the gardens. My father is scared, paranoid now. Without his attack dog at the ready, he’s unsure, throwing his defenses higher. He doesn’t know when I’ll attack, what I’ll do and frankly, neither do I.
I had a carefully laid plan, dissected and plotted with my uncle for years. But everything changed with Max. Now, I’m floundering, going off what I know and the drive to save my uncle. The male who raised me, taught me, and loved me as only a father should.
I won’t see him die for my cause. My impatience.
We stay to the shadows, edging around the corners as we get to the stables. The servants there notice us, but I know they won’t turn us in.
I’ve spent enough time sneaking them food, luxuries to pay for their families that their loyalty is only to me.
Guards stomp by as we duck into the hay stalls. Max is to my side, Reid and Fee in the next row, Zeke with two guards further back. The others have taken the other route, our plan simple.
Find and save Oslo. Kill Zelos. Anything else, is up for interpretation. This is the most out of control I’ve been.
I need order, set plans so I can execute them to the best of my ability. I’m used to scrimmages and random attacks, but this? This takes more planning and I’m afraid I won’t succeed.
Hands shaking, I grip tight to my sword and gesture to the west. “We’ll take the servants’ entrance. Reid, you’re up.”
“Spend a few nights gambling with the maids and now you’re an expert,” he grumbles, smiling as he takes the lead. He always jokes when he’s nervous.
“Gambling implies you win,” Fee remarks, dusting hay from her hair. She knows as well as I do that, he’s unsure. Fighting with him is her way of keeping the charade going.
As a unit we move through the stables, halting as more Fae pass. We dart across the yard, Max in my arms to move quicker. The woman would fall over a rock and we’d be caught if allowed to roam in the open.
Slamming my back into the walls, I call on my magic, to pry the door open. Max’s brow furrows, biting her bottom lip. “You should save?—”
“We need to get inside,” I reassure her. “I’ll be fine.”
