Protection?
“It was a gift,” I said weakly. “I didn’t—” My words broke off.
Lochlainn—he’d given it to me, encouraged me to wear it. For protection?
I wasn’t sure what to make of that.
“Then I’m glad someone else is looking out for you,” Alvar said, sliding an arm under my shoulder, pulling me to my feet. “I failed you. The fates gifted me a vision of this, but I didn’t make it in time.” That overtly masculine face cracked.
“Hey.” I poked him. “First of all, I failed myself tonight—like, multiple times over.” I held up a second finger. “And second, you didn’t fail me. Yousavedme. If you hadn’t shown up, I’d be a limp fish, half-way to hell.” I tried to laugh, but it came out flatlining.
Deep down, I knew my trauma hadn’t even started to settle. Hopefully it wouldn’t take a decade this time around.
“Also, you’re the hero who brought me that antivenom vodka shot,” I said, my hand drifting to my throat.
“It was my backup plan—if I couldn’t stop her before everything happened,” Alvar muttered, then let out an exhale.
I had the distinct feeling he was always this hard on himself.
“Oh okay. Correction—so not only did you rush here to save me from being a vegetable hostage, but you came with a backup plan in case shit hit the fan.” I stared him down with a disbelieving grin. “That’s more than most would ever do for me. So truly, thank you.” I darted my eyes away, smile fading. “You’re the only one who didn’t fail me tonight . . .”
Alvar shifted aside. His head angled down as his brows cinched together. The scar on his face glistened like metal inmoonlight. A hand suddenly engulfed mine as he lowered and took a knee.
“Say the word and my sword is yours to command.” An unbreakable gaze bore into mine. “Whose heads shall I free from their bodies?” A soft smirk hooked his mouth, the only indication he was joking.
Then, he waited.
Hold on . . .washe joking?
56
CARWYNN
The offer was. . .sweet. In a barbaric, bloodthirsty kind of way. But still sweet.
A rasp of a laugh scraped up my throat, shaking my head at the formal gesture. I pulled him up to stand.
“As tempting as that thought is—it’s not that simple. Unfortunately.” Matters of the heart never were.
Alvar studied me, then nodded. “I understand.” He silently looked at the Trefoil Castle in disapproval.
Breaking the silence, I jerked my chin toward blondie bitch.
“Who’s spider lady?”
“Witch from Hallow Land.” His eyes scorched into her as if he could burn her at the stake right then and there. “And Vinterland’s newest prisoner. She has many grave crimes to pay for.” Something in his voice twisted. An immeasurable cold, ancient, weight.
“Did—” I hesitated, unsure if now was the time. “Did she kill the Vinter King?”
“She played a large part in hisdisappearance.” His neongaze pierced straight through my soul. Then whipped toward a distant corner of the gardens. “Guards are coming. I must go.”
He hoisted her limp body over his shoulder like a light rucksack.
“Wait!” I said, trying to smooth out the wrinkles in my dress. “You should work with us—with Luckland. I mean, we can figure out a way to stop the Skell King. Together.”
How? Not a freaking clue. But we needed help. And I had to try.
A large smile shot across his face. “Am I not working with you already?” An eyebrow arched up. “You’ll be at the Eostre Trials, yes?”
