Saoirse kissed her again, pulling her close, wrapping her so tight she knew they’d never be separated again.
And the mating bond soared.
“I think this is the best motivation I’ve ever been given to live.”
Zylah’s magic whipped through the air, ready to tackle the horde already overwhelming their line. Both females turned to face them, their determination shifting to steady resolve.
Saoirse cracked her neck and rolled her shoulders. “Here’s to the best future date of my life.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Rion
Ellie was a storm.
She was beautiful and elegant, and everything a future High Lady should be. Even through her pain and turmoil, she was rising.
“Can you hold them?” Rion screamed over the chaos.
Ellie barely glanced at him. She made the swirling mass of water and ice look effortless. Rion darted to Gavin, skidding to the male’s side while his magic still roared, mixing between Ellie’s.
Gavin was shivering, his body succumbing to the blood loss. Rion examined the severed limb. He’d witnessed similar wounds countless times throughout the years. He’d also witnessed all the deaths that had followed, many his own doing.
He vaguely wondered if severing limbs was something he’d come up with on his own or if that had been part of Vairik’s influence, too.
Rion dipped his fingers in Gavin’s blood and drew a rune on top of the male’s shoulder. He’d memorized them, determined to ensure he could heal Arianna should she ever suffer another fatal wound. He never imagined he’d be using them on someone else.
The skin moved, and Gavin cried out, clutching at his chest.
“Stay still,” Rion commanded, then drew another rune right over the first. He didn’t know if smearing them had any adverse effects. He didn’t really have time to question it.
The skin knit together a bit more, but more importantly, the blood slowed. Stopped. Rion drew another, then called over his shoulder. “Warm his body.”
Ellie met his gaze slowly. Everything about her was effortless, as if she had an unending well to draw from. Good. They needed that kind of power right now, no matter what emotions might be fueling it. Her eyes traveled to Gavin next, then to the blood coating Rion’s hand. Her brows furrowed in confusion, but before Rion could repeat himself, Gavin’s body stopped shivering.
He drew another rune. Then another. It might be for nothing. Gavin would probably still die, but he had to try. If the bond was severed, Ellie would be sent over the edge all over again. Rion needed her. The world needed her, and if they met their end together, then so be it, but it wouldn’t be without one hell of a fight.
Ice collided with Ellie’s wall from behind, and Rion shot to his feet, magic already spiraling down his arm. His first thought conjured images of the ice wielders and their pale skin. Beings that appeared already dead. His heartbeat quickened, then Talon stepped through a crack in the wall. Relief flooded his blood, his lungs. Aiden followed, along with an entire line of warriors who were already helping to strengthen Ellie’s defenses.
Talon quickly studied his future High Lady, his mouth gaping slightly, then he smiled. Not sadly, but in a way that told Rion he was proud of her.
Someone hauled Gavin over their shoulders, running him through the break in the wall, presumably to place him among those too wounded to carry on.
Then Rion, Talon, and Ellie faced the amassing storm together.
Chapter Forty-Six
Arianna
It felt like hours. Days. Years as she stood there in the still water, watching the last bit of serenity drip into the calm pool, becoming one with the stillness.
She hadn’t moved since Rion’s departure.
Wife.
Mate.
Her fingertips lifted to touch her lips. Fire still burned there, as if he’d branded himself upon her before going to meet his end.
