“We must leave soon,” I say, glancing up as I finish arming myself.
When Isabel lifts her head, her expression is darkened with worry. Through the bond, I feel the sudden rush of fear that grips her. Not fear of me, but fear for what awaits us in the days to come. Fear for the humans in Hollins. Fear for her father.
My jaw tightens.
“My father,” she whispers as she grows pale. “He’s still there. In Hollins.”
“I know, and I promise no harm will come to him.”
I find an extra bag near the boxes of supplies and fill it with nonperishable food. If I must leave Isabel somewhere during the battle, I want her to have plenty of supplies. Perhaps there’s a cavern near Hollins similar to this one, a hiding place that I can barricade with multiple protective wards.
“Gather your things, little moth.”
She does as I ask in silence, retrieving her rucksack and cloak. I move to the mouth of the cave and begin dismantling the wards, one after another. Breaking them down is easier than creating them, requiring only a speck of my magic. The lines of frost shimmer and dissolve as I briefly pass my hands through the air above them, vanishing the layered wards in quick pulses of blue light that emit from my palms.
Isabel wraps her cloak tightly around herself and approaches me slowly, glancing toward the blue sky and a flock of birds that sweeps toward the distant lake. Only a short time ago, we stood in this very spot, staring at the beautiful landscape, sharing a peaceful moment. But that peace is gone, shattered.
I sense her reluctance to leave the cave. I step closer and take her in my arms, then I close my eyes and focus on sending her waves of affection. Despite my need for revenge, despite the violent images of battle that keep flashing in my mind, I find that I still possess a boundless reserve of tenderness for my mate.
Knowing we must leave, I pull back and cup her cheek. Her skin is warm beneath my palm, and as she leans into my touch, my heart contracts. I stare into her eyes, wishing I could make her understand my fervent need to spill human blood. But never hers. I would never hurt her, and I would die to keep her safe. She emits a soft gasp when she hears this particular thought.
“We must travel quickly. I am eager to reach the scene of the ambush outside Hollins so I can identify my people.”
“You can fly as fast as you need to. I’ll be fine.”
I stroke my thumb across her cheek. “The journey will be too harsh for you if you remain awake,” I tell her quietly. “The cold, the speed, and the height would surely make you sick. But I can place a healing enchantment on you that will help keep the illness away. A healing enchantment, not a glamour. I know I promised never to glamour you, and I want you to know there is a difference.”
Her eyes soften with understanding, followed by a flicker of trust that makes my heart contract all over again.
“Very well.” She gives a slight nod. “Will I wake when we arrive?”
“Yes. I promise.” I take the rucksack from her hands and sling it over my shoulder next to the other two bags.
Then I sweep her into my arms and nuzzle my nose to hers. Her lashes flutter against my face as I send gentle pulses of soothing magic through the bond, letting it mingle with the warmth already flowing between us.
“Rest, little moth.”
Her eyes close, and she goes limp in my arms.
I summon my wings, letting them unfurl behind me in a rush of winter power. Holding Isabel close, I step out into the biting wind.
Then I launch us into the night, bound for Hollins and the vengeance that awaits.
CHAPTER 17
ISABEL
I wakein Gideon’s arms, surrounded by lush vegetation that’s sparkling with ussha. I stir against him as my eyes continue adjusting to the forest and the sunlight filtering through the canopy, expecting to see the frozen bodies of his people strewn about the underbrush. But I don’t see anyone else, dead or alive.
Gideon smooths my hair from my face and gently combs out the knots. He’s leaning against a giant, moss-covered tree stump, holding me in one arm as he continues petting me. As he stares down at me, his eyes gleam with reverence. My throat tightens with emotion. He’s still reeling from the tragedy that has befallen his people, yet he’s taking the time to show me gentleness. He’s waiting for me to wake up fully and regain my strength before we set off through the forest in search of the bodies.
He kisses my temple, then slowly sets me on my feet. A brief wave of dizziness descends, but it passes as quickly as it came. Judging by the position of the sun above the canopy, I think it’s just after midday, which means he made the journey muchfaster than I would’ve believed possible. Watching me carefully, he keeps his hands positioned beneath my arms, ready to catch me should I fall.
I offer him a slight smile. “I am fine, Gideon. Thank you.”
He gives me another assessing look, then nods and finally releases me. To my relief, I have no difficulty standing by myself. I take a few steps back and turn in a slow circle, gazing at our new surroundings. I don’t catch sight of Hollins through the trees, nor do I hear any voices, the clatter of horse-drawn carts, or any other signs of civilization. There’s only the wind that’s sweeping through the trees and the musical chirping of birds.
Gideon retrieves something from his rucksack and approaches me. He places a pouch containing a mix of dried berries and nuts in my hand. “You didn’t have breakfast yet,” he says with a touch of concern.
