“The queen wants her head!”
Of course, she did. No doubt her mother would add it to her collection.
These were the last minutes of her life and the only thing that flashed through her mind was images of Xaydin. The memory of being loved and of loving.
Her only regret was that she’d never get to tell him that she loved him.
Closing her eyes, she waited for the centaurs to end her.
Just as they reached her, a blast sounded. One so loud that it was deafening. Sparks flew around her, lighting up the entire alley.
And then she felt it.
That massive presence that was so powerful it shook the air around him.
Xaydin.
Strong, muscled arms surrounded her before he lifted her from the ground and cradled her against his chest. Tears welled in her eyes as she met his tender gaze.
“No one shames my lady,” he growled, pulling his black cloak around her.
With one kiss to her brow, he handed her over to Masakage. “Protect her.”
Then he went after the centaurs who’d made her bleed.
Joy spread through her as he caught the captain with one vicious punch to the face.
Masakage laughed as Candara swept past him to help Xaydin.
Gisela bit her lip. “I should be with him.”
“Not until we patch your wound. You can’t help anyone if you’re dead.”
Probably true, but still…
Xaydin was here. He’d come for her.
“How did you find me?” she asked Masakage as he carried her down the street while she cradled her wounded arm.
“I don’t know. Xaydin figured it out somehow. I’ve never seen anything like it. He was absolutely determined.”
She hugged him, then kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
Masakage actually blushed. “Don’t thank me for taking care of family. It’s what we do.”
Family…
While she had those she shared blood with, she’d never known the bond before. But he was right. Masakage, Candara, Xaydin and even Ronan were her family now.
She’d do anything for them, especially Xaydin.
Masakage took her to a small, empty sloop.
“Where’s everyone?” she asked.
“This is Mischief’s. She and her crew are helping fight the centaurs.”
Of course they were.
