I looked between the two warriors. Callum had warned me about Elysian when I had found out about their meeting. When I first saw a glimpse of him at camp, I had expected him to be a beast made of white flame. What had stepped from the trees instead was a panther without shadow.
It was obvious he and Ronan shared more than just orders. The looks, the silent conversations, they spoke of memories, bound in blood and years. Not merely a prince and his hound but stronger. A brotherhood built on life owed and respect earned.
Which meant when I killed Ronan, Elysian’s life would have to follow.
Ford rolled his eyes, adjusting his pack. “Besides,” he said. “I wasn’t suggestingIbe the one that rides you. I’m sure any of these ladies would gladly hop onto yoursaddle.”
He snickered at his own joke, and I caught Gus lending a quick laugh before smothering it. And though she tried to hide it, a flush crept up Elva’s neck, tinting her cheeks pink.
Callum smacked Ford’s shoulder as he passed, and I hesitated a beat too long to reach for his arm to force his attention on me, the moment seized by Ronan’s booming voice.
It was so naturally commanding, all our spines straightened at its rasp.
“We’re far enough south where the weather will contend with us just fine. We are not mortals. We are all warriors, one way or another.” Elva bowed her head, the two braids I’d given her running tight against her scalp. “Gut up and find your strength,” Ronan continued. “If you tire, swallow it.”
I knew he was a swallow kind of guy.
His eyes shot to me.
Shit. I didn’t say that out loud, did I?
His gaze hovered on mine for an instant longer before he went on.
“We’ll rotate who rides every day. Our goal is two months at the latest. Assuming we don’t run into any of hel’s beasts on the way.”
Wells pressed his lips together, gripping the pack’s handles tightly against his chest. I nudged his arm, shaking my head, reassuring him he had nothing to fear.
The rest of the Order and dragons filed past at Ronan’s dismissal, and I caught Elva’s hand, holding her back. “You ready?”
Her arm looped through mine, and I couldn’t help but admire how different she looked in my leathers. Still devastatingly beautiful, but no longer the delicate flutter of light that had been hidden.
For the first time in a long time, Elva looked fierce.
“You better be ready,” Elysian said above us. The frost had quieted to a flurry. Still cold, still dangerous, but almost tender as he spoke to her. “This is the real world now, princess. You are not protected by your castle walls any longer.”
Elva smiled, a glowing dusk spreading in her eyes as she claimed my hand and replied, “No. I’m protected by better.” She looked to me, with no lost radiance. “Let’s finally fly free, my sparrow.”
I beamed. “Only with you, my sweet dove.”
And together, we both took our first step toward freedom.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Ronan
THE FOREST STRETCHED AROUND THEM, damp with mist and birdsong. Above, the canopy leaked splintered light over the trail, moving across wet leaves and armor alike.
“Sunhaven rests just beyond that hill,” Callum called out. “We make it there and camp for the night.”
It had barely been twelve hours, and already the Order needed a cozy fire and rest. Perhaps two months had been too generous of an assumption for travel.
Verena crouched a few strides ahead, fingers brushing a cluster of white-tipped blossoms peering through the moss. “Starbloom,” she murmured, half to herself.
She straightened, just as Ronan’s shadow passed over her. He didn’t slow as irritation swelled over her face and she darted ahead until she was several steps in front of him.
Then she hesitated, likely realizing that meant he’d be behind her.
Feigning interest in another plant, she stopped, slipping back behind him moments after.
