And with that, he turned and strode away.
Once he was gone, Commander Eton snorted. “I suppose I should congratulate you on your quick work.”
Soren narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know what you mean.”
The commander raised a brow. “I think you do. I commend you. Snaring a captain, especially one like him, isn’t easy.”
She bristled, taking a step back. “He’s not a captain.”
“And how would you know that? Has he ever revealed his rank to you? Do you think just because he wants to fuck you now, you know anything about him?”
She felt sick. Commander Eton was absolutely right, but she wasn’t going to admit that to him, not when he obviously wanted to disarm her. Instead, she raised her chin. “I should continue with my training as requested, commander.”
His lip curled. “So the wolf finally sheds her sheep skin. I knew you were dangerous from the moment I saw you.”
“Why?” she said softly. “Because of what I can do or the system I challenge by simply holding any amount of power?”
The commander’s left eye twitched, but he ignored her words, barking, “Back to your training, soldier.”
He left, and she turned to Thessa.Shall we?
Ignore the commander. He only has as much power as you give him. But yes, we should begin.
Soren mulled over the dragon’s words as they practiced dismounts and dives until her body felt like it was one bruise away from breaking apart completely.
The next morning, she completed the circuit alone then ran, ignoring the pain and exhaustion. She slipped some bread and dried meat before anyone arrived for midday meal, ate, then jogged back to the field where Thessa waited.
The next two and half days were similar, and for two nights, she had no dreams of the goddess. She chalked it up to being so exhausted each night when she laid down.
The break didn’t last long, though. They never did.
Chapter 21
“Areyou sure we can trust her?”
Ana’s breaths were shallow in the cool air of the cavern as she whispered, “I would trust her with my life. She practically raised me.”
Ahead, torchlight illuminated the hollowed out space, and a woman came into view. The goddess eyed the three of them, handing the torch to Ana. “You are both sure of this?”
“We’re aware of the risks.” Her voice was firm, Ana giving her a small nod and a nervous smile.
The goddess drew closer, her gaze landing on him. “And you, son of Vulcan, are you quite sure? You risk the wrath of someone who would bring upon you far worse fates than death.”
“Vulcan?” Ana whispered. “You didn’t say he was hisfather!”
She stared at the goddess, shocked. “I didn’t know.”
The goddess’ smile was cold. “You are still untrained in the world, daughter of Nyx. I sensed it the moment I walked into this chamber, the way the flames flickered and bowed to him.”
“I don’t really give a damn who my father is. All I care about is that you don’t breathe a word of this to a soul.”
The goddess shook her head slowly. “It’s a shame. You could have been many things, Vane Evva, had you not met her, but the fates have had their way. We should begin. The ceremony is rather lengthy.”
Soren rolled over on the sleeping mat, her heart beating so fast, she thought she might pass out while lying down.
The man in the field, the one who had kissed the goddess and ridden dragons with her through the sky…
ItwasVane.
