18
KADEN
Iwish I could say the faces of the Woodland Fae guards didn’t make me smile. But it’s hard not to enjoy their shock.
They expected me dead—maybe a mindless beast, still. No one expected my Dark Queen to rise to the occasion and save me.
Stopping right outside the boundary, Reid on my left, Fee on my right, I cross my arms. Chest bare, pants one size too tight, I’m drained, but I am reborn. I make a stark image to these simpletons.
The great cursed Dark Fae Prince— now king—standing before them. They’re shaking being this close. Their fear is a strong odor and I grin.
Aoife has never chosen brave men.
“Queen Aoife sent us,” one Fae stammers. “She wanted to check on the progress of breaking the curse.”
Rolling my eyes, I let one hand fall to my sword—thankfully, my mate remembered to bring that. “As you can see, I am whole.”
“He’s back,” Reid singsongs and Fee snorts. More than one guard swallows.
“The Dark Queen was successful,” Fee states, flames erupting at her hands with her irritation.Fiery Bel’s balls, I’ll need to teach hercontrol. My sister is a natural but quick to react. She’s liable to set everyone on fire who angers her.
There are whispers between them. “And you have crossed the barrier,” another guard says, shocked. “No one can cross it. No one.”
Reid filled me in on the way down. Apparently my little brother has had quite a journey thus far. I’ll be sure to confirm with Baris why that is.
“Clearly, someone can.” Rolling my shoulders, I tap into my magic.
It’s strong and viral. It rises without much thought and I know it’s the bond that affects it. It gives it life, more push, and intensity. It’s more power than I’ve ever felt before.
They whisper again and I step to the edge of the boundary. The wall shimmers and shines, reflecting the bright light of the Woodland territory. On the Summus mountain, it’s still cloudy, as ifSolarefuses to shine here.
“What else do you bring?” I call, eyes black. A few guards step back. At least I still have my reputation without my beast. “Spit it out.”
A guard steps forward. He looks much younger than even Reid. “She sends news. If you, the king, was not whole, to be summoned back to the Veridian Palace. There seems to be trouble in theIn-Between.”
Fee and I catch gazes. Only one person would attempt to attack the In-Between. An unspoken boundary between all kingdoms it’s said to be ruled over the Fairy Kingdom of Summus years ago—their wings gave them domain. I always thought it was large tales.
Then I met Baris. I fell in love with his daughter. Now, anything is possible.
“We’ll meet you.” We don’t exit the barrier, turning back to the camp. Outside the crumpling palace, Max stands with her father and Mal, inspecting papers. Real life is intruding on our moment of peace, and I can’t help but wish for one more night.
It’s selfish but I don’t care. I’ve been given a second chance—given a future. I intend to enjoy it.
“What was it?” Max asks, looking up. Her neck is raw, my marks shining against the collar of her tunic. I don’t dare be embarrassed. My claim on her looks good there.
“Aoife. There seems to be something happening in theIn-Between.”
Her blue eyes narrow. “Griffin?”
“I assume so. We’re needed back.”
Max exchanges a look with Baris. In as little of a time as they’ve spent together, father and daughter seem to have grown close. They share telling looks now, communicating in ways I do with my siblings.
I’d be pleased if it doesn’t seem to be a look of great importance. She doesn’t want to go back.
“What? What are you saying?”
Baris sighs, crossing his arms. “I don’t trust Aoife. She had you get three roses, but only used two.”
