A shriek sounds from the distance and we turn as a unit, looking down the grassy valley. Trees encroach on each side, but there, further back, a body runs toward us.
I stumble as the ground shakes. Dozens of horses follow the man, pounding into the dirt as they give chase.
The guards pull their swords, and Kaden gestures to our Fae to do the same. Pushing me one step behind him, he holds his blade out, shadows twisting around the hilt like another pair of hands.
At my worried glance, he smirks. “Don’t worry, love. I’m in control.”
Thank the Gods.
Mal turns the sword in his hand, watching the Fae run. As he getscloser, it’s easy to see the fine clothes, the pointed boots, and the delicate frills along his neck. With his pale hair and bronze skin, he’s clearly Woodland. Most likely one of the lords we have to protect.
The soldier on the horse swings his broadsword at the lord’s neck, barely missing him.
“Want to help?” he asks Kaden. My mate smirks, sighing.
“I didn’t want to intrude.”
Shadows rise from the grass, curling masses of darkness that grow with each passing heartbeat. The edges turn serrated, and the soldiers stop, looking up in alarm. I can feel the thumping of fear in their veins, adrenaline spiking high.
Kaden tilts his head, and the shadows fall, angry thrashing waves that consume the soldiers whole. Their shouts are suffocated under the expanses of blackness, until there is nothing left. The valley goes silent once more.
Reid whistles while Fee nods once. “We should do that every time.”
“Where are the bodies?” The field is clean, minus the panting lord who looks ready to pass out.
“No idea.Seti’sUnderworld I assume.” Kaden follows Mal to the lord, who collapses into the meadow. “And no, Fee. It takes too much energy.”
Her hands start to smoke. “Some of us have endless supply.”
“Some of us need to learn restraint.”
Helping the lord to his feet, Mal speaks to him in hushed whispers. Commanding two soldiers to handle the Fae, he comes back to us. “His caravan was destroyed. The soldiers are coming in waves, picking them apart. We’ll need to scout the area.”
We walk through the valley, spreading far and wide. We search through the brushes and in the open valley, looking for any signs of distress.
But the air is still, and the birds don’t chirp. Even the insects have rested and that strikes me.
Something is coming.
An echo of drums hits my ears, beating so wildly, so suddenly, I cover them and drop to my knees. I wasn’t expecting it—wasn’t prepared for the assault. Crying out, strong arms surround me, comforting me through the dizzying pain.
Campfire and spice hit my nose and I inhale.Kaden.
“Get ready!” he shouts. He knows what this means—reads the signs well. The guards move, and the Dark Fae crowd us. Fee steps in front, hands blazing, an effective shield while I breathe through the magic.
Appearing from the wilds are the Crimson soldiers. Mixed in the with red tunics are blue banners, golden shields and bright white horses. Griffin has moved away from hiding his activities—now the world knows he is the plague on this land.
He killed my mother.
Fresh fury heats my blood. This is the man who killed the only woman to love me unconditionally. She died protecting me because Griffin wanted the magic I possessed. He took everything from me in his quest to control the world.
His hunger for power has no end.
We barely have time to stand before arrows rain from the skies. Kaden puts up a shield, taking care to cover everyone. His eyes squint and his jaw clenches. It taxes him, too much energy to put that big of a covering on us, but he holds firm.
Fee uses the cover to fire. Her flames stretch across the separation, creating a living barrier of flame and smoke. Horses scream, men shout, and the arrows stop. The warrior princess smiles gleefully, thrilled at the carnage.
The shadows dissipate and we watch Mal direct his archers. The Woodland Fae don’t waste time, returning fire and many of the Humans fall. Spears are thrown, stabbing through Humans to the ground beneath. The tang of blood and sizzling flesh assaults my nose and I breathe through my mouth.
