I’d snuck out from under Blake’s strong arms this morning and got half dressed before he woke up and met my eyes with a soft, sleepy smile.
He’d bade me kiss him before I went, though the one kiss had led to several, leaving me grateful that I’d fully packed already as I took off to say goodbye to my friends. My found family.
“I will.” My voice cracked. “I promise.”
Thyme stood a little off to the side, clutching a wiggling Couscous to his chest, his small mouth tight. “I packed your satchel myself. Food, bandages, salve, the blade I sharpened. I added a water flask, too.”
“You’re brilliant,” I said, as I gave Couscous a kiss on her striped orange head between her ears. He let her go, then hugged me fiercely, his skinny arms surprisingly strong. “Take care of each other,” I whispered.
He nodded solemnly.
“Couscous is going to miss Flame.”
I chuckled, my throat tight, then jumped when Flame’s voice sounded in my mind.
Flame is going to miss Couscous too.
Edith didn’t speak right away. She just looked at me, her mouth tight with worry. Then she stepped forward and pulled me into her arms. Her grip was steady, grounding, like it always had been. “You were always meant for this.”
“I’m scared,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her gaze softened, though the weight of her words pressed into me. “Your fate is stronger than you realize, Rubi. You are so much more than you know.” She straightened, regal and unshaken. “Remember that I love you, no matter what happens.”
I swallowed hard, the promise settling deep in my bones. “I will,” I swore.
—
We all gathered in theArena, the air thick with anticipation.
Flame came trotting up to me, looking pleased with herself. Kingsolver traipsed by her side, nipping at her playfully.
Did you sleep well?I asked.
Extremely. Although not as well asyou, I think.Flame’s tone was arch.
I coughed, nearly choking. I threw my arms around her neck and hugged her, hiding my flushed face.I’ve never felt this way about a man before, I confessed.
My tygress purred.You are still too young to understand that desire and destiny are woven tight, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in battle.
I pulled back to stare at her.What do you mean? And you’re young, too.
My body is young, but I am naturally super wise.
Plus you are connected to all the previous tygress queens.I ran an affectionate hand through her fur.
She tossed her head.I wasn’t going to mention that because of my innate modesty. It’s one of my many virtues.
I laughed while she chuffed in amusement.
Blake wasn’t here yet, which made me shift a bit nervously. I’d activated his warmth glyph earlier, and it kept me comfortable despite my thin cloak. I fingered my new thundervein ribbons at my belt. The others had been training for war their entire lives. I shook, trying to suppress the fear gnawing at my insides.
You have me. I am your most powerful weapon.Flame preened.
Malissa’s gaze sharpened as I approached, her lips thinning. Ire stood close by, arms crossed, his expression like hammered steel. His eyes were cold as he looked me over like I was a mistake someone had forgotten to correct.
Jace stood apart from the others as he watched me. He didn’t say anything, though when his gaze lingered on me, it felt like each love bite and imprint of Blake’s fingers was visible. His eyes shifted to scan the Arena with the keen focus of a hunter. At his side, Xane prowled, muscles rippling beneath his sleek black fur.
Jace had a quiver of arrows slung across his back. Each arrow gleamed faintly with a strange hue. What type of magic did his weapons have?
