Page 126

Are big cat shifters a thing?

She snorts at him. “Godric know you’re here?”

“He does,” Arwan says as he steps closer. His perfectly polished boots seem to repel the dust, as do the shimmering buckles that make up his attire today. “He said you two weren’t talking, so I was to convey his appreciation for training our little queen here. And that you’re dismissed for the day.”

She gives him a raised brow, but she must be convinced that he did actually talk to Godric. Only the pack would know that they currently aren’t on speaking terms.

Not that I know why.

No one tells me anything.

“Have her home by dark,” Ulara says with a nod, then gives me a once-over as if to add, “and good luck.”

When I’m alone with Arwan, I can’t stop the crawling sensation that runs up my back as he closes the distance between us. I straighten my spine and prop my hands on my hips. “Did Godric really send you?”

He chuckles. “No. But that’ll be our little secret, hmm?” He presses the handle of the whip under my chin, tilting my head back. “But I do want to help train you. I can’t keep King Njord’s eyes off you for much longer. So we’ll have to take advantage of the time we have left.”

I consider everything that’s transpired between Arwan and me. The dealings with my brother, the vow that he would have killed him had Cain not done it first.

I’m a walking lie detector. He had meant those words. Despite myself, I trust Arwan, even when I feel like I shouldn’t.

Regardless, his life is tied to mine, so his allegiances don’t have to be genuine. Whether or not he truly means to protect me, I know that he will until our tether is undone.

“When’s the next trial?” I ask as I swipe away the weapon. “Sofia said that once I woke up, there would probably be another one.”

He nods as he resumes threading the cord between his fingers. Blue magic sparkles trail along the object before being absorbed. “True. That’s why I had to cause a little diversion.”

“What kind of diversion?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

The only answer he gives me is one of his charming grins that show off his alluring dimples.

“Are you ready to train?” has asks, pointedly changing topics.

Whatever he’s been up to, he’s not going to share.

I frown. “I don’t think⁠—”

A crack sounds through the training ground, and I scream as a pop bursts painfully near my ear. Throwing my hands over my head, I crouch as darkness descends, and I suddenly can’t see anything.

“No one is going to ask if you’re ready out on the field,” Arwan says. I can’t see him, but his voice sounds like it’s coming from all directions.

The temperature drops, and a metallic flavor rolls across my tongue. I blink through the darkness as my heart jumps into my throat.

Attempting to engage my night vision doesn’t work. Whatever Arwan has done, it isn’t the reduction of available light.

It’s as if he’s removed light entirely.

Something shoves into my hand, and I close my fingers around it.

“Use the whip,” Arwan instructs. “Cut through the nightmares.”

Attempting to swing the whip, it flails through the murky darkness.

Pain slices down my forearm, making me scream.

As I launch backward to avoid whatever had just attacked me, Arwan wraps his arms around my middle and steadies me. His breath is hot on my ear as he speaks. “Not like that. Here,” he says as he places one hand around my elbow, then another positioning my fingers around the handle. “Ground yourself first. Then flick with your wrist, bringing your strength up from your legs. That’s where your power will come from.”

Concentrating, I do as Arwan instructs. A bright light flashes through the darkness, momentarily blinding me as I suck in a breath.