Bonds Eternal (Fae Hearted #4)

12. Endurance

12

ENDURANCE

ELDRIN

I slow my horse and scan the open landscape surrounding the mortal king’s castle. From our angle, it appears there are at least seventy Elven soldiers blocking the main and side gates of the castle walls.

They are pacing like wild animals, desperate for the hunt, screaming for blood. Never in my life have I seen an elf behave this way, and it sends chills down my spine at the horror of it.

Then my gaze falls to Wyn. She appears to be less fatigued. I sensed her sexual play with Jaden earlier. She needs a break from all this strife, but I wished it was me giving her that bit of reprieve—a moment of pleasure.

Yet I kept my jealousy in check. We will heal all that has been broken, if we survive this thing. Besides, I understand now that it’s good for Wyn’s morale and perhaps even strengthens her power. If her magic is based on love, then I’m happy that Jaden and Oakes could give our mate what she needs.

I can’t open the link between us, since I don’t want to overwhelm her with my angst and anger. We know what destruction I wrought with the ghouls at the portal when I connected with her. I have to gather my wits and control my ire before I can allow the bond to open fully again.

My princess senses my thoughts about her, and she turns to catch me watching.

I give her a playful smirk and wink that promises my turn at making her call out my name in pleasure. She blushes in return. Good, she doesn’t hate me… not yet, anyway. The sooner this is over, the better off we all will be.

“How close do you think I have to be to influence them?” I ask Oakes.

“Accounts vary. According to what I’ve read, it depends on the strength of the elf’s magic. However, if Wyn can amplify your powers, then you could probably break their spell from just thirty strides away—close enough to make eye contact,” Oakes replies.

“Wyn, you don’t have enough energy to assist me, do you?” I ask.

“I’m sorry. I don’t think so.” She hangs her head in shame. “I can barely keep my eyes open.”

“Oh, sweet princess, don’t blame yourself for anything.” I move my horse closer and reach out to her, cupping her beautiful face. “I know we have pushed you to your limit. I’m sorry for asking. It’s only what I had hoped since I don’t feel confident in my own abilities.”

Wyn snaps her gaze up to look into my eyes. She catches hold of my hand that’s stroking her cheek. Her expression fierce. “Eldrin, don’t doubt yourself. You are more talented than you think. If I can somehow perform these magical and miraculous things, then I’m sure that you can as well. You are an Elven prince from a long line of powerful elves.”

I grin at her belief and support in me, knowing some doubt still taints my soul. “Even though you are the youngest and least experienced among us, you are the one who will teach and guide us, not the other way around. You are the true power in our bond group.”

Wyn squeezes my hand in reassurance. “With that sentiment, then you must be capable of whatever you set your mind to, since I believe in you.”

“Thank you, Wyn.” With that encouragement, I pull away and head toward the fray.

As a group, we all move closer to the Elven soldiers surrounding the castle.

I worry the mob won’t even be able to hear my words over their shouts. If these crazed soldiers turn on us, then I’m putting everything I love in jeopardy.

Taking a deep breath to center myself, I generate the appropriate counter-emotion to neutralize the madness in the spelled elves.

Calm. Friendship. Acceptance .

I create a ball of peace-loving emotions. Then I expand it in my mind, growing my energy field and extending my reach while adding more and more of my innate power to it. Unfortunately, I sense the mishap with my rage during the ghouls’ escape through the portal has weakened my strength.

Can I really be the competent male Wyn believes I am?