Oath of War (The Cursed Bonds #2)

18. Chapter 18

I sent someone to fetch us some horses and hurried after Annika. When I saw her cuddling Vahin’s neck and stroking his scales, I couldn’t hold back my smile. Gone was the threat of death and destruction, the fury melting away like last year’s snow under her touch.

Alaric rested against the dragon’s paw, his eyes closed and a peaceful expression on his face. The scene was so idyllic that even as Vahin noticed me, I urged him to stay quiet as I crept up behind Ani and swept her off her feet.

She squealed, fire sparking in her palm before vanishing when she realised who it was.

‘How are your injuries, sweetheart?’ I murmured, needing to hold her close.

‘I’ll be fine, Orm,’ she grumbled, though I caught the note of pleasure in her voice. ‘You can put me down. I’m not made of glass.’

Alaric opened his eyes, his crooked smile as familiar as it was devastating. ‘No, you are certainly not made of glass,’ he agreed smoothly. ‘Glass would’ve shattered under such duress. You are a pure diamond—precious and unyielding—meant only for those strong enough to hold you.’

Ani blushed, suddenly preoccupied with combing my hair with her fingers. ‘Sweet talker. You think buttering me up will earn my forgiveness after challenging Valaram?’ she asked, but the gentle rebuke did nothing to hide the soft smile she gave him.

‘A hint of jealousy is the spice of life,’ Ari replied, his grin entirely unrepentant. ‘Does it make me a wicked man if I can’t stand how he looks at you? You are mine, Annika.’

‘Oh, she is?’ I quipped, raising an eyebrow, and the devilish man rolled his eyes.

‘Fine—ours. But I’m the only dark fae she’ll ever love.’

‘ Really? ’ Ani teased. ‘Maybe I’ve acquired a taste for older men. Valaram is a silver fox. All that scheming and charm ...’

‘No, listen to your Anchor,’ I interjected with mock gravity. ‘Alaric is right. And if you want someone older, then look no further than Grandpa Dragon here. His scales are a much better colour than any silver fox.’

Vahin’s tail thumped the ground, startling Annika into clinging to my neck in alarm. ‘I’m not that old, puny human,’ he rumbled.

With exaggerated solemnity, I bowed. ‘Of course, you aren’t, O eldritch terror born at the dawn of time.’

Vahin’s roar filled the air, his lips pulling back to expose the rows of sharp teeth while unbridled amusement radiated through our bond.

‘You’re a menace, Ormond. A pimple on my arse I tolerate only because you make my Little Flame happy.’

I smiled. ‘And yet you chose me when I needed you most,’ I said, meeting his brilliant blue gaze as he lowered his snout to touch my cheek.

‘And I’ve never regretted it.’

We were still waiting for the horses, and I briefly thought of using Vahin, but my dragon was exhausted. His muscles ached, his hunger gnawed, and I knew the moment he took to the skies, he’d need to hunt. Hoping to distract him, I turned to my mates and asked, ‘Do you think you’ll ever be able to share what happened on the other side of the portal?’

They shared a glance before Annika sighed. ‘I don’t know. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but every time I try, my thoughts get muddled. I can’t find the words.’

‘It feels like some kind of geas,’ Alaric added. ‘All I can say is that Ani made a bargain that ended my curse and earned my freedom. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of her.’

Ani reached out and gently stroked his face, her expression softening. ‘You were already worthy. I love you. So, stop thinking that way. There’s no tallying gains or losses here—I’ve already won. I have a second chance at love, and I’ll fight for it because life without you three wouldn’t be worth living. I hope, one day, you’ll stop believing you’re not enough.’

Alaric was right—she was a diamond. I felt it deep in my soul, the purity of Annika’s feelings, the impressive strength that made her bargain with a goddess for our mate. She had a sharp tongue and refused to bow to anyone, but under the sass, brass, and wicked temper was a spirit that entranced us all.

Through our link, Vahin’s voice interrupted my thoughts. ‘ She is all that and more. That’s why the goddess let her leave. But I can feel a tether, a touch of darkness. It isn’t harming her, but it clings to her soul. It is so strong that my Little Flame will never be free of it. ’

The bitterness in his tone revealed his unhappiness, and I understood. Annika had sacrificed more than she’d ever admit to save us.

‘ How are you feeling? ’ I asked him. ‘ Today was ... difficult. ’

‘ Hungry. Tired. Nothing you wouldn’t expect after a strenuous journey, ’ he responded after a moment of hesitation. ‘ But I don’t want to leave her. After seeing what happened to my brethren, I was ... afraid, and that fear brought out a part of me I thought long buried. ’

The uncertainty in his thoughts indicated that the admission surprised him.

‘ You mean when you threatened to unleash destruction on that petulant bitch? ’ I joked, trying to lighten the mood. ‘ You just said what we all were thinking, so maybe we’re a bad influence on you. ’ I gestured towards the sky . ‘ Go hunt. You need to look after yourself. Annika already said she’s spending the night with you, and as much as it pains me, I won’t be an arse about it. ’

The wave of gratitude flowing through our connection made me smile. Sometimes, Vahin felt like just another man, hopelessly in love with the force of nature who had ensnared us all.

‘ Oh, but I do love her, Orm, ’ he thought, unfolding his wings. ‘ Just because I can’t be with her in the way you are, it doesn’t make those feelings any less valid. ’

Annika looked up at Vahin, surprised by the sudden movement, and he backed away as he prepared to take off. ‘I need to feed, Little Flame,’ he said, and she nodded, sheltering her eyes from the gusts of wind as he disappeared into the sky.

‘Let’s get you home, Nivale,’ I said, noticing a soldier by the gate gesturing to catch my attention. We left the arena, and I looked around the crowded street, trying to find our mounts, frowning at the carriage with the royal insignia blocking my view as we approached him.

‘His Majesty thought a carriage would be better for Lady Annika after her ordeal,’ the soldier said.

Embarrassed that I hadn’t thought of it myself, I silently blessed my brother for the thoughtful gesture. But as we walked towards it, I snorted at the gold-covered monstrosity—Reynard had clearly gifted it to us to avoid using it himself.

Inside, however, the plush red cushions and delicate fabrics were surprisingly inviting. The carriage smelled of flowers, their fragrance soft and calming. Ani let out a tranquil sigh as she nearly disappeared into the cushions, placing her feet on my lap, and I gently massaged her muscles.

She drifted off to sleep quickly, her breathing steady, while Alaric rested beside me, his hand on my thigh. The soothing weight lulled me into a sense of contentment, but just as I began to relax, his grip tightened painfully, jolting me awake.

We’d left the heart of the city and were moving through the noble district when I realised that Ari was deathly quiet beside me, the tension in his body disturbing me more with every passing moment.

‘What is it?’ I asked.

‘We’re going in the wrong direction,’ he said, his voice low. ‘I initially thought it was just to avoid the merchant quarter, but the sun is to the west, and we are heading towards the river port.’ He paused, then added, ‘And ... I feel sleepy. I don’t want to fight or care ... it’s not natural.’

He was hesitant, but seeing the deep frown on his face, I rose from my seat and grasped the carriage door, waking Annika as I moved. She shook her head, disoriented, while I yanked at the handle. The door was locked. I tried again, and familiar, taunting laughter rang out from outside, triggering the berserker in me.

‘Don’t bother, Commander. The carriage is sealed and bespelled, and by the time we reach our destination, my concoction will have done its job. You’ll be as docile as a little lamb.’

‘Ihrain,’ Annika whispered, her pupils dilating with fury. Her hand shot forward.

‘ Quanre. ’ 1

Nothing happened.

She turned to Alaric, whose grim expression mirrored her own. ‘I can’t cast either,’ he said, holding onto the ornate frame when the carriage jolted, picking up speed. ‘That venomous viper! He must have sprayed lanara and masked it with a floral scent.’ His hand slipped, and he stared at his palm in surprise. ‘Hrae! He used nivale oil. That explains why we’re so drowsy.’

My stomach dropped. Nivale root, often used to ease the dying into a peaceful transition, was readily available. But nivale oil, distilled from its fiery petals, was far more potent and extraordinarily rare. It was typically reserved for the gravest of agonies, applied to a cloth and held gently over a loved one’s face, granting them a fleeting moment of tranquillity before death. To coat the entire interior of the carriage with it was an act of grotesque extravagance—one that must have required months, if not years, to gather such a quantity.

‘Your stupidity blinds you if you think I’ll allow you to take me again.’ Annika was seething, and I felt a pull in my chest as she drew on the aether. For a moment, I worried she might blow the carriage to pieces, but the sensation faded, and she slumped back, shaking her head.

Ihrain’s voice oozed satisfaction. ‘Predictable as always, my dear. Your conduit abilities mean nothing when you can’t cast. How does it feel to be helpless? Delivered to our master in a royal carriage, no less—a beautifully wrapped little package.’ He laughed. ‘I made it ready for you when I first saw you at Varta Fortress, and just look at how perfectly it fits the occasion. You’ll eat from the Lich King’s hand and grovel at my feet when I’m done with you.’

I braced to smash through the doors, but Ani’s hand on my sleeve stopped me. ‘And how do you intend to do it? Vahin will burn you to a cinder the moment he knows. You’ll never get to the Rift,’ she said, tapping a finger to her lips, signalling for me to stay quiet.

‘The Rift? Gods, how na?ve you are,’ Ihrain sneered. ‘It took years to find a surviving Moroi mage, and even longer for them to pass the Lost Ridge. But once they did, all they had to do was find the ruins of Netaré and activate the old fae portal there.’

He laughed, dark and menacing. ‘You all forgot that Dagome had a trading agreement with Ozar to exchange diplomats and knowledge. The old portals still stand. All we had to do was bring them back to life. Such a shame only the living can pass through, though; otherwise, Truso would have been overrun by monsters long ago.’

I glanced at Alaric, who nodded bleakly, confirming the truth in Ihrain’s words. I remained quiet, but was already planning ways to destroy the ruins we were being taken to. If there really was an active portal in Netaré, did the Council of Mages know? Or had they failed to uncover this critical threat? Twice now, mages had taken Annika. I couldn’t afford to dismiss the possibility of betrayal or incompetence.

‘If that’s true, why did you bother using the Rift for so long?’ Annika asked scornfully, using Ihrain’s arrogance to keep him talking. ‘Do you take me for a fool, Ihrain?’

‘It was a distraction, keeping the dragons occupied so we could take over without interference.’ His voice turned bitter. ‘You’ve always been a fool and a whore, Annika. I can’t believe I wanted you. If you weren’t a conduit, I’d have killed you years ago.’

I shook from the rage his words provoked, and it took all my self-control to not rip the carriage—and him—to pieces. I felt the wild magic negating the effects of the nivale oil, its power utterly unaffected by the lanara poison.

To my surprise, Annika smiled—a sharp, feral grin, holding my hand and pointing to the door.

‘Ihrain, you are so smart.’ Her voice dripped with mock admiration. ‘You thought of everything, and I commend you for expertly mixing the poisons, but I think you missed one tiny, little detail,’ she crowed, still grinning like a madwoman. ‘Tell me, Ihrain. Do you know what happens when you lock an enraged bear in a cage?’

Ani let go of my hand, and I roared, the sound ripping through the night. Letting go of my restraint, I jabbed my fist into the carriage wall—all the frustration, grief, and pain focused on the robust wood. Wood splintered and flew as my hand smashed through the frame.

On the other side, a man let out a startled cry before I dragged him back through the broken wall. He didn’t even have time to scream as Alaric punched him in the face and stole his dagger, thrusting the blade deep into the flailing man’s chest.

The horses panicked, bolting forward in a blind frenzy. I grabbed Annika, pulling her close to shield her from the chaos. I widened the hole in the carriage, desperate to get us out. Alaric jumped through the opening, and I heard the familiar sound of dying men, the stench of blood and urine filling the air, accompanied by the rising pressure of gathering magic.

‘Orm, get her out of here! It’s heading for the river!’ he shouted. Before I could respond, a bolt of magic crashed into his back, sending him flying.

I grasped the doors, ripping them off their hinges, but the terrified neighs of the horses told me there was no chance of stopping them before it was too late. ‘Hold tight, my love,’ I whispered, clutching Ani tightly before jumping from the moving carriage.

The ground rushed up to meet us. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs, and as we rolled across the grass, my back slammed into something hard, momentarily blacking out my vision. But even then, I didn’t release Annika. I could die breaking my fucking neck, but I wouldn’t add another bruise to my Nivale’s body.

‘Orm, are you insane? Let me go!’ she shouted.

Shaking off the fog in my mind, I staggered to my feet, looking for Alaric. He was battling a small group of horsemen with nothing but the stolen dagger, his movements fluid and lethal. I laughed as the outmatched fae, his back still smoking from the previous magical attack, leapt up, embedding his blade into the armpit of one man while he kicked another off his horse.

‘Ari, look out!’ Annika’s shout brought me back to reality as a bolt of energy flew over Alaric’s head. It looked like Ihrain had finally regained control of his horse long enough to cast another spell.

Ani tensed beside me, reaching for the aether. I placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking my head. ‘You’ve fought enough today. Don’t engage unless we actually get into trouble. We’ll handle this.’

She opened her mouth to protest, but I bent down and kissed her forehead. ‘Just once, let your men look after you.’

With that, I charged into the fray. My fist connected with one man’s kidney, sending him sprawling from his horse. Another rider barrelled towards me, hoping to use his mount as a battering ram. I sidestepped, seizing his stirrup, and yanked him to the ground.

In my current state, the men were no problem, but Ihrain was an issue. He had finally given up trying to control his horse and had dismounted, the murderous look in his eyes not boding well for us.

He muttered something, his hands tracing out a spell. I watched as a flurry of semitransparent blades headed straight for me, but Ari pushed me aside, his free hand moving rapidly in the air. Most of the aethereal blades disappeared, absorbed by a miraculously appearing shield. All except one that slipped past, scoring a long cut along his ribcage.

‘How?’ Ihrain gasped.

‘Lanara works through continuous exposure. That’s why it’s so effective when ingested or injected. Your little trick stopped working the moment I wiped the damn stuff off onto the grass,’ Alaric answered, throwing his blade into the back of a fleeing soldier.

I brought my boot down on the neck of the man I’d dragged from his horse, though Alaric didn’t seem to notice. His focus was singular, his movements predatory as he stalked his prey, a snarl curling his lips. There were no more thugs to fight. We were alone on the road, and I doubted anyone would be coming this way now.

‘Are you done? Can I come out now?’ Ani shouted, rising from the grass, juggling a small fireball in her hand. It seemed her casting ability had also returned after her exposure to the lanara.

I revelled in the panic on Ihrain’s face. He knew he’d lost, and even better, he knew nothing could save him now. Desperation flickered in his eyes as he turned to run. With a single word, Alaric’s magic lashed out—purple ropes of aether shooting out to coil around Ihrain’s legs, pulling him to the ground.

‘You filthy fae bastard,’ Ihrain sneered. Ari calmly walked towards him, stopping only to retrieve his dagger from the dead soldier’s back.

‘I promised you retribution the first time you offended my domina, but I intended to make your death swift,’ Alaric said, viciousness burning with crimson fire in his eyes. ‘Now I will delight in your suffering.’

Gone was the flirty rogue that brightened my day with his throaty laughter, replaced by a dark fae—cruel, vengeful, and deadly.

‘You can’t kill me! Your sister—’ Ihrain’s words turned into an agonised scream when Ari drove the dagger into his thigh.

‘Whatever happens to my sister, you will have no part in it,’ Alaric hissed, twisting the blade. ‘You will die, Ihrain, and it will be slow. Painful. Beautiful.’ His grin was savage. ‘Do you know what’s most interesting about those who enjoy pain? We know exactly how to inflict it without killing.’

‘Ari, we need to question him,’ Annika said, approaching us tentatively.

Alaric smirked, his shadowy tendrils pulling her gently towards him. ‘I don’t need him alive to question him, my Domina,’ he told her. ‘He’s a lying rat who’ll say whatever you want to hear to save his own skin, but the dead can’t lie to a necromancer, and he’ll soon happily answer all of my questions.’

Ihrain howled as Ari twisted the dagger again, the sound tapering into a pathetic whimper. When his eyes began to roll back, he was rewarded with a hard slap across the face, and the former royal apprentice cursed and spat. Tears flowed down his cheek as he tried to crawl away, but Alaric’s magic held him in place.

‘Just kill him,’ Annika said softly, her lips tight. ‘I don’t want ... I know he deserves to die, but don’t play with him. Please.’ Her voice was quiet but resolute, and I noticed her wince as Ihrain’s cries hit a higher note.

‘Why don’t you gather the horses for us, sweetheart?’ I said, giving her an excuse to escape the bloodshed. She hesitated but nodded, walking away.

When she was gone, I turned to Alaric. ‘What are you going to do with him?’

‘Kill him, of course,’ he replied, his voice a mix of venom and dark amusement. ‘But not before I’ve had my fun.’

I frowned. ‘Not when Ani’s watching—’

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression softening. ‘Of course not. Scum like him doesn’t deserve to see her face in his final moments. Besides, I need more time than it’ll take for Ani to return to satisfy this need. Once I grasp his soul, he’ll tell me the location of all the portals and traps he set for Annika.’

I nodded. He was right, and I wouldn’t deny him his vengeance. ‘Gag him and make sure he’s secure. We have cells at the mansion. Do it after Annika’s asleep. That will be easiest for everyone.’

Ari smiled, placing a hand on my cheek. ‘I will. I knew you’d understand.’

Ihrain thrashed and screamed as Alaric bound him, gagging him before Annika returned with three horses in tow.

‘Is he alive?’ she asked, frowning at his immobilised body on the grass.

‘Yes, Domina. I apologise for upsetting you. I will take him to the mansion for questioning,’ he said, bowing his head when she approached to pass him one of the horses’ reins.

‘Ari, I know you’re going to kill him. Just be quick about it,’ she said, biting her lip.

I lifted her onto the nearest horse, distracting her. ‘Come, Nivale. Our fae will do what he has to in order to find out what the bastard’s been up to. We have our own tasks—like tending to that gash on Ari’s side. And later, we’ll talk about what I think of him jumping out to shield me with his body.’

Alaric grinned as he mounted his horse. ‘As always, I am at your command, my lord. But—if I may be so bold—I will always shield you from danger. I have claimed it as my right.’ He glanced ahead. ‘Now, should we go home? I’m afraid the longer we’re here, the more likely we’ll have to face an enraged and anxious dragon if he doesn’t find us at the mansion when he arrives.’

I shook my head with a chuckle. ‘Dark fae—all sass and blades.’

Annika’s laughter broke through the tension, and for a moment, the weight of the night lifted.

1. Open.