Oath of War (The Cursed Bonds #2)

21. Chapter 21

N othing came close to being surrounded by Vahin’s massive frame, his warmth radiating through me as a soft purr reverberated from his chest. It was like being cradled by love, knowing nothing in the world could hurt you.

I smiled, running my hand over his smooth scales. Yesterday, servants had brought a mattress and the softest of pillows for me to sleep on, but I’d simply grabbed a sheet and snuggled up against Vahin’s chest, giggling when he curled himself around me, locking me away from the outside world.

I’d fallen asleep in moments, and as the first rays of the sun teased my senses, I tugged his conveniently placed wing up over my eyes, determined to ignore life a little longer.

I was glad I’d come here. Vahin’s cavern, though not as deep as the one at Varta Fortress, was spacious and full of quiet charm. Vines and roots crept down the walls, softening the stone with touches of green, while moss thrived near shallow pools of water, lending the space a gentle cosiness.

The moment I’d seen it, I’d praised his grotto, seeing how happy it made him when I added a few floating firelights, bathing it in a warm, golden glow. Vahin had preened at the compliment, but it was him that made it truly feel like home.

‘ Vahin? Did I ever tell you how much I love you? ’ I asked, inhaling his metallic scent and basking in the heat radiating from his scales.

A wave of affection flowed through our bond, enveloping me like a comforting blanket. ‘ What use are words when I can feel your heart in mine, Little Flame? ’

I had once tried to describe to Orm how I felt about Vahin, but I couldn’t find the words to express how transcendent it was. All I knew was that even if the wheel of time rolled over us, grinding millennia into dust, my dragon wouldn’t forget me.

‘ I just wanted you to know. Yesterday, my biggest regret was not saying goodbye. I wasn’t afraid of death, but I feared it would hurt you, ’ I said, stretching in my snug, cosy dragon nook. ‘ Today I can tell you and ... I just want you to know that even if I have to fight the gods themselves, as long as I live, I’ll return to you. ’

A deep, rumbling laugh vibrated through his chest, and he shifted his wing just enough for one vivid blue eye to meet mine.

‘ Only you would wake up with a challenge to the gods for the sake of a scaly old dragon, ’ he teased, pulling his wing away.

I grabbed at its hard edge, fighting against his strength. ‘ Don’t you dare! I don’t care who I need to fight, but if you pull this wing away, I swear I’ll bite your membrane. It’s way too early and way too bright. ’

‘ We can’t have that. My wings are far too precious. You win, I bow to your wishes. ’ He paused, his tone shifting. ‘ But I woke you because I can sense Orm’s unhappiness. Something’s happened, and he is conflicted but keeping me away from his thoughts. ’

‘ If it’s because I slept here, he’ll survive, ’I said, though I realised I had to talk to both men.

I had three Anchors—only one other conduit in history had more. My potential to process aether was unparalleled now, amplified by my perfect synergy with Alaric’s calm strength and sharpened by Orm’s ironclad control over the wild power of Vahin’s fire. Together, they were the reason I could wield so much power.

‘ He may survive, ’ Vahin teased dramatically, ‘ but will I? Have mercy on me and spare me his complaints about hogging your attention. ’ A flick of his tongue against my calf made me laugh, the ticklish sensation breaking through my thoughts. ‘ And quit overthinking. You have us to help you manage the aether. ’

I was still giggling when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the cavern. Vahin stretched languidly, easing me gently to my feet. Nudging his head against my hand until I laughed again, he purred contentedly as I stroked his eyelid.

‘To hear your laughter, I would summon thunder to a summer sky, or light it up with a meteor shower,’ he said, his voice brimming with sincerity. ‘All those aeons of waiting in the darkness was worth it for the joy you’ve brought me, my beautiful flame. You’ve made me a very happy dragon.’

Before I could respond, Orm and Alaric appeared on the final step of the cave’s entrance, smiling smugly as they took in the sight of us.

‘See, that’s how beasts lure pretty maidens into their lairs. You should take notes, Ari. You’re fae, after all—poetry should come naturally to you,’ Ormond teased, but his tense posture contradicted the cheerful words.

Alaric arched a brow, his smile sharpening into something impish. ‘I’m dark fae. Our “poetry” is the screams of the victims we torture to fulfil our perverse needs, or so I’m told. But if it’ll please you, I’m willing to serenade Annika with sweet words of love, provided you learn to purr half as well as Vahin.’

Only then did I notice the clothes draped over Alaric’s arm and the boots Orm carried.

‘I really don’t know why you two think you can do better than a dragon,’ I huffed with an exaggerated eye roll. Leaning on Vahin, I gestured to the clothes. ‘Are we going somewhere?’

‘Reynard has called a war council at noon,’ Orm said, his voice turning serious. ‘I need to check on the garrison first, but ... we need to talk.’

The teasing melted away and I realised I was speaking to the commander of the dragon riders—and he was as tense as if he was about to walk into battle.

‘Ani ... Domina, you won’t like what I need to do,’ Alaric said, coming closer and reaching for me with a remorseful expression, ‘but I hope you will hear me out.’

‘Hold on, what do you need to do? What’s going on? Are we under attack?’ My gaze darted to Orm. ‘Is that why you’re going to the garrison?’

Snatching the clothes draped over Alaric’s arm, I started dressing in haste, using Vahin’s forearm to steady myself. ‘Did you interrogate Ihrain?’

‘Yes, he did,’ Orm answered. ‘And no, Rey sent a letter summoning me to the garrison to show me something. Calm down, love. We’re not under attack, but Ihrain’s corpse gave us the names of those allied with the Lich King. I want them rounded up and put under lock and key before the war council meeting begins. The last thing Reynard needs is a rebellion in the capital while we march towards the border.’

‘That’s good news ...’ I said, ‘so why are you frowning? Did he give the location of the portals? I can help destroy them—’

Dropping my nightdress without a second thought, I was interrupted by twin gasps. I glanced up to see both men staring at me, wide-eyed. ‘What?’ I demanded. ‘It’s not like you’ve never seen me naked.’

‘Oh, we know,’ Orm said, a rare grin lifting his lips, ‘but have mercy on your poor men. We can’t go out in public sporting raging hard-ons.’

‘Stop looking at my tits, and it won’t be a problem,’ I retorted, smirking as Alaric moved to help button my bodice.

‘It’s my fault, Domina.’ He sighed, tenderly kissing my neck. ‘I’m trying to delay telling you, knowing we’re about to argue.’

A prickle of fear slid down my spine. I stilled, stepping away slowly, my eyes narrowing as I studied my men.

Orm’s face had shifted to the blank mask he wore whenever darker emotions threatened to break free, while Ari’s expression was one of icy determination. I inhaled slowly, arching a brow and letting the silence hang in the air.

‘Alaric is going to Katrass to save his sister.’ Orm’s words hit me square in the chest. Whatever else he said was drowned out by the blood roaring in my ears. I barely heard his explanation of Cahyon’s planned invasion and Rowena’s ability to free him from the magic keeping him in Katrass.

‘Domina ... Ani, I have to do this,’ Alaric said, his voice snapping me out of my stupor. ‘I promised my sister I would come for her. If the Lich King is allowed to possess my father’s body, nothing will stop him.’ He took my hand, squeezing it tight. ‘I know how dangerous it is ... but I don’t have a choice. Rowena is breaking under his relentless assault. She lets him hold her, and she believes the only way to free me is to fulfil his wishes.’ He held me even as I tried to pull away. ‘It is not a whim or a reckless decision, sweetheart. I need to do this. For her. For Dagome. For you.’

I stood there, stunned, silent as they spoke. It had taken less than a day for my happiness to crumble like a house of cards. It’s not real. It can’t be real. He can’t go .

‘No,’ I snapped, my voice rising as anger exploded out of me. ‘Over my dead body!’ I shouted, pulling away and stumbling back towards Vahin. ‘You are not leaving. You’re going to get yourself killed! We will rescue your sister, but it isn’t as simple as walking into Katrass.’ I was panting as the aether curled around me, rising in turbulent waves.

Alaric followed me, his tone resolute. ‘Domina. I’m not asking for permission, but I am hoping for your understanding. Orm and I have discussed it. I’m going to use the portal before you destroy it. Once I have secured my sister, I’ll wait for you at Varta Fortress. It may take some time, but I will come back to you. I won’t fail you.’

I whirled on Orm, realising that he’d known about this idiocy, hence his tense posture. ‘And you agreed to this?’

‘It’s not my decision to make, my love. Alaric is his own man. If I can’t stop him, then I want to support him in whichever way I can.’

I shook my head in disbelief at his indifference. ‘Support him? This is madness!’

Orm’s voice was calm, the commander bleeding through. ‘Ani, if we set emotions aside, this plan has merit. I would prefer someone else execute it, but what happened in Roan Fortress must never happen again. If Alaric can steal Rowena away, Cahyon would still be trapped in Katrass. We could fight in the Barren Lands instead of having to defend our towns and villages. Strategically, it’s the best move.’

‘ Strategically? ’ I spat. ‘This isn’t a battle plan—it’s Ari! And you’re ready to sacrifice him for a fucking war? What is wrong with you?’

I shouldn’t have shouted, but I was seeing red. I’d barely gotten them back, and now Alaric was planning a suicide mission while Ormond had regressed to being the stone-cold commander who thought of us as weapons of war.

‘It’s my decision, Ani,’ Alaric tried again, reaching for me. ‘I will return to you. I was a spy and an assassin before I became your “Ari,” remember? If not for the curse and the Barrier, I would’ve taken my sister back years ago.’

I shook my head, trying to hold back angry tears.

‘Domina, please ... the Lich King has broken my sister. I saw it when I connected to her mind. He’s broken Ro’s body and will, and once she begins trusting him, he’ll have access to everything. Every monster she’s created, her research, her magic. I can’t let that happen. If he grows even more powerful, imagine the danger that would put you in.’

‘Then let me go with you. You brought me to Varta to be your weapon, so let me be that weapon.’ My vision blurred as tears fell from my eyes. ‘I can’t let you go alone—’

‘You cannot go, Annika,’ Orm cut in. ‘Your presence would endanger him, and worse, if you were captured, Cahyon would torture you both until you’d do whatever he wanted.’ He said it so evenly, and I wanted to rip the emotionless mask off his face. ‘He could even force the Anchor bond on you. It’s ... That’s what I’d do.’

‘And how exactly do you intend to stop me?’ I asked, seeing his jaw tighten in response.

‘Domina, only the fae can manipulate portal magic,’ Alaric murmured, ‘and I will ensure you cannot pass.’ He lowered his gaze, his hands balled into fists as if he were in an ocean of pain.

‘Domina? Alaric’va Shen’ra, if I’m your domina, then ... you have to do as I desire.’ I hid my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably while Vahin hissed, his tail thumping the floor in distress.

‘Ani ... I have to go,’ Alaric whispered. ‘She’s my sister . Bringing her here will protect you both. Please understand ...’ He embraced me then, and I realised that no matter what I said, there was no stopping him. For a brief, shameful moment, I considered asking Valaram to help me keep him in Truso, no matter the cost.

If I only had his geas ...

The thought made me gasp. Had I gone that far? Was I really thinking of taking his free will to keep him here? Suddenly, all the rage was gone, replaced by resignation and a deep sadness.

I was losing him. If I let him go, I might never see him again. But if he were forced to stay, our bond would corrode into something abhorrent, and I couldn’t do that to my beautiful fae. I was with Orm because he had chosen my freedom over his fears, and now it was my turn to trust Alaric, as my Ursus trusted me.

‘Fuck, it hurts,’ I whispered, thumping my chest as my tears blurred his face. Stroking the silken strands of his hair, I swallowed the sob threatening to escape. ‘Fine. I won’t stop you,’ I said, my voice trembling. ‘If you must go, then go with my blessing—and a promise.’

My fingers tightened in his hair as I leaned closer. ‘If you’re taken from me, I won’t run. I won’t hide in some backwater town. I will burn the Lich King’s world to ash, and the gods have mercy on anyone who gets in my way,’ I swore, swallowing my tears when he dropped to his knees. ‘Go, knowing I love you. I hope the shard of my soul you carry will protect you wherever you are.’

‘Annika ...’ he whispered, pressing his forehead to my midriff and inhaling deeply.

I tilted his head back until his gaze met mine, then bent to kiss his forehead. ‘Go,’ I whispered, barely audible, ‘while I still have the strength to let you.’

Turning away so I wouldn’t have to see him leave, I waited. I didn’t hear him rise, but I felt the absence of his warmth. I knew he was gone.

Orm’s voice broke the silence, low and close. ‘That required a strength few possess. But it was the right choice. Let me hold you, love. We both need it.’

He stood so near that his warmth seeped into my skin, but I couldn’t let it soothe me. ‘Was it?’ I asked bitterly, my voice raw. ‘The right choice? Maybe it was the strategic choice—the one that might win us the war. Maybe he’ll succeed and return to us, not too broken to mend. But what if he doesn’t?’

I hadn’t meant to lash out at Orm, but my irrational anger demanded an outlet. It felt like I had been dealt a curse I couldn’t fight, and I didn’t understand how it kept happening.

‘Annika,’ his voice softened, ‘don’t you think I tried to stop him? I used every argument I could think of, but he just stood there, covered in blood, telling me he had to go. I love him too, but Ari is right. He’s found Cahyon’s weakness, and we must take advantage of it. If you’d seen all those bodies at Roan Fortress ... How could I stop him? Alaric’s a powerful necromancer—’

‘Stop,’ I said sharply, raising a trembling hand to silence him.

His jaw tightened, but he fell silent, watching me with careful eyes.

‘Please, don’t. I know you’re trying to help,’ I said through gritted teeth. ‘I know how important this is. But all I see is another sacrifice. How many times must I lose those I love? Gods, am I cursed?’ My voice broke as I pressed shaking hands to my temples. ‘I can’t talk right now. I’m so angry I’ll set the world on fire if you push me.’

The aether crackled around me, the need to lash out so strong that my elemental power responded. Crimson strands shimmered, blazing and pulsing to the rhythm of my heartbeat.

‘Annika, please—’ Orm began, his tone pleading.

‘Orm, leave.’ Vahin’s calm voice echoed through the cavern, and I raised my head to look at my dragon. His eyes reflected a kaleidoscope of emotion. He understood. My beautiful beast, who’d loved and lost, knew that the last thing I needed were excuses for Alaric’s choice. I felt his compassion flow through our bond. ‘Come to me, Little Flame,’ he purred softly, ‘let us calm this raging inferno.’

I stepped away from Ormond’s outstretched hand until I fell against the dragon’s powerful body, feeling it coil around me.

‘ Alaric will return, ’ Vahin rumbled softly. ‘ And your magic cannot harm me. Orm still struggles to express his emotions, so give him some time to explore them. I can take your fury and your fire, but you need to let it out before it turns your heart to ash. ’

Orm’s voice was strained, an unusual vulnerability evident on his face. ‘Annika, please don’t push me away. I know you’re hurting.’

I gripped Vahin’s neck tightly, burying my face against his scales. The words I wished I could offer Orm wouldn’t come. I was too raw, too distressed to comfort anyone, including myself.

Vahin stirred, silent conversation passing between them before he spoke. ‘Trust me, Ormond. Annika will join you when she is ready.’

There was a long moment of silence before I heard Orm’s retreating footsteps.

I whispered my thanks to the dragon and let my rage burn.