Oath of War (The Cursed Bonds #2)

36. Chapter 36

I stood, my feet rooted to the spot, looking at the brown wagon parked alone on a carpet of wildflowers next to the small sandy bank of the nearby river.

It looked so ... ordinary, and yet, I knew it was perfect.

‘Are you sure you want to do this?’

Bryna stood next to me, her face uncharacteristically solemn. I reached out and squeezed her hand. We’d spent all day going through Katja’s belongings. I’d lost count of the times we’d fallen into each other’s arms and cried, saving the useful items to be given away and carefully putting her personal possessions aside. My always pragmatic Katja would have wanted this.

‘Ani?’

‘Yes, I want to do this. Let it be her resting place, here by the river. Do you think she’d like it?’ I asked, sniffing back the tears.

‘Oh, knowing her, she would complain that it’s too wet or the frogs make too much noise,’ Bryna answered, pulling me close. ‘She would love it, Ani.’ She sighed. ‘You know, I always thought Katja would be the last of us to go. She was always so careful about everything.’

‘Not about choosing friends,’ I mumbled, but Bryna heard and grasped my shoulders, turning me to face her.

‘She had the best friends she could ever wish for. Katja loved us, loved you. It was her choice to fight, and she’d be so pissed if she could hear you now. She saved you, Ani. So pull your head out of your arse. Katja wouldn’t blame you. I don’t blame you. The only person who blames you is you .’

The half-orc pushed me towards the wagon. ‘Now, light the fucking fire, and give Katja’s spirit the send-off she deserves! Let your guilt burn with it.’

‘You don’t understand,’ I said.

‘Oh yes, I fucking do! You don’t think I feel guilty, too? If I’d been faster, stronger, more observant ... I could have kept you both safe. But ask yourself this: “What would Katja say?”’

Bryna put her hands on her hips and stared at me with a challenging look in her large brown eyes. ‘What would Katja say, Annika?’

I looked up. The sun had already set, but a pink hue still lit the horizon, and the soft lights of the stars were emerging in the evening sky.

Are you there, my friend, exploring the stars and rolling your eyes at me now?

The sky was silent, as always, and only the shadows of soaring dragons disturbed its peace. I would have to find my own answers.

‘To stop with this nonsense and kick the Lich King where the sun doesn’t shine,’ I said, giving Bryna an apologetic smile. ‘I’m so selfish, Bry. You also lost a friend, and I didn’t even ask how you feel ... I’m so sorry, I haven’t been myself lately.’

‘Oh, no. I know you, I know how much you care, so don’t you fucking dare apologise to me. I’ll be alright. Now, burn something. Maybe it’ll help.’ Bryna nodded at the wagon. ‘It’s time, Annika. Let’s say goodbye to our friend.’

I called out to the stars, not for an answer this time, but for their power.

It may have been soft and gentle, but their answer sheathed my arms in flames. They felt so pure, familiar, untainted by the death trapped in my heart. The fire warmed my hands, and I rolled it between my fingers. Soft, crackling flames—smokeless, yet somehow, I caught the scent of the healing balm that always trailed after Katja infused within its heart.

‘Goodbye, my pragmatic herbalist. In every colour of our time, here and beyond the Veil, you were my friend, my sister ... I feel so lost without you,’ I offered to the flames before releasing them, watching as they enveloped the wagon, burning brightly.

The scent intensified, and I inhaled sharply, choking back the sob that threatened to escape my constricted throat. Bryna frowned, but I had already turned towards the fire. We stood there silently, watching until the flames finally died and all that remained was a mound of cinders.

Bryna eventually spoke. ‘I need to get back. But I’m glad we did this. She would have liked it.’

I embraced the half-orc. ‘I’ll stay a bit longer.’

Bryna nodded, giving the pyre one last look as she squeezed me goodbye before walking back to camp, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The night’s chill ran down my spine as I approached the smouldering remains, mesmerised by the soft, glowing light. I should have gone back to the tent before Orm called for another search mission, but for the first time since the battle, I felt at peace.

‘I know I stayed late and missed the meeting,’ I said as I heard footsteps behind me. ‘I’ll do better tomorrow and even listen as you brief me on what was said when we return.’

‘I don’t know about the meeting, but I’m glad I didn’t miss you, Domina.’

The melodic voice had a distinct rasp, and I shook, frozen in place. I was afraid that if I turned, if I faced the man who spoke, he would disappear, and all my hope with him.

He came closer, and I swallowed hard, my throat so dry I couldn’t speak a word. ‘Ani, I know I made the wrong decision, and it cost you dearly, but can’t you even look at me?’

I dragged in a strained breath that was half sob and turned rapidly to face the man looking at me with utter devotion.

‘Annika ...’ he whispered, a soft smile lighting up his tired face.

My fingers curled into fists, my nails cutting deep into my palms. If this is a trick ...another latawiec sent to torment me.

‘You ...’ I finally managed. ‘You ... Who the fuck are you? Are you even him ?’

I lunged at Alaric, hitting him in the chest. My attack must have startled him because I got a few hits in, and when he leaned in to grasp my hands, my poorly-aimed punch got him in the face. I gasped, pulling away as I realised two things: one, that he was physically real , and two, that it was my Ari—the first thing he’d done as he grasped my wrists was mutter a healing cantrip.

‘Alaric! Oh gods, but how?’ I asked, looking up at him. ‘I thought he was going to kill you, that I’d have to live without you ...’ My words were punctuated by my fists against his chest. ‘How did you escape?’

‘I came to you as soon as I could ... Annika, please, stop,’ he pleaded. ‘Are you hurt?’

I struggled to break free and he raised my hand to inspect it in an all-too-familiar gesture.

‘Stop it. Stop acting like nothing happened, like you haven’t been through hell.’ I pulled my hand back and shook it. ‘This doesn’t hurt. You can’t hurt what’s broken. They killed Katja ... and I mourned you. Do you think any physical pain can match that?’

I cried, relief mixing with anger when I noticed his sorry state. Alaric looked like he had crawled through bloody sewers, and all he cared about was my aching hand. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and kiss every single bruise on his body—right before giving him a few new ones for endangering his life.

But I must have spoken the wrong words because shock widened his pupils, and Alaric released me, dropping to his knees. He pulled a crude-looking dagger from his belt and pressed its tip to his heart.

‘What the fuck are you doing?’ I asked, clasping the blade as a wave of fear washed over me.

‘The honourable thing,’ he answered with a sad smile, reaching for my hand. I watched in disbelief as he wrapped my fingers around the hilt.

‘I made a mistake, ignoring the vjesci’s warning and falling for my sister’s ploy, even feeling something was wrong,’ he said. ‘I endangered your life and almost caused us to lose the battle. If you can’t forgive me, then take my life. It is better I die by your hand than live without you.’

I shook my head, pulling back, but he stopped me. His hand tightened over mine, and our struggle pushed the knife into his flesh.

‘Alaric’va Shen’ra, let go of my hand!’ At the command in my voice, he instantly released me, and I threw the dagger as far away as I could. ‘Stand up!’

‘Annika?’

My name on his lips carried so many unspoken questions. Hope flashed in his eyes, but I shook my head again as I glared at him.

‘How dare you? How could you think I would ever ...?’ My voice wobbled, and I had to stop to calm myself. ‘I was just scared and angry. I thought I would have to beg that bastard for your corpse, and you just jumped out of the bushes like you had just been taking an evening stroll. I overreacted. But thinking I want you dead ... Ari, just stand up and hold me, you idiot.’

He gaped at me. ‘What?’

‘Did the Lich King pour lead into your pointy ears? Stand up, embrace me, and start behaving like my fae before I start to wonder if Cahyon jumped into another body,’ I said.

Ari’s heart hammered against his ribs as he swept me up into his arms. Pressing his cheek to my hair, he breathed in my scent while stroking my back and playing with my braid. I felt his hands shake, his breath hitch, as if he were overwhelmed by a maelstrom of emotion, so I gave him a moment.

Closing my eyes, I listened to the night, the soft hooting of the owls and the rustling of dry autumn leaves. We were so close to Katrass that the air had a distinct salty scent despite the lingering smoke from the wagon’s remains.

‘Hrae, I’m so dirty but ... can I kiss you, Domina?’ Alaric’s lips brushed my ear, causing goosebumps.

‘Do you have to ask?’ I answered, raising my gaze to his.

My heart ached at seeing how tired he was. The dark shadows under his eyes were matched only by the stubble obscuring his sharp jawline. His new look was so unexpected that I held my hand up as he leaned in to kiss me.

‘Wait. You can grow a beard?’ I asked as his lips pressed into my palm.

Alaric chuckled. ‘If I try really hard. Fae kind were not overly blessed with facial hair. Now, can I kiss you, or do you wish to explore what else hides under the layers of dirt?’

I pulled myself higher, standing on my toes. Ari’s lips met mine with a sweet tenderness, and I sighed, melting into his arms. He didn’t rush, perfectly sensing my mood. Finally, he broke the kiss, brushing away strands of my hair from my face.

‘I’m sorry for leaving. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to support you during the battle. I’m sorry for Katja,’ he said, peppering my face with little kisses. ‘Will you forgive me?’

‘It wasn’t your fault ... I scorned you, but if she was my sister, I would probably have done the same ...’ I said, my thoughts drifting to Katja, but my dangerous fae looked so remorseful that I couldn’t help but smile. ‘But I need your promise. Swear you’ll never leave me again.’

‘On my honour!’ Alaric said it so vehemently, and when he sealed the words with a hard and possessive kiss, I felt them imprinted on my soul.

I chuckled, my cheeks red as we parted. ‘We need to get back to the tent. Orm most likely thinks I’m lying drunk in a ditch,’ I said. He gave me a sharp look and I shrugged, explaining, ‘I didn’t know how to handle everything that happened, so I coped the best I could ...’

Ari only sighed, pulling his hood over his head, hiding both his white hair and aristocratic facial features. ‘Let’s go. Things will improve now that I’m here to look after you.’

‘Good,’ I said. ‘I’ve run out of excuses to keep Valaram away.’

Alaric’s hands tightened on my body. ‘That wretched fae ... Did he try to entrap you?’

‘No, he was helpful. Maybe just a little too helpful,’ I answered, resisting the urge to chuckle at Alaric’s unhappy expression.

‘I shouldn’t care, Domina, but I think I will break his fucking legs if I catch him chasing after you.’

His words were harsh, but Alaric’s presence soothed a deep ache in my soul, and even though I still felt guilty, holding his hand allowed me to smile again.

‘I’m so glad you’re back. No one can replace you, Ari, no matter how hard they try,’ I said, stroking his face and pulling him towards the camp. ‘Come, I want to see Orm’s face when he sees you.’

As we strolled back to camp, I cast one last look at the ash by the riverbank.

Thank you, Katja. Thank you so much. Take good care of her, Arachne .

Alaric’s appearance right after I had said my goodbye felt like her blessing, and if I knew my Katja, she would already be pulling Arachne’s strings to help us.

The camp was quiet as we walked through the sea of tents. A few curious glances turned our way, their frowns deepening when they saw me walking arm in arm with a strange man. Their disapproval only stoked my rebellious streak, so I leaned closer to Alaric, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. For a moment, I wondered if anyone would be bold enough to defend my virtue, but it seemed the soldiers knew when to keep their heads low and their mouths shut.

As we neared Ormond’s tent, I stopped and turned to Alaric. ‘Let me go in first. I’ll soften him up for this sweet little surprise,’ I said with a wink.

Alaric nodded, positioning himself near the entrance.

I stepped inside and sauntered over to the cushions where my warrior sat sharpening his blade. His expression didn’t change, nor did his tone when he spoke.

‘I’m glad you’re back. Do you need anything?’

The flatness of his voice caught me off guard, pulling a frown to my face.

‘No. How was the patrol? Did something happen? I’m not drunk—I was just busy,’ I blurted out, wondering what had prompted his strange mood.

Orm set his sword aside, standing up with a deliberate calmness that sent a shiver down my spine.

‘I know you were busy. The soldiers saw you kissing a fae next to a burning wagon. Why, Annika? You promised there would be no one else besides Ari and me. Who is it? Valaram?’

The golden ring of fire flared in his eyes, betraying his jealousy, and I suddenly realised how far his thoughts had spiralled. The absurdity of it struck me, and I struggled to suppress a laugh, which only deepened his scowl.

‘Does my pain amuse you?’ he asked. ‘Who is it, Ani?’

I simply raised an eyebrow. ‘And if I told you? Would you kill him? Is that why you’ve been sharpening your sword?’

‘No, Annika. If any man forced or coerced you, that would be different. His life wouldn’t be worth the mud under my boot. But we both know you are too strong to be forced and too smart to be coerced, so it was your choice, and I have to accept it. So, who is the lucky bastard I’ll have to call brother from now on? Tell me—before I go sleep with my dragon.’

Ormond was furious, and as much as his jealousy pleased the vixen in me, I couldn’t continue with him hurting like this.

‘Come in, my mysterious fae. The commander wishes to see you,’ I called, my voice loud enough to carry beyond the tent.

‘You brought him to my tent?’ Orm growled, rearing back like an enraged bear as the entrance flap opened. His eyes narrowed when Alaric, still hooded, stepped inside with unhurried grace.

‘I hope you are satisfied with our lady’s choice,’ Ari said smoothly, pulling back his hood to reveal his face. ‘Because I intend to stay.’

Ormond stepped back, grasping the edge of the table.

‘Fuck me.’

‘If you wish,’ Alaric replied with a wry grin. ‘But maybe tomorrow. I’m exhausted, and Annika looks like she could use some sleep.’

Orm crossed the space in three long strides, pulling him into a rough embrace before kissing him with a passion that made me wonder whether it was me that should sleep with Vahin tonight.

As I was pondering my sleeping arrangements, Ormond took Alaric’s chin, tilting his face to the light before he growled, ‘How did you manage to escape? Fuck! I’ll kill the bastard that did this to you.’

My moan of embarrassment made him look over as I sank heavily onto the pillows, horrified by Alaric’s black eye.

‘I don’t think you will, although I admit our wicked woman has good aim,’ Ari said with a grin. ‘As for the rest, I climbed my way out of an oubliette and escaped via a very unpleasant sewer. That’s why it took me so long.’

Orm looked between Alaric and me, shaking his head as I tried to disappear within the cushions. ‘Let me sum this up. You, by some miracle, escaped the Lich King’s prison almost without a scratch only to ...’ He closed his eyes and inhaled slowly. ‘Annika, is this some strange foreplay between the two of you? Also ... why his face?’

‘I can try to heal it,’ I said, offended by his tone.

Alaric laughed, extracting himself from Orm’s arms to untie his cloak.

‘Leave healing to me, Domina,’ he said, looking around the tent. ‘But right now, more than healing, I need rest. I haven’t slept much since escaping Katrass. It was an arduous journey, and fighting golems was not fun. Still, here I am, smelling like rotten fish but safe, so if I could ...?’

Ormond nodded, pointing to a bucket of water in the corner. ‘Wash off the worst of it. The smell is pretty awful. We’ll get you a bath tomorrow after training.’

I wrapped my arms around my knees, curling up in the nest I’d created, observing their interaction. While I’d lashed out like a madwoman at seeing Ari, Orm took it in stride and immediately started organising things.

I couldn’t help but smile sheepishly as they both approached me. Orm carried a few blankets, effortlessly transforming the simple space into a cozy bed. He settled in first, leaning back against the pillows and patting his chest in invitation.

Without hesitation, I lay my head against him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Then he reached for Alaric, who was still damp from his ablutions, pulling him close until Ari nestled against his other side, his grin mischievous as his eyes met mine.

I chuckled, reaching across Orm until my fingers entwined with Alaric’s. My Ursus let out a deep breath, his chest rising and falling beneath my cheek before he exhaled slowly. His arms tightened around us both, and I felt a gentle tremor run through his body—a release of tension he’d been holding too long, and I heard him whisper.

‘Fucking finally .’