Seven
Liam
I crept through the dark, scanning the dense forest for any sign of the Vendeca's homebase. I hadn't found the answers I sought in the pub, or anywhere else in the days following.
Going straight to the source was a good strategy. The problem was the brotherhood’s hideout was well-hidden and I was running out of time to find the fuckers. Too much time had already passed.
"Want some help?" a voice suddenly came out of nowhere, making me slice my sword through the air fast enough to produce a whistle.
The tip barely missed the tanned throat of the last male I wanted to see right now. The asshole didn't flinch.
"Fucker!" I hissed, lowering the blade. "I nearly killed you."
"My apologies," he said with a shallow bow and a smirk. "However, it seems you could use some assistance."
Saxon's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with my tense state. The skilled tracker stood before me, his mismatched eyes, usually one blue and one green, bled into a combination of both.
Though they mixed with his emotions, the few times he showed any, they still twinkled with amusement.
His long silvery ash hair was secured tightly in a braid, revealing the markings on the shorn sides of his head. Though he dressed simply, he always carried a touch of fae elegance, hinting at his divine heritage.
"Where's your hound?" I asked, noticing he was solo.
"He's close."
"Did Nox send you?"
"He did."
I gritted my teeth in frustration. Of course Nox would send Saxon to track me down. Not that I could blame him. I was well-aware of how my swift exit would have been taken.
"I don't need a babysitter," I said sharply. "Especially not you. I'm fine on my own."
"Are you now?" Saxon raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his lean, muscular chest. "Because from what I've seen, you've been stumbling around this forest for hours."
"How would you know? Been spying?"
"Something like that," he answered vaguely. "I can help you speed things along."
"Look–"
"I'm going after her regardless of whatever it is you’re about to say, Liam. You may as well work with me instead of against me," Saxon suggested, his voice level and composed.
I stared at Saxon, tense and on edge. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. He could help me find Raina before it was too late.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the thought of partnering with Saxon, given our history. Yet, I swallowed my pride.
"Fine," I reluctantly agreed.
"Good decision," Saxon nodded in approval. "Now let's go get our girl."
I clenched my fists, trying to keep the jealousy at bay as Saxon's playful grin mocked me. Unwilling to keep him at my back, I motioned for him to lead.
Saxon headed due West, the opposite direction I'd been going, because of course he would show me I was wrong without saying it. I'd have preferred if he said nothing, but I would never be so lucky.
"You know," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "if you just admitted your feelings to Raina, things might have been different."
"Shut up."
I didn't need this right now, not from him, of all people. He'd always had an odd relationship with Raina. They had a baffling closeness I failed to understand.
The few times I'd witnessed them interacting when they happened to be in the same place at the same time, typically at a royal function, they carried on like they'd been the best of friends.
Like they knew one another so well they could communicate without speaking and found enjoyment in teasing and taunting one another. I'd always felt threatened by their connection, especially after …
"Aw, come on," he teased, stepping closer and lowering his voice. "You can't deny there's still something between you two. You tore out of Thornewood like the place was on fire to go after her. I'm sure she'll appreciate knowing that her former betrothed still cares for her."
"Shut your fucking mouth!" I barked, losing my temper.
I never wanted to hear her name pass his lips again. I was about to give Saxon a piece of my mind when a sharp whizzing sound pierced the air. My head snapped in its direction, followed by Saxon's, and I saw Fermac appear out of the shadows, his enormous multi-colored form bounding toward us.
The warhound's champagne eyes, fractured with waves of navy, were wild with excitement. I could already see the red anger tinting his gaze. No one enjoyed seeing them go fully red.
The beast’s powerful jaws were clamped down on the ankle of a bloody member of Vendeca, the assassin's pained expression making it clear that escape wasn't an option.
"Good boy, Fermac," Saxon commended the hound, his teasing tone replaced by one of authority.
Turning back to me, he added, "See, we're making progress already."
I couldn't help but grudgingly admire the lethal efficiency of both Saxon and Fermac. The sight of the captive male brought a renewed sense of urgency, and I pushed aside my personal feelings.
My eyes locked on the captive. "Let's see what he knows."
"Yes, let's," Saxon replied, his gaze serious.
I glared at Fermac's prey, the assassin's eyes wide with fear as the hound's teeth sunk deeper into his flesh. Part of me wanted to hear the bones crushing, punishing him, punishing anyone with unfathomable pain.
I could feel my rage boiling beneath the surface, but I knew that losing control wouldn't get me any closer to the end of this quest.
Saxon seemed to sense my internal struggle and stepped forward.
"As much as I might enjoy killing them all, let's not waste time," Saxon said smoothly. "We have an opportunity here to gather valuable intel. I propose we take our new friend to Aeryn."
He left out his reason for the suggestion. Did he intend to let this piece of shit live? As far as I was concerned, they could all die for their part in this.
Though, if Aeryn could extract information from this Vendeca scum, it would save precious time. Every second counted.
"Do Aeryn and Nox know where I am?"
"Nox told her what the arrows meant. It was her suggestion to bring one of them to her."
Raina was her friend. Aeryn would want to help and there was no way in hell Nox would let her out of his sight with danger still lurking in the kingdom.
"We need to move quickly," I said.
Together, we approached the captive, who had begun to squirm under Fermac's grip. His face was pale, sweat dripping down his brow as he futilely attempted to break free.
"Stop wasting your energy," I advised, grabbing a length of rope from my pack. "It won't help you."
Saxon smirked, producing a gag from his own supplies. "And don't even think about trying to call for help. It'll only end badly for you."
As if on cue, Fermac growled menacingly, tightening his grip on the captive's ankle. The male whimpered, his eyes darting between us, clearly realizing the direness of his situation.
With practiced efficiency, Saxon and I bound the captive's hands and feet, ensuring he wouldn't escape. The gag was secured tightly around his mouth, muffling any potential cries for help.
I was about to ask if Fermac could portal with another in tow when I noticed the forest around us had fallen eerily silent. The usual cacophony of nocturnal creatures was replaced by an oppressive stillness.
I glanced at Saxon who had also noticed.
"We're not alone," Saxon whispered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows.
I tensed, my hand automatically reaching for my weapon. Before I could draw it, Saxon held up a hand to stop me.
"Take the captive and go," he ordered, his voice low and urgent. "Fermac can handle him. I'll hold them off."
"Are you out of your damn mind?" I snapped, unwilling to leave him alone against an unknown number of enemies.
Saxon's expression softened for a split second before he firmly shook his head. "There's no time, Liam. Get the information we need."
"Fucking hell, Saxon," I growled.
Portalling took a second, it wasn't instantaneous. If one of their poisoned arrows hit our prisoner before I could grab him and disappear, we risked his death.
I moved between the male on the ground and the invisible danger I felt beyond the trees. Pointing, I looked at the hound. "Get him to Aeryn. And be careful."
Fermac gave an acknowledging huff and latched onto the bloody ankle he'd had a hold of earlier. I shielded them until they were gone, then turned back to face the encroaching threat.
"Let's make this quick, shall we?" Saxon quipped, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
"With pleasure," I agreed, joining him side by side as the first wave of Vendeca bandits emerged from the shadows.
In seconds, the clash of swords against swords and the unmistakable sound of metal slicing through flesh filled the air. The steady rhythm of our boots moving along the forest floor coincided with screams of pain.
We fought back-to-back, cutting down our enemies with ruthless efficiency. Blood stained the forest floor as we dispatched Vendeca after Vendeca, their numbers dwindling with every passing minute.
I kept an eye out for archers, but the only one with a quiver on his back was already dead. My blade stabbed him again, imagining him being the one who put those arrows in Lorne's back.
Finally, only one remained, bloodied and battered, but still standing. I glowered at him, tempted to strangle him with my bare hands.
"Listen closely," I snarled, grabbing him by the collar. "Do you know who I am? Who he is?" I glanced at Saxon.
"N-no," he panted.
"Then allow me to relieve you of your ignorance. I am Hilmr Liam Duersi, son of the Drótinn of Ephandor, Brahm Duersi, leader of the berserkers,” I pronounced, using my and my father’s official titles. “My companion is the Son of Lugh."
The male gasped, his attention wildly swinging between us. He might not recognize me, but he would know what messing with a Duersian meant, especially the warrior son of the clan’s leader. He would also know Lugh was the god of light and his offspring would be a demigod at the very least.
"I gave a message to one of you already but I’m thinking he never made it back to your base, what with his dead comrades and broken femur.”
“How unfortunate,” Saxon hummed with mock sadness. The Vendeca’s gaze flitted to Saxon.
“Don’t look at him,” I ordered. “You look at me.”
“Sorry,” he panted.
Satisfied I had his full attention, I continued. “You will return and tell your leader who you attacked this night. Tell him King Nox is most displeased. Lady Raina is a close friend of his mate, the future queen, and the lady is under the king and future queen’s protection.”
“Lady R-Raina?” he stammered. “I don’t know who that is.”
“I don’t give a shit. You’re a messenger, remember?”
He quickly nodded.
“If the Vendeca continue to hunt Lady Raina, or lift a single finger against her or her allies again, we will return and eradicate the Vendeca from existence. In fact, I may still do so. That's the consequence of the decision to take such a contract. Do you understand?"
The man nodded frantically, terror flashing in his eyes. Satisfied, I released him, watching as he stumbled away into the darkness.
"Let's get to Thornewood," Saxon said quietly, his gaze lingering on the carnage around us. "We've wasted enough time."
With a final glance at the scattered corpses, I opened a portal to Thornewood. As we stepped through, I couldn't help but hope that Saxon and I had captured the right Vendeca to question.
The moment we arrived at the castle, my brain had to adjust to the scene unfolding before us. Fermac stood proudly, head held high, with the unconscious captive draped across his back like a hunting trophy.
Aeryn, Astrid, and Mirrelle stood not far from the warhound, concern and mild annoyance etched onto their faces.
"He won't let us near the male," Astrid informed us.
Mirrelle sighed. "I told you dogs don't like to let go of their toys."
Fermac growled.
"Yeah, yeah, you're not a dog. We know you're a big bad beastie," she rolled her eyes, "so why don't you let go of your bone?"
"Seems like Fermac has become territorial of his ... bone," Saxon remarked dryly. "Or you've insulted him and he's waiting for an apology."
The giant canine canted his head, one ear flopping down, one up. It almost made him look like a puppy.
"I think he's a little sensitive," I muttered, my own lips curving into a reluctant smile.
"Cooperate, please," Saxon said to his hound. "We need to extract information from him. He might know where Raina is."
Fermac immediately tilted and the captive rolled onto the floor. His short fur, the patches of white, black, and blue-grey, now had stains of crusted blood.
I removed the gag and the prisoner spit at me. Jerking, the sputum landed on the side of my head instead of my eye.
As I wiped it on my arm, Fermac rumbled angrily, lowering his muzzle to the male's crotch and baring his teeth. I may not have cared for Saxon, but his canine companion was growing on me.
Mirrelle cackled, sauntering up and standing at the asshole's shoulder. "If I were you I'd cooperate before those choppers remove your balls."
"Aeryn?" I inquired.
"Of course," she answered, pale green eyes glowing with power as she approached the belligerent captive. "I'll do whatever it takes to find her."
Astrid stayed close to Aeryn, pointing her sword at the male's throat. "You move, you die."
Instead of fighting, he let his eyelids fall and relaxed his head on the floor in defeat. There was nothing he could do and he knew it.
We watched as Aeryn knelt and placed her hands on the male's head. As she delved into his thoughts and memories, a sudden tension filled the air, thick and palpable.
Just then, Nox entered the room, his grey eyes narrowed in concern. "What's going on?" he demanded, surveying the situation.
"Trying to get some answers," I replied quickly, feeling the pressure of time bearing down on us.
Nox nodded, his gaze locked on Aeryn as she continued her mental examination. The room was silent, save for the occasional whimper from the captive.
Find something, I willed, my heart pounding in my chest. Find anything.
Aeryn's face contorted with concentration, her brow furrowed as she delved deeper into the captive's mind. I clenched my fists at my sides, my nerves frayed as I watched her work.
Beside me, Saxon stood with his arms crossed, his eyes flicking between Aeryn and the male on the ground.
"Got it," Aeryn finally said, her voice strained. "They're taking her to Dusthaven. That's ... that's where they plan to sell her."
A cold sweat broke out across my skin. Dusthaven was a mecca for those trafficking in skin and sin.
Portaling directly into the city was impossible due to the magical barriers surrounding the territory of Antara. It would take precious time to travel there on foot or horseback.
"Did you get anything else, Aeryn?" Astrid inquired.
"The Vendeca were hired help only. Raina's parents and several others, whose names and faces he doesn't know, had a contract with someone to sell Raina. It was a fae bargain, so it has to be fulfilled. It's why they paid so much for the help. It doesn't make any sense, though. What’s the point?"
Nox and I exchanged a worried glance as he pulled his mate into his arms. "They were trying to divide us. They still are but, specific to Raina, the fuckers don’t have a choice. They’ll be compelled to keep trying until it is done."
Fuck. I was head of security, the one responsible for guarding the king and the royal family. "Nox–"
"Go," he ordered. "Lorne is awake. He can help me figure out how to keep us safe and dig around for more intel. Go to the armory, take what you need. Take soldiers with you, too."
Saxon shook his head. "We'll be able to move faster on our own and draw less attention if it's just us. I know the fastest route there. We'll be fine."
My king looked at me. It was my call.
"We'll be fine," I parroted.
"Bring her back," Aeryn insisted. "I don't care what you have to do, but bring her back. Because if you don't, I'll raze that shithole to the ground and I don't care who gets hurt."
She'd never sounded so bloodthirsty. I stood straight and gave the future queen a formal bow.
"Saxon stays with you, Liam. That's not a request."
I nodded curtly to Nox and headed toward the door. Saxon followed, his long strides matching mine.
"Liam," he said quietly, his tone serious, "you know what happens in Dusthaven."
I hated that he felt the need to remind me, to call attention to it. "Of course I know."
"Then it's best you prepare yourself for what we find."
Our footsteps echoed through the empty corridors as I imagined the worst. Raina was no longer mine, but the horribly sick feeling I was getting hit me like she was.
We exited the main building of the castle and went straight to the armory. The light coming from the fae lanterns reflected off the polished blades and gleaming armor.
"Grab what you need," I told him, seeking some of the smaller weapons that could be carried easily. When we found Raina, she'd need to be armed for the trek back.
As we moved through the armory, our movements were swift and purposeful. I grabbed a new pack, one that already had food, water, and a bedroll.
"Why are you helping me?" I asked, instantly regretting it as I casted a sideways glance at Saxon." Aside from Nox sending you to me earlier."
He snorted, shouldering a crossbow and grabbing a handful of bolts.
"Helping you helps her," he replied casually, the ghost of a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
"You could have gone after Raina yourself."
"And have her hero-worship me forever? No thank you. Plus, you were already exactly where I would have gone if I'd been on my own. May as well have two heads working together."
"I'm serious, Saxon."
This time he turned to me fully. "What did you pack?"
My brow slanted. "What does it matter?"
"Humor me."
I opened the backpack and showed him. "Same as you, food, water, weapons, and the like."
"No, not the same as me."
He picked up a small bag I'd chosen. "Dried winter berries." Then another. "Iceland moss."
Saxon unsheathed a dagger. "Two dirks and a half-dozen throwing knives. And," he held up a vial, "a frost tonic."
"It's refreshing in the heat," I argued weakly.
"It is. It also helps frost nymphs replenish energy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the dirk is Raina's dagger of choice, yes? And the berries and moss are–"
"I know what you're doing. You can stop."
"I'm not the one who's been moping around like a lovesick fool."
"I have not been moping," I snapped, my face flushing with anger, but Saxon cut me off with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Save it, Liam. We both know how you feel about Raina, deep down in your very soul. Deny it all you want, but I'm not interested in convincing you of what you already know in your heart. You have every right to be angry, to loathe her family. You're still hurt by Raina's inability to put you above all else. But did you do the same for her?"
His question took me aback.
"Did you consider for one second the hell her parents put her through and how hard, pathetic as you think it to be, she tried to get her mother and father to love her? Can you even imagine what that's like for a child? Because I can. You wonder what bonded Raina and I together? Give it more than a second and I'm sure you'll figure it out."
Saxon expediently put everything back into the pack, his movements more agitated than I'd ever seen. He handed it to me, but didn't let go.
"If I thought you unworthy, Liam Duersi, I'd have taken her from you already. If you don't pull your head out of your ass, I still might."
The threat rolled down me like lava down the mountain.
Saxon shoved the bag into my chest and flung his own over his shoulder. "Focus on finding her. Everything else can wait. I'll meet you at Ogul's Pass."
Saxon disappeared. As much as I wanted to rage at him, I buried it, strapped a short sword to my waist, and left the armory.
I portaled to the edge of Antara, to where Saxon said he'd be. Fermac was already there, sitting beside his master.
"Ready?" the demigod asked pointedly.
"Lead the way."
As we set off into the night, I felt an uneasy truce settle between us. We were in agreement that the only thing that mattered was the mission at hand.
After we found her? Well, that would be another battle altogether.
The question was, did I want to win it?