Chapter 57
Sauntering into the town square, she heard the thumping of wings and then bodies landing on the ground.
“Fuck yeah!” Boone yelled with his fist pumping into the air, her eyes glancing at him as he approached.
“Thank Odin.” Finnley sighed in relief and she could see his eyes taking in her wings folded into her back.
“Everyone ok?” she asked, her eyes gazing at each one of them for any injuries. From what she could see, there was none visible but she knew better than anyone some of the worst wounds couldn’t be seen.
“Everyone is fine.” Kaden said, coming up behind her. “Thanks to you and that wonderful power of yours.”
She glanced over her shoulder with a smirk, his eyes meeting her with a sparkle in them. He was watching her carefully, his features soft and she knew he was fully taking in her new look.
“Well, now we can really kick Mavros’s ass,” Xander said, his voice exhausted.
“After today, I’m going to do more than that,” she snarled. “I’m going to kill him, Silas, and whoever else is behind all this bullshit.”
Kaden’s hand pressed against the small of her back, her wings instantly disappearing from his touch and she took in a deep breath.
“I’m going to scout to make sure no more are headed this way, the rest of you double check we killed them all.” Kaden ordered, while the rest of the group disbursed in different directions, leaving her and Kaden alone.
“How did you do it?” He asked hesitantly.
She turned to him as she sheathed her sword and placed her hand on his chest just above his heart. Pulling on their bond, she smirked and let her hand feel the pounding of his heart.
“I had too much to lose.” she sighed.
He placed his hand over hers, his warmth setting her flame even brighter around her and he grabbed her face with her other hand softly.
“Come with me?” he whispered.
She nodded and he launched into the sky, she herself following him up above the tall trees.
The fresh air hitting her face brought her a familiar calm. The feeling of true freedom coursed through her and she realized she didn’t feel like she was closed off anymore.
“How does it feel?” Kaden yelled next to her as they scouted the surrounding area.
“Freeing.” She smiled back.
He dove under her and then shot up just in front of her playfully. She darted up after him, the clouds getting closer and then they both started to freefall back down.
It was one thing to fly around with friends, but to be able to finally do this with Kaden felt so much more special. She had her power back, thanks to him and the way he had believed in her.
“I don’t see anything.” He yelled again. “We should head back and make sure the villagers are ok.”
She nodded and they both dove towards the caves and she could see the rest of the group just ahead of them.
As soon as she landed, her people started to yell in excitement and poured out of the cave towards her.
“She did it!” a male voice yelled.
“Thank Odin!” a female screamed.
Halvard was suddenly running towards her, arms out and she caught him in a tight hug as she kneeled to the ground.
“Thank you,” the boy cried against her shoulder.
Her throat tightened and it took all she had not to start sobbing in front of everyone. She had done it, she had gotten her power back and saved her people.
“Are we safe now?” an elderly lady asked a few feet from her.
She rose letting go of the boy and let out a long breath. “For now,” she said with a firm voice. “The enemy has given wings to its abominations and Mydalsa is at risk.”
She could hear voices whispering around her and people glancing around with worried looks.
“We will make sure to protect our home, just like before.” Kaden started, his eyes glazing at her. “This time we have our Queen to help.”
Tears formed in her eyes, that statement making her heart leap and she could feel the tension around them melt.
“You are safe to go home.” she gestured to the trail back to the village.
People started to head back towards their homes, hugging her as they passed and she couldn’t help but let a few tears slide down her cheek.
The battle had been won, but they still had a war coming and she only hoped her power would be enough to win it.
Xander and Boone stayed in the village to help the villagers while the rest of their group headed back towards her longhouse.
“I'm so glad you are ok,” Raine said, squeezing her hand as they entered the large main hall.
“I could say the same to you.” She smiled back.
“This is yours.”
Raine handed her axe back to her and she nodded in thanks. It had been strange to be missing that weight on her hip but she had known it was in good hands.
“So, are you ready to go kick some butt?” Finnley teased.
“It’s not going to be that easy.” she groaned.
“We still need to figure out who is behind the betrayal and the attacks.” Kaden sighed.
“I think we keep my power a secret for now.” she suggested. “It gives us an advantage.
“I agree.” Kaden nodded.
The large wooden door opened and she saw Xander and Boone saunter in.
“The village was untouched, it seems everyone was able to return home.” Xander said with a long breath.
She glanced in his direction and could see the exhaustion in his eyes, and he knew it was warranted with how hard he fought. All of them seemed to be that way, including her.
“How long until we need to return to Elnora on time?” she asked towards Kaden.
“We had a few days but I’m thinking we should leave tomorrow and spend a night on the road in case he has people out scouting for you.” Kaden replied.
“I agree.” Xander nodded.
Raine and Finnley were sitting on the other side of the table, both looking like they were holding the other in gratitude they both made it out.
“You think Emris will blame us for the attack?” Boone asked casually.
“If Silas or whoever is behind it spins it the right way, it is a possibility.” Kaden groaned.
“Ok,” she started, her hand resting on Kaden’s arm as they kept standing in the middle of the room. “We go back on the road and if Emris tries anything stupid, I will take care of it.” she smiled hesitantly. “I have my power back and he is no match for me.”
“We can’t just take out the king.” Xander barked. “We need a plan.”
“We will see how it goes and make it up as we go.” Kaden snapped, obviously annoyed with Xander’s tone.
“Why don’t we all just go take a breather?” She said, looking around as the tension rose. “I’m going to go get cleaned up and head back down to the village.”
Everyone nodded and started to disperse out of the room leaving her and Kaden alone again.
“I have an idea if things go bad,” he said quietly. “But you are not going to like it.”
She raised her eyebrow and followed him into her room and when he told her the plan, she did in fact hate it.