CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
A GROWL RIPS FROM MY throat as I thrust my blade up into another one of my father’s sympathizers. I don’t even think they know what they are truly fighting for and considering that he has the largest chunk of the Soul Stone, it’s a good possibility.
I watch out of the corner of my eye as Ravina practically dances and glides across the battlefield, blood coating the stunning armor she had crafted for us.
She’s holding up well. Killian stays nearby, towering over everyone and looking as menacing as Death himself, cutting down anyone within arms length while keeping an eye on our mate.
Meanwell I’ve positioned myself right between Cynder and Rav, my sister—or well Rav’s sister.
That’s still confusing to me, but she is still and will always be my family.
She demanded to be a part of the battle, so much like Rav.
She said she would just join anyway, and at least this way I can keep my eye on her.
The Safir Raiders and Lennox have not left her side even once.
And they rarely let her fight, but when one enemy slips through, she’s right there ready for the kill.
She’s come into her magick beautifully. I’ve never been so proud, and honestly I’m surprised at how well they work together, including Lennox.
His gryphon—like our dragons—circles above, keeping us protected from aerial attacks.
They work very similarly to how we protect Rav, and for some reason that both comforts and disturbs me. My sister should stay unmated forever. No male is worthy of her.
My fist tightens on my sword as I swing it again, taking out another as Jesper skips past, slaughtering another male who was about to come at me next, the shadowstone armor encasing his body not slowing him down at all—it’s like the blood he’s coated in blends perfectly with the sheen of the metal.
Roz and Ember are also nearby, and knowing that I can see everyone I care about and those my mate cares for, is helping keep me centered.
Aemon stands at my flank lazily flicking his shadows around as he whisks enemies away into the shadow realm to be lost forever, and if they manage to get past him, his blade easily takes care of them.
We work like a well-oiled machine, but this is just the beginning.
Who knows how long this will last—how long will it take for my father to stop hiding behind his army and make an appearance.
So far there’s been no shadow wraiths, but we all know it’s just a matter of time.
The Royal Guard surrounds all of us, fighting fiercely just like Killian has trained them, to protect our Queen and most importantly, our heart.
I slice the spine of a stealth-fighter trying to sneak up towards Kill---someone whose unshielded face reminds me of one of Craven's guards who once kicked the shit out of me.
All this horrible war, and that's the thing that shakes me.
I take a moment, suddenly sucked back into memories that used to keep me up at night.
Memories of dark places, and pain. But no more since I've been sleeping next to my mate and brothers.
I remember knowing I didn't deserve her, that I didn't deserve anything but death at their hands after betraying them thanks to my sperm donor's meddling.
But now despite his evil, I am here, thanks to Ravina.
Things have come full circle and now I don't just redeem myself, I thrive, easily stepping into the role my poor excuse for a father tried to steal: protector of the realm, mate to an incredible woman.
I’m determined that we will all make it out of this alive.