He cleared his throat. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Leukos—”
“Every time I close my eyes, I see you hurt. I see what I did to you.” The memory clawed at him—her face contorted in pain, her whimpers as ice dug into her skin. “And it tears me apart, Alena.”
Her voice softened, the tension easing. “Stop. Don’t blame yourself. I forgive you. If only you had come to see me afterwards, I would have told you so.”
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” he said low, forcing himself to meet her eyes.
“You deserve everything and more,” she replied, her words laced with an unshakeable conviction that should have bothered or unsettled him, but instead brought a sense of comfort. “But you can’t stop me from fighting for what I believe is right.”
He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “I know. I couldn’t stop you in Bruna, and I certainly can’t stop you now. Omega or not, you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met. Reckless, too.”
A small smile broke across her face, filling him with warmth. “Well, someone’s got to keep you on your toes.”
The wind stirred the trees, branches whispering above. Strands of her auburn hair slipped free from her braid, swirling in the restless breeze. He fought the urge to tuck them behind her ear.
Instead, he stepped closer, towering until she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. The world fell away until only the two of them remained beneath the trees.
“If something ever happened to you, Alena,” he murmured, his words slow and deliberate, “no god or mortal could stop the ice storm I’d unleash upon this world.”
He would tear it all apart, consequences be damned. Because without her, the world was nothing but an empty shell, devoid of meaning.
She stepped back, a soft blush blooming across her cheeks before her expression tightened. “Leukos… if something were to happen to me?—”
“Don’t,” he growled, cutting her off. “Don’t even finish that thought. Nothing will happen to you. Not while I’m still breathing.”
But she held firm. “If something were to happen to me,” she insisted, “you’ll take care of Kaixo, won’t you?”
Leukos hesitated only a heartbeat before answering. “Of course.”
The Non-Human boy meant more to him than he cared to admit. Leukos knew too well the weight of Kaixo’s pain and loneliness after losing his mother. That knowledge sparked a fierce protectiveness—he would watch over the boy, no matter what.
Pelagios’ booming voice pierced through the trees. “Soldiers! Line up!”
Nik slid into formation beside the Silver Shield as the others snapped to attention, pulling on helmets and settling into disciplined ranks. Moments later, Theo approached, leading Leukos’ horse by the reins.
Alena’s expression sobered, and she bit her lip. “Leukos?—”
“Stay with Phoebe,” he cut her off, unease coiling tight in his gut at the thought of saying goodbye again. “She’ll protect you.”
“But most of Theo’s plan relies on you,” she pressed.
“Don’t worry about me.” He forced the words out, eyes fixed ahead. “Just stay focused—and summon the Cyprian’s armour for protection.”
She nodded, her green eyes searching his face before flicking to the soldiers waiting for their orders. “The plan will work, won’t it?”
Leukos clenched his fists, aching to close the distance between them, but the memory of her pained cry when his magic had touched her held him frozen. Instead, he gave a sharp, distant nod. “We’ll make them pay. I promise.”
She stepped closer, reaching out, but he turned away before her hand could bridge the gap. He gripped the reins instead, jaw tight. Theo shot him a disapproving look, but Leukos ignored it. If keeping his distance was what it took to protect her, then so be it.
He swung into the saddle, chest constricting as her voice drifted after him, soft and wavering.
“Be careful out there.”
Leukos sat atop his horse,eyes fixed on the small gate and the hastily constructed watchtower. The sun hung high, exposing every flaw and strength in the Rasennans’ defences. He couldn’t help but admire their efficiency—their organisation and discipline made them formidable.
The Achaean League under his father’s command had been sprawling but disjointed, an uncoordinated rabble. No wonder they’d been overwhelmed, even with alliances forged with the Western Tribes and the Amazons.
