Fenn’s crimson eyes glittered in the sunlight. “I’m open to trying new things, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Embarrassment shot through Serenna like an arrow, his teasing words quickening her pulse. “I wasn’t asking,” she snapped before thinking better of curbing her defensive reaction.Well, I kind of was.But only because she was attempting to learn more about his culture. “And for your information, I’m not athingto try.”
Fenn’s cough was obviously meant to swallow a chuckle. His lips twitched like he wanted to dispute that statement. Instead, he became very interested in toeing a clump of snow, disintegrating the mound into icy pieces.
Serenna shoved her hands into her cloak, a wisp of her expelled breath coiling in the air.I shouldn’t be so harsh and accidently bruise his warrior-sized ego—I’m sure it’s as big as those fangs.Serenna cleared her throat, tempering her tone. “But consider me…enlightened.”
As he studied their surroundings, Fenn spun his lip ring before his gaze landed back on her. “Even if I wanted to pair, I’m not ofage yet.”
Skeptical, Serenna scrutinized his face. He was definitely no youth. “What do you mean you’re not of age?”
“I’m still a part of my clan’s household until I reach my fifth decade.” Fenn stooped to snag a clawful of snow. “It’s one topic I actually agree with the reavers on.” He grunted humorlessly, balling the flakes into a sphere and bouncing it. “It’s absurd thatthe elders don’t consider those of us born as wraith to be mature sooner—I have three decades.” With a faraway look, he added, “I’ve already proven myself as a warrior in battle.”
Serenna scoffed, a flare of indignation brewing under her ribs. “I hope that’s not a boast about attacking us.”
Fangs extending, Fenn suddenly rounded on her with a snarl. “I lost clan there too.”
Serenna blanched at his reaction, retreating as he crushed the fistful of snow. She’d never considered the casualties on his side.
“Lykor believed eliminating your military was the only way to keep the wraith safe,” Fenn growled, adjusting his bandolier with a yank. “And I’d do my part to protect my people again.”
“Then why didn’t you finish me off in the war room for your precious leader instead of protecting me?” Serenna bristled. “You’ve lived in as much fear of us as we have of you.” She stepped back into the space she’d abandoned, ignoring her better judgment of antagonizing a soldier. “If those at Centarya knew the truth—”
“I know what you’re trying to do, she-elf.” Fenn’s tone was loaded with a warning that he wouldn't be swayed. “Lykor warned me you’d—”
“And does Lykor not permit you to think for yourself?” Serenna interrupted, planting her hands on her hips.
A two-note horn sounded, breaking off whatever words Fenn was starting to form. Serenna followed his gaze to a mountain pass. Her pulse skipped up her throat upon seeing a group of wraith in the distance, angling toward the stronghold.
“A patrol returns,” Fenn announced, alleviating her flash of worry. Shoulders relaxing, he retracted his fangs. “They’ll likely have a kill to transport to the kitchens. Let’s use your magics to clear this lift.”
“Yes,let’s use my magics,”Serenna mimicked under her breath.
Blowing out a sigh, she released her frustration. As soon asshe started reaching toward the surrounding earth, Fenn stiffened, snatching her arm.
“We’re getting out of here,” he said, bending down as if to scoop her up.
Uninterested in being carried again, Serenna shook him off. “Why?”
The scouts were much closer now, warping in short jumps to the fortress. A patrol of nearly fifty wraith with red face paint sheared a path through the snow. The sides of their heads were shaved, leaving twin ridges of obsidian braids trailing down the centers of their backs. Crossbows and maces clattered as the soldiers approached.
“We’re going back to the Aerie.” Fenn caught her wrist. “I didn’t expect the reavers to return until nightfall.”
Serenna froze when she noticed the smaller beings in front of the warriors. Hands tied, they staggered as the wraith roughly shoved them ahead.
“Humans?” she gasped, seeing the mortals in rags and tattered furs. “What arehumansdoing this far away from the realms?”
One man stumbled and fell into the snow. Laughing, a female warrior punted him in the ribs with a cruel, spiked boot.
Serenna flinched. “Fenn,” she whispered, clutching his arm. Fear soaked into her limbs, icier than the surrounding air. “What are the reavers going to do with them?”
Fenn’s eyes volleyed around the warriors. The soldiers kicked the remaining humans behind their knees, sending them sprawling face-first to the ground. When a pair of wraith sauntered toward them, Fenn stepped in front of Serenna, concealing her with his towering frame.
“What are you doing with Lykor’s elven scum, Lieutenant?” the male sneered, cloak flapping over his armor. Face painted with red streaks, he squared his stance, folding his arms acrosshis chest. The female next to him replicated his pose, flashing her fangs.
Claws flexing, Fenn ignored him and addressed the female warrior, who had a bone pierced through the center of her nose. “Taryn, the humans need to be escorted to Lykor.”
The male’s snarl cut in, lifting every hair on Serenna’s neck. “I’ll decide what to do with them. It was the reavers who seized these thieving rats, gorging themselves at our traps. Pilfering our kills like the vermin they are.”
