A dracovae patrol had been spotted by a scouting group two days prior, stirring the reavers into a frenzied hunt, the bloodthirsty warriors determined to fell the beasts and elves. After the sighting, Kal had surrendered to Lykor’s plans of abandoning the fortress, organizing supplies and mobilizing the clans for departure.
Serenna spun the golden tether on her wrist.I need Vesryn to find me before the reavers harm his rangers. Or before Lykor drags me too far across the Wastes.The key dangling around Fenn’s neck was her best chance at freedom.
But she was well aware Fenn would “file his fangs” before he disobeyed an order and removed her manacle—especially for no apparent reason.Except…Serenna studied the lieutenant in his spiked armor.Today he seems to be toeing a line.
Fenn had brought her to one of the crossbow firing ranges after they’d spent yet another fruitless morning and afternoon hunting for the Heart. The open caverns at the base of the volcano crawled upwards, the crevices outlined by jagged stone. A sluggish stream of magma bubbled and churned a winding perimeter, shrouding the chamber in a comfortable warmth. Glowing light from hissing flames scrawled shadows across the rocky walls.
Sore from the endless walking in a new pair of wraithling boots provided by Fenn, Serenna shifted her weight. She was tempted to sit on the ground and rub her feet while enduring his long-winded demonstration.
Obviously, fiddling with these contraptions was his favorite hobby. Well, aside from mingling. And Serenna was past tired of hearing about that Lagoon, so she’d suffer through this.Oddly enough, Fenn’s infectious excitement sparked her interest as he explained the function ofeverysingle pin and gear.
“And you crank this lever,” Fenn said, his claw working in a circular motion, winding the cords back until it locked with aclick. He strummed the string with a talon before nodding. “The druids left behind schematics of their weapons and we were able to replicate their craftsmanship to create our own.” He placed a gold-tipped bolt into the grooved center channel, aligning the indents in the shaft with the posterior string before offering it to Serenna.
She hesitantly took the loaded mechanism, eyeing the wicked gilded end warily.This tiny arrow really brought Vesryn down?
Turning to Fenn, Serenna asked, “What do I do now?”
Fenn yelped. “Don’t point it at me!” He shoved the front of the weapon toward the wooden targets.
“That’s how you handed it over!” Serenna readjusted her grip. “You’re the one who insisted that I learn how to fire it today.”
“Because it’s past time we did something fun.” Fenn jammed his claws into his trouser pockets. “And you owe me a debt for making me swim across that underground lake yesterday.”
“I wouldn’t consider your floundering to be ‘swimming.’” Serenna released a snort at his expense. “You would’ve drowned if I hadn’t displaced the water for you.”
Fenn shot her a sizzling glare, the magma’s glow catching in his eyes. He scuffed a booted toe on the rippled black ground—dead lava, he’d claimed. “That shoreline was one of the few places we hadn’t searched,” he mumbled, an attempt to defend what dignity hadn’t capsized in the lake.
Serenna’s arms strained with the effort of holding the crossbow. “I didn’t think a big wraith warrior like you would be scared of a little water.” Her gaze glanced off the fang marks on Fenn’s neck—a fresh pair that certainly hadn’t been there the day before. “I figured you knew how to swim since all you talk about is that Lagoon.”
“The Lagoon has me versed in the crafts ofpleasure, not this”—Fenn made a wild motion with his claws, poorly imitating what she’d tried to teach him—“swimming.” He smirked.“You would know that if you’d accompany me for once.”
Having already warded off multiple invitations to join him and stars knew how many of his partners at the Lagoon, Serenna sniffed her disapproval as an answer. But her thoughts warred.
She was running out of time to get the key away from Fenn’s neck. But she couldn’t exactly untether herself around so many wraith and have Vesryn appear in the middle of…whatever occurred at the Lagoon.
Aggravation writhed inside of her. On second thought, since the prince probably had the same habits as Fenn, Serenna was sure he’d be delighted to join.At least Fenn isn’t secretive about what he does in his free time.
Hefting the cool metal on the underside of the bow, Serenna asked, “Are you going to show me how to shoot this?”
Fenn reached around her, his dangerous claws surprisingly gentle as they wrapped over her hands. “First, you’ll want to aim it.”
Serenna’s spine locked when his chest nudged into her back. She smothered the impulse to squirm away from the contact. He was making it a point to fluster her since he’d made a fool of himself at the lake.
Lifting the crossbow to her shoulder, Fenn slid her fingers further down the grip. “Press this lever when you’re ready to fire.”
Rattled by her racing pulse, Serenna clenched her teeth, resisting the urge to wipe a bead of sweat gathering on her neck. “Do you get this close and personal with everyone you train,Lieutenant?”
“If they permit it.” Fenn’s chuckle rumbled through her shoulders. “But only the wraith I find attractive.” He skimmed a talon up her arm. “And apparently feisty she-elves who require intimate instruction onweaponhandling.”
Serenna bristled, refusing to let embarrassment silence her. “And I suppose you’re the type of male who thinks the way you handle your ‘weapon’ is as impressive as the length of your fangs.”
“Careful, she-elf.” Fenn’s claws tightened against her. “You almost sound interested in finding out.”
Aware that Fenn would only need the slightest encouragement to press any advance, Serenna’s instinct was to skirt away from the dangerous flirtation.How can I be upset at Vesryn forsneaking around with Ayla if I’m hardly fending off someone else’s interest?
The absence of the bond these past few weeks—and being apart from the prince—had dulled the shock of Ayla’s presence. Now Serenna regretted irreparably overreacting.But I wouldn’t have discovered the truth if I didn’t accidentally portal here.
Serenna blew out a breath, calming that flurry of snowballing turmoil. Focusing on the wraith in front of her, curiosity tingled like an incessant itch. She wondered what Fenn found attractive—since his comment implied she was in a different category.
