Ilain dismissed her with a wave of her hand. “He’s a Mage in a Keep. The magic that flows around us takes the edge off. And I’ll grant that it’s a very small crack, but it’s got to make breathing hellish.”
“I can run and fight,” Deckard said. “That’s all that matters.”
Thom scoffed, and Evylin rolled her eyes.
Gathered together now, Ilain turned to Ethenn, holding out the emerald amulet in her hands. “I’d like the Wind Relic,” she said.
Ethenn’s brow furrowed curiously, but he made the exchange.
Thom voiced their collective question aloud. “Wouldn’t it be better for you to carry Terrae since you’re not as strong with it?”
“That’s the exact reason Ishouldn’tkeep it,” Ilain said, hanging the Wind Relic around her neck. She flicked her fiery hair out from under its chain. “Wind is my second, which means it will drain far less energy from me when I use it. Terrae would wear me down far too fast. Now, help Rafferty up.”
Thom did as requested, and Ilain looked up at Deckard. “Lead us out of here, Colonel,” she said.
Deckard surveyed the troop in one quick sweep. “With Rafferty’s injury, he’ll need to be defended. Thom,” his brother met his gaze, “can you handle that?”
“Don’t worry,” Thom said, then ruffled Rafferty’s white-blond hair affectionately. “I’ll get our little weasel outta here alive.”
Rafferty slapped at his hands, then gasped in pain and grabbed his side again.
“Ethenn, Ilain—” Deckard gave them a searching look. “I’d still like you to work together.”
Ilain raised her chin. “It isn’t me who has the problem, Jonn.”
Ethenn ground his teeth but said, “Whatever you command, sir.”
“Good. Put aside your differences and take the back.” Deckard turned to Brea. “Stick with Vayden and Isla. Focus on protecting them and supporting Thom if he needs it.” He met Evylin’s gaze. “We’ll take the front.”
Marching for the staircase, Evylin and Deckard took the lead. “You’re sure about this?” she asked, worry glinting in the amber of her eyes.
“I promise,” he brushed his hand against hers, “I’m just fine.”
“Don’t black out on me this time,” she ordered. “I can’t take that again.”
“I won’t leave you alone ever again.”
They ascended the staircase, winding back to the top of the Keep. When they neared the door, Deckard reached for his magic once more, letting it coil up his arms. The heat of magic singed his veins, and the world grew shadowed.
Evylin reached for the door, meeting his gaze. Rather than the questioning he expected to see there, her countenance reflected nothing but unerring confidence in him and his magic. As his Warrior, she was ready to take on the Keep at his side, and it sent a surge of reassurance through him while his power whispered earnestly in his head.
At his resolute nod, Evylin opened the door. Deckard raised his hands, and a shower of onyx shards pierced the waiting wave of Shades. She slipped out and began to tear through them, her sword flashing in the light. Mountains of dirt exploded all around, crashing into each other as the creatures died. As if in slow motion, Deckard watched the powerful spray of dirt, realizing its descent would block their path. On instinct, hegestured in an upward arc. Glittering, twin walls of Space magic burst up, protecting their pathway.
Deckard hurried behind Evylin, the rest of the troop following. United in their attacks, Bonded Warrior and Mage led the charge with nearly unstoppable power. Space magic flew through the Keep, cutting down Shade after Shade. Evylin defended Deckard from any creature that neared their path. In response, his magic protected their perimeter with increasing spikes of power. Pure, raw force tore out of his body. It was incredible and intoxicating. Perhaps the only thing more truly stunning was the woman fighting at his side. His instincts drew him to tap into her magic as she waged battle beside him.
Evylin spun the Space sword with such grace and agility that she might have been dancing. A spin and a strike. A dip back before her arm flowed in a crushing upward blow. A glide forward as she lunged to pierce the attacker ahead of her.
And through it all, she radiated undiluted joy.
Deckard was in awe. This was Evylin in her purest form, the Warrior and the woman who’d captivated his mind and fascinated his heart. She was incredible and impossible. And she was his.
As a fresh wave of the Shades poured toward them, the Space sword pulsed with a shimmer. Deckard watched as darkness erupted from the blade, crystalline shards descending to wrap over her arm and across her body, sliding down to her feet. She was covered in a silhouette of his magic. It lashed out with each of her strikes, defending her as she fought.
With his chest filled with overpowering adoration, Deckard’s magic intensified. Cold seeped into his mind, soothing the heat of his power. He knew this chill. It was the same sensation he’d experienced during their Bonding ceremony. It was her power, freshly alight in him.
The room came into focus, even as the shadows at the edges of his vision remained. Every one of Deckard’s senses heightened. His perspective became nearly omnipresent, and he could see them all fighting together. He and Evylin led the charge, taking down Shade after Shade with almost no effort. They’d torn through the fourth wave already, though the fifth joined within moments.
At the back, Ilain and Ethenn worked together with similar harmony. They were disjointed at times, but all in all, they moved with near-impossible precision and grace. Another Warrior and Mage in perfect balance.
