He tensed. “Why does it sound like you’re saying goodbye?”
She shook her head. “I’m not. I’m just…scared. And I wanted to tell you. Just in case…”
He pulled her closer, kissing her temple and sighing. “My beautiful Mi’ra Vässa,” he murmured. “It is I who should be thanking you. Don’t even think about saying goodbye, do you understand? Because after this is over, I have plans for us.”
“Plans?”
“Yes, love.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her pointed ear. “Do you remember when you asked me on the horse what my hopes and dreams were after the war?”
“Of course.”
“Well, now I know exactly what I want.”
“And?” She raised a brow, curious now.
He gave her a small smirk. “Survive the war and then you’ll find out.”
47
After much debate, they’d decided to place their forces where Oakshire used to be, the town still destroyed after Andras had attacked with his army several months ago.
And where Raine almost lost his life.
Raine had loved this town. Had so many memories of drinking and dancing at the local tavern. Memories of boisterous nights and days filled with shopping and exploring all Oakshire had to offer. Of being reprimanded by Sugha, the tavern owner, for being too loud. Memories of falling into bed with whoever tickled his fancy for the evening.
And now it was gone.
Stopping before a crumbled building, Raine took a breath, trying to steady the ache in his heart. A sign lay on the ground in the rubble and though he could barely make out the words, most of it charred by fire, he knew what it said.
The Winking Fox.
Kneeling, he placed his palm on the sign and closed his eyes, heart still broken at the loss of Sugha.
A hand landed on his shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze. He didn’t need to open his eyes to know who it was.
“I can’t stop seeing her body on that tree,” Raine said quietly. “Every time I close my eyes, her vacant stare haunts my dreams.”
“I know,” Casimir said. “That day haunts me too.”
Raine wiped away a tear and stood, looking at his best friend, his brother. Casimir’s golden eyes reflected Raine’s own pain and fear.
The two of them faced the former tavern once more, Raine’s arm wrapping around Casimir’s shoulders. A long silence stretched between them, as though neither knew what to say, how to face what was to come.
“Remember the time Sugha lectured you for that drunken brawl that destroyed three of her tables?” Raine asked after a while.
Casimir chuckled. “Wasn’t that the same day she lecturedyoufor trying to get her married son into bed?”
Raine tilted his head back with a laugh. “I didn’t know he was married. Nor did I know he was her son.” He paused, the memories fading like a whisper on the breeze. “But now we’re grown. And fighting for our lives.”
“We are,” Casimir said.
It was poetic they would make their stand here. Using the rage and grief they all felt at the catastrophic loss. Hundreds of citizens had called this town home. Not one of them survived. Not even the little girl Casimir had saved so long ago.
Raine pulled him into a hug. “We’re all going to be fine. Ava’s going to be fine.”
They parted, Raine’s hand still on Casimir’s shoulder. “Do you truly believe that?” Casimir asked.
He shrugged, trying to hide the fear brewing in his gut. “No fucking clue. But I’m going to pretend. That’s all we can do.”
