Page 87 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

I couldn’t help smiling. I knew that feeling. I shared it. And it struck me in that moment where I was. What we had already achieved, and what was to come.

I was a Furyknight. A Shadowfang. I stood in covert discussion with two brothers and my mate, all of us aiming for the same target, but with different roles to play.

I had a part here. I had a job. And so far… I’d done it.

My heart swelled with love for Donavyn, and for my brothers… and also with pride. I had become something… worthwhile.

Donavyn’s eyes cut to me suddenly and his brow pinched. He stumbled on his words, but corrected quickly and continued, but I felt him turn to me in the bond, yet he sent no words. Just… awareness.

I waited until my brothers were instructed and clasping hands with Donavyn before I spoke to him, sending as he walked them out of the chamber, his head up, but a heaviness in him that worried me.

‘What is it?’ I asked him carefully.

He didn’t respond until they’d both farewelled me, then raised their hoods and slipped out of the suite. Then he carefully locked the door and turned to face me.

“I felt that,” he said softly.

“Felt what?”

“You. Something clicked. As if you were uncertain, but now you’re not.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little bit, and I crossed the floor towards him. “I was just… I feel my place. Like I’ve earned it. I could see myself—while you talked to them. There’s this big picture. A map. And I have a road to walk in it that they couldn’t walk—and neither could you. But that’s good. That’s why I’m here and I like that.”

But to my surprise his face fell. His eyes closed and he raked a hand through his hair.

“Donavyn?”

“I love that you’re feeling more sure of yourself. And I agree. It’s why you’re here. But…’

“But?”

He opened his eyes and locked on mine, sending through the bond. ‘But tonight it’s time for you to take the next step with Hanson, and that terrifies me.’

I sent a rush of love and gratitude through the bond that I prayed would overwhelm the nerves fluttering in my chest at that thought. But, even though I felt emotional, I was also… sure. There was something beautiful about this—these strong, honorable men working together for a common goal, of which I was a part. They achieved things I couldn’t. And I undertook tasks they couldn’t. Together we would succeed. I was suddenly sure of it.

We had to. Surely God wouldn’t leave Ruin free to continue these awful things?

Sadly, that was just one more question that we wouldn’t know the answer to until we found it in the moment.

So, instead of trying to reassure him, I just walked into his arms, and let him feel me.

I knew, with his guidance and support behind me, we’d get through this.

It was time.

28. Quiet

SOUNDTRACK: Hush hush by Klergy and Mindy Jones

~ BREN ~

That evening, energy fizzed in my stomach as I made my way from the royal modiste to the banquet hall. Ever since the night of the maze, the queen had insisted on dressing me. I wasn’t sure what she felt she gained from it, but each time I appeared in a gown her servants had provided, she nodded at me and smiled as if I’d pleased her.

Tonight, I wore a lustrous, midnight blue gown that was probably the most modest I’d been given—it covered me from throat to toes. And yet, it clung like a second skin from my wrists to my waist, the luxurious sheen of the fabric highlighting the curves of my shape, making it appear to glow. At the front, the skirt plunged straight to my toes, hinting that it hugged my legs, particularly when I moved. But the sides were heavily pleated and there was a bustle at the back, so the skirt bloomed from my hips and the hollow of my back, trailing in a wide, long sweep behind me

When I first donned it and looked in the mirror, I’d wished I could run straight back to our rooms, and watch Donavyn undress me, because I knew the gown would ignite his fire. I’d also half expected Hanson to appear and corner me again—and I had a plan if he did. But instead, I found myself traversing the castle alone, feeling very… sleek on my way to the gathering of nobles.

Donavyn was supposed to watch for me to arrive at the banquet hall—a less formal affair tonight, so there were no announcements, only the royal’s choice of placement at the table.