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Yrsa cursed. From chatter overhead in the Jakobson longhouse, I was aware that the Myrdan Shield Riders were skilled horsemen who knew how to kill from above. They were difficult to bring down and used hooked barbs on ropes to snare their victims and drag them behind their charges.

“We’ve brought two dozen Unfettered spearmen,” Jordis offered. “They are fierce fighters.”

“Fortunate your scouts caught sight of them,” Thane said. “We can be ready.”

Elisabet’s face hardened. “We sent scouts because we were betrayed. Yanson intercepted a missive to Stonegate scouts, telling them where you all had gone and for what purpose. They come now to intercept you, not knowing the Dark Watch will meet them.”

“Who sent the missive?” I asked.

The queen leaned over the table. “Virki has betrayed his clan and stands with Melder Fadey.”

48

Roark

Already the blood craft spell had chased away the relentless thrashing under my skin. Calm was there, but a simmer of something like rage edged each thought, every movement.

For now, with Sindri’s craft and Yrsa’s spell, the fever faded and my limbs felt like my own again.

My mother grew silent when we told her the truth of my uncle’s involvement in Nivek’s death.

Virki had always feigned the regretful uncle, heartbroken over being the one who was bound by Draven law and honor to name the prince as the traitor. He’d always vowed, on his knees, that he desired a trial for Nivek.

He’d blamed his own crime on the Dark Watch.

When the queen spoke again, she demanded that watch shifts be put in place, then urged her warriors to rest, eat, and prepare.

“Sindri is being guarded in the tents. The queen does not want to risk him traveling back to the palace with Jorvans so near, so he’ll be guarded here.” Lyra pulled back a thick fur over a mat we’d share. “He’s not happy about it.”

I chuckled and stripped my tunic over my head. One touch to the talisman left me breathing easier. Lyra studied me when I slipped beside her.

“Your eyes still burn red.”

Are they horrid to look at?

She ran a thumb over my lashes. “No. I’m beginning to wonder things about myself, because I might be drawn to the ruthlessness of them. I love your gold, but I don’t mind your eyes like this.”

I curled my body around hers, my fingers dancing across her chest. I think I’ve corrupted you.

“Hmm. Then you owe me for being a terrible influence, Ashwood.” Lyra rolled onto her shoulder and traced the bridge of my nose. “But I’ll collect after the battles are done.”

She tried to mask it, but there was a quiver to her voice.

We end this, but they do not end us.

Lyra dropped her chin. “I don’t understand how Fadey can care for nothing else but power.”

Because your heart is not black like his.

“Not once in all my existence has he ever stopped to see me as a person, a daughter, not a tool in his ambition. I cannot fathom such a lust that he hunts living souls, slaughters to hide his own identity, and attacks everyone I love without remorse.”

I adjusted on the mat, tucking her body half beneath mine. I plan to keep my vow, Fadey bound at your feet as I hand you the blade.

Lyra lifted her head and pressed a sweet kiss to my lips. Her palm brushed over my stubble. “I missed you. I am glad to see you upright again. I cannot tell you how terrified I was that you might not wake from the trance.”

I turned my face to kiss her palm. We have tonight. Let us not waste it with worries of what might be or what could’ve happened.

“Oh? What else am I to do when two armies are headed toward us and my blood father wants to tear out everyone’s bones?”