Page 185 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

“I’m listening.” I stepped into him and straightened his tie, then cinched the knot with a pointed jerk. “Your father wants to add another weapon to his defense. Here I am, handsome. Now talk fast.”

“I just thought, a romantic drink—the view⁠—”

“That shot was for me.”

He blew out an agitated breath. “Yes. I believe you’re right. But Viktor took that hit. He shielded you. Would he have done that if this were a setup?”

“He never beat the crucible.”

“What? No. Why⁠—”

“Viktor isn’t connected mind-to-mind. He wouldn’t have known unless you told him.”

“I tell Vik everything.”

“Convenient.”

“Look, Freya. Your anger is warranted. Give me a chance to figure this out and I’ll get you answers. You have my word—I never would’ve taken you out there if I’d had even an inkling of danger.”

“Would you make a bargain on that?”

“Yes.” Unflinching. Calculated. The same cold certainty I’d given him. Slowly, as though approaching a spooked animal, he reached up and tucked my rogue bangs behind my ear. “Shall we craft a Bond, Your Majesty?”

Unnecessary. His willingness told me enough. I eased my tone a fraction. “The light magic. What the hell was that?”

“I don’t know⁠—”

“Do. Better.”

“Vik doesn’t use all his gifts, all right? Even if it were my story to tell, I don’t know why. He never explained—only mentioned some powerful soul who helped him spellbind part of his magic. He used to disappear for weeks whenever we pushed for more.”

“He knows where he hails from.” I had a sinking suspicion I did too. When my tone softened, Atreus finally exhaled.

“I’d imagine so. Freya, I told you—there were discussions about taking you out of play, but we all agreed you were more valuable as an asset than an enemy. This was not us.”

“And your father?”

“What?”

“Where’d he land on the subject?”

He bent slightly to compensate for the height difference, started to reach for me, then thought better of it. “This was his idea, remember?”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

“Believe me, I’ll investigate this thoroughly. You’ll have your assurances.”

I steadied my breathing and scanned the room, reaching mind-to-mind to make sure everyone knew the plan before I pulled the trigger. They did. Fuck, it felt good to be back.

“In case you weren’t aware, this did not go well.”

As one, we vanished into mist and shadow.

Cyrus

I made it as far as the stairs in Luminark Manor before I froze. Like a damn gargoyle, I perched on the bottom step. Couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Trapped.

Trapped in the beasts’ calls. The whip of arrows while I knew I couldn’t do jack shit to reach her in time.