Page 377 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

The moment I absorbed the momentum of the steel, I hoisted Atreus’ sword overhead and let it fall⁠—

Straight through Carrson’s bicep.

SEVENTY-SIX

FERRO

AUGUST

“Kill me now, and neither of them ever make it home,” Adrastos purred. It felt aimed more at Alec and Marcus than at me. “Your plan is both folly and brilliant, I suspect solely because of your willingness to die. But we can’t have that yet. I still need you breathing.”

“I will tear you limb from fucking limb⁠—”

“Slow and brutal, torturous demise—yes, I’m sure,” he drawled, and with a ripple of power, the flames lapping at the windows shifted from orange to black, the body behind me no doubt taking its true form, judging by Alec’s rage and Marcus’ horrified expression.

“The devil himself,” Alec muttered, his usual bow abandoned in favor of a reaper’s pistol, a throwing knife pinched in his other hand.

“If only. Our uncle is less amiable than you’ll find me to be. Now, shut up and pay attention because I have a very limited window to deliver information I think you’ll find most intriguing.” His body shifted to the right, and Marcus eyed the door at the base of the stairs. “Quickly, Commander.”

“Like we could believe a fucking word you say,” Alec snapped. “You lying, thieving, backstabbing piece of shit.”

“Normally, I’d advise against it, but in this instance, I propose a good old-fashioned bargain⁠—”

“Like your last bargain with Ally?” Alec snarled, his index finger tightening on the trigger enough to make my heart accelerate.

I was getting really fucking sick of being shot. Not that it wouldn’t be worth it if we took down this monster.

Adrastos pressed the blade tighter against my throat. “Last chance, princeling. It’s about your beloved. As I’ve said from the beginning, I am not your enemy.”

“You impaled my wife,” I snarled. “Do you think I can’t feel the hell she’s in?”

“Oh, I’m certain you can. I’m also certain an experienced tactician would utilize that to his advantage,” he said with a bored sigh. “In my defense, my plans are generally less dramatic and lack your beloved’s flair for martyrdom.”

“You backed her in a corner⁠—”

“Did I?” he cut me off. “I suppose you would see it that way. Regardless, the plans set in motion are too far gone to halt. Now, all that’s left to do is endure.”

“Great advice,” I gritted between my teeth. “Where is she?” Lightning crackled along my skin, burning for release. “Where is my mate?”

A beleaguered sigh rushed past my cheek. “In a safe place, by Moros’ reckoning. Now. Mr. Carter, if you would.” Another tug to the right. Marcus and Alec exchanged a long look before the Commander rumbled his concern into my mind.

Gotta be another trap, right?

More trapped than this?

I didn’t say I wasn’t willing to risk it, rookie.

Your call.

A muscle feathered in Marcus’ jaw, and then he was whirling, kicking the door down with his gun drawn and aimed forward. My ears strained, tracking his boots as he stepped into the room until a growled “Clear” made it back to us.

Alec jerked his head that way, flicking the barrel of his pistol after Marcus. A low rumble of humor vibrated against my back, and then the bastard shifted into shadow, leaving Alec and me to chase after the Westerlund Commander. We found Adrastos with his back to the far wall, hands raised and laced behind his head like he expected to be arrested instead of executed on the spot.

Lightning popped along my arms as I exchanged a long look with Alec, whose eyes narrowed infinitesimally before he closed the door behind us.

“Where is she?” I snapped.

“A wise man would trust his intel and question tongues tempted by gossip or eyes unacquainted with illusion.”