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You didn’t think I was you, did you?
My eyes widen at the mocking laugh. I rub my knuckles over my chest, and the laughter comes again.I am Aren, your manticore. Now, go get our mate.
“I don’t understa—“
By the gods. Are you always this dense? You, Cassian. Me, Aren. We are two and we are one. Now go after our mate or I’ll force a shift and go get her myself.
The voice goes silent, and I waste several seconds wondering if I’m going mad, if the Crone had hit me one too many times with her stick.Now!
“Okay, okay,” I grumble under my breath. Swinging up onto the saddle, I circle Fire Heart around and gallop after Snow White. The forest closes in around me, prickly bushes snagging my hose, branches threatening to unseat me.
An arrow shoots past my face and Fire Heart rears, pawing at the air. I clamp my legs around his sides, holding on for dear life. He settles with a snort, and I whip my head around, searching for the threat, the blood pounding in my veins in a steady rush.
“I deliberately missed,” a disembodied voice shouts. “You are not welcome here. Leave, and I will spare you your life.”
“I have come for Snow White,” I call back, searching amongst the branches for the owner of the voice.
An arrow lands in the ground, inches from Fire Heart’s hooves. “Second warning. There will not be a third.”
Grinding my teeth, I rein Fire Heart around. He prances irritably, snorting in displeasure.Plead our case. Don’t let them stop you.
“The Oracle of the Forbidden Isles has sent me to aid in the fight against Morana.”
Silence descends, and the horse shifts under me. Leaning forward, I pat his neck, murmuring assurances to him. The sound of a twig snapping jerks my head around, but I see nothing. “What is your name?” the voice eventually asks.
“I am Cassian.”
“Alaric’s son?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
Three dwarfs drop from the trees, landing lightly on their feet. One carries a bow, the other two, spears. I eye them warily, a nagging feeling tugging at my memory. Something about them seems familiar, but I can’t place why.
“I am Hilda,” the one with the bow says. “We have known your father for many years. He brought Snow White to us some time ago and entrusted us to her safekeeping. He told us you would return for her one day with aid.” She looks around, brows lowering into a scowl. “We expected an army with you.”
“I don’t have one—yet,” I reply, suddenly remembering why they look familiar. “You are the Valkyries.” I smile triumphantly. Not only did the map lead me to Snow White, but also the daughters of Thor. We’re one step closer now.
The three women exchange glances, the two with spears raising them. Hilda waves a hand at them, and they lower them again, to my relief. Hilda tilts her head, studying me. “How is the Oracle these days?”
“Helpful but vague. Has a way with sticks.”
The women titter, blue eyes sparkling. “Hmm. Seems she has not changed overmuch, then. Come, you must be exhausted.”
I follow them through the forest, bringing up the rear. By the time we reach a clearing with a charming cottage sitting in the center of it, four more women have joined our ranks.
It’s clear women own the cottage; flowers in a riot of colors border the cottage and the path leading to the door. Ruby roses climb the walls, magnanimously leaving space for the windows. The lawn is neatly cut, and everything is pristine. If bachelors lived here, I can attest it would not look quite so charming. A shudder runs over my shoulders when I think of the huntsmen’s quarters at the palace.
Snow White leans against the front door, her arms folded across her chest and wearing a heavy scowl. I bring Fire Heart to a stop and just stare at her, drinking her in. After so long apart, it almost feels surreal that she’s standing here in front of me. I’m tempted to pinch myself to ensure it’s not a dream.
“I’ll not sleep under the same roof as him,” she spits out.
Hilda sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Snow—“
Snow narrows her eyes, turns, and once more races into the forest. “I’ve got this,” I say, swinging my leg over Fire Heart and dropping to the ground. “We need to have a long overdue talk.”
The woman with auburn hair chuckles and grabs my horse’s reins. “I’ll put him in the stable for you. Take your time.” She winks at me, and I salute her before running after Snow.
My long strides eat up the distance, and it’s not long before I have her in my sights. She glances over her shoulder, her eyes widening when she sees me chasing her. “Leave me alone, Cassian!” she shouts, picking up her pace.
