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“I know,” he grits through his teeth. “We are fine. Do not worry.”
He quickens his pace, moving fast across the support beam until he reaches the safety of the first arch.
More arrows fly past us, coming from the direction of Avalor. Voices shout overhead, echoing across the divide. A woman’s voice pierces the air with perfect clarity. “If you surrender now, your mate will not be harmed, Prince Malak.”
Mal and I both still a moment before he shouts back. “If you hit me with an arrow, Prince Durren’s betrothed will fall with me.”
“Then, the prince will have no choice but to declare war against Winterhold and the Vale,” she replies smoothly. “To avenge the capture and death of his beloved.”
“I refuse to marry the prince,” I call out.
“You are speaking under duress, child,” the blood witch shoots back. “Surrender now, and we might be inclined to spare your Wolf.”
“They’ll kill you, Mal,” I whisper in his ear. “We cannot go back.”
“You could die if we continue,” he says.
“Then, we will either live or die together,” I state firmly. “I’m not leaving without you.”
“You are my heart,” he whispers.
“And you are mine,” I reply softly. “Now, let’s go.”
“Hold tight to me,” Malak says. Drawing in a deep breath, he breaks into a run, racing across the wooden supports so fast everything blurs around us. I close my eyes against a wave of nausea and dizziness, sending a prayer to the gods to grant us safe passage.
Mal jumps and my heart slams in my throat as I open my eyes and watch as he catches the upper railing and then hoists us up and over the side.
A contingent of soldiers, carrying the banner of Winterhold march toward us, and I swallow hard. “Why is Winterhold here?” I whisper. “Where are your warriors?”
As soon as the question leaves my mouth, I notice Vale warriors walking behind them.
I slide off Mal’s back and he stands protectively between me and the Winterhold soldiers. “What is the meaning of this?” he asks. “Why are you here?”
The closest one straightens, tipping up his chin. “Your brother, King Fredrick, received word you needed aid. Vale is a territory of Winterhold and we are at your command, my Prince and Lord.” He bows low. “What would you have us do?”
“Defend the border,” Mal says. “Allow no one to cross from Avalor until we have reached an accord with their King.”
The guard dips his chin. “Of course, my Lord and Prince. Your brother asked me to inform you that he awaits you at the fortress.”
Mal gives him a subtle nod, and then turns to his Vale warriors. “Send someone ahead to retrieve my brother. Tell him to meet us at the cathedral.”
The closest one bows and then leaves to do as commanded.
CHAPTER23
LUNA
Mal guides me into the magnificent cathedral, surrounded by towering walls of stone. The ceiling above is lost in shadow, with shafts of light filtering in from the stained glass windows, casting gorgeous mosaic patterns on the floor.
He leads me to an open garden in the heart of the cathedral. A beatiful oasis, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant flowers. The air is filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the sweet scent of blooms. At the center is an altar, dedicated to the moon goddess.
It is crafted from gleaming white stone and adorned with intricate designs that shimmer in the soft glow of the last light of the moon as the first rays of dawn begin to peek over the horizon. The altar is surrounded by candles, their flickering flames casting an ethereal light over the entire space.
As we approach the altar, a sense of awe and reverence pass over me.
Mal’s brother, Fredrik walks toward us, smiling warmly. “I received your raven, sent from Prince Renard of Cambryn,” he says to Mal. “And came as soon as I could.”
Mal claps a hand on his shoulder. “Just in time, it seems.”
