AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Stand,” Envy orders, and when he beckons me with his fingers, an unseen force makes me and Hannah rise. Then he holds his palm toward me and closes his eyes. “You and your mate will be healed.”
And I am. Within seconds, the marks marring my skin are gone, and the burn subsides completely.
I flex my hands. Blood is still on my skin, but all my wounds are closed.
Hannah lets out a small sigh of alleviation, and she sags against me.
Fitting my knuckles under her chin, I silently convey a wordless question with my eyes.
Are you completely healed?
She gives a slight shake of her head, and disappointment presses down on me. It would’ve been too much to hope that this man could override Vaeront’s magic. If he had been able to, I would’ve collapsed at his feet and worshipped him for real.
Still, I’m glad Hannah isn’t in any more pain than she has to be, and I’m feeling much better myself.
“Thank you,” I say to the wizard, then I tack on, “King Envy.”
He waves me off like it’s not a big deal, but he’s preening from the fact that he has two new subjects he can impress with his multiple abilities.
I wonder what other powers he possesses. They must be good to have such a following as the one in this room.
Shifting my gaze, I do a quick count of the men standing at attention with spears and axes in hand. I estimate at least three dozen. They’re all ready to defend their leader with any means necessary.
“Is it a legend or is it a myth?” Envy asks cryptically.
Thinking he’s talking about the mysterious Valonite, I reply with what I know about the gem. “Valonite is said to be a myth, but it’s not. It’s real. Some of the royals might have a secret stockpile, but accessing it is impossible. Acquiring some on your own is even more unlikely, since the only source is on an island in the Endless Sea. It’s an unsurvivable trip.” My hand goes to the necklace again. “You can imagine I’m quite curious about how you got some.”
“Thank you for the lesson, but I was asking about you.”
“Me?” My eyebrows go up. “Legend or myth?”
“Yes. You’re a bit of both to my people.”
My eyes scan the men. “I’m not important. I’m not a myth or a legend or anything special.”
“It’s so sad.” Envy tuts. “You actually believe that nonsense. If you didn’t, surely you’d be crippled from the lie. You’re a newly mated pair, so I can assume your soul is clean?”
I nod. “If I were dishonest, it would be obvious. And to tell you the truth, I have no idea what you’re talking about. How do you even know who I am?”
Instead of answering, Envy commands, “Search him.”
Braham bends to start with my ankles.
Right away, he finds the dagger and confiscates it. He pats his way up my thighs and stomach, coming up empty.
When he goes for my pocket watch, I cover it with my hand and tip my head toward Hannah’s matching one. “Objects of commitment.”
Translation: off-limits.
The lackey glances at the false king for direction. Envy waves him off, giving permission for us to keep our valuables.
Next, Braham moves toward Hannah and leans down like he’s going to feel her up, too.
Without hesitation, I shove him.
He staggers backward, and his leathery wings bust out, preventing him from toppling to the floor. Glaring at me, he growls, and the sound of swords being unsheathed comes from all around us.
“You will not touch my mate.” My voice is flat and dangerous.
