AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I thought the same of Circe. Sure, she was ambitious, but she’d never led me to believe she was a danger to Kol or Raven. Her soul was not tarnished in the same manner of those who are gravely corrupted and she never lied to me.”
“You never asked the right questions,” Raven quietly contested .
Brokk ignored the dig.
“I can only guess that my mate’s ambition got the best of her in a moment of weakness. Of course, love can blind you from many things. But to address your concern, I was at sea when all of this went down. By the time I returned, Circe was gone. I had trackers hunt her down and hand deliver a message. She knows she lives only because I allow it. I doubt she’ll ever return to the Otherland. Even if she does, if she crosses into the Faelands, I’ll end her. While I want to believe she didn’t truly understand the harm that could have been done to our daughter, I’m not so naive that I’ll allow my heart to overtake my head ever again.”
Lyric sniffed. “That’s so fucking sad.”
“It is,” Brokk agreed without emotion. “Now, the reason I shared all of this is because the night before Circe ran and was lost to me, I dreamt she’d removed my heart.”
Raven gawped, clearly offended. “You actually think I’m getting ready to betray Casimir?”
Brokk shook his head. “Of course not. It’s not in your nature to be underhanded with those who mean something to you. No, I’m afraid the dream is a message he’s going to lose you, which means you’d lose your mate, as well. Something will tear you two apart. I assume it will be by force or by some martyr-like decision you make to take on your aunt. Knowing the damage that will cause you both, I simply cannot allow it to happen.”
She looked at a loss for words. Pain sliced through me thinking of losing Raven when I’d only just found her. I don’t know how Brokk had ever managed to pull himself together after Circe ran, especially knowing what she’d done.
“I’m off to find Kol and then we’ll be on our way. Raven, you will remain here.”
“No. You’re not just turning tail and running. You’re planning something. I told you, I’ll be the one going after Sersha.”
“I’m not going to argue with you. Here is where you are safest. I trust you not to do something stupid. Again.”
Raven blanched and I wanted to sit her upon my lap and hold her tight. After throat-punching her father, of course.
“And furthermore, if you can’t learn from your mistakes, you will never—”
I was suddenly between them, facing off with Brokk. “I believe your message has been received. Unless you have some parting words that don’t involve berating my mate, I suggest you be on your way.”
A small hand pressed lightly to my lower back. Tingles shot up my spine. “It’s okay.”
I looked over my shoulder. “I assure you it’s not.”
“He’s not used to feeling fear for my safety. Now he has to worry about Kol, as well.”
Brokk grunted. “Raven, if you want to tell Kol goodbye you have ten minutes.”
“What do you plan to do about Sersha?” she questioned.
“When I know the answer to that, I’ll send word to you.”
The Navita strode past his daughter without a backwards glance.
Chapter 12
Raven
“Do you think Father will let me get one?”
I squinted at the squirming creature Kol was holding up. The gargoyle pup licked his face and Kol giggled buoyantly. “Probably. I just wouldn’t bank on it happening today. He has a lot on his mind.”
“I’ll wait until we’re on the ship to ask. He’s always happier on the water.”
“Good plan.”
“Kol,” Father called from across the meadow, “it’s time.”
My brother placed the creature back into its pen then turned to me with a serious face. “You’re going to do something stupid again, aren’t you?”
