“It seems whether it was intentional or not, I am eternally indebted to you, General Dark, for bringing my son back to me.”
“Your son has a way of keeping his intentions to himself, so there is no debt owed, your grace.” Remnant stated sharply and I grunted at the blow of her stinging words.
A barking chuckle shook my fathers wide shoulders. “Asher will do just fine, General. My son is the king here, I’m just an old fae who’s happy to have company.” He smiled at me and I was taken aback by the love I saw there.
No hate. No resentment.
“Your father has always loved you. He stayed away because you both needed time to heal.”The panther sighed.
“I am not sure if I am liking this nice streak, cat.”
“Apologies, fairy boy. Perhaps it’s a momentary lapse in my judgment but I rarely make those kinds of mistakes.”
I couldn’t help the snort that escaped, drawing their startled gazes.
“That panther harassing you still son?”
I sighed. “When has there ever been a time where he has not? His name is Ethereal by the way.”
My father's blonde brows rose all the way up to his hairline. “That old cat finally told you his name, did he?”
“Fuck no.” I looked at Remnant who shot me a smug grin. “He gave General Dark thepermissionto name him.”
My father stared for a long moment, before he threw his head back with howling laughter.
I felt my tension ease at the rich sound and I smiled at the pleasure the simple story had given him. My father was exactly the fae I fondly remembered him to be before our family had been ripped apart.
“What is all this goddess damn racket you are making out here Asher? Are you trying to attract every wraith in the five hundred mile radius?!” Bellowed a stern voice from inside the manor.
I growled. Goddess help us all. Bane Steelhead had arrived.
The bastard rushed out like a wailing banshee with his sword swinging, poised to strike down anything within reach. His body itself was honed like a weapon, all sharp angles of lean muscle, hewas always vigilant, always ready. His steel blue eyes cut through me and I crossed my arms to watch the foolish spectacle he created.
Sparks flew and I saw his intention before he even moved. His deadly blade rising to cleave me in two.
“Idiot.”The panther and I growled simultaneously, ready to take him down.
Chapter 59
Ididn’tneedtomove,I couldn’t move.
A shadow fae was in my way, the ringing of her blade blocking the swordmaster’s reverberated off the mountains. The sound was so loud that it toned out my father’s roars for his friend to cease his attack.
Shadows ricocheted off her parrying blade and darkness rose around her. Standing ready, if she needed them.
Bane’s eyes narrowed on my soulmate, and his muscles rippled while he pushed dangerously against the lock of their blades. “So this is how it is to be then, Dark?”
Remnant did not falter under his continued pressure and her voice was without strain. “To what are you referring, swordmaster? You attack without provocation, you are far too old for these kindsof games, Bane.”
Bane bared his blunt teeth and pushed harder, sparks flying over his arms…lightningsparks. Bane was a fire elemental.
“The boy lives, that's provocation enough. He is no king of mine.” He spat.
Remnant shoved his blade upwards and inched closer. “Nor is he mine and you don’t see me trying to kill him.”
Bane smirked lethally, more white hot electricity crawling up his arms. “Yet.”
I remained intelligently quiet. I wasn’t about to remind Remnant that she had threatened to kill me just this morning.
