“You get used to her,” Fen told Temir as we moved.
He sent two of his rebels, and we sent Lichen, to guard the cave. The rest of us crossed the frozen terrain and descended into the tiny village. We left several homes unoccupied, deciding to work in teams. Fen and I took a home, Wren and Kai took one and Greeve insisted on being alone.
We marched into our chosen cottage and it was like stepping into someone’s memories. Carefully knitted blankets covered the aged furniture, paintings hung crooked on the vibrantly painted walls, and for a moment, it was cozy. Until Fen shut the door behind him and rounded on me again.
I pushed my chest out and raised my chin. We’d been here before. This was all too familiar territory. “Now is not the time for your asshole male issues.”
“You’re right. Right before a fight I should absolutely not say a word about your desire to constantly self-sacrifice.”
“My life is my business. My choices.”
“Again with the choices.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head at the floor.
“Yes. I should get choices just like everyone else does.”
He stopped, opened his mouth to say something and then stopped again.
I didn’t want to fight with him. He needed to understand though. I stepped forward. “As soon as we reach her and I find out what I really have to do here, all my choices are gone. Fate doesn’t negotiate. I’m stuck with it no matter what. It’s that or I die. I need to have choices. I need to have the freedom to make my own decisions for as long as I can. I hope you can at least try to understand that.”
“I am a prince and the Guardian. Few people understand that more than I do, Ara. It doesn’t mean you have to stop considering yourself and your safety.”
“I’ll work on it.”
He nodded, but there was still that wall between us.
I heard the horses outside before he did. “It’s time.”
We moved to the window, and he carefully pulled the floral curtain to the side. “Twenty. At least.”
“Perfect.” I pulled my sword. “Let’s worry about this later. Bet I can take out more than you.”
“You’re on.” He moved to the door just as it slammed open. He reached around, grabbed the soldier by the collar, yanked him forward onto his blade, and pushed the door shut. “One for me.”
The door crashed open again, and I flicked my wrist, pulled a throwing knife and took out the next one. “Tie game.” I stepped over the body of the first fallen soldier. “Let’s go.”
We left the comfortable house and entered full-blown chaos outside.
The rebels fought hard, but my team was absolutely brutal. Wren probably took out more soldiers than anyone. They never saw her coming until her knife was across their throats. Kai moved with fluid grace, but a pure, solid weapon. He was definitely holding back when we fought last time.
I couldn’t keep track of Greeve at all. He was all over the place. He might have beaten Wren’s body count. I watched Fen fight two at once while I took on a third. He didn’t break a sweat as he moved like a dancer with an irresistible smirk on his face as he counted his kills. He made it look so easy, and in that moment, I realized the fierceness that was my team.
After it was over, the rebels had lost two of their own and the village was laden with fallen soldiers. The king of the Wind Court had sent over forty males. The rebel leader healed a cut Greeve had gotten in the fray, and we traveled together to the cave to retrieve Lichen, our bags, and the occupants of the village. I’d beaten Fen’s kill count, but he never asked. He didn’t use his magic, so it wasn’t really a fair contest anyway. But if we were counting, I won.
“The king will realize his soldiers did not return and will send twice as many next time,” Temir said. “The best thing you can all do is either travel south or join the rebellion and help yourselves.”
“My name is Fenlas. I am the prince of the Flame Court. My father will allow you to seek refuge in the southern kingdom if you can travel. I urge you not to use the Western Gap.”
Wren stepped forward and, in the kindest voice I’d ever heard, pleaded with them all. “Please consider this. We have a committee ready to welcome you when you cross the border. My sister, Sabra will see you to safety and comfort. It’s no longer safe here.”
With that, we parted ways with the rebels of the north and started toward The Mists. We’d survived a giant, dragons, and the king’s soldiers. It couldn’t be worse than that.
Chapter 35
TEMIR
“You’re sure it was the prince?” Gaea asked as we stood together outside of the glassmaker’s barn.
“Yes. And several others working for the rebellion.”
