He had probably done it on purpose to send a message. You are so insignificant, I will heal you because killing you would exert more energy.
Bastard.
Numair and Juliette approached. I pushed away from the tree and met them halfway, grabbing their shoulders. Alive. They were alive.
“What thehelljust happened?” Juliette asked.
I shook my head. We needed to get home before even trying to answer that question. “Send a pair to the house to bring wagons for our dead.”
I scanned the field, steeling myself as I counted those still not moving, feeling a pinch of shame at my particular relief when I saw Tereille rising to run towards Édouard, who sat up. There would be time for grief later.
At least six dead.
Six.
“Yes, Lady.” Numair moved away to organize the effort.
Édouard strode forward, steps heavy, he and his mate bracing each other. “We need to talk, Aerinne.”
I was unworthy torule.
Six of my people dead, and myultimateenemy even now walked away from the field under his own power.
I closed my eyes, then opened them and started to tend to thewounded.
ChapterSix
Istepped inside the dining war room, pausing to savor the few minutes of quiet before family and vassals descended. We’d spent hours caring for our injured and dead, but it was late and there were decisions to be made.
Darkan? I have questions.
So many questions.
I grabbed a chair back when a sudden rush of flame and fury answered my query, sucking my consciousness deep into the void of my mind.
In this gray, amorphous place, the vague outline of a tall masculine figure emerged, striding towards me. Anger, disappointment, the flickering edges of a fiery emotion.
Do you realize what you did, you foolish girl?
I bit back a resigned sigh, distantly feeling the press of a chair under my thighs. I must have collapsed into it.
If you've forgotten how to play nice, we can't be friends anymore.Anedge in my voice because, yes, I was too tired for his attitude. Despite my tolerance for acidic commentary, at a certain point I drew a line.And what do you mean,whatIdid? I want toknowwhatyoudid.
You made a Vow.
Oh, that.
When will you learn tothinkpast your nose and present motivations?
Funny, I'd been asking myself the exact same question lately.The good news is there'smuch room for growth. Nowhere to go but up.
Tendrils of gray wrapped around my body and constricted. I let Darkan use me as a stress ball while I concentrated, the strands of the Vow a delicate chain around my neck. It was quiet for now. But as time passed if my intent wavered, the noose would tighten untilitsliced off my head.
That had happened before. Literally.
The magic of the Fae didn't likewhen we reneged.
I shouldn't have Vowed.In my defense—
