Page 109 of Sarven's Oath

“My duty is to keep her alive.” I stand taller. “That means keeping the water safe.”

“Yes.” Kol looks back toward the tunnel leading down to the deep dark. “We cannot leave the filter unguarded. Not with Lucek’s eyes on us.”

“I will stand guard,” I offer, though the thought of leaving the warm nest pulls at my gut.

“No,” Kol says. “You have done your part. Tonight, Zan watches the lower tunnel. Haroth watches the upper vents.”

Kol straightens, his massive frame filling the hallway.

“But this is not over. The sickness in the water… the scout she saw in the ceiling… they are connected. Lucek is not just watching. He is waiting.”

Kol’s eyes shift to the side tunnel where the humans sleep—where Eh-ree-kah sleeps. His jaw tightens.

“We need to know what they are planning,” he continues. “We need to hunt.”

He looks at me.

“Rest tonight, dust-son. Be with your mate. But sharpen your blade tomorrow. We are not just surviving anymore.”

“No,” I agree, the image of Mih-kay-lah falling into the dark water flashing through my mind. The fear turns into cold, hard resolve. “We are protecting.”

“Go,” Kol says.

I turn back to the alcove.

When I slide back into the furs, Mih-kay-lah immediately rolls toward me, seeking my heat. She mumbles something about “koh-fee” in her sleep and throws a leg over my waist.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her so tight there is no space for air between us.

I am better than a husband. I am a Drakav.

And if Lucek’s clan comes for my mate, or her water, or her peace?

I will not just filter the poison.

I will slaughter it.