Page 108 of Maleen

My heart is racing as I listen to the plans and battle strategies the others suggest, and that’s when it truly hits me. Within a couple hours, the beginning of the end will be here and we will either come out victorious or cease to see another day.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

A GROWL RIPS FROM MY throat as I thrust my blade up into another one of my father’s sympathizers. I don’t even think they know what they are truly fighting for and considering that he has the largest chunk of the Soul Stone, it’s a good possibility.

I watch out of the corner of my eye as Ravina practically dances and glides across the battlefield, blood coating the stunning armor she had crafted for us. She’s holding up well. Killian stays nearby, towering over everyone and looking as menacing as Death himself, cutting down anyone within arms length while keeping an eye on our mate.

Meanwell I’ve positioned myself right between Cynder and Rav, my sister—or well Rav’s sister. That’s still confusing to me, but she is still and will always be my family. She demanded to be a part of the battle, so much like Rav. She said she would just join anyway, and at least this way I can keep my eye on her. The Safir Raiders and Lennox have not left her side even once. And they rarely let her fight, but when one enemy slips through, she’s right there ready for the kill. She’s come into her magick beautifully. I’ve never been so proud, and honestly I’m surprised at how well they work together, including Lennox. His gryphon—like our dragons—circles above, keeping us protected from aerial attacks.

They work very similarly to how we protect Rav, and for some reason that both comforts and disturbs me. My sister should stay unmated forever. No male is worthy of her.

My fist tightens on my sword as I swing it again, taking out another as Jesper skips past, slaughtering another male who was about to come at me next, the shadowstone armor encasing his body not slowing him down at all—it’s like the blood he’s coated in blends perfectly with the sheen of the metal.

Roz and Ember are also nearby, and knowing that I can see everyone I care about and those my mate cares for, is helping keep me centered.

Aemon stands at my flank lazily flicking his shadows around as he whisks enemies away into the shadow realm to be lost forever, and if they manage to get past him, his blade easily takes care of them. We work like a well-oiled machine, but this is just the beginning. Who knows how long this will last—how long will it take for my father to stop hiding behind his army and make an appearance.

So far there’s been no shadow wraiths, but we all know it’s just a matter of time. The Royal Guard surrounds all of us, fighting fiercely just like Killian has trained them, to protect our Queen and most importantly, our heart. I slice the spine of a stealth-fighter trying to sneak up towards Kill---someone whose unshielded face reminds me of one of Craven's guards who once kicked the shit out of me.

All this horrible war, and that's the thing that shakes me. I take a moment, suddenly sucked back into memories that used to keep me up at night. Memories of dark places, and pain. But no more since I've been sleeping next to my mate and brothers. I remember knowing I didn't deserve her, that I didn't deserve anything but death at their hands after betraying them thanks to my sperm donor's meddling. But now despite his evil, I am here, thanks to Ravina.

Things have come full circle and now I don't just redeem myself, I thrive, easily stepping into the role my poor excuse for a father tried to steal: protector of the realm, mate to an incredible woman.

I’m determined that we will all make it out of this alive.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

MY BLADE CUTS THROUGH THE cheap, fragile armour of the fae in front of me. Blood pours out his mouth as I put my boot on his chest and dislodge him from my sword. I don’t have time to watch the light leave his eyes as I turn and dispose of the next one trying to end my life. It’s been three long days of this and I’m exhausted. The end has to be near. Craven is going to have to show his face eventually.

Jesper is pouncing around me, leaving a mountain of bodies in his wake. Vasari and Tisur fly just above us and they take down gryphons, protecting us from aerial attacks. It’s utter chaos and bloodshed. My body is fighting to survive while my mind has disassociated, only focusing on making sure we all get through this alive.

“Has anyone spotted Craven?” I shout into the bond as I dodge another blade, summoning fire and shooting it at the fae who dares attack me. Rude.

“Yes, please tell me someone has seen the fucker,” Nero growls as he lands on my shoulder again. My constant movement must be annoying as Fates, but we refuse to separate in case someone gets a hold of him. Plus he wants to be where all the snacks are.

Killian grumbles, “Nothing yet.”

“The dragons haven’t seen anything either,” Aemon adds.

Talyn scoffs. “My sperm donor is here somewhere. There’s no way he would miss this. He is probably sitting back at the war camp waiting for something.”

Metal clangs violently behind my head and I whip around to see two blades crossed, barely a foot from me. Batsil grimaces as she thrusts her blade through the enemy fae’s face.

“Try to be more aware of your surroundings, Princess,” she breathes, out of breath from the physical exertion of fighting. My Royal Guard surrounds me, keeping most of the fae from reaching me. “Might I suggest getting back on your dragon. You’ve proved enough already.”

I shake my head. “If I run now, how will I ever gain the respect of the realm?”

She places a hand on my shoulder. “You have more than earned your citizens’ respect. Now go. Save your energy for when you find Craven, and bring that bastard to his knees for both of our families,” she growls.

I sigh, reluctant, but I know enough not to argue any further, so call Vasari. She swoops down low enough for me to blast myself off the ground with air and onto her back, and my mouth nearly drops when I see the carnage below from this vantage point. Nero follows, and with nimble fingers I attach his lead so he doesn’t fall behind with my dragon’s quick speeds. Tisur scoops up Jesper into his talons and throws him up into the air before catching him on his back.

I glance down at our warriors below and my eyes widen with horror. My scream lodges in my throat for a second too long. “Watch out!”

Batsil doesn’t have time to block the attack and Craven’s warrior drives their blade deep into her gut, twisting. Vasari roars, feeling my anguish as she dives back toward my instructor and Royal Guard leader, swallowing her attacker whole. The screams as he’s swallowed abruptly stop as I jump back off Vasari. My bonds flood with worry at my distress, but I block them off as I run to my Guard, who’s being rallied by Numix.

“Batsil!” I land on my knees beside her and Numix takes up his post at my back.

She’s pale and blood dribbles from her mouth, her glassy eyes staring off into the distance like she’s trying to find where I am, and I already know in my heart that she isn’t going to make it. I take her hand and her breath stutters.