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“Well,” I say, pushing back from the chair as I rise. “That's my cue.”
The air twists beneath my fingertips as I reach for my magic, opening the portal before glancing back over my shoulder one last time. “Next time, have the decency to wear something a little less horrifying before my eyes burn out of my skull.”
I drag a hand down my face with exaggerated suffering, earning nothing more than a narrowed stare.
“Get the fuck out of here.” There's amusement buried beneath the words, even if he'd rather die than admit it.
I lift a hand in farewell and step through the portal.
The cabin comes into view on the other side, and I draw in a slow breath as I brace myself for whatever waits beyond the door.
Knock.
Knock.
Chapter forty-six
Final Goodbye
Oberon
Blood splatters my face as my blade finds its mark.
It’s not their fault. Not really.
The males here are only defending their land, their homes, their loved ones. My shadows coil at my feet, enough to make them hesitate, enough to make them question their choices, but not enough to stop them from coming anyway.
I commend them for their bravery or stupidity.
They know they don’t stand a chance, but they come anyway, ready to die for their cause.
Stupidity, I decide.
The one in the middle is tall and slender, built more like a runner than a fighter, a heavy mace raised high above his narrow frame. He’s flanked by two shorter, stockier males, both wielding poorly made blades dulled by desperation rather than use.
The mace comes first.
I duck beneath the swinging ball of spikes and drive my elbow into his stomach. The air leaves his lungs in a sharp burst, sending him staggering back a few steps.
The male to his right is on me immediately. The other is still closing the distance. I’ve bought myself only seconds.
The first raises his sword. He’s fast, I’ll give him that.
Just not fast enough.
The second male strikes from my left. I parry the first blow and block the second with a deafening clash, steel screaming against steel. The male with the mace has already recovered. He’s only a few steps away now.
Every swing of my blade meets resistance. I let them believe they have the advantage.
Let them believe numbers might be enough.
We all know better.
I turn at the last possible moment, my blade sinking deep into the tall male’s chest. I watch the light drain from his eyes as the realization dawns that he will never kiss his loved ones again.
With the heel of my boot, I kick his corpse free. There’s a sickening squelch as steel leaves flesh, followed by the heavy thump of his lifeless body hitting the ground.
The other two are still coming.
