In waking, her bite would not have been strong enough. Here it was
When the next demon came for her, Rayna’s tiny pup body had transformed.
She was a champion—the vicious red wolf that had defeated Rhael Demetrian.
Rayna's control and power return with each snap of her jaws.
She shifted, and wiped black ichor and blood from her eyes.
The scene changed again.
Mya was still there, lying dead. But other bodies piled around her: Bayne, Coer, Ash, Thera, Lonian, and Rayna's father, Aquillo.
Bayne’s chest smoked as it had when she'd tried to staunch the bleeding.
Ash’s innards steamed.
A sickly foam coated Coer’s mouth and chin.
Thera’s mutilated body twisted in unnatural angles.
Lonian’s bloodied hand lay next to the dagger he'd used to end his own life.
A burning arrow smoldered in Aquillo’s chest.
Suddenly human, Rayna fell to her knees. She sobbed.
It was more than any person could take—seeing their loved ones displayed in torment. As she cried, a golden fog roiled around her, cascading over the bodies, and blocking them from view.
“Is this really what you want?” A man’s voice cut through the murk.
Rayna raised her head from her hands. Her breath caught in her throat.
Tallis Terayan strode toward her. He was not as she had seen him. He wore simple cotton robes, no golden circlet adorned his sandy hair, and his eyes were no longer pale green. He had Rhael’s eyes—concentric rings of gold and black.
He stood less than a tail-length from her. “You know where this path leads.”
“What path?” Rayna forced herself to look at him, but could not bring herself to stand.
“The path of a twice-blessed seer, which was ordained to you by the deity you call Wolnor. Twice-blessed...” He shook his head. “You’ve known the truth since your powers were first revealed to you. It isn’t a blessing. It’s a curse. One that will consume you.” He looked past her into the fog.
Rayna followed his gaze.
A woman with wild red hair stood at a cliff side, before stepping off to her death. Rayna recognized Cassa, her ancestor whose fate had so frightened Mya and Thera.
“Why are you doing this to me? Why do you hate me?”
“Don’t you see, Rayna.” Terayan knelt beside her. “I don’t hate you. I’m offering you a cure.”
“A cure?” She laughed. “Your cure is the curse. Fractured dreams, headaches—”
“That is because you resist my magic. Stop resisting, and the pain will go away. Don’t you see? You could be with Channon and have a child without fearing what you might pass on to her.”
“You’re lying. You want me dead. You’ve always wanted me dead. I won’t give you what you want.”
He stood. “Soon you won’t have a choice.”
“You’re wrong,” said Rayna. “Choice is all I have.”
“Choice and freedom are illusions, like so many other things in this diseased world. Truth will reign soon. Then you will see.”
“I see the truth now.” She stood. “More than that, I sense it. I hear it in your silent heartbeat. I scent it on the currents. You are the illusion, Terayan. You can’t fool a wolf. Not anymore.” She grinned as her teeth extended.
Rayna yanked Terayan's throat to her jaws. She bit into his phantom skin.
The golden fog blinked away, as if it had never been.
Rayna was back in the clearing. She stood over her own sleeping body.
Marielana knelt, her head bowed in concentration.
“Rayna.” Lumae appeared on her left as Alvo appeared on her right. “You did it.”
“We will visit you soon,” Alvo said. “Now, you must wake.”
Rayna wanted to protest, but she was not offered the chance. She bolted upright. Marielana jumped back in shock. A beat passed and she crouched by Rayna. “Rayna, my dear, how are you feeling?”
Rayna ran her hands through her hair. For the first time in ages, her head did not ache. Her temples did not pulse.
“I feel free.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
After the healers gave her the all-clear, Mina returned to her den. She was not surprised to find it empty. The ritual Marielana proscribed would likely take Rayna some time.
The den’s hearth was cold. Mina crouched beside it and soon had a fire going. She sat on her pallet, sighing with relief and contentment.
Another adventure was complete. Lives were saved, debts had been repaid, and Mina could relax for the first time in weeks.
Though it was not yet midday, Mina was exhausted. She had barely slept aboard the ship. She had never been much for sea travel—especially since her last voyage had been so dramatically interrupted by Terayan’s arrival, and Sudmaris’s intervention. Mina slipped off her boots, unstrapped her daggers—lamenting again the loss of her bow—and soon fell asleep.
A knock on the den’s frame woke Mina. From the dying fire, it was clear several hours had passed. Mina looked around the den. Rayna was still not back.
“Come in!” Mina called as she sat up, smoothing her frizzy hair. The salty sea air had left her curls fluffier than ever, even after she'd rinsed them with wood fern extract.
Roxen entered. In the darkness, Mina couldn’t make out his handsome features, but there was no mistaking his tall, brawny form.
“Rox.” She smiled through a yawn as she went to the hearth and reawakened the fire. “Shouldn't you be resting?”
A soft, orange light filled the space, revealing a long bundle in Roxen’s right hand.
“Mina.” He grinned. “I'm feeling much better, though I'll admit I'm still sore.” He cleared his throat. “Rayna’s not here?”
“She’s still with Marielana.” Mina shook her head, trying to end the giddiness his smile induced in her.
Mina had never been one for such reactions to men, but there was something different about Roxen. After his brush with death, those feelings had multiplied until barely a moment passed she did not think of him.
“Well,” Roxen continued. “It’s you I came to see anyway. How are you feeling?”
“Better than most. My part in the prison escape ended up being one of the less dangerous.”
“Aye. Thank the Goddess for the Alvornians.”
Mina sat on a stool and gestured for Roxen to do the same. “I’d offer you something, but we don’t have anything to offer at the moment.”
Roxen shook his head. “No need to play the hostess. I wanted to make sure you were all right, and um,” he lay the long, leather-wrapped parcel across his lap, “give you this.”
“A gift? Is it my birthday? Some Fenearen holiday I don’t know about?”
“No.” He laughed. “There’s no occasion.” He handed her the package.
Mina carefully untied the ropes binding the leather coverings, revealing a carved yew bow. “Oh, Roxen.”
“I know it can’t compare to the one you lost. I feel terrible that you had to leave it on Swann’s ship. I should’ve made some excuse—”
“You couldn’t have without raising suspicion.” She stood, testing the bow’s flexibility.
“Still.” He stood as well, running his hand down the bow’s shaft. “It’s a Fenearen style long bow, so it will handle differently than your old one. But it’s made of yew, and I tried to choose the right size. You’re a little shorter than me.”
“A little? I’m pretty sure two of me balanced on top of each other wouldn’t reach your height.” She laughed, her hand finding Roxen’s on the bow’s leather handle. “It’s perfect.”
He flushed. “I made a few modifications.”
Mina followed his gaze. Carvings of flowers and vines ran along the bow.
“Roses,” he said.
“Rayna says I smell of yew and roses.” She ran her finger around one of the blooms.
Roxen cleared his throat. “That's true.”
“I see.”
It was not until he took a step back, that Mina realized how close together they'd been. The tension between them seemed to unnerve Roxen, but it emboldened Mina.
She set the bow down gently on the stool. “Rox, this is the best gift anyone’s ever given me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. In the morning, I’ll take you to the fletcher. I’m not sure she’ll have many eagle feathers on hand, but I have some in my feather collection you can have.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.” He walked to the hearth, and stoked the already lively fire. “Eagle feathers aren’t any better suited to arrows than the more common choices. If you use them, it must be important to you.”
“It is,” Mina said, touched by his interest. “There’s something about eagles I’ve always loved. It’s probably silly, but using their feathers makes me feel strong. Somehow turkey feathers don’t have the same effect.”
“It isn’t silly.” He turned to her. “Eagles are incredible creatures. As talented at flying as falcons, but far less trainable.”
“They’re independent souls.”
“Aye,” Roxen agreed, “except when they’re not.”
“What do you mean?”
“Have you ever seen an eagle courtship display?”
She shook her head.
“It’s breath-taking.”
Mina returned to her seat, laying the bow across her lap.
Roxen took his place across from her.
“What do they do?” Mina asked.
“Two eagles find each other, fly in circles, getting closer and closer, until you think they might collide. And then—” He clasped his hands together. “They do. They link up their talons, and fall.”
“Fall?”
He nodded. “They plummet together through the sky, trusting each other to break off at the last moment. If one fails, they both die. But, when the ground is just below them, and their bravery and faith has been proven, they part. After that, they’re bonded. They’ll spend the rest of their lives together—raising chicks and hunting across the skies.”
“I had no idea. Why would they take such a risk?”
Roxen shrugged. “You’d have to ask an eagle.”
When she laughed, he stood. “It’s late, I should let you get back to sleep.”
Mina started after him. “Rox, wait.”
“Yes, Mina?”
“Tell me something.” She approached him.
He stood still, but his hazel eyes watched her every move.
“Are you this kind to everyone, or is there something here? Because,” she slid her hand down his well-muscled arm, “I feel something. And like the eagles, I’m not afraid to take chances.”
“Mina.” His voice was husky.
Mina knew that tone well—a man attempting restraint. How could she make him see restraint was not necessary with her?
“Mina, you’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. You’re beautiful, fierce, and wise. But it’s more than that, there’s something intangible about you. You’re regal and—”
Whatever his final compliment may have been, Mina’s lips muffled it as she grabbed the back of his head, and pulled him into a kiss.
This was not the frantic, insecure kiss of young lovers who did not know what they wanted. It was a pure, simple embrace, but one Mina never wanted to leave.
Far too quickly, it was over.
Roxen broke the contact. “Mina, I’m sorry.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
He touched his lips absently, as if he did not realize what he was doing. “That was—a mistake.”
“Oh.” It was not the response to which she was accustomed, nor one she expected. “I’m sorry if I misinterpreted—”
“You didn’t misinterpret anything.” Roxen exhaled, moving away from the fire’s heat. “Believe me.”
“Then what is it?”
“Mina, I care a great deal for you. I didn’t realize how much until I almost lost you. I’m gratified that my feelings are returned—”
“Gratified? Why are you speaking so formally?”
“I apologize. I’m attempting to rein in my instincts.”
“Why?” Mina closed the distance, taking his hand. “There is nothing stopping you from pursuing wherever your instincts take you.”
He sighed, closing his eyes—shutting her out. “But there is.”
She dropped his hand. “I don’t understand.”
“I know. Allow me to explain. Before we make any decisions, there’s something you need to know.”
“Whatever it is, I don’t care.”
“You might.” Roxen ran his hand through his scruffy auburn hair. “How much do you know of Fenearen courtship?”
Mina shrugged. “From conversations I’ve had with Rayna, I know Fenearen customs are different from the Republic's. You Fenearens are more private about romance. Much of my culture seemed to overwhelm Rayna.”
“More private, yes. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Then what?”
“In Fenearen culture, when we make a commitment to someone, we keep it.”
Mina smiled. “I don’t see what the problem is there.”
“Well, it’s—” he cleared his throat again.
“Speak plainly Roxen, you won’t offend me.”
“When we take a mate, that is to say, when we consummate a relationship—”
“When you go to bed with someone,” Mina provided.
“Aye. When such a choice is made, for me, that choice is final. When I take a mate, it will be for life.”
The meaning of Roxen’s statement broke upon Mina. “So, you’ve never been with anyone?”
“Not fully. I’ve had opportunities, but it never felt right. With you, though, I think it might.” He took her hands.
It was Mina’s turn to be overwhelmed. “Rox, you must realize I don’t share that conviction. I’ve been with others before.”
“I know. I don’t care about that.” He cupped her face with his hands. “But I do care about your happiness, and your freedom. If you and I were to court, it would be with the intention of commitment. If we were ever to consummate our feelings—in my heart, at least—we would be bonded for life.”
“I—I don’t know that I can ever promise forever, Roxen. It’s not who I am.” She looked away.
“I know.” He stroked her cheek before dropping his touch. “And I would never dream of trying to change you to fit my expectations. But nor can I change my own beliefs. I’m the Beta of the Southern Densite. Others may not hold to our ways, but I must.”
Mina did not speak for some time as she sorted through her reactions. Finally, she ended the silence. “You know, for being raw meat-eating wolves, you Fenearens are surprisingly puritanical.”
Roxen laughed. “It’s not about purity. There's nothing impure about love.” He shook his head. “It’s the way of wolves. We mate for life.”
“I understand, maybe.” She bit her lip, shoring up her decision. “Roxen, I like you a lot—more than I thought I could. But I can’t make that kind of promise when we’ve only known each other a few months. To be honest, I’m not sure I could ever promise that. It’s not who I am. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” he said fiercely. “Never apologize for who you are. You’re amazing.”
“So are you,” she protested.
His expression softened. “I’m glad you think so. But I can’t ask you to change for me, and I can’t change for you.”
“So, that kiss, as perfect as it was…”
“Should probably be our last.” He blinked rapidly, as if fighting tears. “I should go. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I just didn’t want to lead you down a path that couldn’t last.”
“I know.” She turned her back to him. “Thank you for the bow.”
&n
bsp; “You’re welcome, Mina. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He left.
Mina picked up the bow, tracing the carved roses and thorns. She placed it on the mantel and went back to bed.
Rayna led Marielana to the Southern Densite, feeling more refreshed with each step. She had not realized how deeply Terayan’s influence had seeped into her body until it was gone.
Marielana had not asked for details of the experience.
Rayna suspected she would when the time was right. For now, they had to address other matters.
Namely, Kado Aronak.
If he really was the white wolf, then perhaps he'd prove a valuable ally in the fight against Terayan. But first, they had to determine whether he was a trick. After her ordeal in the clearing, Rayna felt more capable than ever of finding the truth.
It was night when they returned to the densite. Rayna must have slept most of the day.
She almost expected Silver to be asleep when they arrived at her den, but a quick appraisal of the scent currents revealed she was not. In fact, Roxen, Pheros, and Seperun were all in the den with her.
Rayna entered with Marielana.
Silver hurried to greet them, handing Rayna a cup of chamomile tea.
“Is it done?” Silver asked.
“Yes. Terayan can no longer manipulate my dreams.” Rayna smiled, and sipped the tea.
Silver sighed in relief. “Thank you,” she said to Marielana. “Please, sit, both of you.”
Once all were settled in stools by the hearth, Silver explained what they'd missed.
“Kado Aronak has been moved to a private den at the densite’s edge, where we are keeping him under guard.”
“He did not resist this continued imprisonment?” Marielana asked.
“No,” Silver said with a slight edge. “Besides, it isn't imprisonment. The guards are a precaution.”
“Indeed, the boy seemed relieved,” Seperun said. “He is comfortable with confinement.”
Pheros scoffed. “If that’s the case, why escape from Krymammer?”
“Katrine,” the name slipped from Rayna’s lips.
Twice Blessed Page 31
