by Aria Winter
I trace my hands over her form, checking her for any wounds.
She shakes her head. “He tried to choke me, and I—” Her voice catches, and she curls further into me.
I hold her shaking form close to my chest, running my hand soothingly down her hair and back. Her dress is rumpled and torn in several places. My gaze drifts to the prince’s lifeless form. “Ella,” I whisper. “We have to get out of here.”
I look back at his body, and my jaw drops when I observe it morph into the form of another man entirely.
Ella gasps beside me. “I—I don’t understand. How did—”
“A wolf shifter.” I study his face. He looks familiar but I cannot quite place how I know him. “They are the only ones of our kind who can change not only from human to beast. They can alter their human appearance to mimic the form of another human.”
Her eyes are wide as they meet mine. “Then, where is the prince?”
“I do not know.” I dart a glance toward the door. “But we must leave now.”
She nods, and I quickly move us to the balcony. I glance down at my bond brothers. Their eyes are full of alarm as they notice Ella’s disheveled state and the blood that covers her from head to toe.
“What happened?” Finn’s voice cries out in my head.
“There is no time to explain. We must get her away from here. Quickly. I’m coming down.”
I wrap my arms tightly around Ella’s smaller form. As a shifter, we are able to partially transform, thus keeping the size of our human form while also retaining some of our animal attributes. For me, I’m able to use my wings, but it takes great concentration to do this. “Hold on to me, Ella. I’m going to fly us down.”
She nods again and then climbs onto my front, wrapping her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck.
I move us toward the edge of the balcony and partially shift. Extending my wings, I walk off the ledge and glide gently to the ground.
Each of my brothers stares at us with wide eyes full of concern. “What happened?”
I shake my head. “There is no time. I will explain everything later.” I look to Devon. “Can you partially shift?”
He nods and closes his eyes in concentration. Slowly, he transforms into a cat but much larger. Big enough that he can easily carry Ella on his back.
Still in shock, she clings tightly to me. I cup her chin and lift her tear-filled eyes to mine. “Ella, Devon is going to carry you. Can you hold on to him?”
“Yes,” she mumbles, shaking.
Carefully, I place her on his back, guiding her arms around Devon’s neck.
“Will you make it to the cottage?”
He growls as if offended I would ask such a thing and takes off from the castle as we follow closely behind.
The rest of us race away from the palace in our human forms. Everyone begins rapid-firing questions at me.
“What happened?” Nyx asks.
Finn looks to me. “Why is she covered in blood?”
I growl low in my throat as I send them the image of what I found when I reached the balcony window. “A wolf shifter took the form of the prince. He beat her, and she killed him.”
“A wolf shifter?” Cash’s voice rings out. “I don’t understand.”
“In the forest,” Finn says. “When we first found her. It was a wolf shifter who attacked. This is the second time a wolf shifter has attacked her within a few days. It is not a coincidence. Someone specifically is targeting her.” He looks to Nyx. “Your dream was a warning. I believe they may have been sent by the Wolf Queen. Why else would two of them attack? They would not do this without the blessing of their pack leader.”
I grit my teeth. “We will hide her away from both the humans and shifters. We must trust no one until we know for sure who was behind these attacks.”
Chapter 16
Nyx
Finn’s words unnerve me. He is right. I think of my recurring nightmares—the ones where the Wolf Queen kills Ella. She and her pack rule our kingdom. If they are after Ella, nowhere is safe for her. This is precisely what I’ve feared for so long. But why would they want to harm the Chosen One? It does not make sense. Why wouldn’t the queen want peace between our two worlds?
Although it is difficult, I force myself to push these thoughts aside. Right now, we need to hide Ella; take her somewhere that no one can find her. And to do that, we will have to break one of our most sacred laws. We must bring a human across the veil and to our world.
It doesn’t take long to reach the veil to our kingdom. As we pass through, the magic that keeps our lands hidden from the humans shimmers softly. I scan the forest for any sign that anyone notices the precious burden Devon carries upon his back. But no one is around. The sentries must have ignored our entry.
When we reach the cottage, I stop while everyone else continues ahead. I shift into my human form and begin weaving the spell that will shield us from unwanted eyes. It is an illusion of the strongest magic. No one is more skilled at illusory spells, in our group, than me. I will make certain no one can find us here. We’ll keep Ella safe both from the humans and others of our kind.
We built this cottage based on a premonition from one of my dreams many years ago. I dreamed of danger, but I did not know what form it would take, nor the context in which it might arrive. I only knew that we would need someplace hidden; a safe place to shelter from unwanted eyes.
It says much about Kai that he trusted me enough to act on my dream. And now the day has arrived that I’ve long dreaded. All our lives are in danger.
The penalty for bringing a human across the veil is imprisonment and death. I’ve no desire to face either, but keeping Ella safe is worth the risk. She is precious, cherished, and treasured beyond all measure. I know that my bond brothers feel the same as me.
Once finished, I start back for the cottage. It sits in a clearing deep in the forest. Tall trees surround us like a giant wall on all sides. Constructed of gray stone with a thatched roof, it appears much smaller on the outside than it actually is. I layered several illusory spells throughout the structure to achieve this effect. It looks as though it is only one level and could contain, at most, two rooms. Inside it is rather palatial, and I hope Ella finds it pleasing.
I walk inside to find Kai and Devon standing in the living area. “Where is—” I begin to ask, but Kai interrupts.
“Cash and Finn have drawn her a bath. They are with her now. Of all of us, she is closest to them, so I thought it best that they stay there with her.”
I sigh, knowing she is in good hands. Normally, I would be jealous, but not now, not after what happened.
Chapter 17
Ella
We’re so deep in the forest, I’m not sure I’d ever be able to find my way out of here by myself. It felt like we ran for such a long time after we left the castle and crossed the veil into the shifter kingdom.
A small burst of warmth traveled over my skin as we entered the magical barrier. I thought Kai said it was forbidden for them to bring me here, but I suppose they didn’t have a choice.
I’m worried though for their safety. I hate that they’re having to risk so much just for me.
Cash and Finn help me down off Devon’s back. It’s so strange that he and Kai are able to partially shift into a larger form than usual. I wonder if all of them have this ability.
Unbidden memories resurface as I recall my attack. Tears fill my eyes, but I blink them back, trying to appear much calmer than I feel in this moment. I could have died tonight. The thought hits me like a giant wave, and it takes everything I have to keep it together. I don’t want to break down and start crying. I’m stronger than that.
Cash gathers me in his arms and carries me toward the entrance to a small cottage. It sits in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by a dense forest full of trees taller than any I’ve ever seen in the human kingdom. Great trees stretch up toward the sky, majestic and heavily laden with thick branches full of green needle-like le
aves. There are so many that they form a wall between this place and the outside world.
The cottage itself seems relatively small in comparison. Gray stone walls and a straw-thatched roof with small windows and one door in the front. It looks as if it will hold no more than two people comfortably, so I don’t know how all of us are going to stay here.
When we move inside, my jaw drops as I take in the massive space. It seems this place is full of magic to appear so tiny outside compared to what it actually is. Tall ceilings with large wooden beams span the entire length of the room. A massive fireplace against the far wall has a large gray sofa and table before it. Several plush gray rugs cover the smooth stone floors. I marvel at the intricate carvings in both the furnishings and the baseboards. Nature scenes and winding vines etched into the wood that appear so real they’re beautiful.
The living area opens up into a large kitchen with a long counter that overlooks the living space. Cash takes me up a winding staircase to the second floor.
It opens up into a bedroom with one massive bed in the center that will most definitely accommodate everyone. The fireplace beside it is not as large as the one downstairs, but it is still rather impressive and stacked with several thick cords of wood.
Cash walks to a door along the far wall and it opens up into a bathroom, complete with a large tub. He sets me down on a stool near the sink while he and Finn draw me a bath.
I turn to see my reflection in the mirror and gasp. I look terrible. The left side of my face is swollen and bruised. Bloodstains mark a gash across my cheek. My once beautiful dress is tattered, torn, and stained red, barely covering my breasts from where the wolf shifter ripped it as we struggled.
The dark memories of my assault resurface, and I draw in a shaking breath as fresh tears escape my lashes and roll softly down my face.
Finn gathers me in his arms and pulls me close to his chest. “You’re safe now, Ella. No one will harm you here. My vow.”
I nod against him, but I cannot speak. He cups my cheek and his warm green gaze meets mine. “Do you want me to help you undress?”
I tense, and his eyes fill with pain. Cash moves to his side. “We will not touch you in any way that makes you uncomfortable, Ella. We simply want to take care of you.”
I nod, ashamed that I would have such a reaction to him. They took care of me before without pushing themselves on me. I trust them.
Carefully, they undo the bindings of my dress and slip it from my shoulders as they guide me to the tub. Steam rises from the surface, and as I sink deep into the warm water, I feel my muscles beginning to unwind and relax.
Finn gently washes my hair as Cash runs a soft cloth over my face, neck, and shoulders, cleaning away all the blood.
“You are very brave, Ella,” Cash says.
Numbly, I stare at the water, watching as the clear liquid slowly turns pink from all the blood on my skin. I shudder inwardly. “I don’t feel very brave right now,” I murmur. “I know he’s dead, but…” I clench my jaw as I swallow against the hard lump in my throat. “I’m still afraid.” I look to Finn. “What if someone followed us here? What if they come after all of you too?”
Finn takes my hand. “We made certain no one followed us. We are safe here.”
I want so much to believe this. But if the wolf shifter that attacked me took the form of the prince, that means that he and whoever he’s working with were able to either kill or abduct the prince before that.
And if they can get to a prince—a man surrounded by royal guards and safe in his castle—they can get to anyone. None of us are truly safe.
I don’t point this out, however, because it will do no good. We have nowhere else to go.
Cash and Finn help me stand and wrap me in a soft, warm towel to dry. Cash hands me a nightgown. The light blue material is smooth as silk against my skin. It’s held up by two small straps over my shoulders and only goes down to mid-thigh.
Usually, I would feel shy about wearing something so revealing, but ever since I’ve met my guards, they have done nothing but protect and take care of me. I feel neither ashamed nor embarrassed to dress in front of them now.
I know it’s only been a few days that I’ve known them, but it feels like it’s been a lifetime. I suppose it’s the bond that causes me to feel this way, but I don’t care. My guards care for me and would never hurt me. That’s all that matters.
Nyx comes up the stairs and walks toward us. He holds out a small tin, and I stare down at it curiously. “It is healing balm.” His warm honey-brown eyes meet mine as he hands me the container. “Magically enhanced. It will heal your injuries.”
I thank him, and he looks to Cash and Finn. “The rest of us will be downstairs. You two stay here.”
“We will,” Finn replies.
As he turns to leave, I grip his forearm, stopping him abruptly.
He spins back to me with a curious expression.
“Please,” I whisper. “Be careful.”
A warm smile crests his lips. “I will,” he murmurs. “Rest, Ella. We will keep watch while you sleep.”
Sleep. As if that’s possible after everything that happened this night.
“Thank you,” I barely manage.
As soon as he’s gone, Cash takes the small tin from me and opens it. Tenderly, he applies the ointment to my cheek, and I release a sigh of relief as the pain fades then disappears completely. I walk back to the bathroom mirror, marveling at how I’m now completely healed.
I smooth my hand across my cheek as Cash moves up behind me. “Is the pain gone?”
“Yes. I don’t hurt at all anymore. How does that work? I don’t understand. And... where are we? Is this your home?”
Finn moves up beside him. “We brought you back to our kingdom.”
I search his eyes in concern. “I thought Kai said it was forbidden for you to bring a human to your world. Aren’t you going to get in trouble for bringing me here?”
“Not unless someone finds out.” Finn lowers his gaze as he continues to concentrate on spreading the balm across my back from where small shards of glass cut my skin. “But no one will know, and no one will find you here.”
“How do you know?” I peer over my shoulder, unable to fathom why they would take such a risk.
“Because we have hidden this place with an enchantment, shielding it from unwanted eyes.” Finn explains. “As long as we keep the shield up, no one will be able to find us.”
“And no one but us knows about this place either,” Cash adds. “We built it many years ago, shortly after we bonded. A sort of... escape for us, you see. A place to get away when we wanted to be alone.”
I study him a moment. “You say you are all bond brothers, but what does that mean exactly?”
“It means,” Finn begins. “That we are all bound to each other. We are a unit—able to speak to each other with our minds and thoughts. We are as close as brothers.” His lips quirk up in a smile as he looks to Cash. “Perhaps even closer since we know so much about each other.”
“But how were you all brought together?” I ask, curious to understand.
Cash holds out his arm, pointing to a glowing mark on his forearm. As I stare at it, it begins to glow even brighter. Finn steps forward and extends his arm as well, and I note that he has the same marking.
“This mark, “Cash gestures to it. “Each of us was born with it. It is the mark of the Chosen One.” His eyes snap up to meet mine. “We were destined from birth to be your guards, Ella. We have trained our entire lives for this purpose.”
“What does that mean?”
Finn looks to me. “It means that we were taken from our families when we were children and sent to live in a training house among the Elders so they could teach us about the prophecy and also how to guard you.”
My heart clenches. “You were all taken from your families?”
“Yes,” Finn replies. “But we still were allowed to see them from time to time.”
I reach out a
nd take his hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m so sorry. You gave up so much for me.”
He shakes his head as he looks to his brother. “Do not be sad for us, Ella. Cash and I had each other and the rest... we are close as brothers. They are our family. And now you are as well. We are bound to you, just as we are bound to one another in an unbreakable bond.”
Cash cups my cheek. “All my life, I dreamed of what it would be like to finally meet you. And now that we have, I know that you are brave and kind, intelligent and beautiful, Ella. I am honored to be your guard. I will protect you with my life if necessary.”
“I will as well,” Finn adds. “All of us would.”
Cash stares down at me with a pained expression. “When Finn and I were growing up, no one could tell us apart. Even our bond brothers and our parents have difficulty with this.” He sighs heavily. “At first, we thought of it as a game.”
A faint smile curves Finn’s lips. “It was fun until the day we realized that even the people we knew best could not tell us apart.”
Cash glances at Finn, then turns his attention back to me. “We even met another female shifter of our kind. She was quite taken with me. Or so she claimed. But I wanted to know if her feelings were true before I allowed myself to fall. So, I told her that I was not interested but that my brother, Finn, was.”
“What happened?” I ask.
Cash’s eyes fill with sadness. “She said one was just as good as the other and had no qualms about going after Finn at that point.”
Finn places a hand on Cash’s shoulder. “I love my brother, but it has been... difficult for us because of this. Almost no one considers us as our own person. We are simply Cash and Finn—instead of being considered separately.”
Still holding Finn’s hand, I reach for Cash’s as well. I look at Finn. “You are Finn, and you,” I look to Cash, “are Cash.”
They both smile down at me. Finn presses a tender kiss to my hand. “You are the only one who has always been able to tell. Even on the first day you met us. Even the Elders could not tell us apart half the time.”
