by M Guida
“Damn,” I murmured. Montae was good. Damn good.
King Gregori had folded his arms and was shaking his head. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or embarrassed because he had on a black cowboy hat that hid his features.
Lucien panted and grabbed his knees. “I guess I’m out of practice.”
Montae sheathed his sword. “You put a mighty good fight, Prince.” He held out his hand. “But unfortunately for you, you have a heap of dishes waiting for you this week.”
I thought Lucien would come back with an angry retort, but instead, his eyes shone with appreciation and he accepted Montae’s gesture. “I guess I was overconfident.”
Montae’s eyes clouded. “Better with me than an Unseelie or a Dark Demon.”
Lucien looked almost like he wanted to deny Montae’s observation, but that would have been foolish. Their enemy wouldn’t have been satisfied to just dislodge his weapon but to remove his head.
He walked over to Rhys and tilted his head toward Montae. “Your turn.”
Rhys grabbed his sword and didn’t look too happy. He glanced at his father, who was watching intently. I wondered if King Finbar knew about the bet between Montae and the Royals.
Montae had his sword pointed on the ground and his hands rested on the handle. He actually seemed bored with his relaxed stance, but he wasn’t fooling me. I could see the watchfulness in his eyes. He was a cat pretending to be an aloof cat, trying to lure in an unsuspecting mouse.
But Rhys wasn’t a fool. He held up his sword and didn’t move, apparently waiting for Montae to make the first move.
Montae rose to the challenge, and in a swift motion, lunged. Once again, the clash of swords rang throughout the arena. Rhys was on the defensive immediately. He sprang to the side and brought his sword down to expel Montae’s blade, but he hadn’t fooled Montae.
He surged his weapon, knocking the sword out of Rhys’ hand. It clanked and laid at Rhys’ boots.
Montae gave him a surly look. “I guess Lucien won’t be alone washing dishes.”
Rhys frowned, but then merriment filled his eyes, and he burst out laughing. “I’m drying.”
“I don’t think we’ve decided that,” Lucien said dryly.
I rolled my eyes at their fight over what task was worse, drying or washing.
Zayne stuck out his chest and gripped his sword. “I want to try.”
Montae flashed a quizzical gaze over him. “Have you ever practiced with a sword?”
“I have.”
But by his stance and the way he held the weapon, I knew it was a lie. Montae could have embarrassed him and called him out, but he let him try like the rest of the Defenders.
He would have done Bo proud, but his time with Montae was even shorter than Lucien and Rhys.
Montae cracked his neck and turned to Dante. “And you?”
Dante grabbed his axe. “I don’t use a sword. I use an ax.”
While Montae, Rhys, and Lucien had been showing their skills with their swords, Anton had readied the targets. Dante had shown me how to throw an ax and he was a master at it. I had never seen anyone wield the weapon like he had. I glanced over at his father and wondered if he was just as gifted. Someone had to teach Dante.
The confidence in Montae’s face, and his smile turned to uneasiness and a frown. I hid a grin. Obviously, an ax wasn’t Montae’s forte.
Dante put his arm. “You can go first.”
Montae grabbed an ax, grumbling. “I think I’ve just been set up.”
The look of amusement in Dante’s eyes said Montae had guessed right.
Montae approached the target and was about ten feet away. The target had rings that started from the outside beginning with white, then black, then blue, and ending with red. Yellow was the center. “Two out of three?”
Dante shrugged. “Sure.”
Montae took a deep breath, drew an ax back, and threw it.
SWOOSH
He hit the edge of the blue ring.
“Nice,” Dante murmured.
Montae let loose one ax and then another. Each time closing in on the center, but he hadn’t hit the covenant yellow. He stepped aside and stretched out his arm. “Your turn, young prince.”
Dante bowed slightly. “Thank you. You’re a very good shot, Montae.” He grinned mischievously. “You’ll be hard to beat.”
He picked up an ax and brought it to eye level.
Glee shown in Katona’s eyes. She had pure faith in her mate, just like I did in Lucien––even if he just got his ass whipped.
Whack Whack Whack
Montae’s mouth dropped and his eyes got bigger than an owl’s.
Dante hit not one, not two, but three targets.
“I don’t believe it.” Montae finally found his voice.
Katona clasped Dante’s arm. “I guess he forget to tell you. He learned his skill from his father, King Nico.”
We all looked up at King Nico who saluted us.
“I was definitely set up.” Montae crossed his arms.
Lucien patted him on the back. “So, glad you’ll be joining us.”
“I bet you’re just loving this, aren’t you?”
Lucien rubbed his chin. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.”
Anton waved his hand. “Raven, it’s your turn.”
I could fell everyone’s eyes on me as I picked up my bow and headed over toward Anton. Across the field, there was a single target.
“You hit the marks last year, Raven,” Anton said. “Let’s see if you still possess the same ability.”
I drew an arrow out of a quiver and placed it in the bow’s flight groove. I pulled back the string and locked it in place. Closing my eyes, I called upon my dragon.
Please, help.
My silver dragon flashed in my mind.
What is it that you wish?
For my aim to be true.
She bowed her head. Believe in yourself.
I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. Tingles swept from the tips of my fingers up to my arm. My vision sight grew sharper. Ignoring the beads of sweat falling down my face and leaking into my eyes, I blocked out everyone around me, the Defenders, Lucien, Montae, the kings, and even Anton. All that mattered was the target.
I can do this.
I frowned.
Not I can do this. I narrowed my eyes.
I will do this.
I released the arrow.
Twang
It whizzed across the field and hit the precious yellow target. I smiled, but I wanted to make sure it wasn’t pure luck. Luck wouldn’t help me against Ryker and Cormac.
I let another arrow.
WHIRRRRRR
A second arrow hit the center and then a third one. I lowered my crossbow and sighed.
Thank you, dragon.
She flashed in my mind and nodded.
“Will I’ll be damned.” Montae came up alongside. “I don’t know very men who could have made that shot, let alone three dead on.”
Lucien draped his arm around my shoulders. “I told you she was amazing.”
I glanced up at his handsome face. “I don’t know about that.”
He kissed my cheek. “I do.”
His faith always strengthened me.
Anton clapped his hands. “Now, for the practice drills.”
I bowed my head and sighed. Anton’s drills were hard, tireless, and without mercy, but my team and I needed them.
For the next few hours, Anton had us partner with each other and practice with the sword, even Xavier. Mina partnered with Xavier. He was slower than the rest of us, but he never quit. I wasn’t sure if she was slower just to make him feel better, but he seemed to be more confident in his swings.
I was paired with Lucien, who unlike Mina, was relentless. I met his thrust, but I was always on the defensive, so far he hadn’t unmanned my sword.
I panted loudly in my ears. My arms and my legs wobbled. Hunger grumbled inside me. Sweat drenched my body, and I thought any min
ute I’d fall down, but I refused to give into exhaustion.
He finally shielded his eyes and looked up at the sky. “I think we have missed the afternoon meal. We will break for dinner and wait until tomorrow to do the Puriforgio Virtueus spell.”
“I think…” I panted and wiped sweaty forehead with my sleeve. “That’s a good idea. I think we’ve had enough for our first day.”
“I agree,” he said. “But we won’t have much time to practice. Ryker and Cormac will not have been idle while we gather our strength.” He pointed. “Mt. Elbert is burrowing with activity.”
Black clouds rolled over the lofty peak, and my gut tightened. Shadow demons and whatever other creatures King Cormac had conjured. Time was slipping through our fingers.
Chapter 18
For dinner, the professors had cooked spaghetti, meatballs, Italian sausage, garlic bread, and two desserts, tiramisu and four different stuffed cannolis–chocolate ricotta, pistachio, amaretto, and limoncello. This time my eyes wouldn’t be bigger than a stomach.
Lucien and I went through the cafeteria line.
He scanned the kitchen and scowled. “I swear the professors used every pan in the cafeteria, just because they knew they wouldn’t be cleaning up the mess this time.”
I elbowed him. “Serves you right for being so arrogant.”
He stopped and stuck out his chin. “You think I’m arrogant?”
“Every day.”
His eyebrows crinkled, and his mouth tightened.
I kissed his frowning lips. “You wouldn’t be Lucien if you weren’t. And I love you for it.”
He brushed the back of his hand down my cheek, making me shiver. “I love your penance for always getting into trouble.”
We sat at the Royal Table and this time, Montae joined us––without asking I might add.
I twirled my fork in my spaghetti. “Aren’t you afraid your sitting at the little kid table?”
He met each of our gazes. “No. From what I saw from each of you, you would give a season warrior a reason to worry.”
My eyes widened at his compliment, and then a small smile slowly formed on my lips. “Thank you.”
Zayne leaned back in his chair. “You really believe that? It wasn’t like I even lasted two seconds with you.”
“Take the compliment.” Lucien tore into his garlic bread. “He doesn’t give them out often.”
“You have to earn them,” Montae said quietly.
Small talk died off at the table and we demolished our spaghetti.
Rhys sighed miserably. “I would love to hit the sack, but nooo I get to play Cinderella.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. I doubted Rhys had to ever do hard labor in his life.
Lucien stood and grabbed his plate. “You’re not the only one.” He tilted his head. “Let’s go and get this over with.”
I yawned. “I’ll wait for you.”
Lucien looked at me and shook his head. “Go to bed. Morning will be here for you know it.”
Montae yawned. “Yeah, I’ll direct you two.”
Lucien headed toward the kitchen. “Not happening.”
I smiled, admiring his broad shoulders and sweet ass. If I knew him, he’d be the one directing. Montae may have bested him on the field, but he wouldn’t anywhere else. I was going to argue, but I got a whiff of myself and gave it to his demand. I wanted a long hot shower and a restful sleep––if that was possible.
I picked up my plate and pushed in my chair. “Mina, are you coming up?”
She and Xavier were exchanging soft whispers.
Mina barely even glanced at me. “I’ll be up in a few.”
Katona and I looked at each other knowingly, but neither of us said a word. I still thought Mina was walking down a dangerous road. Xavier was a wounded wolf right now, but once he healed, I wasn’t sure he was ready to shrug off Poppy. She’d been the world to him.
A cool breeze brushed over me, and I shivered. It was weird heading over to Wyvern alone. It was so lonely, but at least I wouldn’t run out of hot water. I headed upstairs and stripped off my clothes that stuck to me like sticky melted cotton candy.
Hot water pelted my skin, and I twirled around and around underneath the shower head, letting it gush away the dirty and grim from the practice field.
Creakkk
I pushed the shower curtain back. “Mina?”
Steam filled the bathroom, making it difficult to see anyone, but the door was cracked open. I swear I had shut it. Maybe I hadn’t. I finished up my luxurious shower and dried myself off. My pajamas were folded neatly on the toilet and I went to put them on, but something red caught my eye.
My eyes widened. I froze. My heartbeat nearly stopped, as if someone had turned down the volume. The door had been shut and locked. Someone had come in here.
On the mirror written in what looked like blood were the words––
Want to see your parents alive? Friday night. Mt. Elbert.
Come, or they’re the sacrifice
Something cracked inside me. My blood boiled and my face turned red hot. Anger, hate, and frustration pumped through me like a raging river. I clenched my fists and screamed as loud as I could. My scream turned into a shriek and I shifted.
I swing my tail, tearing down the shower curtain. The bathroom door was too small for me to fit through, but I didn’t care. I took a step to crash through the walls when thundering footsteps pounded up the stairs.
I narrowed my eyes, and cold swirled in my chest. I opened up my mouth to let loose a stream of a frozen stream of fire when Lucien popped in the middle of the doorway. Xavier and Mina were behind him.
Lucien grabbed me. “Raven, what’s wrong?”
I flicked my tail again, punching a whole into the tile.
Lucien took a step inside.
Mina grabbed his shoulder. “Lucien, no. She’s out of control.”
He shrugged her hand off. “I know.” He looked at me and sang. “Think of me. Think of me fondly When we’ve said goodbye.”
His baritone voice was like a bucket of water dousing the anger exploding inside me.
“Remember me, once in a while. Please promise me you’ll try.”
His words were like magic, and I hung my head. The memory of him dancing with me in the library to the song was the final touch.
My dragon flashed in my mind.
Be calm. You need him.
I took a deep breath and shifted. Lucien immediately drew me into his arms and I balled my fists into his shirt, needing to listen to his heartbeat.
He stroked my wet hair. “Baby, what happened?”
“Look.” Mina pointed. “On the mirror. Is…that… is that…blood?”
I gazed up at Lucien. “They’re going to kill my parents.” My voice cracked and sadness gripped me like a cold rag.
He wrapped his arms around me tighter. “No, they won’t. I swear.” I wanted to believe in his powerful voice, but all I could think of was what happened to Bo and Poppy.
Xavier squeezed past us and sniffed. “It’s not blood. It smells like vanilla.”
I frowned and edged away from Lucien and looked closer. “I think it’s lipstick. Someone came in here while I was taking a shower and wrote that on the mirror.”
More footsteps hurried down the hall.
Lucien handed me my nightshirt, and I slipped it on.
Anton burst into the bathroom and scanned the mess. I thought he’d scold me, but instead, he ran his hand through his hair. “My wards have been violated. Raven, have you been injured?”
I shook my head. “No, but I can’t see the same for the bathroom. I’m sorry. I lost control.”
He gave me a knowing smile and squeezed my shoulder gently. “I can see that.”
I looked up at his tense face. “How did you know your wards had been breached?”
Montae came up silently behind Anton. “We lost them, Anton. We pursued them into the forest, but the shadow demons attacked. There were too many of them. We ba
rely got back inside.”
“The enemy is on the offensive.” Anton He inspected the mirror and turned around. “Our time is up. Unfortunately, based on the message on the mirror, Ryker and King Cormac know I have put Raven on the Path of the Burning Flame.” He gestured toward Montae. “Montae, I need you to stand guard.”
“Understood.” In a flash, he turned invisible.
I gasped, just like that he was gone.
Lucien glowered. “What’s going on? What aren’t you telling us?”
“My wards have prevented any Dark Demon or Unseelie from penetrating the grounds, but foolishly I didn’t ward it against the undead.”
The look of unease in his eyes unsettled me. Not much unnerved Anton, but a trickle of sweat leaked down his temples.
I glanced at the horrible words, and a sneaking horror edged into my mind. “You saw someone, didn’t you?”
He edged over to the door and braced his feet shoulder length apart as if he were trying to prevent any of us from escaping.
I was not going to make this easy on him and lifted my chin. “Who did you see?”
“Not just one, but two people to be exact. But then they shifted.” He glanced between Xavier and I.
“No. No. No.” I threaded my fingers through my hair. Lucien put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close.
Xavier frowned. “Shifted?” His face turned hard and his eyes a bitter brown. “You’re lying. I don’t believe you. It can’t be.”
Anton lowered his gaze briefly. “I wish it wasn’t true. I’m sorry, but I saw both Poppy and Bo in the courtyard. Montae and the guards saw them as well and chased them, but once they reached past the gates, they shifted.” He lifted his head and pointed toward the mirror. “King Cormac is not only very powerful, but he’s very evil. He’ll use our greatest fears and our grief to rip us apart. He’s already driven King Jackson nearly mad with glimpses of his son, but now, he’s turned his attention toward us.”
Xavier pulled his lips back into a sneer, revealing sharp pointed teeth, and edged forward, raising his fist
Lucien grabbed his arm. “Xavier. No.”
Xavier twisted, trying to break his grip, but Lucien forced him down on his knees.
He panted. “It wasn’t Poppy. She would never do such a thing. I should know. I should know. She was… She would have been my mate.”
