“Guess you’ll have to learn the value of depending on others. And proving yourself worthy of them doing so to you.” He gave her a meaningful stare before turning to go.
Halting when her hand shot out to grab his bicep. Sending waves of warmth through him in lightning flashes.
Twisting to look at her hand, his gaze slid pensively to her face.
Eyes wide and cheeks flushed, it was apparent she’d felt the hot surge as well.
The spark between us.
“I can’t guarantee their safety.” She whispered pleadingly.
“No. You can’t guarantee much of anything when offering something of yourself, now can you?” He spat. Suddenly angry.
Such as once your love is given it won’t be rescinded. Bitterness swelled through him in a wild wave.
“Let them decide if it’s worth trusting you.” He added loud enough Lon and Almora heard him, from where they huddled staring over the ridge.
Hand dropping, Nim watched him
Nim lay awake in the dark. Awash with fear and pain. Perhaps it was the cold. Perhaps it was that Disseus wasn't there to warm her. But most likely it was that Lon and Disseus had vanished with the fading pink sun but only Lon crept back. Quiet as his bumbling feet would take him, he woke Almora. After he’d escorted her somewhere, he’d returned to curl up in the Dread’s bedroll. Inhaling deeply, before sighing. Some scouting. Nim thought hatefully. They were supposed to be preparing to leave to get her son on the morrow but instead Disseus was sneaking off for a dalliance with the gorgeous woman. So, after all Almora's pretty words and lovely attempts at friendship, the Dread had persuaded him to stall another night so they could sneak off together. Nim flopped to her other side and heard her teeth grinding. She hadn’t even realized she was doing it. She was nearly quaking with rage. *** Disseus lay next to the
“Disseus! You’re-” Lon’s elated shout was cut short by his friend’s liberal head shake which made him finish blandly. “Back.” “You charmed the dogs.” Disseus commented. Eyes alight with pride. How was she doing it? “I charm most things.” Shouldering past him she hopped on Disseus’ stallion. Except me, she means. His blue eyes shined silver as they narrowed on her. What’s wrong with her this morning? Lifting her chin impatiently she said nastily. “If you two are quite done, I’d like to save my son.” She looked meaningfully from Almora to Disseus, her eyes lingering on the blanket wrapped around him. All I could reach when I’d heard her shriek. But his jaw ticked, seeing now what she was thinking. Blinking dully up at her realization dawned on Almora’s face. Straightening her gown she pulled a handful of hair out far enough to eye the twigs and brambles caught within. “O
“You’re far too close.” She grumbled an hour later. Wiggling uncomfortably in the saddle. Oblivious to what she was doing to his body in the process. Or pretending to be. “What? I can’t ride my horse now?” His voice was chiding. “And I’ll be the one guiding him. Thank you.” Pulling the lead from her hand completely made his broad shoulders swallow her back and corded brown arms fold around her to steer the animal. She squeezed her shoulders together and her body tightened against him. “I’m perfectly capable of leading him!” “Not well.” “Is it even possible to do a poor job of guiding a mount?” She asked chidingly. “It is mine. Do you know him?” No, she does not. “He’s a horse. Like any other.” Not nearly. She sensed his dubious look. “Were you bored with your men?” His abrupt conversation caught her off-guard. “What?” Nim twisted to blink at him over her shoulde
But Nim's focus was drawn to her own accelerated heart rate. She’d forgotten how good it felt to soar through endless skies. To feel wind beneath her feathers and a breeze both lifting her and pressing her down. Clouds seemed close enough to taste. There was a sort of peace in the humming air parting to make way for her. Above the castle wall they saw no movement. Nothing skittered through the bailey. No guards marked the towers. No warning cry echoed at their descent. Disseus didn't like it. Something is wrong. They should be scurrying around trying to see what's preparing to land in their fortress. It made his gut sink. He knows we're coming. He knows we're bringing her to him. Nierwae was clearly willing to let them walk right in with his prize. Nealinim. The abandoned silence leant an eerie feel to the vine covered stone walls. Making it seem like everything was dead here. Every beat of h
The whole time they’d stood in the Great Hall they’d been completely surrounded by silent Firoque. Firoque which were now shrieking as they alerted each other of a threat. Alarms went off in Nealinim’s head. There were far too many Cimmerii in this room to take on. With Nierwae’s focus on Disseus, Nim mouthed to Styx. “Are you bound down by magic?” Eyes wide he lowered his head in assent. Nim winced. Nierwae was powerful and she had limited time to break the spell. While her mind raced, the Demon King’s next words drew her attention. “You’re no regular Harbinger though. Are you Boy? If you were...I could read you.” Nim’s eyes moved to Disseus. Wondering what he was talking about. A muscle in Disseus’ jaw ticked rhythmically. His level gaze was ice cool. “I’m the result of a Harbinger and a First Water Guardian.” “A Dark Harbinger.” Nierwae murmured in fascination. “What?” Nim froze in shock. How
Nierwae’s prominent brows drew together as he looked from Disseus to Nim. Before he said in an almost whining voice. “She’s mine...” “Look at her.” Disseus ordered. Releasing her hand, he stepped aside so Nierwae could fully take in the sight of her rigid stance and contempt-filled eyes. “She doesn’t appear broken.” Disseus mocked. “Nor does she appear to have missed you.” “That-” He took a step toward the demon and turned to point at herwith the shining sword tip. “Is hatred on her face. If you’d known a thing about her, you’d have known that.” I ought to know. Her cold stare was unflinching. With an enraged snarl, Nierwae charged down the steps at her. Losing all remnant of control overhis emotions. Swords belonging to Disseus and Styx, crossed before her. Barring the Demon King’s path. Styx stepped forward to shove the demon back, before Disseus could. He’s fast. Disseus noticed.
No! Disseus paused. His head shooting up like a startled buck. “Nim!” Nierwae had returned to the throne and taken the massive seat to watch the scene avidly. An evil smirk turning his lips. “We’ll see who has her now?” Seeing his Firoque blade stuck in her had not taken her off her feet, he announced. “I’ve changed my mind. Save the pretty little ruby for my hands. I’ll make her pay for her misplaced loyalties...” He was giving Disseus a challenging look. “Save her now, Harbinger…” “I’ll kill them all.” Nim warned. Cradling her injured shoulder around the blade. That sent fear shooting through Disseus. Knowing her determination he was sure she wouldn’t stop until she was dead. He wasn’t about to let her die alone. She’ll never be alone again. “With one arm?” Nierwae asked her, doubtfully. Laughing coldly, he gave a dismissive gesture. “You’ll soon grow weary my delicate.” Another Firoq
Firoque screamed and writhed. Littering the floor as they lay dying. For the first time Nierwae could recall, he felt the prickling of fear. He’d never seen anything that moved like this Dark Harbinger. Only when Disseus stood at the foot of the vaulting steps, did Nierwae rise. “You think to fight me, Boy?” Nierwae took one lumbering step down. His thighs as wide as tree trunks. And towering three feet over Disseus’s own height. His shoulders at least twice as broad. He's a mammoth of a man. Disseus' eyes narrowed. Noting scars on the man's knees. And one ankle where a bit of bone was displaced. Weak points. “I think to kill you Firoque. It’s what I do.” “Unless you wish to let us leave peacefully.” Lon cut in desperately, from where he ducked several blades and panted heavily. Flushed nearly purple from his efforts. Nierwae shook his head. “Feral don’t!” Nealinim shouted in terror. “We can leave. Get