Total pages in book: 210
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
“There are several above us.”
Tyree’s hands pause. “Several. Is that normal?”
“It is more than I expected. They hunt at night. The fire will attract them.”
“In that case …” He drags over a log. “Don’t worry.” He grins when he sees the fear splayed across my face. “They are too big to fit in this cave.”
I watch as he sets to work building our fire, using the tiny metal box he confiscated from that first barn to light it. Before long, orange flames dance, casting light and warmth within our alcove.
Tyree eases down beside me, reaching for a hunk of bread.
“Let me see that wound.” I unclasp his cloak and, unlacing his tunic, I push the collar away to inspect the gash. “It looks better.” We stopped by a river to water the horses, and I made him clean it out. It was angry and gaping then, and I was worried.
“As far as you know.” I feel him studying my face as I inspect a few other cuts, my fingers tugging at his clothes and prodding his hard, bare flesh without shame. “What?” I demand, meeting his curious gaze.
“If someone had told me Princess Annika would tend to me one day, I would have never believed them.” There is an odd sincerity in his eyes as it roams my face. It feels too intimate.
“You are valuable, that is all.” I move to pull away.
He grabs my wrist, tugging me into him. “I thought we agreed no more games?” he whispers against my lips.
My pulse races. “Where is the fun in that?”
His eyes sparkle. “Speaking of aches for you to tend to, I have a rather uncomfortable one I desperately need your help with.” He guides my palm over his breeches to the hard length waiting for me.
“Really? Now?” I steal a glance over my shoulder. Destry is occupied with her stones.
His lips trail along my jawline. “With you? Always.”
I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about this—about him—all day. “Can we move over there?” I jut my chin toward a more private corner.
“I hear them!” Destry exclaims, interrupting our moment.
Tyree groans but then grabs my hand and, pulling me to my feet, we rush to the cave’s opening. “Where?” he demands, searching the darkness.
I watch as four dark shadows glide ahead. “There!” I step out onto the ledge as I trace their movement. “It looks like they’re hunting in the valley.” I hope those horses have found cover.
“How close must one be before you test this plan of yours?” There’s giddiness in Tyree’s voice.
“Much closer than that. I will wait until—”
The rest of Destry’s words are lost to me as sharp claws dig into my arms and I’m lifted into the air, my screams echoing across the night sky.
67
Tyree
“Annika!” I roar, watching in horror as she disappears up into the darkness. Her screams fade.
And my heart plummets. “Where did it take her?”
“I do not know.” Destry fumbles with her pendants. “Likely to its nest.”
“Where is its nest?”
“Up there, somewhere?”
That’s when I hear it.
My name.
It’s so faint, but it’s Annika, and it’s coming from above us.
“Get your things. We are climbing.” I rush into the cave to collect my weapons and my satchel.
“We will not survive the night, my friend.”
“Neither will she, and I have no interest in surviving without her.” The moment I admit that, I know it is the truth. I grab a lengthy branch and shove its leafy ends into the flames, holding it there until it ignites. “Stay here if you wish, but I am going.”
With a sigh, Destry rises to her feet. “That will not burn long.” Collecting the stones in her grasp, her lips move with unintelligible words. The inky scrawl across her forehead glows and with it, so do the stones. “There. That should bring the other wroxlik right to us,” she says with a hint of bitterness.
“Perfect. Maybe they will carry us too.” I lead the way, my pulse racing with fear.
68
Annika
Terror grips my every muscle as the wyvern climbs, its wings pumping furiously. It’s flying to somewhere within this mountain.
Probably to a place where it can eat me in peace.
“Tyree!” I shriek, hoping he will hear and place my voice. That he won’t assume I am dead and move on. Yet.
Suddenly, it swoops and releases me from its grip midair.
I hit the ground and remember nothing else.
69
Romeria
A cool breeze flutters my hair as we look out over Lyndel, observing the buzz of activity. Below, casters work to repair tunnel entrances, and soldiers sharpen swords and haul weapons to various stations. Lyndel’s citizens collect food and other supplies that we might need to dig in and not give ground.
Just days after evicting the Saur’goths who stole the city, the air feels different. Vibrant, even as we all prepare for the worst.