Page 114 of Staff of Nightfall

“I’m supposed to fight for you. I’m supposed to protectyou.”

“We’re supposed to fight for each other.” Her fingertips lifted his chin. “And you already have fought for me and protected me. When you came for me after we separated. When you nearly died for me. When you came to my aid in the palace. And every time you pulled me out of a nightmare. Every time you didn’t let me feel alone. You fought for me. It’s my turn to fight for you.” Her thumb rubbed his chin, flaking off bits of dried blood. “You’ve fought enough today, Regulus.”

The surge of affection and gratitude from her wasn’t enough to erase his anguish. Her fingers left his chin as she turned back to the sorcerer. Regulus’ chin drifted downward.

“Do we have an agreement?” She held out her hand.

After a moment, the sorcerer took her hand. “We do.”

––––––––

THE COLD METAL OF THEshackle pressed against Regulus’ wrist as Adelaide closed it, her jaw clenched and apology in her eyes. He sat against the oak tree again. She wrapped the chain a few times around his forearm, then pulled back and chained his other hand. On the opposite side of the fire, Kirven used the other chain—which he had melded back together—to bind Carrick to a tree.

“I’m going to win,” she said softly.

“I know you are.” Regulus smiled. “You’re a mage and a tigress. You can do anything.”

She smiled, but her eyes were sad and harbored the same doubts he felt. “I love you.”

“And I love you. After you win, I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much.” She laughed, but it ended in a sob. “I believe in you, Adelaide.”

Adelaide gripped his face and kissed him. Her tears wet his face. Regulus knew he was covered in blood and disgusting, but that thought faded as he kissed her. The chains held his hands back, preventing him from holding her like he longed to. He tried to push all other thoughts away and just be here, with her, alone in this moment. But tears slipped down his cheeks anyway, because he couldn’t stop the thought—this might be the last time he kissed her.

“If you’re quite done,” the sorcerer said brusquely, “I have a fight to win.”

Adelaide’s mouth left his far too soon.

“Adelaide...”

She didn’t meet his eyes as she stood and turned away.

––––––––

ADELAIDE’S INSIDESfelt scrambled, as if they had been rearranged and turned inside out. But she squared her shoulders and faced Kirven anyway, the memory of Regulus’ kiss soothing some of the ache in her heart.“Love,”Father’s voice echoed in her mind.I’m not losing anyone else today.

“I’d like to check you put those on properly.” Kirven strode past.

“Fine. Then I’m checking you didn’t cheat with Nolan’s.”

“Certainly.” Kirven reached down to check the shackles on Regulus’ wrists. She ground her teeth and stomped over to Nolan.

Nolan had stuck his sword in the ground a couple feet in front of him, and the sight of it tied her stomach in knots. Seemingly oblivious to her revulsion, he smiled.

“Comfortable?” she snapped. “I hope not.”

“Not particularly.” His smile took on a wolfish quality. “But it’s not bad when I think about how comfortable I’ll be tonight with you in my arms.”

She shuddered as ice slid through her veins.Focus. Only the fight matters.She walked around the tree, tugging on the chain in various spots, then stopped in front of him again. The chain looped around him bound his arms against his sides. He shouldn’t be able to move or break free. Hopefully.

“You killed my father.” She stared at Nolan’s hairline, unable to look in his eyes. “The thought of you touching me should be enough motivation to ensure I either win or don’t survive this fight.”

“Ouch.” His voice softened. “I am sorry, Adelaide. I was focused on getting to the king. I didn’t even realize it was your father until it was too late.”

“Likely story.”

“It’s the truth.”

She pressed the heel of her palm to her forehead. “If—when I win, I’m going to kill you.”

---