Page 28 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

No, I believe Struan and Isla are staying with him since Struan is watching over the guards here.Tavish scanned the room.

Odd slashes marred the walls as if they’d been damaged, and I didn’t want to imagine how.

Unlike Finnian, Lorne was wearing a shirt. And though his face and neck were burned, he didn’t seem as bad off as Finnian. Still, his charred skin appeared painful.

This time, not wanting to aggravate Tavish, I didn’t sit on the bed. Tavish didn’t feel nearly as loyal to Lorne as he did his close friend.

I leaned down and touched his shoulder, pushing my magic inside him. Just like Finnian, mixing my magic with Lorne’s felt strange, but I powered through it the best I could. When my magic became significantly low, I stopped.

This time, when I straightened, the walls spun around me. I’d pushed my magical limits once again.

Tavish’s arm slid around my waist, anchoring me to him. The buzz of our connection sprang to life. I laid my head on his chest and listened to the beating of his heart, which matched my own.

“You did too much, didn’t you?” Tavish sighed, not even bothering to scold me.

“You don’t seem surprised.” I lifted my head and stared into those light-gray eyes that shone like silver.

He kissed my forehead.I figured you would and want to lecture you, but I know it won’t do any good. You’re the moststubborn person I know and will do all it takes to help other people, especially the ones you feel loyalty toward.

I smiled.Sounds like someone else I know.

I’m not nearly as good as you, sprite. At the end of the day, if I had to burn the realm down for you, I’d do it without hesitation. There’s nothing more important in this realm than you, not even my people.

I should’ve chastised him for saying that, but it would do as much good as him asking me not to drain myself while helping our friends. We were who we were, and I loved that he cherished me as I was.

And I’ll do the same thing for you if it ever comes to that.I cupped his cheek.We need them healed so we can retrieve Eiric. We need the people we trust on our team, and that list is short.

Struan’s voice came from outside the door. “Go check on Finola and ensure that she doesn’t need anything. I’ll keep watch tonight, and I’m going to rest until then.”

“Yes, sir,” a female responded as the door opened. “I’ll let her know.”

The door opened, and Struan huffed. As he entered the room, his gaze landed on us, and his mouth dropped open. “Your Majesty.” His wide-eyed gaze landed on me as he said, “I didn’t want to do it, but I was given no choice.”

Suspicion and rage slammed into Tavish, and he tucked me into his side as he drew his sword.

10

TAVISH

Ishould’ve known that someone I’d decided I could trust would be allied with Eldrin. I’d allowed his young daughter, Isla, to influence me with her words, but he could’ve said those things to her strategically to have her vouch for him.

I lifted my father’s sword high, ready to end the threat before us. The part of me that used to crave bloodshed sparked back to life.

Tavish, it’s not what you think.Lira placed a hand on my chest, and some of the bloodlust receded.

Even though I cherished my mate, she had a tendency toward forgiveness. Something I was incapable of at this moment.

Lifting both hands, Struan pressed himself against the wall. His bottom lip quivered. “I told her no, but what was I supposed to do? She jumped into my arms, and if I hadn’t caught her, she would’ve been hurt, and that would’ve angered you more.”

My mind stopped. I’d expected him to explain his loyalty to Eldrin, not… My blood turned to ice as realization settled deep within my bones. In all the chaos, I hadn’t considered how Lira had managed to get to the prison cells so quickly. Her wingswere still injured, and she couldn’t have flown, yet she’d arrived there mere minutes after me.

My vision darkened, thinking of his hands touching my mate. “You’re not allowed to touch her. I made that clear the day I brought her back here, yet youcarriedher to me?”

“Because you left me behind,” Lira said, blocking me from the thornling traitor. “I didn’t give him a choice. I threw myself on him, knowing he wouldn’t let me fall.”

The image of her legs wrapped around Struan while his arms held her body tight against his had my chest heaving. “You didwhat?”

Struan swallowed loudly. “Should I have let her fall instead? Just so I know what is expected of me next—”

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