Page 65 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

When Tavish and I turned to exit, I found Finnian, Caelan, Lorne, and both sets of my parents staring.

Tavish took my hand and led me out the door.

“It appears our little Seelie princess has become more entertaining.” Finnian beamed. “Something I didn’t think was possible.”

Even though Eldrin’s death didn’t bother me, I hadn’t relished it. “I merely did what was necessary. He couldn’t be trusted, and I refused to allow him to breathe when he had every intention of harming Tavish and myself.”

“You did the right thing, Lira.” Father smiled proudly. “Considering how human you’ve been acting, I just didn’t expect that.”

“My upbringing on Earth will always have an impact on me, but Iamfae.” Even as I spoke the words, I realized how much I’d changed in the last month. Still, I wouldn’t have done anything differently in the gauntlet because the prisoners had been doing what was expected of them. Eldrin had wanted to hurt the person I loved most. “No one attacks my mate. Everyone should be aware of that.”

“Sprout, we all came to that realization when you escaped with two of our prisoners.” Father pressed his lips together, but the anger that would’ve been in his tone was missing. “Andhearing that the dragons were behind the realm being cloaked in darkness proves that I should’ve listened to you from the start.”

With those words alone, all the reservations I had about my biological parents disappeared. They also had to protect our people, but they truly did care for me. Those two things would be in conflict at times, but that was something I understood now, being fated mates with Tavish. “We’re here now with each other, which means we need to determine a way out of this mess together.”

“What do you propose?” Finnian scowled. “Pyralis has Eiric. He’s not going to allow her to leave just because we know the truth. If they’re that desperate for Lira to be his wife, then he’ll still insist on the exchange.”

He was right. That would still be their plan, but at least I wasn’t obligated now that we knew the secret.

“Well, Lira doesn’t have to hand herself over.” Tavish placed his arm around my waist. “The Seelie won’t lose their magic now.”

“But Eiric will lose her life.” Mom’s voice cracked.

I was more concerned about Tavish’s words. I couldn’t tolerate Eiric’s death, so I had to change their mind. And I knew of something that might help with that.

I spun around, ready to do what had to be done.

22

TAVISH

The feral glint in Lira’s eye startled me despite the determination that powered through our connection. Her hand darted to my side and removed my sword from its sheath. She jerked it behind her and arched a brow. “I’m taking this.”

My brows furrowed, and I shrugged. “Anything of mine is yours. You know this.”

“No. I mean permanently.” She lifted the sword, the weapon too large for her small stature. She shook a little as she held it. “I can sense the magic now, but it’s so faint I never would’ve noticed if I hadn’t been searching for it. It has the chill of frost and darkness magic.”

“This is my father’s sword… the last thing he wielded.” Then my bones grew heavy, and my head jerked toward Hestia. I grated, “Is that the weapon Father used to kill Mother and himself?” Each word hurt my throat worse than the last.

Hestia nodded. The walls seemed to close in on me.

The stench of Eldrin’s blood added to the nausea that settled hard in my stomach. For the last twelve years, I’d been carrying that dragon-born sword around like a prize. And even now, thethought of replacing the weapon with another sword had anger bubbling inside me.

“Which is an even better reason for you not to carry it any longer.” Lira’s expression softened. “If this will drive you mad—” She cut off the rest.

Her concern swirled through my chest, helping ease the ache and the irrational anger. If taking the sword away would keep her safe, I’d give it up. Nothing was more important to me than Lira… not even my people. “I understand and agree, but can I hold it one last time? After learning that it contains dragon magic, I need to sense it at least once more.”

Her eyes darkened, searching deep within me for something. After a second, she nodded and handed it back to me.

“It’s very faint, so I’m not quite sure how it holds the dragon magic.” She bit her bottom lip, watching me.

The sword somehow felt different in my hand. More like a threat, and the solace of it being my father’s sword didn’t comfort me anymore. It felt heavier than before, but the weight hadn’t increased. It was the burden it now represented.

Concentrating on the hilt, I searched for any hint of magic to confirm Eldrin’s words. With the weapon once again on me, I wanted to bring Eldrin back to life so I could kill the wildling myself. The bloodthirsty desire slammed into me and stole my breath.

If the sword caused such intense feelings, no wonder Hestia hadn’t wanted to relinquish it to me.

I inhaled, pushing the urge away, and focused on the magic pulsing from the weapon.

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