Page 118 of Shadows Lost
“Remnant.” I took a step forward.
She held up her hand, shaking her head. “How many more secrets, shifter?”
I flinched and pressed my lips together.
She sighed shakily. “Too many then.”
I sensed our friend’s shift nervously behind me. “Scout the area!” I barked. “I want to know if the deadlands have spread further since the last report and if there are any wraiths nearby.”
“Yes, your majesty.” They all murmured in unison, quickly moving away from the potential storm brewing.
“He is the other reason we came here.” I ran my hand through my hair explaining. “We will need him.”
Her jaw tightened. “I suspect you have some plan formulated that you have not told me about then.” Her lips pursed and she shook her head. “An alliance means we work together, Emon, not just when you decide if and when it is convenient for you.”
I grunted at the verbal blow. “There is more…” I sighed. “Time just has not been on our side for me to explain.”
The shadows curled around her arms as she tilted her head, lips still pursed thoughtfully. I held my breath at the silence between us.
“We will have to make time then.” She said slowly.
I exhaled harshly. “Deal.”
A throat cleared.
“I hope I am not interrupting too much.”
We both turned to watch my father’s approach, the slight limp in his gait a painful reminder of the day I had stripped him of his crown and banished him to the outposts. Jarquinn was barely able to save his leg when my panther had ripped it off during our fight for the throne. Fae healed from most injuries but a severed limb was difficult to heal fully.
“He was mad with bloodlust and he would have never stopped his thirst for revenge. Your people were paying the price. We did what we had to do, fairy boy. He wouldhave killed you.”
My jaw clenched, despite his limp, I could still see the dominant and powerful ancient shifter fae I knew him to be. He looked strong, healthy, and above all else…sane.
Shaggy blonde hair trailed over his shoulders, his eyes were slanted like all the ancient fae’s were, and he sported a full neatly groomed beard that glinted in the sun. We were both similar in build and height, with the trademark golden eyes of the Strider clan.
“I do believe that it is us interrupting you, father.”
Cunning eyes glanced between my soulmate and I. He bent to take a knee before me. “Your majesty. Your presence honors me. How may I be of service?”
“You need not bow for me, father. Are you not well?” I asked with alarm, reaching for him to rise and then staring at the tears that fell down his face. I had never known my father to cry. Not even when we lost my mother.
He smiled sadly, gripping my arm tightly. “Yes, my king. I am well. I am just a father happy to see his son.”
I arched my brow. If he was being facetious I could not tell.
“The formal titles are not necessary either, father.”
I reached for Remnant. She sidestepped my hand to move next to me. Her avoidance to my touch was guttural. Somehow the distance between us in that moment felt greater than ever, despite her standing shoulder to shoulder with me.
“I’d like to introduce you to General Remnant Dark. Remnant, this is my father, Asher Windswift Strider, former king of The West Isles. I do believe you once begrudgingly respected one another while strategizing ways to kill each other at the same time.”
My father’s eyes widened on my soulmate. “At last, we meet, General. My son is correct. It is both fortunate and unfortunate that we have not yet met. Even in my madness, I always looked forward to your next move. You are quite the clever strategist…Faerie was lucky to have you.” His gold eyes twinkled as he extended out his hand.
“I don’t believe they share that sentiment.” My soulmate’s voice was strong and unwavering as she took my fathers hand. “Your Grace.”
My father raised her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. “You have the look of your mother in you, General Dark.” His eyes roamed her face, searching.
There was no stopping the warning growl, but a sharp glance and a deep chuckle from my father was enough to tell me it had been a test. And I failed. He knew what she was to me. Remnant snatched her hand back and glared at both of us.
