Page 44 of Wings of Shadow
The balcony doors burst open with a sharp crack, the sound jarring us both from our embrace. My heart leaps into my throat, and I sense her body tremble against mine as we turn to face the intruder.
Standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the dim light of the room behind him, is my enforcer, Janik.
“My apologies for the intrusion,” he says stiffly, his eyes darting between us before locking onto me. “But my king, it’s urgent.”
22
KAISNER
I pull myself away from her warmth, and straighten my clothes as I compose my features into the impassive mask of a sovereign.
“What is it?” I ask, forcing my voice to remain even.
Janik takes in our disheveled state, the flushed cheeks, the lingering heat in the air—but doesn’t comment. “We’ve received word from our spies within rival territory,” he begins, his voice clipped and professional as always. “They’ve uncovered plans for an imminent attack on your position—tonight.”
Lust burns away in an instant, replaced by the cold rush of adrenaline. My mind shifts gears, already calculating contingencies and counter-strategies.
I turn to Clarissa. My hands frame her face, thumbs brushing her cheekbones like a farewell and a brand. “Go,” I tell her, the command a knife to my chest.
Her eyes widen, confusion and hurt flickering across her features. I memorize every detail—the way her lashes cast shadows on her pale cheeks, the tremor in her lower lip, the trust that still shines in her gaze despite everything.
My voice drops, rough and guttural. “I won’t let this world drag you into its filth. Not mine. Not theirs… I’d rather tear it apart than let it touch you.”
The words echo with finality. I trace her features with shaking fingers, committing her to memory like a prayer I’ll carry into whatever darkness awaits.
“You don’t look back, Clarissa. Not until I come for you. And I will come for you.”
She stiffens, her sapphire gaze searching mine. But there’s no time for explanations.
“Which faction?” I demand, my voice sharp with urgency.
Janik’s usual stoicism cracks, just slightly. It tells me all I need to know. “Intelligence suggests a joint operation, Mein König. The Silver Claw Pack is leading the charge, but they’ve enlisted the Shadowcat Syndicate.”
Scheisse. Brute force and dark magic. A dangerous combination. A clever one. I have to admire their strategy, even as I plan their downfall.
Clarissa is still here, her presence both an anchor and a complication. I catch the shadow of worry in her expression as she glances between us.
“Kaisner, what’s happening?” Her voice is steady, but fear lingers beneath it, and that hurts like hell. “Who are these people?”
I meet her gaze, torn between the instinct to shield her and the knowledge that ignorance could get her killed. “Remember when I told you there were things about me you didn’t know?” My voice softens. “This is one of them. I have… powerful enemies.”
“But why? What do they want?” The innocence in her question is almost painful to hear.
“To destroy me,” I say simply. “To take what’s mine.”
The words carry a significance she may not fully grasp, but I see the realization dawn in her eyes. She is mine now, too. The thought of these factions even setting their sights on her ignites a feral rage within me.
I turn back to Janik. There will be time to talk later. Now is the time for war.
“Initiate Protocol Hellfire,” I command, my tone leaving no room for hesitation. “And get word to the Reaper—I’m calling in that favor he owes me.”
Janik inclines his head and steps away to make the call. I exhale sharply, turning back to Clarissa. The burden of leadership presses down on me, yet in this moment, all I see is her.
“I meant what I said,” I murmur. “You need to leave. I can’t protect you and fight at the same time.” The words taste bitter on my tongue. I, Kaisner Drachenstein, admitting I can’t do something? It would be laughable, if it wasn’t so damn annoying.
Her sapphire eyes flare with defiance. Fear lingers there, true and tangible, but it’s overshadowed by a determination that fills me with a pride I’ve never known. This is the woman who has captured my heart, who stands tall in the face of danger.
“I won’t leave you,” she whispers.
