Page 198 of The Call of Crimson
“Is there something you wish to tell me, Aurelius?”
I huff a laugh, willing to play along. “Tell me again, how did you feel when it was suggested that I marry Lady Charlotte?”
“Like I wanted to shove my shadows down her throat and watch her choke,” Breyla says viciously. There’s no hint of shameor remorse in her answer. “How does it make you feel when Ayden kisses me?”
“Like, brother or not, I would delight in ripping his lips from his face,” I say with perfect calm. “I never shied away from how possessive I am over you.”
“What happened to you the night Ayden caught us and sent you away from the castle?” Breyla asks.
Odd question, but I’ll bite. “I went to bed. When I awoke, I was in a war camp along the western border of Prudia.”
“Yes, then what?” she urges.
“I was immediately thrown into battle when Fae warriors attacked.”
Her brow furrows, that beautiful mind working through something pivotal. “The battle high,” she gasps.
A knock interrupts that train of thought just before Ryder pushes his head through the door. “Apologies, General. Word has just arrived that Lord Elijah and Lady Ophelia have entered the city.”
All talk of mates and what may or may not be between us is instantly forgotten.
I trail Breyla as she rushes through the palace halls for the front gate. A trip that should take us ten minutes takes us five.
Elijah has barely dismounted when Breyla throws herself at him. With a grunt, he catches her mid-air, spinning in a full circle. Breyla’s cry is muffled as she buries her face in the crook of his neck.
“Gods, I’ve missed you,” she breathes as Elijah brings her feet back to the ground.
Rowina saunters up beside Ayden and me. “Has she ever greeted either of you that way?” she asks, her lips quirking in a smirk.
“No,” Ayden grunts.
“That enthusiasm is reserved solely for Elijah,” I explain. And it’s true. I may hold her heart, but he’s always been the other half of her soul.
With a kiss on her cheek, Elijah releases her, and she turns to Ophelia.
They exchange radiant smiles before embracing in a hug that lasts an eternity. “The gods knew I needed you,” Breyla whispers, squeezing Ophelia tightly before finally letting go.
Elijah laughs. “We’ve been apart for far longer than this before. What’s all the emotion for?”
Breyla punches him playfully in the shoulder, and he winces. “Yes, but you’ve never been in imminent danger.”
“Being friends with you has always been a hazard to my health,” Elijah teases.
“And I’d like to think my expertise has contributed to their continued vitality,” a deep, lilted voice adds.
Cillian.
“Are you expecting a thank you,My King?” Breyla taunts, a fierce look hardening her features.
Cillian’s eyes catch mine for just a brief moment before he replies, “I wouldn’t protest a thank you kiss,little general.” He trails a gloved hand along Breyla’s jaw, tipping it up to meet his gaze.
My chest vibrates in a warning growl, Ayden tensing beside me. But Breyla doesn’t need either of us to handle her battles for her. Shadows constrict around Cillian’s hand, effectively halting it in place. The ruby-hilted dagger I had crafted for her is poised at his throat. Watching her threaten another male using the weapon I gifted her has my cock stirring.
“Not a chance, Cillian.”
A deep laugh erupts from the male, his freckled cheeks lifting in amusement. Streams of light dissolve the shadows keepinghim immobile before caressing her cheek. “Oh, little general. I’ve missed that fire.”
She grins, dropping the dagger and sheathing it along her thigh. “Thank you for keeping my friends safe.”
