Page 90 of A Sword of Ice
“Don’t bother,” Uric snapped. “We already did.”
She looked to Prince Valerio for confirmation and found his lips set into a grim line of regret and anger “There is nothing,” he said. “Nothing but ashes and bone.”
Just like all those years ago, she knew she would remember this day as they marked another moment in her life while she wished otherwise.
A life slipping before her very eyes.
Ashes and bone.
Blood and steel.
Regret, bitter on the back of her tongue.
And worst of all, the sharp stench of death.
39
The Lies Fae Tell…
Getting Julius through the portal had been a challenge. Ryker instructed how to do it quickly and gently so as to not jostle the wound further.
“He’s lucky to still be breathing,” Ryker growled. “The sword is the only thing keeping him alive right now and preventing him from bleeding out.”
Iona knew they were on a time crunch. It wouldn’t take long for other human soldiers to show up. They had to get him through the portal without accidentally killing him. Just the thought made Iona sick to her stomach.
His usual ruddy, red skin had grown pale as they walked him across the mirrored surface of Uric’s portal. They emerged on the other side, though Iona couldn’t be sure where, as she could only pay attention to Julius and the way his skin kept paling further and further.
They sat him against the grass, Clay and Valerio propping him up from behind while Ryker bent to his front.
Shula shot Iona a glare and bent next to Ryker, placing a steadying hand against Julius’ shoulder.
The simple touch was innocent, but Iona felt her own rage climb high up her throat. Because it was easier to be angry at someone else rather than at herself, like she should have been.
“Get your hand off my mate,” she spat out from between clenched teeth.
It felt like everyone’s heads snapped up to Iona, each wearing equal expressions of disdain except for Julius, who was struggling to breathe.
Shula shot to her feet, coming chest to chest with Iona. Her soft, beautiful features were contorted in a thunderous expression with as much rage as disdain. Her small hands pressed against Iona’s shoulders and shoved.
Iona hadn’t known Shula very long. She’d seen her use her magic to incinerate humans, but she’d never seen her truly angry before. Not like this, not thrumming with unbridled violence so her whole body shook.
“Fuck you, Iona!” she screamed.
Everyone seemed surprised by her outburst.
None more than Iona herself.
She’d felt a sort of kinship with the Fae. Mana calling to Mana. She never thought she’d be on the receiving end of something like this. Least of all with her.
“I don’t want your fucking mate. But I am pissed. Pissed at all of you.” Her gaze snapped to Prince Valerio’s, bouncing back and forth between them. “You put us all in jeopardy for your stupid mission and now Julius is hurt. But you know what? It doesn’t even matter to you. To any of you.” She threw her hands up in the air. “You all run straight into reckless situations and you don’t give ashitbecause you have your healer. You don’t worry about wounds like this—” She gestured in Julius’ panting direction. “—because Ryker is always fucking here to clean up your messes. But you know what? It’s bullshit! None of you think about the consequences of your actions and what it does to him. Now he has to suffer because of your selfishness.” She pointed an accusing finger at Iona then at Valerio.
“Whatever fucking reason you so badly wanted to go in there, I hope it was fucking worth it. Because now Ryker could be the one in danger. Not Julius, not your mate, butmine.”
Iona gritted her teeth, feeling her fingers tapping furiously. She wanted to block out her voice and words because they were true. She’d put them all in jeopardy. But it was hard to admit she was wrong. It was easier to lash out.
“You don’t even want him as a mate,” Iona whispered. She hated herself for the words, and all the intent behind them. “You regret your bond, so why does it even matter?”
“Iona!” Julius barked, the gravelly sound filled with rage. He winced as it jostled the sword still stuck inside him. “What the fuck?”
