Page 73 of Awakened Destiny
Marius places a protective hand on my lower back. "We've dealt with worse."
"Perhaps," Azareon concedes. "But remember, cornered animals are the most dangerous."
I feel a chill despite the warmth of Marius's touch. "Is there anyone else I should know about?"
"Be on guard, Brigid. That's all I can offer." Azareon's eyes flick toward the door.
"Thank you, Professor," I say, truly grateful for this unexpected ally. "For everything."
He nods, then turns to address the rebels. "I must return before my absence is noted. Consider what you've heard today."
Azareon grasps my arm as he’s leaving. His voice drops to a whisper only I can hear.“They executed my wife for practicing shadow magic thirty years ago. The Council claimed it was for the greater good."
His eyes harden and he scoffs.“The greater good. Never has a motivation been more of a catalyst for evil.”
With that, he slips out the door, leaving the cottage feeling emptier despite the crowd.
Marius leans close, his lips brushing my ear. "We should go too."
I nod to Kieran and the others. "Think about what I've said. I don't ask for anything but a chance."
As we leave, I notice that the clouds have obscured the moon, making the night darker than it was. Marius guides me along a hidden path through the woods, his hand never leaving mine.
"You were amazing in there," he says after we've walked for several minutes.
"I don't know about that. But they listened, at least."
Marius stops abruptly, pulling me against him. "They more than listened. You gave them hope, Brigid." His fingers trace my jawline. "You gave me hope."
I lean into his touch, and the warmth of his hand.
We resume walking, the academy growing larger with each step. Just before we reach the edge of the forest, Marius pulls me behind a large oak tree.
"You know," he says, pressing me gently against the trunk, "I meant what I said. I serve no other but you."
I catch my breath as his body presses against mine. "Is that so?"
"Mmm. And I think you should know—" his lips brush my neck, sending shivers down my spine, "—just how thoroughly I intend to serve my queen when we return to your chambers."
His kiss is hungry, making my knees weak and my thoughts scatter. When he pulls back, his eyes hold that predatory gleam that's both thrilling and terrifying.
"Show me," I whisper against his lips.
A slow, dangerous smile spreads across his face as he takes my hand again. "With pleasure, my queen.
We hurry toward the academy, the shadows no longer feeling quite so threatening, with Marius by my side.
Chapter Thirty Eight
Brigid
I’m nervous as I step into Tiernan's sacred grove the next day, my heart pounding a wild rhythm that echoes the primal magic of the place. I sense them before I see them, my mates, standing like gods summoned to this moment.
I’m ready for this. I want this. I want them.
Lochan moves first, his approach silent but for the whisper of leaves beneath his boots. His towering figure cuts through the dusk light filtering through the canopy, and those hazel eyes lock onto mine. They burn with something fierce and demanding.
"Brigid," he breathes out my name, and the sound of it makes my pussy clench. He takes my hand, and his grip is firm. "I vow to stand by you. Where you walk, I'll follow. You are mine. And I am yours."
