Page 222 of A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
But it was only an illusion.
When I lowered my gaze from the rock to the actual circle, everyone stood around and swayed to the unfamiliar prayers. It sounded like the chant which had filled the crypt, as if they were calling to their ancestors to protect them.
Vylkor kept the tune, eyes closed. Who knew he had such a lovely voice hidden behind that fearsome grimace.
It struck me just how similar this gathering was to the troll one I’d crashed. Less roaring, thankfully, but goosebumps erupted down my arms all the same.
I held on tighter to my lit candle.
Ryker was right–I would lead these people.
I didn’t know when, but the inevitability of that future couldn’t be ignored.
Truth be told–and I barely dared think it, let alone speak it–I was starting to look forward to it.
A life next to Ryker didn’t seem like such a hardship as it had seemed before.
He stepped inside the circle, on the side opposite mine, like a man born to command. I was struck once more, like I had on that first night, by the sheer presence of him.
Everyone looked at him with such reverence.
It was more than respect.
Admiration, pure andearned.
The song stopped as Ryker lit his own candle in the fire, the flames’ reflection competing with the sparks in his eyes.
Even if Solkar himself descended from the heavens now, I wouldn’t have been able to look away.
“We will call upon the ancient magic of this realm and our ancestors to protect us once more,” Ryker said, everyone clinging to each word. He’d deepened his voice; more guttural, more serious.
No sign of the man who joked with me about bratty Vegheara heirs.
That version let his guard down.
This one commanded and led through example.
If he stood tall, unflinching, even in the face of danger, the rest had to follow suit.
“The path the leader walks becomes a road for all to follow, Allie,” Grandpa Constantine used to say. “Pay attention to your steps. Always.”
Ryker had the same presence. The quiet courage of a true leader, who could demand attention just by existing.
“Tonight, even gods we do not name will smile upon us.” Ryker tilted his head at me. “One of the Protectorate’s bestwarriors and magic-wielders has agreed to join her blood to ours.”
The gazes swirled toward me, skittering up my back and settling at the base of my neck. But they weren’t as heavy as before. Not weary or guarded.
Curious.
Expectant.
Ready for me to show my worth.
I felt the responsibility.
I tilted my chin against its weight, welcoming it–even as my chest clenched at the steps of the ritual.
Why did it always have to be blood?
