Page 54 of Hopeless Realm
Pieces of pale hair are disorderly around his face as the fae chances a glance at me out of the corner of his eye.
My lips purse and I wish like hell I hadn’t just put away my wings.
Would it be too showy if I flashed them out once again?
I bite my cheek and decide against it.
I shouldn’t sulk. I shouldn’t be childish. War and battle should trump petty hurt.
“The soldiers have the weapons and supplies we’ll need?” I look to Darrio and he nods.
“Dax and I have gathered everything we’ll need once we enter the mortal realm. Streven is my second in command and his knowledge exceeds my own on some days.” Darrio gives his friend a nod and I do my best not to grimace from the simple compliment.
My arms fold across my chest and something similar to a polite smile stretches across my lips.
“That’s good to hear,” I say tensely.
“And this pretty angel will lead us?” Streven asks his commander.
Darrio steps closer but keeps a professional distance between us. My chin raises as I struggle to meet Streven’s gaze. His height—everyone’s fucking height—towers over me, but it doesn’t deter my confidence.
“This pretty angel knows more about the king of Juvar than anyone here. I know what fuels that man.” My jaw tics as I glare at him.
Streven’s gaze skims across the sword at my waist and he simply smirks as if I’m an adorable child playing dress up in a knight’s armor.
“Gossip doesn’t win wars, angel.” He shakes his head dismissively before he tips a wooden mug to his lips and starts to take a long drink.
It infuriates me. The doubt he holds in his eyes is the doubt I’ve seen all my life. Why does everyone doubt me? My palm pulls the blade from Darrio’s belt in a flash of movement. The insignia of the kingdom of Juvar distracts me for only a second before my strength is hurling the blade toward Streven’s frustrating little smirk.
“Kara, no!” Darrio shouts.
But he’s too late.
The blade makes a solid sound when it embeds into the wooden mug held in Streven’s hand. The shining blade almost kisses his lips. His emerald eyes widen as amber liquid leaks from the slice in the side of the mug and down his shirt. The fae around us pass quiet and careful whispers to one another as they look my way.
“The pretty little angel knows how to use a weapon,” I say with an aggressive smile. “My name is Zakara Storm. It was nice meeting you, Streven.”
All I hear is a heavy sigh from Darrio as I walk away.
Daxdyn falls in step at my side.
“That was … impressive.” His laughter and emotions almost overtake the pounding adrenaline of my heart.
Almost.
His hand slips in mine once again, easing the tension in my body with a single touch.
“Now for the fun,” he whispers.
Chapter Sixteen
D + K + R
A table of alcohol has been set up and I barely have time to scoop up a mug as he drags me along. An enormous tan tent sits at what must be the center of the makeshift camp.
Is this where the planning will be taking place?
Daxdyn lifts the tent flap back for me, the heavy cloth held in his palm. The alcohol touches my lips but only for a second before Daxdyn pulls it away.
