Page 98 of Clash of Storms
For the Blackfrost could change the fate of her world. She believed in him as surely as she believed in the Goddess.
Rurik would not fall, the princess would be safe, and perhaps she would have a chance tonight to look her wickeddrekiprince in the eye and tell him the truth of her heart.
Thiswas how the story would end.
* * *
The tidesof battle turned the second Sirius took the field.
Malin cried out as Haakon was stabbed from behind, Roar moving in for the kill.
But Sirius's sword rose to meet Roar's, and Malin's heart beat with savage satisfaction as she saw the shock on Roar's face as he was driven back. It was like watching a hurricane wade into battle, obliterating any and all who stood against him. A god made flesh, as Sirius rained ruin down upon his enemies.
As if they sensed the shift in fate, Rurik and his allies fought with renewed vigor. Stellan and his vile warlords were beaten back, and she could see their fear and their despair as both the prince and Sirius tore into them.
Destiny.
Roar quit the field, along with Lor and the others. Stellan hissed his fury, and then gathered up the queen. TheZilittuinvaders surged into the skies and fled.
Even from across the battlefield she could see Sirius turn to look at her, breathing hard. The princess was bent over the body of her fallen husband, trying to heal him, but all Malin could see was the Blackfrost. She was so happy she wanted to cry. Wanted to throw herself into his arms and kiss him. Hope and something furiously hot and demanding flooded through her.
Love.
The pressure of his mind brushed against her.
Malin opened, latching onto him. Every time they linked, it grew easier to respond to him.
"Thank you,"she breathed, overwhelmed by her sudden realization."You saved them. Yousaved the prince."
"Malin."She sensed his regret."You are safe now. Stay with Rurik and his sister. They'll protect you from what is to come."
It took a moment for her to realize what he meant."You're leaving?"
Across the churned-up battlefield, he turned to stare after his father's retreating form."I have no choice. I have to go back. I gave my word to my father; if he spared Andri's life, then I would obey his every whim. I just threw that oath in his face."
For her.
"No!"Her heart started pounding in her chest."They'll kill you."
"They'll kill Andri if I don't."
"There has to be some way to stop them! If you stay we could talk to the prince—"
"Malin, Rurik and I are not allies. I knew what the cost of this would be when you asked it of me. It was my choice. And there is no time. I dare not hesitate."
And she'd pushed him to make it. A tear slid down her cheek. What had she done?
"Be at peace, little drekling."He opened up his inner walls, enough for her to sense his fondness."This has nothing to do with you. I... I have to pay my dues. I finally understand. This is the price I will pay."
"For what?"
"For all the things I've done wrong in my life. They made me a monster, Malin. For the first time in my life I feel like I'm taking that part of myself back. No."He paused."I feel as though you've given me that part of myself back. You were right. It feels good to do the right thing."
"Don't do this! We'll talk to Rurik—"
"There's no time. Andri's the one good thing I've ever had in my life. I protected him from Father. I kept them from ruining the goodness in his heart. My sacrifice is worth it, Malin, for he'll never hate himself the way I have."
"Please."
