Page 168 of A Crown Without Mercy

Cathagne placed her hand on Kadric’s shoulder and nodded. She then kneeled down and draped her arm over Sylvana’s back. “It’s going to be okay, Sylvana.”

“Nicolai? Dammit, answer me!” Sylvana demanded.

“Syl, are you okay?” he replied.

“Holy shit! Why have you all not replied to me?”

“I will explain when I see you. We are on our way.”

“Where are Rio and Kieran?”

“We will be there soon.”

“Answer me! What has happened to Rio and Kieran?”

“Rio has been hurt, and Kieran is out of his fucking mind.”

“I’m coming,” she replied.

“Sylvana, stay put! Don’t you dare come this way.”

Feeling panicked, she jumped up and ran down the path.

“Sylvana!” Cathagne yelled as she chased after her.

Cadell, Kadric, and the other warriors appeared on the path before her, and Kadric held out his hands. “Sylvana, you are not leaving.”

“Father, get out of my way,” she snarled.

She looked to her right, and then to her left, trying to find a way around. However, they had her surrounded. She waved her hand in their direction and a small whiff of icy mist dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. The meager amount of energy it took caused her to stumble. However, Cathagne grabbed a hold of her, and kept her upright. “Fuck me,” she bellowed. “Father, I beg of you. My mates need me.”

“Sylvana, they are on their way as we speak. The best thing you can do to help is to gather your strength. What good will you be to them if you incapacitate yourself?” He walked over and wrapped his arms around her, and she clung to him.

Cathagne moved Sylvana’s hair off of her face. “Come, sit over here with me. We shall wait together.”

They sat on a ledge overlooking the river and Sylvana pulled her knees to her chest and waited impatiently for any sign of them.

Kadric sat beside her. “Sylvie, you should feed. You will need all of your strength should one of them need your blood.”

She looked up at him. “You know Rio and Kieran are in trouble, don’t you?”

“I am only thinking ahead. But based on your feelings and Kundar leaving, you need to be prepared for the worse-case scenario, darling. The stronger you are, the better,” he said, as he held out his wrist.

“Have you received word from Diaspor?” Vispera asked.

“Everything is going according to plan,” Stronbo replied.

“And thy others?”

“Those whom are alive have retreated and safely behind our veiled walls,” Eoin answered.

“And thy rest of thy kingdom?” Stronbo said.

“We have it sealed, Priestess.”

“Show me my reflection,” Vispera requested.

Stronbo made a circular motion with his hands in front of his body.

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