Page 105 of Rage of Her Ravens

They jumped up and down. “We’d love it!”

I slowly stood, watching while Mrs. Euphemia took them away. I was again grateful they were safe. It was then I realized how much those girls had grown on me in such a short period of time. I considered them as much my family as my brothers and would’ve been heartbroken if anything had happened to them. I sent a silent prayer to the elements, thanking them for keeping the children safe. I stiffened when Drae cleared his throat behind me. As much as I wasn’t looking forward to it, Drae and I had to have the inevitable discussion, namely what to do after Nikkos passed. Malvolia would come calling soon, wondering why we never reported back to her after we’d been sent to kill Shiri’s parents. We had to decide how best to protect Shiri and the girls.

When I turned to him, the stricken look in his eyes took me by surprise. His nose was still slightly swollen from my blow to his face, though not as bad as before. Strange how that fight felt like a lifetime ago.

“I’d like to thank you for beating sense into me.” He released a long breath. “I’m sorry I let my rage get the best of me and that it took me so long to see I’d been acting like a fool.”

I bridged the distance between us. Life was too short to hold onto grudges. The possibility of Losing Nikkos was teaching me that much. I grasped his shoulder, bending my head toward his. “That means a lot, brother, but it’s Shiri you need to apologize to.”

He heaved another sigh. “I did already.”

I released him, stepping back. “And?”

Drae slouched on top of the table, his wings draped behind him. “She won’t forgive me, and I don’t blame her.”

“Do you want me to talk to her?” As much as I understood her reasoning, now was not the time for my family to be divided, especially not when I knew Malvolia and her army would soon be upon us.

He shook his head. “She needs you to support her right now, not advocate for your fool brother.”

I paced the floor, a whirlwind of worries weighing down on my shoulders. “I don’t know how I’m going to do all this without Nikkos—keep Shiri and the girls safe. It’s only a matter of time before Malvolia finds out about them.”

“You don’t have to do this alone.” Drae pushed off from the table, balling up his hands. “I will help. Even if she never wants to bond with me, I will always be there for you and your mate.”

His generosity nearly knocked me off my feet. “And if Malvolia tries to take her against her will?”

He clasped my shoulders, his features hardening. “Then I will stand with you, brother, to the death if I have to. I swear to you, I’m never forsaking you and Shirina again.”

* * *

Shirina

Ihad a fitful sleep, replete with nightmares and dreams. First came the nightmare. I was back on that mountain, desperately searching for my sister. They found me, their grubby hands all over me, pulling my hair, throwing me to the ground before ripping off my clothes. I was out of options, for I knew they’d use me terribly, killing me in the process. I had no choice but to unleash what I feared most, that dark voice inside me. I surrendered to my siren, and their dirt-crusted hands held their blades to their own throats, their eyes wide with panic.

I cried out in my sleep, but my dream shifted, and I was flying through the heavens, soaring on the back of a dragon, the heavy beating of his wings blowing my hair. Two loud beasts squawked behind me, but I wasn’t afraid. They were my friends. The air was humid and thick, and sweat dripped down my back, but I didn’t care about my discomfort. I was in love. Strong arms circled my waist, and I leaned back against a solid chest, the steady beating of his heart in time with my own. I felt free, unencumbered.

And terrified.

That I’d wake from this dream and have it all taken away. That once I discovered my true identity, I would be forced to part from the Fae I loved.

Tari!

I woke with a start, my sister’s name on my lips. I’d seen her! And on the back of a dragon! Had it been real? A vision? Or just a dream?

I blinked up at the overhead canopy. The bedchamber was still dark, lit only by a few softly glowing candles. I sat up, dragging my hands down my face, my nose wrinkling at a putrid smell. I breathed in through a wheeze, and looked down at Nikkos as he looked back up at me, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Nikkos? Nikkos!

I fell on top of him, running my hands across his chest, his head. The wound had healed, leaving behind nothing but old, dried blood. My eyes watered over with tears, and I could scarcely draw breath. “You’re alive.”

He ran his hands up and down my arms, speaking on a slow drawl. “My siren mate didn’t give me a choice.”

I cupped his face and kissed him. I didn’t mind that his breath was stale or that the side of his head smelled like rotten eggs. I couldn’t stop kissing him, even as salty tears streamed from my face, running into my mouth. Nikkos was alive, and that’s all that mattered.

I draped my arms around his neck, straddling his waist as he wrapped me up in his wings.I thought I’d lost you,I spoke through thought, my throat too choked up for me to say the words aloud.

Never.His thought projected into my mind as he kissed me back.I will always find my way back to you, my love.He abruptly broke the kiss, his brow furrowed, and he looked at me as if he was still waking from a dream.Are the girls okay?

I stroked his face.They’re fine.

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