Page 136 of Savage Is My Kingdom

“Then perhaps Raziel?”

“He’ll be with me on the front lines.” Zor stepped closer, tugged me against him, his lips curled back to show his teeth. “I’ll have Tavion keep Lyrae from getting close.”

I snorted. “Oh, you mean my new husband?”

Torin gaped, the owl shifter’s eyes widening. Even Zor went rigid beside me.

“Oh yes, I had quite the busy morning. Tavion Montgomery and I are now married.” I muttered, wrapping my other arm as loosely as possible around Zor’s waist. “But I suppose you don’t really need to know that, do you?”

A wicked smile curved my lips as Zor pulled me closer. “Let’s go home, Zor. And let Torin figure out what todo next.”

52

ANARIA

Long after midnight I settled Zor against a tree in the training yard behind the barracks. He was too exhausted to do more than groan, his brow soaked with sweat, his lips bone white.

“You shouldn’t have been so stubborn. One more time wouldn’t have mattered.”

I’d offered to use my magic—Torin’s warning be damned—but he’d refused to consider the option.

“You heard what she said.” He barely got the words out. “I’m not taking the chance of you turning into a monster.”

I shivered, recalling the Oracle’s jerky, spidery movements. That brief glimpse of her black, disjointed leg. “The Oracle’s not so bad. She’s helped us before.”

“Only when her goals align with ours.” Zor reminded me quietly. “Neither her or Torin are to be trusted.” I leaned down, lay my hand over his clammy forehead, my heart clenching when he didn’t even flinch.

“Gods save me from obstinate males. I’ll find Raziel.” I should have shoved my magic into him. Then he wouldn’t be on death’s door. “Stay here.”

Zorander didn’t even protest, his head lolling over onto his shoulder. By the time I returned with Raz, he was slumped on his side, hair plastered to his clammy forehead. I settled beside him; legs crossed while Raz checked him over, his brow furrowed with worry.

“You fucking stubborn bastard.” I nodded in agreement; glad someone else saw things my way. “You nearly burned yourself out.”

“Had to get Anaria home.” Zor mumbled. “Have to tell you what Torin said.”

Raz raised his eyebrow.

“A lot happened today, Raz.” I rubbed my face, which only brought my emotions closer to the surface and I could not afford to fall apart now. As if he knew how wrung-out I was, Raz put his hand on my knee and squeezed gently.

“Then tell me what’s most important, Anaria. And leave the rest for later.” I dipped my head before the tears started falling.

“Ember found Torin’s note. She sent a message to Tempeste. Zor and I tried to stop the information from reaching Solok…but we didn’t need to worry. Torin intercepted it.”

Raziel lay his hands on Zor, misty darkness spilling from his fingertips, and Zor grit his teeth when they absorbed into his body. “We also discovered Lyrae is the Oracle’s spy.” Raz’s head swiveled around slowly.

“And according to Torin, if I use my magic again, I’ll turn into a monster.” I explained softly, wondering how everything got so fucked up. “Like the Oracle. Or the Fae King.”

Raz went still, pulled his hands away, tendrils of shadow still spilling from his fingers as I wondered about his magic. What had he meant…I never wanted to see it?

Zor husked, “Tell him about Tavion.” I squeezed my eyes closed.

Tavion Montgomery meant nothing to me.

Nothing at all.

But this…what Tavion had done would wound Raziel to his core. I cared more for this kind, beautiful male than I did for myself and now I had to hurt him because of another choice stolen from me.

I reached out, brushed the back of Raziel’s hand, and a residue of electricity sizzled my fingertips.

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