Wind rushed past, blurring his eyes with tears, but she was there. Layala broke free of the cart and her skirts billowed out around her, her mass of wild black waves flowing freely like a flag torn to ribbons near a windy sea. She was close—inches. The wind was deafening, drowning out the roar of his own voice screaming her name. His fingers wiggled; his arm strained to reach her. So close. Just grab her!
Moments before her face had been twisted in fear, as if all hope dashed away. But as they stared at each other now, there was calm in the soft lines around her tear-streaked eyes, a slight part in her lips, almost smiling. Focused and relieved. As if she had every confidence in the world he would save her from breaking on the jagged rocks below. Hands grasped for one another, until finally flesh met flesh. Thane gripped her and jerked her into him, body flush against his and then he summoned every drop of magic he possessed. Like the time he shifted through an impossible distance to get Layala to the mage tower, power hummed like wild drums beating against his skin. Wind rushed all around them in swirling jet streams, slowing their descent until they floated, suspended in air. Layala wrapped her thighs around his waist and hooked her elbows around the back of his neck. They both breathed heavily in sync, greedily dragging in air and relief.
When it seemed like many moments passed, she whispered, “Are we—flying? Or are we dead in the afterlife?”
Thane smiled, but when he looked down the pit in his stomach grew. The cart crashed with a boom, splintering on rough boulders below. They were seconds away from the same fate. Thane had never attempted to fly before, but his magic rose to his call, and it felt strange to say it, but he whispered, “I’d say we’re floating,” he paused thinking of how absurd it was, “and we’re still in Palenor.” He pressed one palm flat against her back and the other, he cupped her behind. “Hold on.” A strong whoosh of wind brought them back up onto sturdy ground, and he moved away from the cliff’s edge, holding her tight. He took in a few steadying breaths, thanking the Maker to be alive and to have the maiden he loved more than all the stars in the sky in his arms. He gently rubbed Layala’s back, basking in what it was like to feel the warmth of her embrace again. After a couple moments ticked by and she kept her vice-like hold, he said, “You can open your eyes now.”
She pulled away enough to look him in the face. Her fingers dug into him with frantic strength. “Thane,” she whispered and then her lips crashed into his. Frenzied and hungry, claiming a long-lost prize. He smiled against her lips, laughter almost bubbling up in his throat. It was euphoric. Maker above, he’d missed her. He’d imagined this moment for weeks now, and before that, for much of his life. And she was here, and she loved him. His mate, the beautiful maiden of his dreams.
With her thighs still tightly hooked around his torso, she took his face in her hands and pulled back, cheeks glistening. “It’s really you. You’re here. You’re alive.”
“It’s really me.”
Tears cascaded down her cheeks and she choked on a sob even though she was grinning from ear to ear. “I was terrified I lost you. I tried to stop her. I tried to get to you—”
Thane cut her off with a kiss, willing her to feel the ocean depths of how much he loved her. None of it was important; the only thing that mattered was that she was safe, and they were together. “I know.”
“But… What happened? Varlett slammed me into a tree, and I hit my head. I tried to escape,” she gulped in air, “to find you.” Her voice was still rushed, fraught.
“Laya,” he said calmly, brushing his fingers over her cheek, wiping her tears. “I love you. And I am here now.”
A loud throat clearing made them both turn their heads. Leif tapped one boot on the ground. “Uh, I hate to break up the reunion, but it won’t be long before they come looking this way. Also, if you two could refrain from jumping off cliffs in the future that would be great. Even if you knew you could fly, I didn’t.” He put a hand to his chest. “I threw up a little.”
Thane chuckled. “I didn’t know. But I wasn’t going to let her die.”
“I asked you not to leave me,” Layala said, and shot him a glare.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Leif said, “I am sorry. Trust I won’t make a mistake like that again.”
Layala slid down Thane’s body to the ground and gripped his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. He brought her knuckles to his lips and gently kissed them. “He’s right. My father saw me. They’ll be on their way here with a formidable force, no doubt.”
Taking off, they headed west toward the city of Doonafell. A place they fought so fiercely to protect from the enemy his father now freely rode with. He never quite understood how his father made a deal with Mathekis and yet the pale ones still attacked at regular intervals. Was that what his father wanted? Wouldn’t he have made a deal to stop the attacks? Or maybe they would only stop if he delivered Layala to Mathekis. Or did Tenebris want the pale ones to attack Palenor so that he could keep the hold on his power? One thing Tenebris had over the people was that he protected them, and he was great at it. That earned trust and allegiance.
Even Brunard taunted him about his father’s ability to keep them at bay, but once Thane was in power, they overran a major elven city and killed hundreds. They’d never been capable of that before, or at least that’s what he believed. He thought it was his own incompetence or that they pushed harder now that they knew where Layala was. Perhaps it was a combination of everything. Exactly how far did the depths of his father’s betrayal of this kingdom go?
Once they drew closer to the city, Thane made sure to stick close to the well-beaten paths to avoid being tracked. He squeezed Layala’s hand every once in a while, and looked over at her lovely face to reassure himself she was there and that this wasn’t some delusion of his broken mind. The tangles in her usually shiny raven-wing hair, smudges of dirt on her cheeks, and her chapped, scabbed lips ignited a spark of anger. The fiery hatred he held for his father burned once more.
They quietly made their way around the outside stone wall of Doonafell where elves stacked stone on stone, slapping on globs of mud to repair the holes. The workers didn’t bother to look up as the trio jogged by.
The white-stone mage’s tower came into view. The ivy and climbing vines that overtook much of the weatherworn stone appeared even greener and thicker than the last time he’d seen it, on account of the start of the autumn rains.
“Could we stop here and rest?” Layala panted. “I haven’t seen anyone following us,” she dragged in another breath, “and maybe Atarah could hide us.”
Thane slowed to a halt, dragging his gaze over her. He was so used to her being able to run like wild horses. This showed how she was treated. In fact, the more he really analyzed her, he was surprised she wasn’t thinner and more sallow. Her breasts, waist, and hips were smaller, but he would never have noticed if he hadn’t thoroughly inspected her form on many occasions before. “We can’t stop. It will put you in danger when my father looks here. Get on my back.”
Without her usual do-it-herself attitude, she nodded. He bent his knees and she jumped onto him, latching her body around his. What a change from the elf he’d first met. She would have never willingly accepted his help in this way, at least not without a fight.
They arrived in Fanvore Wood, and after climbing over fallen logs and through thick vines and dodging snakes and critters, they found the designated gathering spot: a group of ruined statues of four old gods, standing at least nine feet tall. Thane didn’t know their names or what they were said to be gods of; they’d been lost to history but three were male, one holding a broken sword at his side and another large ax raised above his head. His long hair was carved in waves to his chest. His chin and nose had been broken off at some point but the fierceness in those stone eyes made him ponder about who he might have been.
The second male stood tall and erect, with his hands tucked behind his back. A smirk played at his lips, as if he knew something everyone else did not. The flowing cape was worn and chipped, and the sword pommel at his hip was intricate. The blade itself was broken like the other. It was a shame someone hadn’t taken care of these rather than let them go to ruin.
The third statue’s head was crumbled, and body so weathered it was difficult to make out more than the trident in his hand and the belt holding up his trousers. The pillar beside him was the only one left standing among fallen piles of boulders covered in foliage and debris.
“These are—beautiful,” Layala said and brushed her bandaged hand over the goddesses’ moss-covered knee. “Why didn’t you take me here before?” It was the female any who saw marveled at. Hers was the most well-preserved. She sat on a throne, with deep carvings of snakes behind her and twisted around down her arms. A starburst behind her head almost looked like she wore a headpiece, her legs crossed, chin raised, long hair carved as if flowing in the wind. A deep vee neck down to her navel, revealed full, round breasts. This goddess was power and allure. He believed if she were real, he would no doubt kneel. There were said to be other statues scattered throughout Adalon but he’d never seen them.
Thane smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t think about it and it’s pretty far from where we camped.”
“Who are they?”
“From the old world,” Leif said. “My nana told me stories about the old gods that her gran told her. This used to be a sanctum, I think. Not much left of it. Many would travel from all over to see this place.”
The group of Ravens, silent as a graveyard, emerged from the shadows like wraiths. Thane’s eye was immediately drawn to the pair with their arms slung over helpers. They wore fresh clothes, but their hair was dirty. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Piper. Fennan.” In a few strides he was before them and he wanted nothing more than to squeeze them both in bone-crushing hugs but with Piper’s bruised cheeks shining with healing salve, he resisted. She eased out of the grasp of the Raven holding her and pressed her head against Thane’s chest. Thane gently hugged her, careful not to use too much pressure. Fennan’s right arm was wrapped in a sling, but he walked over with ease to embrace his friend. “Get over here, Fightbringer,” Fennan said. She smiled and joined in the group hug.
“It’s so good to see you both.” Thane grinned. He wanted to be angry with what they’d been put through, but relief dominated everything else. His best friends were alive.
“Layala?” Evalyn called stepping out from behind a pair of Ravens. “Is it really you?”
Layala pulled away from them, and her dirty hand flew to her mouth. She rushed forward, throwing her arms around her aunt. “He didn’t tell me you were here!” She pushed back, searching her face. “How did you get here?” She looked at Thane. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I thought it would be a nice surprise.”
Evalyn hugged her tightly. “I missed you, my sweet child. Are you well? What can I do for you?”
“I’m fine now.” Her smile revealed her pretty, white teeth and tears sparkled in her eyes. “How did you meet Thane? I’m just so surprised you’re here.”
“Well,” Evalyn said. “I found him so I could find you.” She brushed her hand over Layala’s wild hair, flattening out the strays. “So, you can come home. Everyone misses you. Forrest and Ren have been positively bored without you. It took me convincing them every day to let you go and do what we always planned.”
Layala gently tugged away from her aunt and looked at Thane. “You didn’t tell her?”
“I told her enough.”
Evalyn patted Layala’s wrist. “Your mate bond is broken, and you are free to come home. He said he’d let you go if that’s what you want, and it’s what you want, isn’t it?”
Everyone watched with rapt attention, Thane included. Would Layala choose to leave? He couldn’t even fathom it but if that’s what she chose… Maker, he suddenly felt nauseous even thinking about it. He couldn’t bear her opting to leave him a second time.
“I love him,” Layala said. “And I will go where he is. As much as I love Briar Hollow and you, and the others, Thane is my home now.” She looked at him. “He’s my everything.”
Fennan whistled and pushed Thane in the back. “Go on, give her a kiss after that.” Deep chuckles from the Ravens standing all around brought a lovely blush to Layala’s cheeks.
“Don’t be shy on my account,” Evalyn said, shaking her head but smirking. “I’m just a little taken aback given—everything.”
“Now it’s uncomfortable with all of you watching,” Layala said, rolling her eyes and waving her hand in dismissal.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get that kiss later.”
Leif slapped Thane on the shoulder. “Hopefully more than that after the rescue we just pulled, aye.”
“Oh, Maker above,” Layala crowed and folded her arms. “We’re not even going to start a public discussion about what Thane and I do.” She rolled her eyes then glanced around. “Does anyone know what happened to Tifapine?”
“Here I am!” Tifapine poked her head out of the saddle bag on Phantom among the trees nearby. She stuck her arm out and waved but kept the leather flap half covering her. “No need to worry about me.”
Layala’s hand pressed to her chest. “Tif, I’m relieved you’re alright.” Tif smiled but when many of the Ravens turned to look at her, she quickly ducked back inside and slammed the flap closed. Layala shook her head slowly but smiled. Things hadn’t changed with the little gnome.
Thane turned back to Piper and Fennan, beaten and bruised because of his incompetence. He should have seen Aldrich for the traitor he was sooner. Piper’s swollen black eye made his chest hurt and he didn’t know how serious Fennan’s arm injury was. “I should have been able to get you all sooner. I am sorry I was not.”
“Don’t say that. We’re just thankful you’re alive,” Fennan said, patting Thane’s armored shoulder. “We heard many rumors. For a couple weeks we thought you were dead, and the only reason we were being kept alive was to be used against,” his gaze shifted to Layala. “You.”
“That is the only reason you were kept alive.” Layala let her eyes drop and her perfect lips turned into a frown. “And it would have worked. I would have done it.”
Thane ran his fingers from her shoulder to her wrist and gently wrapped his hand around hers. He wished he could feel her emotions and send her comfort. It was so strange that he couldn’t. A lifetime of feeling that gentle tug, that line of connection obliterated in a few moments. Would they ever get that back? Would she want to be mate bonded to him again? Now there was a choice.
“Sire, we shouldn’t stay here long,” Leif offered, removing his helmet. He shook his long red hair and smoothed pieces of it down. “They will track us here.”
“What’s our next move?” Fennan asked.
“Head north.” Thane released Layala’s hand and folded his arms.
“We can’t leave,” Layala blurted out. “I promised your father death and I’m not leaving without making good on that.” Her chin trembled slightly. “He slit Reina’s throat. Did you know that? He starved me for weeks and locked me up in that tower. The bastard needs to die, and we know exactly where he is right now. This is the perfect time.” Layala lifted her chin and met him with a hard stare. “And we can take Mathekis down while we’re at it.” Some of the Ravens murmured. She pinned them with a glare. “Are you afraid?”
Evalyn stepped to her side and held her hand, rubbing her back with the other. Such a motherly thing to do. “Honey, you need rest and healing.”
Thane nodded in agreement with Evalyn, but he knew better than to try and tell her she couldn’t do something unless he wanted a fight. “You are brave, and I admire that. But many have tried to kill Mathekis. He’s nine hundred years old and no one has done it yet. And my father has two thousand soldiers or more at his disposal who won’t hesitate to kill us. Even if I had all five hundred of my Ravens here it would be a very bloody battle that would take the lives of too many of my soldiers.”
She tore her gaze away, muttering a curse. “Swear to me, I will get my revenge.”
Evalyn looked at him too, waiting. Layala wasn’t the only one who wanted Tenebris dead.
“I swear it. When the time is right.”
“And I will be the one to end Mathekis.” She licked her lips. “I’ll find a way.”
Thane smiled at her confidence, as did many of the others. She may very well be the one, but he didn’t want to find out just yet. He hadn’t come to a one-on-one fight with Mathekis before. Deep down both Thane and Mathekis avoided the conflict, even if not intentionally.
“Fightbringer,” Leif said, crossing his arms. “We’d all love to see both dead and burned and as much faith as we have in your ability, no one has ever gotten close enough to Mathekis to do it. Our arrows miss him as if he’s protected by some force. Not even Thane has been able to touch him with his magic.”
A few murmured “yeses” and some shakes of the heads from the Ravens followed his statement. “The only way to kill Mathekis is to destroy the Void,” Piper said, as she leaned against the goddess statue. “That’s how this all ends, Layala. You destroy the Void, you get revenge.”
That fact sat with everyone for a moment of silence before Thane said, “We’ll need to split up to throw off our trail. Fennan, Piper, Leif, Gunner and Siegfried will come with me. The rest of you will take the old road north to Brightheart to meet with the other Ravens and wait for us there. Steer clear of the main road.”
“Where will you go?” Nash, one of the other Ravens asked.
“Lakeside Road.”
Everyone moved to their mounts, but Layala grabbed Thane’s hand stopping him. Her beautiful blue eyes searched his face for a moment. “I need to tell you what Varlett said.”
