Road To Winter (Fae's Captive #2)(28)



One lands a blow to my arm, the skin separating as the blade cuts to my bone. I yell and parry, attacking the fae soldier with an onslaught that leaves him badly wounded as another emerges from the brush and comes for me. I’m used to fighting wounded. It keeps the stakes fresh and fuels my magic.

The whip cracks against the side of my head, the fire scorching my temple. I send a wave of blistering cold into the mass of fighters. Two of them fall dead, their eyes frozen open, as the others slow but do not stop.

“Gareth.” I spin and roll out of the way of another crack of the whip. “It’s about time you dusted off your magic.”

The leader is grinning, her sword red with Gareth’s blood. “I’ve never killed a winter realm fae.” She drops and does a spinning kick, knocking Gareth off his feet. When she slashes at him with her blade, I block the blow as he scrambles to his feet. Her silver eyes narrow as I stare down at her, our blades locked, though she’s losing ground.

“And you won’t kill one today.” I shove her back, and she sprawls on the road.

With a hiss she summons a large ball of red flame and throws it at me. I blast it away with my ice. She’s already panting, her magic stores no match for mine.

Another blast of cold from me, and she curls in on herself, the freeze turning the tips of her fingers black with frostbite.

“Back up.” Gareth grabs my shirt and yanks me away as the remaining warriors rush us. “Shield!”

I throw up an ice barrier just as Gareth unleashes his magic. The air explodes as if it’s made of glass, and the red warriors scream as bits of their flesh are ripped away. Gareth’s magic is destructive and wild, so vicious that despite years of practice, he can barely control it. And in situations like this, he can only use it when assured his allies aren’t within range.

Several of the warriors fall to the road, their lives bleeding out onto the hungry ground. Others limp away and disappear into the red wastes. The leader struggles to her feet, whip still in hand. The scarf has fallen from her face, revealing a comely female with high fae features.

“You brought this end upon yourself.” I advance with my sword out beside me. “Joining with the king beyond the mountain was a foolish choice.”

She holds her blade out defensively. “My people are starving. I’d happily ally with anyone who could put food in their bellies.” Kicking her chin up, she cracks her whip, the flames flickering. “Come for me, king, and I will show you the sting of the Vundi.”

I raise my sword and swing. The blow cuts her blade in half and severs her whip. She staggers back, gasping as she pulls a dagger from the folds of her dress. I would spare her, but she made the mistake of threatening my mate. The feral fae will not stop until her blood runs cold on the dusty ground.

Reaching for her, I take her by the neck and lift her off the dirt. She slashes my arm with her dagger, but I barely feel it. All I have to do is close my fist, and she’s done. But a sound catches my ear. Hooves.

The female’s mouth spreads into a grin as I turn and see Kyrin galloping toward me. A Vundi sits astride him, in his hand the obsidian blade. Taylor is draped across the saddle, her body limp.

My battle cry erupts in an icy wave, and I taste blood.

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