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Leif didn’t bother changing and still had spots of blood on his clothes. Typical. “Who killed the guards? I knew one of them. He grew up next door to my nana’s. And where are the Calladirans? We hurried to hide the bodies because they were supposed to be here early this afternoon.”

“They could have been attacked on the road,” Fennan added. “I’ll send scouts to search for the party.”

Hell, here we go. Thane lifted his chin and rested his hands on his hips. “He finally came, and he killed the guards.”

Fennan looked appalled and at a loss for words. Leif was horrified. The fear in his features was palpable in the dying sunlight, filling the throne room. “The Black Mage. Here. N-now?” Leif stuttered. Ravens rarely showed fear, even in the face of demons like pale ones.

“Where is he?” Fennan went for his sword and jerked it free. “Should I sound the alarm? We must evacuate your family and the servants at once.”

“There’s no need for all that,” crooned Hel’s mischievous, deep voice.

Thane whirled around and found him leaned up against the wall with a civar poised between his fingers. The sweet smoke curled around him like a caress. There was no way he’d been there long. He pushed off the wall and sauntered toward them, taking a puff of smoke. “You two certainly have your feathers all ruffled.”

Fennan half stepped in front of Thane; Leif pulled a dagger from his hip and his sword from his back.

“Settle down, girls, I’m not going to hurt your king.”

“Thane,” Fennan prompted, tensing for an attack. They’d both be dead before they ever got close enough to strike.

“Stand down.” Thane stepped around Fennan and put himself between his friends and Hel. Even if he knew Hel hated him for “stealing his wife”, he wasn’t here for revenge on him, or things would have gone much differently upon his arrival. He would, however, kill anyone Thane cared for without hesitation.

“It’s rude not to introduce a guest,High King.I’m Hel, or better known around these parts as the Black Mage. War’s cousin,formerbest friend.” He stopped a few feet away and flicked his gaze over Fennan. “I suppose that’s you now.” He smirked at Leif. “And the reckless ginger.” He took a deep inhale. “The quality of your company has certainly gone downhill, War.”

“The quality of their hearts is better than yours in every way.”

“I’ve heard about the Ravens. You’re the best warriors Palenor has to offer. Want to put that to the test?”

“Not a chance,” Thane said. “If you’re going to fight anyone, it’s me.”

“I’ve put our past behind me for now, greater ambitions you see, so I won’t snap your neck and pull out your heart for good measure, though it’s what you deserve,cousin.”

“Don’t threaten my king,” Fennan barked.

Thane threw up his fist, to silence him. “What is it going to take for you to remove the pale one curse, and go back to Runevale? You must back off the attacks on my people. Whatever friendship you and I once had is long past. We can negotiate what it is you need from Layala for something else.”

He smirked and looked at Thane like he was a naive puppy. “You’re thinking small, War. When’s dinner? I’m starving.”

Maker above, he was infuriating. “I have things to do. I don’t have the patience for your games, certainly not dinner, and I don’t have time to babysit you either. Your creatures need to stop, and you need to face the fact that Layala is with me now. Do you want gold? Silver? A magical relic?”

Hel let out a chuckle full of shadows and threats. “Even after it all, I did sort of miss this. But you’re talking to me like that friendship is still intact.” An invisible force suddenly clamped around Thane’s throat, making it impossible to breathe. He stiffened, forcing his hands to stay at his sides, though he wanted to reach for his neck. His magic tingled and fought back but it was like pushing against a brick wall. “Like I won’t destroy you and take pleasure in seeing you fall. I could take her away from you in a heartbeat, take your throne for mine, and leave you shattered with nothing. And I might do just that if you piss me off enough.” He shoved the burning end of his civar into Thane’s cheek. The smell of his cooking flesh overpowered the sweet smoke. “You were correct. We’re not friends. I am not one of your subjects, and most definitely not your brother anymore. Don’t make the mistake of speaking to me like I am any one of those again. Trust me when I say I can’t be bought.” He tossed the butt of the civar to the floor.

Thane couldn’t focus on the burn when his body fought for air, but he didn’t move, did not beg for mercy, or reach out. He pursed his lips, knowing Hel was correct about it all, but even if he couldn’t breathe his fist cracked Hel in the jaw. His head snapped to the side, and he turned back with a growl.

“Do that again, I dare you.” Hel shoved him in the chest and released his magic.

Thane sucked in air and fought against the urge to pull his weapons, to release his magic that fought to break free and tear apart this room, this castle, to prove who was the dominant male. It wouldn’t end well, and his loyal friends would go down with him.

Fennan was furious, but smart enough to not move, and Leif’s knuckles were white from gripping his weapons. “Sire,” Leif’s voice came out as almost a plea. He wanted the command to attack even if he was terrified.

“Tell them I’ll be staying, and I better not find any guards following me around or they’ll end up like the other two.” He rammed his shoulder into Thane’s and marched for the exit. When he reached it, he stopped and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Don’t you find it strange your woodland elf friends haven’t arrived yet?”

Then he was gone.

“Sire, what’s the plan?” Leif was ready to charge after him.

Fennan sheathed his weapon. “Where are Layala and Piper?”

“Training with Vesstan.” Thane marched for the double doors.