Page 66

Thane raced toward them on Phantom in a full gallop. The pounding of the hooves was like thunder, as was the murderous look on his face. He roared up to them, jerking back on the reins so that Phantom reared with a cry, and slammed back down. His windswept hair and venomous scowl passed between each of them.

“She’s fine, as you can see.” Hel’s tongue quickly swept over his bottom lip. “She has been in myverycapable hands. We even found the perfect dress.”

Thane’s jaw muscles flexed, and he pinned her with a stare. “Are you alright?”

“Yes.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “Nothing happened.”

His tense posture relaxed with his shoulders falling slightly forward. “You can’t keep leaving. You must stay. We have to stay together. Please listen to me for once. It’s much, much too dangerous.”

“You’ve remembered something important,” Layala assumed.

“I remember the day they killed us the first time.” His gaze passed from her to Hel. “And I know it happened again and again.”

“We were just discussing that very topic,” Hel said.

Thane set his jaw firmly, and the cold glare he leveled at Hel sent a chill across Layala’s skin. “I also remember the promise you made me,” Thane said, deadly, lethal.

“Don’t worry,” Hel purred. “So do I.”

Chapter21

THANE

Thane bounded down the front steps of the castle. The birds chirped happily with an exceptional sunrise, painting the horizon with pinks and salmon and blues. The morning dew created a fresh aroma in the air, and he took a deep breath. Layala, Piper, Leif, and Fennan already waited for him. Seeing them all gathered in their training leathers reminded him of old times.

Layala smiled at him; genuine and warm. “Good morning.”

He thought she was still upset with him about leaving her unsatisfied on her bed but by the way she smiled at him now, maybe she finally understood.

“Good morning.” He smiled back. “This is a rare occasion. I didn’t expect everyone.”

“We decided it was needed,” Piper said. “It’s been too long.”

Leif grinned. “The good ol’ days.”

Thane rolled his shoulders. “I say we run around the grounds once then go to the training yard for sparring. I’ve missed the last few days and I’m getting antsy.”

“Fine by me,” Fennan said.

“Let’s roll out.” Piper was the first to move.

The rest of them went after her, flying across the grassy landscape, weaving around flowering bushes, and gardeners tending to them. A few guards stopped and bowed as he passed and although Thane had another level of speed he could tap into, he didn’t.

Fennan reached the training yard first and plucked a sword from the wooden barrel. “Leif, you up for the challenge?”

“Always am.”

For training, they typically used blunted blades to avoid accidents or—with the glower on both Leif and Fen’s faces—purposeful injuries. There was still some lingering competition over Piper even if she didn’t give either of them the time of day anymore. Maybe this was a bad idea.

Leif snatched up a sword, red hair moving in the breeze, the celestial tattoos on his face scrunched with his scowl, and without waiting for Thane to start the match, Fennan swung. Their swords rang out, over and over, clashing and clanking. Grunts and snarls erupting along with bits of grass and dirt flying.

“Have they been like this since we got home?” Layala asked, leaning closer to his side.

“Pretty much since they fought over Piper the first time by the portal on the island.”

“Let’s not talk about it,” Piper said, folding her arms.

“Neither of them is competition for you, War, but I know someone who is.”