Page 20

I forced myself to my feet, swaying slightly. Blackthorn was down, his followers scattering in panic. But he wasn't defeated yet.

As he struggled to rise, I saw my chance. I charged forward, my spear aimed at his heart. At the last moment, he twisted away, but not fast enough. My weapon sank deep into his shoulder, pinning him to the ground.

Blackthorn howled in pain and rage, dark energy pulsing around him. But I held firm, channeling every ounce of power I had left into my spear. Clean forest magic flowed through the crystal tip, burning away the corruption like fire through dead leaves.

"This ends now," I said, my voice steady despite my exhaustion. "Leave our territory. Never return. Or next time, I won't stop at your shoulder."

For a long moment, Blackthorn glared at me with pure hatred. Then, slowly, the fight seemed to drain out of him. "Very well," he spat. "You've won this round, human. But don't think this is over."

I yanked my spear free, watching as he staggered to his feet. "It's over when I say it's over," I told him. "Now go, before I change my mind about letting you leave at all."

Blackthorn gave me one last venomous look before melting into the shadows, his remaining followers close behind.

As soon as they were gone, my legs gave out. I would have fallen if Thornix hadn't caught me, cradling me gently against his chest.

"Acacia," he breathed, his voice filled with awe and concern. "``I've never seen anything like it."

I managed a weak smile. "Told you I was a quick study."

He laughed, the sound tinged with relief and lingering worry. "That you are, my love. That you are."

As the adrenaline faded, I noticed the destruction. The storm badly damaged our tree-home, tearing great chunks from its trunk. The clearing was a mess of uprooted plants and scorched earth.

"Oh no," I whispered, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "Our home..."

Thornix held me closer, his hand stroking my hair soothingly. "It can be repaired," he assured me. "What matters is that we're both safe. You saved us, Acacia. You saved our entire territory."

Eleven

Thornix

I couldn't deny it any longer. Every moment with Acacia pulled me deeper into an abyss I never knew existed. She wasn't just my mate by the laws of our lands, she was the other half of my soul. She challenged me, completed me, made me feel alive in ways centuries of solitude never had.

We stood beneath the vast canopy of the ancient trees, the dappled moonlight casting silver patterns across her face. The soft rustle of leaves whispered secrets around us. I reached out, brushing a stray strand of her golden hair behind her ear. Her green eyes met mine, filled with questions I wasn't sure I could answer.

"Thornix," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's troubling you?"

I took a deep breath, the scent of pine and wildflowers filling my senses. "There's something I need to do," I began. "To keep you safe."

She frowned, concern etching lines on her delicate features. "What do you mean?"

"The rival tribe won't stop until they've taken everything dear to me," I explained. "I have to confront their leader. End this feud once and for all."

Her hand found mine, fingers intertwining with a familiarity that warmed me. "You don't have to face them alone."

I squeezed her hand gently. "This is my battle. They've threatened the balance of our world, and I can't let them harm you."

She stepped closer, her body pressing against mine. "I won't let you walk into danger without me."

A surge of protectiveness washed over me. "Acacia, I can't risk anything happening to you."

She tilted her head up, her eyes searching mine. "And you think I can bear the thought of losing you?"

My heart pounded in my chest. The vulnerability in her gaze undid me. "Being with you has changed everything," I admitted. "You've shown me a world beyond the trees and the whispers of the forest."

She smiled softly. "And you've shown me wonders I never imagined."

I cupped her cheek, my thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. "I want to spend tonight with you. Just us. Before I go."