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The women step back at my tone, and I take a deep breath and calm myself. “She collapsed on the battlefield. I can’t wake her.”

“Leave,” the older one says. “We will look after her now.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I growl.

She looks about to argue—for all of one second—then she very sensibly backs off. “At least let us examine her.”

I nod and take a reluctant step away. That is why I brought her here after all, but I don’t want anyone to touch her. Anyone but me. I force myself to stand unmoving as they unstrap the scabbard from her back, then unbuckle the breast plate and pull it free. She doesn’t wake.

They strip the rest of the armor from her, until she’s just in a tank top and shorts. Then they run their hands over her, murmuring between themselves. Finally, they straighten, pull a white sheet over her, and turn to me.

“What’s wrong with her?” I ask, stepping toward the bed.

“Nothing.”

“Then why the fuck doesn’t she wake up?”

“She has drained herself of her…essence. She has used up her life force. But she clings to life. There is nothing to heal. If she has the will to live, she will recover.”

They both turn and head to the door. “There’s a bathroom through there, so you can wash up. I’ll have someone bring you refreshments,” she says, and they both leave the room.

I realize I’m covered in blood from battle.

The tension that has kept me going drains from me. And I sink into the chair by the bed, my head in my hands. Amber has the will to live. I’ve never met anyone with so much will. She will come through this. There is no other option.

The door opens and a boy enters, carrying a tray with a jug and a plate of food. He places the tray on the table.

When he’s are gone, I force myself to my feet. I remove my scabbard and Nightfall from my belt. Then take off the heavy breastplate. I find the small bathroom and splash water onto my face, wash my hands and dry off, then head back quickly. I can’t face the thought of food, but my mouth tastes of blood and ash. I pour a mug of wine, swallow it in one go, and return to my vigil.

She looks so young and innocent. But she killed thousands today.

I’ve been shying away from what I saw of her confrontation with the sorceress. But it can’t be ignored. Lucifer was there. Not in person, but in spirit. Which is bad enough. He’s growing stronger. Most of the time, it’s easy to forget that she is Lucifer’s daughter. But after today, I know that is not a choice for me anymore. He spoke with her. Offered her a place at his side.

Would I go with her to Hell?

Fuck yes. I’ve already committed to that. But whether she goes to destroy Lucifer or to rule at his side, I will not be her judge.

The room darkens as night falls. And still, she doesn’t wake up.

Hecate enters at some point. “How is she?”

“Still unconscious. Is there nothing you can do? No spell to awaken her?”

“She will awaken when she is ready. Thanouq has called a meeting. Your presence is requested.”

“I’m not leaving her.”

Hecate’s eyes narrow. I get that she doesn’t like me. She sees me as competition for Amber’s attention and affection. Well, she can fuck off. Her lips tighten, but she doesn’t say anymore, just whirls around and stalks out.

There are other visitors. Zayne and Josh. Josh stays and holds her hand until Zayne returns and drags him off to bed. “Look after her, Asshole,” he says as they leave.

Thanouq also visits, standing over her with longing in his eyes. He told her he wants her for political reasons. But I know he wants much more than that. I’ve seen the way he looks at her.

“She’ll never be your queen,” I say. “So, you can fuck off.”

He turns from her and looks down his nose at me. “I wouldn’t be so sure. She’ll see you for the monster you are eventually and turn to me for comfort.”

Fucker. I want to tell him that we’re bonded mates, destined by the gods to be together for fucking eternity so he’s going to have a long fucking wait. Or maybe that I’ll rip his fucking headoff before I let him lay one finger on her. Instead, I say in a bored tone, “Don’t you have a country to rule?”