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The smoke from Hel’s civar drifted by in a curling wave before her face, bringing her focus back to the here and now. “There is something special about this place, isn’t there?”

“We must not let it fall,” Valeen whispered. She couldn’t see it become ruined. But once the gods realized the portals were open, they would march their armies here to break them.

But as long as they held Synick, it would give them time to prepare. He wouldn’t be able to go to them and sound the alarm.

Thane and Presco dragged Synick between them, moving quickly toward the castle. Piper and Tif were close behind. Tif skipped merrily, scattering butterflies into the wind. Piper said something to Leif, and they laughed. She didn’t begrudge them their happiness. It wasn’t their world that was crushed. It wasn’t their hearts that were stamped on and bled out.

Katana stepped up beside her, wrapping a warm hand around hers. “It is beautiful.” Her smile was radiant and cheerful, too good for this world. “I have always wanted to return to Palenor and witness the splendor of the high elves once again. You will have to take me through the city sometime.”

Valeen nodded absently. Giving her sister’s hand a gentle squeeze, mustering up a half smile was the best she could do. She watched Thane as his dark hair wrapped around his back and bounced against his Raven armor. The king returned home. Orlandia and Talon would no doubt want to throw a celebratory dinner, and Valeen wasn’t up for that.

“Come on, Val.” Katana gave her a gentle tug.

“Go on ahead. I’ll catch up in a moment.”

She gave her a long look, one of worry and sorrow. Katana was an empath, and no doubt felt her sister’s pain, but she let go and with graceful steps, made her way down the hill. Somewhere behind them, she felt Varlett’s presence. The dragon knew she wasn’t welcome in Thane’s home and preferred the outdoors anyway. With all there was to consider, Valeen couldn’t worry about her; Varlett had survived this long.

Valeen sank to the ground and wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. The aftermath of the rage, sorrow, and power tearing through her was numbness.

Hel sat beside her. He didn’t speak. But his presence was needed. She felt bad that she’d lost her temper on him and Thane. Though not so bad after he called her “little rabbit” many times.

Hours passed, the sun was high in the sky before she spoke. Her throat was still scratchy from the smoke of the fires and her hair smelled of singed earth and death. “I need to bathe. I need to get this stink and blood off me.”

He took her hand, pulling her to her feet. In a flash, they appeared inside Castle Dredwich. She didn’t know if she was still welcome in her old room next to Thane’s, but it was familiar and that’s where she stood now. She quickly stripped her armor and clothes. Hel had already summoned hot water into the golden basin. Rose petals and scented oils floated along the surface. Herleg swung over the edge, and she sank down, fading into the warmth.

Later that evening, she curled up on her side on top of the soft quilt. Guilt clung to the recesses of her mind. She should be with her sister in this new place among people who were strangers to her or at least ensure she was in a comfortable room. She should go into the dungeons to question Synick. She should find Presco and make certain he was also taken care of. He would do it for her, but exhaustion kept her in this bed, damp hair spread across the silk pillows.

Hel lay beside her, stroking his fingertips along her back. He smelled of pine soap and an alluring musk that was unique to him. The heat of his body, and the gentle hum of a song put her into a hypnotic state of relaxation. Maybe he was using his magic to calm her. Maybe it was just having her mate close. Her fingers curled against his chest, and she pulled herself closer to him; she couldn’t be close enough.

“Sleep, love. I will watch over you.”

Chapter 7

VALEEN

Birds chirping outside the window drew Valeen from sleep. Heavy eyelids barely peeled open as she sat up and ran her hands over her disheveled hair. The sun was out, spilling bright light in through the open curtains. The green vines draping around the bed almost startled her; she’d been dreaming she was still in Ryvengaard at the manor with Hel. The wide fireplace with the white mantel led into Thane’s room. A twinge of guilt hit her chest. It felt wrong to be in this room when he’d meant for it to be his wife’s, especially when that was supposed to be her. The statues of them reaching toward each other were still on the shelf. The dresses he had made for her still waited in the closet. He hadn’t touched this space when she’d gone to Ryvengaard.

The sound of creaking leather made her turn. Dark hair curled against ivory skin. Maroon eyes watched her the way a cat in a window pondered a bird, with primal need and curiosity. “Good morning, love.” Hel sat in a brown leather armchair in the corner with his feet propped up on a matching footrest. If he was the first thing she saw every morning for the rest of forever, she’d be happy.

“How long did I sleep?” The sun hadn’t even set yet when she drifted off. Was it still the same day? Her head ached and her throat felt dry.

“You slept two full days.”

She blinked in disbelief. It felt like she’d shut her eyes not long ago. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

He dropped his boots to the floor with a heavy thud and leaned forward. “After everything you went through following the portal opening and even before, with the demon attack, you needed the rest, Val. No one has come. There wasn’t any reason for me to wake you.”

“Did I miss anything?”

“Not that I know of. I’ve been in here and no one came knocking in a panic. Everything is fine… for now.”

“You stayed here the entire time?” she asked, baffled.

“I did say I would watch over you, did I not? The portals are open. The attempts on your life will only intensify.” He tore his gaze from her and scowled at the window. “War came in for a while to discuss Synick. Your sister and Presco both stopped by to check on you. Your gnome and a couple servants brought food, so I didn’t have to go anywhere.”

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and swung her feet to the floor; the stone was cool. “Katana…” she stood, stretching her arms overhead. “I’m a terrible sister.”

“She was themostadamant that we didn’t wake you.”