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I sat on the stool at the edge of the bed and stared at the rug on the floor.

That was when I felt it.

A presence so profound it was like a forest fire. But it was also so warm…like the bath I’d just taken. I was in a different placeacross the Great Sea, but it suddenly felt like home when he was there.

He took a seat beside me, fully dressed in his armor and uniform. His hands rested on his thighs, and he seemed to stare at the rug or the window because I didn’t feel his eyes burn a hole through my face.

“Thank you.”

He didn’t reach for me, didn’t acknowledge what I said.

“You saved my people. You saved Riviana Star and the Realm of Caelum. You saved my father.”

“I can’t take credit for all of that,” he said quietly. “I granted you my powers, but you were the one who used them.” He turned his head and looked at me, the same pride in his eyes as he’d worn earlier. “And you used them well.”

My eyes flicked away back to the rug.

“Your father will live,Xivin.”

“But when will he return?” I said with a shaky voice. “Because I don’t think I can do this…”

“You’re already doing it.” His hand moved to mine, where it rested on my lap. “Your father would have been killed if you hadn’t been there to fight the Barbarians. Even the greatest swordsmen would have feared their blades. You did not.”

“Because I had your strength?—”

“You did not have my strength when you asked your father to come here. When you offered your sword to your allies and this forest. All you had was yourself, and you still had the braveryto come here.” His fingers linked with mine and gave a gentle squeeze.

“I fear the Barbarians will return and challenge the Southern Isles.”

“And you will protect your people if that comes to pass.”

“I’m not my father?—”

“Just as good as.” He leaned forward slightly, catching my stare and forcing me to meet his. “There is no doubt in my mind or heart that you can do this. I will be here with you always. My army is still yours.”

“How—how can you just give that to me? Unless I’ve agreed to something without realizing it…?”

His eyes hardened slightly. “What are you asking?”

“I just don’t understand.”

“I will never take your soul, Lily Rothschild. For any reason whatsoever. I’ve said that more than once, and I’ve proven it more than twice.”

“But you said you can’t interfere with the living.”

He turned quiet.

“But yet you continue to intervene for me. How?”

It seemed like there would be no answer. “That’s my business and doesn’t concern you.”

I looked at the walls he’d put up in his eyes, the stone that I would never penetrate.

“I can’t protect you in the flesh, but I will protect you in any other way I can manage.” His fingers tightened on mine. “I will be the eyes in the back of your head. The strength in your limbs. The army that fights from the grave. You are not alone, Lily Rothschild. Not when you have me.”

17

WRATH