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“All I’m saying, Tov, is it’s about bleeding time.”

“Shut it, Princeling.”

Gunnar frowned. “What have I said about that name?”

“Eryka,” Tova snapped, clinging to Bard’s arm. “Take your stupid husband away.”

Eryka gently took Gunnar’s hand. “They’d like time alone.”

Tova rolled her cat eyes. “All gods, not like that. He’sinjured.”

“But his tongue and fingers are not,” said Eryka. “Those are some of my favorites.”

Tova’s eyes widened. “Bleeding hells, how do you handle her mouth?”

“Masterfully.” Gunnar wrapped an arm around Eryka’s shoulders and kissed her head. “I’ll be visiting Uncle Tor.”

Bard chuckled, tangling Tova’s fingers with his. “I’d leave him and Sol alone for a bit. They left half a clock toll ago.”

Gunnar’s eyes widened. “Right. Good advice.” He jabbed a finger at Tova. “Let my uncle sleep, you fiend.”

“This is why.” Tova faced Bard. “You asked why I hesitated—this is why.”

Bard Strom simply laughed, holding the wound on his neck, and kissed her knuckles.

Heart lighter, I returned to the main circle. A small fire kept the site warm enough. My Cursed King was wrapped around Elise nearest the flame. Their foreheads were pressed together, bodies covered in a fur wrap, and it looked like they were whispering words to each other.

Kase and Malin kept with the Falkyns. Niklas and Junius had lost several of their guild, and as they always did, the Kryv were there to mourn with them.

“All right, Cal?” Ari said, eyes pointed at the sky.

“Not really. You?”

“Not even close.” Ari rubbed the back of his neck. “I keep seeing his bleeding face, the way he hunts Saga. I can’t wait until his damn head is off his shoulders. I don’t think I will sleep until it’s done.”

I gave his arm a squeeze. “It will end soon, Golden King.”

“I’ve been thinking.” He didn’t take his eyes off the sky. “Should . . . should anything happen to me or Saga, will you take Mira?”

“Ari, don’t.”

“I need to know she will be shielded from that ass. Please, Cal. I plan to live and chatter and aggravate the lot of you for centuries, but if my plans are robbed from me—after watching Tor nearly . . .” Ari shook his head and finally pinned me in his gaze. “I saw the way your seidr shielded Tor. Will you do the same for my daughter if the worst should happen?”

His eyes burned with need. Heneededto hear it, needed me to give him one sliver of peace.

I tossed my arms around his shoulders, awkwardly hugging him from the side. “I’ve always been there, Ari Sekundär. I saved you once, so I’m not letting you die now, but my answer is yes. Should the Norns be the wretches they are and steal one of my favorite parts of this dreary world away, yes. I will guard Mira with my life. I’ll guard all your little irksome royals.”

Ari cleared his throat and patted my back. “Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to rest beside my wife. I have this wretched feeling if ever I fall asleep, I will wake up and realize all this has not been a horrid nightmare, and is, in fact, still a battle.”

I smiled, watching him go, shoulders slumped as he searched for Saga.

I did the same. Silas remained on the edge of the camp. He stood alone in the shadows, muttering under his breath. I only caught a few words as I approached.

“Dream descends. Never again.” He laced his fingers behind his neck and started to pace.

My heart ached for him. There were moments when the shadows that consumed him overtook his thoughts, where he got lost in the swirl of fear and unknowns. I knew it, accepted it, and vowed to be the one to always pull him back.

I reached a gentle hand out and touched his arm. Silas jolted in a startle. His eyes were a bit wild, but after a few breaths he took in my face. “Little Rose.”