Page 103

But chaos erupted around us, more with every second. I couldn't see past the spraying of blood and wings.

I couldn’t hear past the battle cries of my men.

Dammit, Jade.

As our forces moved forward, pressing the enemy back, Ser and I moved toward the castle.

Toward Jade’s scream.

She was okay. She had to be okay. I couldn’t live with another possibility.

Ser and I trampled over dead bodies as we got closer and closer to the castle wall. She was nearby. I could feel it, I could feel my power deep inside recognizing hers.

A cool blade pressed against the back of my neck. “Kneel,” a voice I recognized demanded.

Every one of my senses lit a fire. I could end them with a single thought.

But where would that leave Jade?

Would Serefin die, too?

“Just do it, Mal,” Serefin demanded. He already knelt next to me, a similar blade on his own person.

So I knelt.

“The mighty Prince of Shadows,” the voice said. I wanted to vomit when I recognized just who was speaking…

Silas.

“Or is itKing of Shadowsnow?”

“Where’s Jade?” I asked. When I tried to turn my head, the blade on my neck pressed harder into my skin.

“Your wife is safe,” Silas answered. “For now. I must say, I’m a bit disappointed. After everything I heard about her…”

Jade whimpered in the distance. She was maybe fifteen feet behind me.

“Let go of me!” she growled. A breath of relief came from me. She was alive. She was alive and fighting.

My power rumbled. I could end them. I had to.

But so could Jade.Why hadn’t she used her power to get away?

I closed my eyes and focused on my senses. Silas stood behind my left shoulder, just far enough that I couldn’t see his face.

Serefin was a few feet to my right, kneeling beside me.

And Jade was directly behind me. I assumed she had a soldier on each arm keeping her stable.

Five against three.I liked those odds.

“I just want to chat,” Silas said. His boots crunched the forest floor as he stepped forward into view.

Just as hideous as I remembered.

“I’d rather not,” I spat back. I let my power flare in his direction.

Silas fell to his knees before he could even get a good look at me. I sent a rush of power toward Jade, too, toward the guards that held her.