Page 21 of A Dagger in the Ivy (Blade Bound #1)

C Hapter

My heart rate has elevated. But for once, there’s a good reason. Today, I rejoin my squad, escaping the castle for a few days and immersing myself in the company of good friends. I haven’t seen them for weeks, and my heart has noticed.

With Sir Holden following close behind me, I make my way down the stairs from my floor. Halfway down, I notice an assemblage of ladies-in-waiting escorting the queen. She glances up at me as I reach the bottom of the stairs and offers me a small smile. I’m taken aback by her change of appearance; her once-full, cascading, long, golden locks are now cropped to just below her chin. The look doesn’t decrease her beauty, but her long hair was definitely one of her famous features.

“Your Majesty, Good morning.” I curtsey, a strange feeling while in my regiment uniform.

“Celeste, you look like a proper soldier. You must be heading out with your squad today.”

“Yes.” I try not to sound so excited, but I can’t help myself. “Your hair looks lovely.”

She averts her eyes, one gloved hand coming up to touch the wavy ends behind her head. “Ah, yes. The days grow warmer. I thought perhaps the cut would keep the heat off my neck.”

I can’t help but notice the way the corners of her mouth pull down. She seems to regret the cut. “That’s true, it will. And it suits you.”

Her eyes go to the baldric strapped across my chest, the sapphire jewel on the hilt of my dagger gleaming under the light of the chandelier. I wait to see if she mentions it, but her gaze returns to my face. Little does she know I’ve had the dagger on me every day she’s been in my presence.

“I wish you a successful excursion.” Her gloved hands are elegantly folded around each other. “May the gods give you favor.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I incline my head before continuing toward the castle’s main entrance, Sir Holden close on my heels

The image of the queen’s cut palm and bruised wrist lingers in my mind. I long to find out if there’s more going on than what she’s said, but at the same time, I may be making accusations I won’t be able to take back. Accusations that fall under the scope of treason. And I know how Prince Torbin treats acts of treason.

In any case, I can’t investigate right now.

As soon as I step outside, I can see Mylo at the wrought-iron gates. He’s so big, there’s no way I could miss him. Because of the way he’s gesturing to the guard at the gate, I can tell he’s arguing. It’s not until he takes a step back that I spot Aila, who stands with her arms crossed and her lips in a straight line.

I turn to my Royal Ward. “Thank you, Sir Holden, but it seems I won’t be needing your services after all.”

“The king—”

“He said you were to escort me to my squad. But my squad is here.” I gesture to Mylo and Aila, who are pointing in my direction. “So consider myself escorted.”

Sir Holden regards my squadmates before facing me and inclining his head. “Yes, Your Highness. If you’re sure.”

“I am. Thank you.” I give him a wave, feeling a bit playful now that my friends are here .

Once he turns to walk away, I quicken my steps toward the gate. “They’re with me,” I call out to the guard as I approach.

Aila’s face lights up when she sees me, and Mylo squares his shoulders, giving a cocky I-told-you-so smirk to the gate guard.

As soon as I’m through the gate, Mylo lifts me up as if I weigh nothing and props me to sit on one of his shoulders. He spins me once, and I don’t even complain about how it makes me dizzy, because I’m simply so happy to see my friends.

“Okay, let’s not exert ourselves too much.” I tap his shoulder, and he sets me back on the ground. “What are you doing here? I thought I was supposed to meet you at Brooke Bend.”

“Your uncle thought we should take precautions.” Aila points with her thumb at Mylo and herself. “Sent us out to collect you and ensure your safety.”

“He does know that I’ve slaughtered a herd of carnoraxis on my own, right?”

“He cares about you.” Aila shrugs. “You’re the only family he’s got left.”

I ignore the clenching of my heart, gesturing for them to follow me through the gate. “Let’s get your horses watered.”

Mylo grabs the horses’ reins and falls into step behind me and Aila.

“This place is breathtaking.” Aila looks up at the citadel as we walk. “How are you handling it? Your uncle said you have to put on your princess face and dress the part. That must be killing you.”

“It’s mostly tolerable. I thought I’d hate the lessons they’re making me take, but the magister is actually decent, and some of the topics are surprisingly interesting.”

We follow the path to the stables, when a stablehand tends to Mylo’s and Aila’s horses. Jasper, a young, shaggy-haired stablehand who is in charge of Thora, hands me her reins.

“How’s she been?” I ask Jasper.

“She gets a bit restless, so I walk her around some.”

“That’s kind of you, Jasper.”

“It’s no trouble at all. She’s a real beauty.” He gives me a nod before walking over to help the others.

“You ready, girl?” I run a hand gently over the side of Thora’s smooth neck. Her black hair shines in the sunlight.

Behind me, clopping sounds become louder, and I turn to see Dante approaching on a dark-brown steed. He slows as he gets nearer, then dismounts. I try not to show my unease as he regards me.

Jasper rushes over and tends to Dante’s horse as Dante takes slow, languid steps toward me. My body stiffens a bit, but I hope he doesn’t notice. When his gaze travels up and down the length of me, I realize this is the first time he’s seen me in my uniform. His attention drifts to my friends, and his lips press together as he gives them a nod.

“I see you’re taking advantage of Ivystone’s hospitality. Already entertaining visitors?”

“We’re leaving as soon as the horses are ready.” I straighten my shoulders. “Besides, this is as much my home as it is yours, from what I’ve been told.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I understand your father acquired a manor for you at Lake Peony.”

“I’m amused that you’re keeping tabs on me, but what of it?”

“One might assume that if the king purchased a place for you to live away from the castle, it could be implied that that’s the place he actually wants you to be.”

He bristles.

And I feel a pang of guilt for saying it.

“I can assure you, Highness, my presence here is much more accepted by the king than yours.” He glares at Mylo and Aila. “Or theirs.”

Mylo appears at my side. “Is there something wrong, Commander?”

He’s a head taller than Dante, but it doesn’t seem to faze Dante in the least.

There is a silent moment where Dante and I hold our glares. His brows lift ever so slightly, as if daring me to start an argument.

“No,” I say, still keeping my eyes on Dante. “ Lord Stregasi was just wishing us a pleasant journey.”

“Yes.” Dante tilts his head. “May the gods smile upon you.”

The encounter with Dante stays with me during the first leg of our trip. Mylo and Aila catch me up on what I’ve missed while I wasn’t at the Garrison. I’m relieved to learn that at least King Silas kept his word about sending weapons and soldiers to reinforce the regiment. A part of me feels the queen had something to do with him keeping his promise. It’s late afternoon when we stop to rest at Brooke Bend until the next part of our journey.

While Mylo leads our horses to the lake’s edge, Aila sits beside me on a log.

“So are you going to tell me who that was and what that was all about?” she asks.

I stretch out my neck. It’s been hours since we last spoke, so I don’t assume to know what she’s talking about. “What? Who?”

“That man you were speaking so passionately with back at the stables.”

“‘Passionately’?” I scoff. “That’s a strange way to phrase it.”

“I call them like I see them.” Aila removes one of her boots and turns it upside down to clear it from debris. “So who is he?”

“Well, did you know the king has a bastard son?”

“I might have heard that. I wasn’t sure it was true, though. So that was him?”

“Yes. Dante. And if you didn’t notice, he isn’t quite happy with me being at Ivystone, not to mention marrying his brother.”

She smirks. “I don’t know. I saw the look in his eyes. There might be a reason he doesn’t want you to marry his brother, but it might not be the reason you think.”

I shake my head. “I thought you were supposed to be the smart one. You’ve gone mad since I last saw you. Dante detests me. I’m pretty sure he wants me dead.”

“Hmm. Maybe. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t want you in his bed.”

“Aila!” I playfully smack her arm .

Before the conversation can go any further, the sound of approaching horses makes us stand. Isaac and Giorgi approach, and Aila leans on me as she pulls her boot on. Giorgi gives us a wave as the two stop their horses and dismount. Seeing them get closer, my heart lifts with a mix of relief and joy.

It feels like coming home after being lost in a storm. The past month has been a whirlwind of courtly duties and suffocating formality, and I’ve missed the camaraderie and shared purpose that define our squad. Their familiar faces bring a sense of belonging and strength. Isaac, with his usual grumpy expression, and Giorgi, with their calm, reassuring presence, remind me why we fight and what we fight for. The bond we share is unbreakable, forged in battles and tempered by trust.

Giorgi salutes me. “Great to see you, Commander.”

Aila puts one arm around me and one arm around Giorgi. “Back together at last.”

“Hey, you made it.” Mylo comes back from the lake and claps Giorgi on the back.

Isaac sets his fists on his sides. “Look. If this is leading to a group hug, leave me out of it.”

I can’t help but smile. “Glad to see you haven’t gone soft, Isaac.”

Before we head to our next destination, we take a brief respite to prepare ourselves. Isaac sets up a small cooking fire, and Giorgi distributes rations, ensuring everyone gets a moment to eat and recharge. Aila takes a moment to check the condition of our weapons, sharpening blades and tightening straps, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. Mylo scouts the immediate area for any signs of movement or potential threats, his keen eyes scanning the horizon. I use the time to review the map and our planned route, discussing strategies with the squad, ensuring everyone is clear on our next steps. The camaraderie during these breaks is palpable, with light banter easing the tension of the journey ahead.

We reach the lookout point at Mount Velorio as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The air is crisp and cool, the perfect antidote to the sweat and grime of our journey. I dismount, my legs aching from the long ride, but I can’t help but marvel at the view before me. There’s a waist-high wall around the perimeter of the lookout platform, and I lean against it with my hands.

From this vantage point, I can see the entire valley spread out like a vast tapestry, each stitch a peak or a shadowed crevice. The different mountain ranges stretch into the distance, their jagged silhouettes softened by the twilight. The beacons on those far-off peaks stand ready, silent sentinels waiting to flare to life at the first sign of danger.

The full moon hangs low in the sky, its silvery light reflecting off the snow-capped summits, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. It’s almost serene, this quiet before the storm. But I know better than to be lulled into complacency. Each mountain holds its own beacon, a signal to warn us of impending attack, and my eyes are trained on them, searching for any flicker of light.

“So I heard you have to wear dresses.” Isaac actually smiles as he stands beside me. “How much do you hate that?”

“I might be getting used to it,” I reply.

“Maybe it’s strategy.” Aila rests her hip against the wall. “They know how deadly you are, and the dresses are a device to slow you down.”

“She’s fae,” Giorgi puts in. “She’s already got speed on her side. No way a dress is going to slow her down.”

“Fae power advantage.” Mylo lets out a chuckle. “You know what would be a good power? Understanding how Isaac fits his big head through his uniform shirt.”

“Oh, screw you! Your head is bigger than mine.”

Mylo taps his temple. “Mine is because the size of my brain. Yours? All ego, my friend.”

Aila edges closer to me. “You know, I thought I signed up to be a soldier, not a babysitter.”

“It’s sort of the same thing.” Giorgi fiddles with the hilt of their sword. “Except we’re babysitting the whole realm.”

I keep my gaze fixed on the horizon, my heart keeping a steady beat as the minutes tick by. The tranquility of the scene is deceptive and we all know it .

Far off in the distance, wolves begin to howl. And almost as soon as the noise hits the air, a flicker catches my eye.

“There!” I point, my voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the spell. “Do you see it?”

Aila leans forward. “The beacon at Bazule. It’s been lit!”

I secure my baldric as adrenaline surges through me, dispelling any remnants of fatigue. “Mount up! We need to move, now!”

We scramble to our horses, each movement precise and practiced. Isaac is already checking his saddle, while Giorgi helps Aila secure her gear. Mylo gives a quick nod, his eyes set in a determined gaze. We’ve done this countless times, but the urgency never fades.

I swing into my saddle and grip the reins tightly, my mind racing. The beacon means the carnoraxis are on their way to attack, and it’s our duty to race to Bazule before the creatures breach their borders. The full moon casts a silvery path as we gallop down the mountainside, hooves pounding against the earth in a rhythmic thunder.

The wind whips past my face, mingling with the rapid beat of my heart. The night air is sharp and cold, filling my lungs with each breath. Every sense is heightened, every sound amplified. The landscape blurs as we race toward Bazule, the beacon’s light a constant reminder of the peril ahead.

Bazule is a resourceful town. My hope is they’ve implemented something to serve as their first line of defense in case we don’t get there on time.

The anticipation is electric, crackling through our small squad. We ride as one, a single unit driven by duty and the bond we share. Giorgi knows all the quickest routes, their skill of being able to sear the details of any map into their memory like perfection. We follow, acutely aware of the stakes, the lives depending on us. But I am also aware of the strength within us, the unyielding determination that fuels our every step.

At last, Bazule is ahead. I steel myself for what lies ahead. The night air is thick with tension, a palpable sense of fear pressing down on us. The wind carries the blood-curdling, high-pitched, whistling howls of the carnoraxis. Their eerie cries echo around us, and the sound sends a pulsing ache in my ears. They’ve breached the borders of the town, the destruction begun. My heart pounds in my chest as we dismount and charge forward, swords drawn and ready for battle.

Villagers scream in terror as they flee from the advancing horde of carnoraxis. With their eyes wild with fear, the citizens of Bazule scurry to save themselves. Those who haven’t already barricaded themselves in their homes dart through the shadows to find a place to hide.

The horde of carnoraxis charge through the streets, seeking their prey. Their towering forms and razor-sharp claws strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors. Mottled, decaying flesh hangs loosely from skeletal frames, while glowing, red eyes burn with a malevolent hunger. Rows of jagged teeth snap at anything that moves, the air thick with the stench of death and rot.

The creatures have scattered throughout the town, so I can’t tell how many have infiltrated.

“Spread out!” I tighten the grasp on my sword, my ears perked.

Mylo and Aila fight side by side, their movements fluid and precise as they cut down the monstrous creatures with deadly efficiency. Isaac unleashes a barrage of arrows from his crossbow, each shot finding its mark with uncanny accuracy. Giorgi charges forward with reckless abandon, their sword gleaming in the firelight as they cleave through the ranks of the enemy.

A woman’s scream reaches my ears.

I turn in the direction of the sound and charge forward. Two carnoraxis round the corner and come at me. With a primal roar, I lunge forward, slashing and parrying with all my might as I fend off the relentless onslaught.

When my two attackers fall, I rush down the street to find the screaming woman.

I find myself in the town square, where the scene before me makes me gasp. Flames engulf a nearby structure, casting an eerie glow over the area. A long beam from a toppled lamppost lies across the area, pinning a screaming woman. Ropes bind her to the beam, and her arm is trapped beneath the heavy wood, and beside her, a small boy desperately saws at the ropes with a tiny blade, his face a mask of determination and fear.

“Mama,” the boy cries, tears streaming down his cheeks.

As I draw closer, I see the woman’s belly is swollen with child. “By the gods!”

When I pull out my dagger, seven townspeople emerge from the shadows.

“Leave her!” one of them yells, his face contorted with a mix of fear and anger.

“She’ll be killed.” I lunge toward the woman.

“It’s her or us,” a woman from the group screams.

I stare wide-eyed at the woman. “You’re a third-born fae?”

She swallows hard, her face drenched in tears. “No. But my baby is.”

The baby in her belly. The townspeople are willing to let this woman fucking die because her baby will be third born.

I ignore the protests from the looming townspeople and cut the ropes. The woman shifts, trying to get to her feet, but she stumbles.

“I’m trapped.”

As I lean closer to inspect the situation, I find that her arm is stuck under the beam. I move to lift the beam, hoping my fae strength is enough to do the job.

With the beam in my grasp, a guttural growl freezes my blood. I whirl around to see a pack of carnoraxis emerging from the shadows, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger. The one in the front lifts its skeletal-like head and releases a high-pitched whistling scream. The group of seven men and women who had been trying to stop me scatter, fear etched on their faces.

“Stay back!” I shout at the creatures, drawing my sword and standing between them and the trapped woman.

The carnoraxis charge, their monstrous forms illuminated by the flames. I slash at the first one, feeling the satisfying give of flesh beneath my blade. It howls in pain, but the others are undeterred. They come at me from all sides, snapping jaws and razor-sharp claws seeking to tear me apart .

I dodge and weave, my training taking over. My heart pounds in my chest as I fight for my life, each strike and parry a desperate attempt to stay one step ahead of the beasts. One of them lunges at me, and I sidestep, driving my dagger into its side. It collapses, but there are still more.

Just when it feels like the tide might overwhelm me, Mylo charges into the fray, his massive frame a reassuring sight. He swings his sword with brutal efficiency, cutting down one of the carnoraxis in a single blow.

Aila emerges, her sword in one hand and a torch in the other. She stabs one of the creatures in the neck, and she uses the torch on the other, shoving it into its chest. The carnoraxis becomes engulfed in the flames and shrieks as it crumbles to the ground.

“I’ve got the beam!” Mylo shouts over the din.

I nod, still focused on the remaining creatures. A pair of them split off and attack the fleeing group. The townspeople’s screams fill the air, and two of them are grabbed by carnoraxis claws. Blood splatters as the victims fall and are brutally devoured by the monsters.

My sword is firm in my grasp, and I lunge at the enemy. With a final, powerful swing, I dispatch the last of the beasts attacking me. Bloodied and panting, I turn to see Mylo lifting the beam with a grunt of effort. The woman sobs with relief as her arm is freed, and the small boy clings to her, tears streaming down his face.

“Go, get to safety,” Mylo urges them, his voice steady despite the chaos around us.

They nod and run, disappearing into the night. I take a deep breath, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. We’ve won this battle, but the war is far from over.

The battle rages on around us, the clash of steel and the anguished cries of the wounded filling the air. But we stand firm, united in our resolve to protect the innocent and drive back the forces of darkness. As the last of the carnoraxis are driven back, we take in the sight of the buildings lying in ruins. Though the enemy’s retreat heralds our hard-won victory, the town has suffered a terrible tragedy.