Page 29 of A Dagger in the Ivy (Blade Bound #1)
C Hapter
The stable is alive with the soft sounds of morning: a symphony of shuffling hooves, the occasional nicker of a horse, and the gentle rustle of hay being moved. Heavy rains from the night before have coated the land in moisture, but the dawning sun begins to burn the puddles into a low fog. The earthy scent of straw mingles with the sharp tang of leather and the warm, familiar smell of the horses. I move with practiced ease, my hands deftly adjusting the saddle on Thora. Her glossy, black coat gleams in the early light, and she tosses her head, evidently sensing the anticipation of the journey ahead.
“Easy, girl,” I murmur, running a hand down her neck. She snorts softly in response, her muscles twitching under my touch. I secure the girth and check the stirrups, making sure everything is just right. The stable is a haven, a place where I can find solace in routine and the presence of these magnificent creatures.
Excitement thrums through my body. The full moon has arrived, which means it’s time to join my squad for our patrol. Despite the fact that the moon’s phase usually brings carnoraxis attacks, I smile to myself, longing to catch up with my friends from back home .
The creak of the stable door draws my attention, and I glance up to see Dante entering, his stride confident and purposeful. He heads to the stall next to mine, where his horse, Lightning, waits. The stallion is a striking contrast to Thora: dark, warm brown, with a fierce, intelligent gaze. Dante moves with the same efficiency, his hands sure as he readies his horse.
This is the first I’ve seen him since my little show on the balcony. I avoid eye contact, ignoring the warm blush traveling up my neck and cheeks. I won’t dare to bring up the act, but I can’t be sure he won’t mention it.
Please don’t mention it.
I catch him glancing at me, and I quickly avert my gaze. There’s an undeniable edge between us, a tension that neither of us has addressed. I muster all my strength to push the feeling away.
There’s no time for these silly games. I have to meet up with my squad.
“Sir Holden,” I call out, looking past Dante. “Is your horse ready?”
“I sent him away.” Dante faces me, the hint of a grin playing on his lips.
I scoff, thinking he’s jesting, but his expression doesn’t falter. I narrow my eyes. “Why would you do that?”
“I’m taking his place.” He strokes his horse’s neck.
My brow creases. “On whose authority?”
“You’re in for a surprise if you think I need permission for anything. If you haven’t noticed, Highness, I do as I wish.”
“But… Why?” I shake my head. “Why would you want to join my squad today? I thought you hated Delasurvians. I can’t imagine you’d be willing to be around its Royal Regiment.”
He tilts his head. “You have quite the reputation as commander. Perhaps I’d like to see those skills in action.”
When I lower my brows, he snickers.
“How many times must I mention it? My brother has asked me to keep an eye on you.” He pulls the straps on Lightning’s saddle.
I take a deep breath, considering the implications of Dante accompanying my journey. On the one hand, I’m relieved to be free of Sir Holden’s watchful eye. But replacing him with Dante isn’t exactly a situation that puts me at ease. “It can be dangerous. Are you sure you’re up for the challenge? Or are you simply here for the glory of being a stand-in soldier?”
A wry smile tugs at his lips. “Oh, I’m here for the glory, all right. Whether the company will prove as enjoyable remains to be seen.”
Our gazes are locked for a silent moment, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking about me touching myself on my balcony. There is a hunger in his eyes, a spark of light in those intense pools of grey, but I can’t make out what he’s really thinking.
I break the gaze, giving Thora a final pat before stepping back to check my supplies. “Well, if I’m stuck with you, you should know I expect you to keep up.”
Dante secures the last strap on his steed. “I think I can manage.”
There’s a moment of silence, the air thick with the unspoken competition between us. I can’t deny the thrill of it, the way our rivalry pushes me to be better, faster, stronger.
“All right, then,” I say, leading Thora out of her stall, “we should get going. We have a long day ahead.”
Dante nods, following suit with Lightning. As we step out into the morning light, I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. There’s something about the way he carries himself, the confidence in his movements, that’s both infuriating and intriguing. But now isn’t the time for distractions. There’s a mission at hand, and I need to stay focused.
We ride out together, the stable behind us and the open road ahead, and I bite back a smile as Dante matches my pace. He’s an elegant rider, even at the speed we’re traveling. If this wasn’t a mission we were heading out for, I might actually enjoy riding with him.
We reach the meeting point in record time. Though it is thrilling to have succeeded at such a feat, every muscle in my body is paying for the accomplishment.
I spot Mylo waving as we approach. Aila takes in the sight of Dante and shoots me an amused look. I’m hoping my subtle warning glance stops her from commenting on his presence. We slow our horses, and I squint against the sun’s rays. I spot Isaac on a tree stump studying a map, but he doesn’t look up at me.
“Good to see you, Commander.” Giorgi takes the reins from me as I dismount. They give me a nod, their gaze only momentarily shifting to Dante.
Dante dismounts and pats Lightning, and Giorgi tentatively extends a palm, indicating that Dante can hand over his horse. Dante inclines his head a fraction of an inch, allowing them to take the reins, but says nothing.
Feeling the awkwardness pushing in on us, I decide to speak up. “This is Lord Dante Stregasi, brother to the prince.”
Mylo holds out his hand to Dante. “I remember seeing you back at Ivystone. I’m Lieutenant Mylo Yaroslav.”
Dante shakes the man’s hand, his expression unreadable. He’s stated his mistrust and aversion to my people, and I suspect he’s curbing his animosity, but I know he’s not foolish enough to start a quarrel when he’s outnumbered five to one.
“Lord Stregasi,” Aila repeats. “Not sure if I’m supposed to bow or curtsey or something?”
Dante stands taller. “The only thing you have to do is stay out of my way.”
So much for not being foolish.
Aila narrows her eyes. “I’m Sergeant Aila Chen.” She stands with her fists planted on her sides, all thoughts of convention or manners cast aside. “That’s Giorgi who took the horses to the river, and that’s Isaac.”
Isaac lifts his head, casting a glance at Mylo. “Since when do we recruit outsiders?”
“He’s not recruited,” I reply, keeping the authority in my voice. “But our lands have an agreement. We’re on the same side.”
Dante crosses his arms. “Just so we’re clear, I’m only half-Hederan. You shouldn’t assume to know where my loyalties lie.” His eyes scan my squad. “That said, I’ve made a promise to look out for my brother’s future bride, so I aim to do what I must to keep her safe.”
“I’m not sure she needs anyone watching over her,” Aila says as she unscrews her water flask. “She’s got a fire in her. She’s a force of nature.”
“So I’ve noticed.” Dante eyes me before he turns toward the river. He continues on toward Lightning, passing Giorgi, who has come back to join the squad, on the way.
“There’s flooding from last night’s rain, mainly along the Sage River.” Isaac’s focus remains on the map. “But if we go east and cut around, we could avoid it.”
Giorgi looks over Isaac’s shoulder at the map and shakes their head. “Gods help me, I don’t even have time to tell you how wrong you are.”
“It’s right here on the fucking map.”
“You’re holding it upside down again.” Giorgi turns the map the correct way. “It’s called a sense of direction, Isaac. Give it a try.”
“How are we on supplies?” I ask, attempting to sway the conversation away from my soldiers insulting each other. I know it’s just banter, but it’s been known to escalate, and what we need right now is solidarity.
“Actually, really well.” Mylo walks over to me and puts his hand over the thick, leather belt strapped around him. It has sheaths containing daggers and other contraptions. “Hedera came through and delivered weapons and tactical gear.”
“Yeah.” Aila pulls out a short dagger from her own belt and spins it in her hand before sheathing it. “I guess the king kept at least one of his promises.”
“Except this promise was made by the queen.” I smile to myself, relieved that at least one of the royals can be trusted. “What about the borders? What’s the word on the refugees?”
“Hedera has troupes standing sentry,” Aila says. “But we haven’t heard much about what activity is taking place.”
“We did hear that a few of their soldiers were lost during the last carnoraxis attack when they crossed into Delasurvia.” Mylo shakes his head. “But as far as refugees go, things have been pretty quiet.”
“Maybe we can head up there,” I suggest. “Assess the situation.”
“Yes, Commander.” Aila nods.
I glance toward the river. Dante is adjusting the straps on his horse and petting its neck. I feel like he has been forced to be here against his will, but I have to give credit to his loyalty to his brother. There’s a lot to say about someone who is willing to be surrounded by people of a land they’ve held a hatred for in order to keep a promise to a family member. So I can’t blame him for wanting to keep a distance.
I turn back to my squad. “Have we received any goods from Mersos?” Though there was no news on the progress of the treaty, I still have hope that Mersos would have agreed to feed our people.
Aila’s lips are pulled down into a frown, and she crosses her arms as she shakes her head.
“Not yet.” Mylo, clearly disappointed with the situation, has a dark fire behind his eyes.
“We can only hope they make a decision soon.” Giorgi chews their bottom lip as they shake their head.
“Here.” Mylo pulls a leather belt out of a canvas sack near his supplies on the ground. “This one’s for you.”
The belt is heavy, but it looks well made. I inspect it to find two sheaths with a long and short dagger, a leather pocket holding flint and steel, and a torch stub, as well as a wound-up rope hanging on one side. I admire it for a moment before wrapping it around my waist, making sure it doesn’t interfere with me being able to reach my sword. It’s a good addition to my gear, but it will never replace the trusty dagger my mother gifted me.
I glance at Isaac and notice he isn’t wearing the belt. “Didn’t you get one, Isaac?”
He shoots me an annoyed look and then lifts his crossbow. “Let’s just say I’m a big supporter of avoiding change.”
“Doesn’t hurt to have it, though. Just in case.” I keep my eyes on him until he understands what I want from him.
Isaac grumbles, reluctantly retrieving his belt from his leather satchel. “Yes, Commander.”
Giorgi casts me a smirk. “Some things never change, right?”
It’s almost midnight when the beacons alight, leading us to the small town of Kermish. The muddy terrain adds to the challenge of getting to the town’s defense in time. We should have arrived punctually to fight off the carnoraxis onslaught, but fate had other plans. The floods at the Sage River poorly impacted our progress.
As we breach the edge of the forest near Kermish, the sight that meets my eyes is a brutal testament to our failure. The once-thriving town now lies in ruins, its buildings charred and crumbling, the air thick with the acrid scent of destruction.
The only thing giving me relief is finding no bodies strung up on spikes.
The high-pitched whistles reach my ears, making me wince. “They’re still here!”
We charge into town, our swords at the ready. It crosses my mind to check on Dante, who was directly behind me during our ride, but I don’t want to lose another second. I can only hope he can hold his own in battle. I dart forward on Thora, seeking out the beasts. Strewn across the town square are the twisted corpses of the unfortunate townsfolk, their lifeless bodies littering the streets. The sight of the massacre churns my stomach.
The whistles and growls grow louder, mixed with the cries for help from the Kermish people. My squad quickly dismounts and splits up, fighting off the attacks as best we can. My sword swings as I charge into the chaos of the battle that rages around me. The screams, the clashing of steel, and the whistles and guttural roars of the carnoraxis fill the air with a sickening cacophony. I manage to take down two of the beasts, and then I scan the area, trying to keep my breathing steady, searching for anyone who might need help. My heart lurches when I spot a small form huddled behind a market stall, half-hidden beneath a pile of fallen crates.
A young girl, no older than ten, lies there, her face pale with pain and fear. Blood seeps from her side through a torn section of her dress, staining the fabric dark. She must have crawled there, dragging herself to safety after the beast’s initial onslaught. The sight of her, so vulnerable and terrified, tugs at something deep inside me.
I don’t hesitate. I dart across the square, dodging the bodies and the frenzied movements of the battle, until I reach her side. Her wide, tear-filled eyes meet mine, and I force a calm, reassuring smile. “I’m here to help you,” I whisper, though the terror in her gaze says she doesn’t believe it.
She tries to shift away as I approach, but her injuries are too severe.
“It’s okay.” I press a hand gently against her shoulder to keep her still. I glance around, knowing I don’t have much time. The stall’s shattered remains offer some shelter, but it’s flimsy at best. Still, I crouch beside her, shielding her with my body as I press my hands to her bleeding wound. “I’m fae. This might feel a little strange, but it should heal you.”
She gives me a slight nod, still weeping.
Closing my eyes, I summon the fae magic within me, feeling it respond like a spark catching flame. It surges to my fingertips, warm and vibrant, ready to heal. The girl whimpers as the magic flows into her, but I hold steady, pouring everything I can into mending her torn flesh, knitting together the wounds as best as I can. My magic isn’t enough to fully close the wound, but her flesh mends under my touch, the blood flow slowing.
Before I can finish, a shadow looms over us. I look up, and my blood runs cold. A carnoraxis, its yellow eyes locked on us, its maw dripping with saliva, is mere steps away. It makes a sound between a purr and a clicking that sends an ice-cold chill through my veins. The muscles beneath its thin, grey hide coil as it prepares to leap.
My heart slams against my chest, fear twisting in my gut. There’s no time to finish the healing—no time to do anything but throw myself over the girl and brace for the inevitable. I keep my back to her and palm my dagger, trying to assess if I should hurl it at the creature’s head or slice through its torso.
But before I can even move, a flash of steel cuts through the air. Dante appears out of nowhere, his falchion swinging with deadly precision. The blade cleaves through the carnoraxis’s neck with a sickening crunch, sending its head spinning to the ground at my feet. Its body drops, twitching in its final moments.
My breath catches, my heart still hammering as I look up at Dante. He stands over us, his chest heaving, eyes burning with a fierce intensity as he wipes the blood from his blade. “You always find the worst places to be, don’t you, Highness?” His expression is serious, but there’s a flash of relief in his eyes.
I give him a quick nod of thanks before turning to the small girl. “Is there somewhere safe you can run to?”
She sucks in a shuddering breath as she nods, her hands holding her side.
“Wait.” I place my hand on the wound and give one last effort to heal her as much as possible before sending her off.
My hands tremble as she gets to her feet. Her wide eyes dart this way and that.
“Go,” I tell her, guiding her out from under the stall. I glance around to make sure she has a clear route before giving her a gentle push toward the direction of safety. “Run as fast as you can.”
She obliges, still too shocked to speak, dashing off into the shadows.
I turn back to Dante, who’s already scanning the battlefield for the next threat. “The glory of being a soldier,” I mutter.
He smirks, not taking his eyes off the fray. “Still undecided about the company, though.”
I stand, gripping my sword tightly as I prepare to plunge back into the fight beside him.