Page 19 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

A Bounty of Muffins

The witch from that fairytale had the right idea: build your house out of candy and sweets. At least that’d give me somewhere to put it all.

Cupcakes, sweet buns, donuts, and five different flavors of cookies covered every inch of the countertops and kitchen island. A result of me rolling out of bed in the wee hours of the morning and stress baking.

Luckily, the house full of hungry knights tackled some of it for breakfast. The rest, I organized for Miles to sell once the café opened and then packed some into a basket to take with me.

Due to the situation with the dark mage in the kingdom, my men had insisted I go with them to the castle that morning. Lake told me he and Miles would take care of the café and not to worry.

“It’s a beautiful day,” he’d said before I’d left, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Perfect for sitting beneath the oak tree in front of the clinic with a good book.”

“Or for sitting on the back porch with you.”

A smile had surfaced in his purple eyes. “We can do that this evening once you return home.”

I was then guided to Maddox’s horse, placed in the saddle, and taken to the castle. Once dropping me off at the clinic with Briar, Rowan and my two knights then left with the others to begin their search. The knights would patrol the roads and sections of the forest with Reign, while Rowan used shadows to travel through the kingdom, checking rundown buildings and places the mage could be hiding out.

After spending most of the morning with Briar and Thane, I decided to take a walk. My basket of pastries was still much too heavy. Since I wasn’t a forest witch who could build the most amazing cottage ever out of desserts, I kissed Briar good bye and set out for the barracks.

The Second Order knights not on patrol might like a treat or two.

Birds chirped and the sun shone bright, ushering in warmer air. The cold clutches of winter were slowly receding. Spring was right around the corner. Give it another month and flowers would sprout again, branches would regrow their leaves, and hibernating animals would awaken.

Strolling along the path, I lifted a hand to my necklace, taking comfort in the weight of it. Protection magic flowed through my veins, almost like a warm current. The sensation had been strange in the beginning, but I’d gotten used to it. And as I thought of the possible doom endings I faced, I was thankful for that magic.

“You have no sense of self-preservation, do you?” a voice said from above me.

I nearly jumped out of my skin and reflexively karate-chopped the air. My gaze then found a familiar face. A masked one, but still. “Draven?”

He perched on the lowest branch of the tree, everything covered apart from his blue eyes and a peek of his blond hair. He dropped to the ground without a sound and rose to his full height, standing a head taller than me.

“Are you stalking me?” I asked.

Draven rolled his eyes. “I swore to Shadow I’d watch over you in his absence. A valid concern of his. You’re too unmindful of your surroundings. If I were a threat, you’d be choking on your own blood as we speak.”

“Shadow?” I smiled. “Is that Ro’s code name?”

He stared at me.

“What’s your code name? I bet it’s Tom, isn’t it?”

The spy sighed.

“What will happen when they find the dark mage? Kill him? Torture for information?”

“Torture will only come if he refuses to talk,” he responded. “Your physician also has a truth serum that will force him to give us answers.”

“Ah, I see.” I then had an image of Rowan, masked and delicious, taunting someone with a dagger as he straddled them in a chair.

“Gods, boy!” Draven caught me by the arm. “Careful where you step.”

“Sorry.” Fire burned in my cheeks. No way in hell was I about to tell him I’d lost my footing because of a steaming hot fantasy about my redheaded boyfriend. A fantasy we might have to act out someday.

Jesus. Had I just unlocked a new kink?

“Shadow owes me quite the debt. You make my head ache.”

“Wanna know what helps my headaches?” I reached into my basket and withdrew a chocolate chip cookie. When he didn’t take it, I waved it in front of his face and made my voice higher in pitch. “Eat me, Draven. I’m not poisoned. I’m filled with love.”

“What is that voice?” Even with most of his face covered, I saw the amusement he tried to hide.

“It’s your conscience speaking. It wants you to eat the damn cookie.”

He snatched it from my hand and lifted the bottom of his mask, revealing a sharp jawline and set of cupid bow lips. After shoving the cookie into his mouth, he lowered it again and watched me as he chewed.

I swallowed hard. Not sure what I expected under his mask, but an Adonis-looking mother-trucker wasn’t it. That one quick glimpse left little doubt in my mind that Draven was fine as hell.

“You stare.” His eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“Oh. Um.” I cleared my throat. “Just surprised you actually ate that.”

“I ate the brownie as well.”

“You did?” I asked with an uncontainable smile. “Reign took three pieces the night you came to the cottage, but I thought he ate them all himself. Did you like it?”

“It was… edible.”

Fairly sure it was the closest I’d get to a compliment from him. I surrounded myself with stubborn men. But I suspected, in his case, that stubbornness came from years of hard training that forced him to conceal his true emotions. To hide his wants and any sense of individuality.

I adjusted the basket on my arm. “I should get these to the mess hall.”

“I’ll walk with you.” Draven pushed from the tree trunk.

Correction: I surrounded myself with stubborn and overprotective men.

“I’m fine. I know you promised Rowan you’d watch over me, but the knights are my friends. I’m also wearing my protection stone. Nothing can hurt me.”

Draven’s mask moved as he expelled a breath. “All magic has limits. The physician crafted a strong stone for you, yet it won’t protect you from everything.”

“Yeah, my clumsy feet are proof of that.”

Another sigh. “You are quite troublesome for someone so small.”

“I’ve heard that once or twice.”

Commotion came from behind us; shouts and the thud of hooves pounding against the ground. One second, I was standing in the middle of the path, and the next, the tree was at my back with a warm body in front of me as knights on horseback rode past us. Draven had one arm around me and the other rested on the dagger sheathed at his hip.

It wasn’t the first time a man had shoved me against a tree.

“Thanks for that,” I panted. “They came out of nowhere.”

Draven released me but stayed close. “A patrol party, by the look of it. I’m sure they’re joining your knights in their search.”

“Ro said Reign can detect magical energy.” A certain masked man held me captive beneath the shaded tree, not letting me step even a foot away from him. “Is that how they’ll track him?”

He nodded. “More difficult if the mage is using a concealment spell, but even a spell such as that leaves behind a residual energy. It will alert Reign to his location.”

“Young Evan!” I flipped around to see Finnian and Ban walking down the path. The spy was no longer beside me. He must’ve leapt back up into the tree, staying out of sight just as his code dictated.

“Afternoon,” I greeted them, stepping from the shaded tree and into the sunlight.

“We heard you were here at the castle.” Finnian combed his fingers through his wavy brown hair. The warm breeze had swept his bangs in front of his eyes.

“I come bearing gifts.” I motioned to my basket. “Consider it my contribution to fighting the cause, since Maddox won’t let me carry a sword. I’m forbidden from pointy objects.”

Ban snorted.

“Was that a laugh?” I smiled.

He looked the other way. Unlike previous encounters, he wasn’t wearing his helmet, giving me a clear view of his chiseled features, hard brow, and gray eyes that reminded me of rain.

“I know a certain prince who would be delighted to see you.” Finnian bowed his head. “He’s been in quite the somber mood as of late. He wished to visit the market this afternoon, yet with a dark mage on the loose in the kingdom, it’s unwise for him to leave the castle grounds.”

Sawyer once told me he felt like the castle walls were a prison—that he was trapped. I was sure he felt that way even more lately.

“I’d love to see him,” I said. “Good thing I came prepared. Kuya would never forgive me if I showed up without treats.”

A faint smile crossed Ban’s face. The mountain of a guard rarely showed emotion, but little by little, he’d started opening up around me. Like during our trip to Exalos when he’d gently touched my arm, silently asking for a good night kiss.

“Excellent.” Finnian motioned to the space between them. “Allow us to escort you to the royal garden.”

Walking between two armored men definitely made me feel safe. As Quincy said, most people would shit themselves seeing Ban charge at them. And although he wasn’t as big and muscled, Finnian knew his way around a sword too. He wouldn’t have been a high-ranking guard otherwise.

The main courtyard soon came into view. The trickle of the large water fountain, newly sprouted flowers, and the clear blue sky screamed springtime, and I couldn’t have been more excited.

Something slammed into my back.

“Evan! Kuya missed you!”

The force of his body sent me stumbling right into the big guard’s chest. Ban’s arms came around me, as if on impulse. I didn’t have a chance to say a word—or process the way my heart skipped a beat at his tender expression—before I was attacked again. Kuya tugged me toward him and pecked kisses all over my face.

Guess there were two things my necklace didn’t protect me from: my own clumsy feet… and Kuya’s wet slobbers.

“Help,” I said, lacking any sense of urgency. “I’m being attacked by the cutest demi-cat in the kingdom.”

Kuya laughed and stopped his assault. The sun hit his rainbow eyes like a glass prism, sending the kaleidoscope of colors into a sparkling frenzy. “Evan is so silly. Kuya is the cutest in all the realms, not just the kingdom.”

Oh, to have his confidence.

“Is Evan here to see Prince Sawyer?” he asked.

I nodded. “And to see you too.”

He blessed me with a toothy grin.

“Shall we continue?” Finnian smiled. “The prince awaits us in the garden.”

“Best not keep him waiting.” I looped my arm through Kuya’s and slid my other through Ban’s.

The big guard came along willingly, allowing me to hold his arm. A soft expression smoothed the hard planes of his face as we found the path that led to the garden.

Rose bushes and flowers of all shapes and sizes bloomed, adding a splash of color across the grounds. Trees swayed in the breeze, and branches that hadn’t lost their leaves amid the dreary winter rustled.

A feminine laugh came from the gazebo ahead of us.

Kuya growled under his breath and held my arm tighter.

“Here you are,” Finnian told me, stopping at the gazebo’s bottom step. “It was a pleasure as always seeing you, young Evan.”

“You too.”

Ban nodded to me before he and Finnian moved over to the end of the path to keep watch.

“Evan!” Prince Sawyer stood from his chair. The mix of joy and surprise on his face caused tiny fractures in my chest. Finnian had been right: he must’ve been really upset about being confined to the castle. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Afternoon, Your Highness.” I bowed to him.

A pretty girl with freckles dusting her cheeks rose from the chair across from him. She wore a modest blue gown with ruffled sleeves, and a matching flower adorned her dark hair.

“Oh, where are my manners? I forgot you haven’t been properly introduced. Do forgive me.” Sawyer turned to her. “Alina, this is Evan Clark. He’s not only the finest pastry chef I’ve ever met, but he’s also my dearest friend. Evan, this is Lady Alina Norwood of Voltas.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Clark.” She curtsied and offered me a friendly smile.

“You can call me Evan. And it’s nice to meet you too.”

Sir Noah stood behind them and gave me a curt nod.

Sawyer motioned to an empty chair. “Please have a seat.”

With another bow of my head, I approached the table and sat down. A three-tiered platter held an assortment of quiches and crab cakes, as well as apple tarts and fancy cookies. Almost too pretty to eat.

“Kuya?” Sawyer looked over at him on the step. He hadn’t come any closer. “Sit with us and eat.”

“Kuya isn’t hungry!” He leapt off the step and into the garden, kicking at a rock. When it dinged and rolled against the ground, his reddish brown tail flicked behind him and his fluffy ears shot upward. He crouched and slunk forward, batting at it with his hand.

“Oh, he is quite adorable,” Alina said. “So curious and easily amused.”

Kuya sneered at her before losing interest in the rock. Clearly out of spite.

A sad smile crossed her face as she focused on her teacup. Was she upset by the engagement too? She’d also been forced into it. Neither of them had a choice.

An attendant poured me a cup of tea, and I thanked him before adding a cube of sugar and stirring in some cream.

“What have you brought?” Sawyer motioned to my basket.

“Oh.” I wiped at my mouth. “Pastries from the café. Please help yourself.”

Alina smiled. “I’d be delighted. That cake you made for the feast was delicious.”

“Glad you liked it.” My cheeks warmed with the compliment. It was hard to dislike her when she seemed like a genuinely nice person.

“Evan brought Kuya Berry Delights?” The cat boy padded over to me. Well, to my basket.

“Like I’d come see you without them.” I opened the lid.

Eyes sparkling, he snatched two strawberry cupcakes and darted away from the table.

Alina chose a banana muffin and bit into it. Her eyes widened, and she lifted a hand to her mouth. “Oh my. This is exquisite.”

“That’s my boyfriend’s favorite,” I said with a smile.

Was it weird to call Maddox my boyfriend? He felt like so much more than that. All of them did.

“You enjoy the company of men?” Alina asked in a strange tone. Inquisitive but something else too.

“I do.” No one batted an eye at same-sex couples in Bremloc. But she was from another city, so maybe it was different there? Regardless, it brought back those feelings from my other life when I came out to people. That sense of dread and anticipation of how they’d react.

“Your eyes light up when you speak of him. It’s beautiful.” Alina softly smiled. “I pray I find that same love someday.”

Sawyer regarded her with a questioning gaze.

“Lady Alina?” a young woman called from the gazebo step. “The queen has requested your presence.”

“Oh, that’s right. We’re meeting with a tailor to be fitted for our gowns.” Alina dabbed at her mouth before standing from the table. She curtsied to Sawyer. “My prince.” She then did the same to me. “A pleasure to meet you, Evan.”

“Likewise, milady.”

Once she was gone, Sawyer released a long breath. Now that it was just the two of us, he seemed more relaxed. “News from Exalos reached the castle earlier this week. The lord mayor informed me your café has been quite prosperous for the city. Business is flourishing.”

“That makes me happy,” I said, hit with a sudden wave of pride. “Everyone worked so hard leading up to the grand opening.”

William was running the café and clearly doing a damn good job of it. I hoped he and Edwin were doing well too. I made a mental note to write to him. Life had been so hectic lately that I hadn’t had the chance.

“Lord Norwood has expressed interest in opening a café in Voltas as well,” Sawyer said. “Perhaps, if you share that interest, the two of you can discuss it soon and make the necessary arrangements. I’ll be traveling there after the wedding. You could accompany me.”

“To Voltas?” I grabbed a quiche from the platter and cut into it.

He nodded. “Lady Alina’s family owns an estate. Once we’re wed, it will be our home.”

“You’re leaving Bremloc?” I lowered my fork.

“Well, I’ll still visit, of course.” The edges of his lips trembled as he smiled. “But, yes. Cedric will rule here, while I oversee Voltas.”

“Why doesn’t your brother have to get married? He’s next in line for the throne. From what I’ve heard, Voltas is an important ally. One that could turn the tide in a possible war with Haran. Shouldn’t Lady Alina marry him instead?”

“A baron’s daughter isn’t a suitable bride for a Crown Prince. Not that I’d wish such a fate on Lady Alina anyway.” Sawyer’s gaze darted to the nearby attendants, as though nervous of being overhead. He quickly composed himself and stirred more sugar into his tea, lightly clinking the spoon against the cup. “Once king, Cedric will eventually wed a princess or two. Strengthen ties with other kingdoms through marriage.”

Poor girls .

“Also, please allow me to extend my sincerest apologies for how you were treated in my father’s study the night of the feast.” Sawyer frowned. “Cedric’s views are sorely outdated.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said. “He can call me a dirty little pebble and insult my pastries all he wants. It doesn’t change how I feel about myself.”

The old Evan might’ve let it get to him, but the man I’d become knew his worth. And nothing an arrogant douchebag said would change that.

“Never lose that confidence, Evan. A person’s worth does not come from titles or bloodlines.” When Sawyer smiled, it came easier. “Back to the topic of marriage. Should I expect news of your own engagement soon?”

I nearly spat my tea. “Huh?”

“Wagers have been placed on which of your men will propose first. I overheard the guards speaking of it. The maids too. Captain Maddox is currently in the lead, though Master Briar isn’t far behind. Some have even bet on your redhead.”

A nervous laugh bubbled from me. “I, uh… have no idea if marriage is in the cards for me.”

But if it was, I’d want to marry all of my men. Not just one. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Sawyer smiled. “Well, if that day ever comes, I do hope you’ll invite me to the wedding.”

“Of course.” Emotion stirred in my chest.

As we sipped tea and continued eating, I let myself imagine a future where I married all of my men. A future where we were happy and no longer stressed about a possible war. With Haran. With Lord Onyx.

“Prince Sawyer?” Kuya groaned and placed a hand on his belly. Frosting was smeared on his cheek, and crumbs dusted his shirt. “Kuya doesn’t feel well.”

“You darling kitten. Come here.” Sawyer rose from his chair and helped Kuya stand. “I’ll take you to Master Briar.” Then to me, he said, “Will you excuse me for a moment? I won’t be gone long.”

I nodded, trying not to laugh. “I’ll be right here. But will you do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Make sure Briar eats something. I’m sure he skipped lunch.”

“Will do.” Sawyer smiled before leading Kuya from the gazebo.

The recent days of warmer weather had made everything come alive. More wildlife stirred in the woods behind the castle wall, and birds took turns washing in the water basin, making cute little chirps.

But the beautiful weather couldn’t hold back my worries for long. I remembered the abandoned ship and the mage—one part of an ancient order notorious for their use of dark magic. If Briar was right, Nocturne had been hired to track down my dad.

Restless, I stood up and exited the gazebo, stepping into the garden. The sun warmed the top of my head, and a warm breeze ruffled my hair.

A light touch drew my attention to Ban. He lowered his hand from my wrist before nodding toward a stone bench. It was surrounded by colorful flowers with a backdrop of rose bushes.

“You want me to sit?”

He nodded.

Watching me pace had probably made him nervous. Or annoyed him. One or the other.

“Okay.” I looped my arm through his and steered him in that direction. “Nice day, huh?”

Ban grunted and guided me to the bench, then stood beside me.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“My apologies for the delay.” Sawyer approached from the path near the center fountain. “Kuya ate so much he gave himself a tummy ache. Briar administered a tonic and let him nap in the medical ward.”

“I’m glad he’s okay.” I scooted over on the bench to make room.

“The weather’s quite lovely, isn’t it? Much too nice to stay cooped up inside the castle.” Sawyer sat beside me. “But I can’t help but be saddened by it as well. Each moment brings me closer to… well, leaving my home.”

Finnian and Sir Noah hovered near a bed of yellow and purple flowers. Ban seemed to hesitate before leaving my side and joining them. A weird pressure nudged my core, and I caught the faintest scent of rain.

Was it supposed to storm today? I looked up at the clear blue sky. No clouds in sight. Probably just my imagination.

“Can I ask a question?” I faced Sawyer. His earlier statement mulled around in my head.

“You can ask me anything.”

“What will happen to Kuya when you marry Lady Alina and move to Voltas? Will he go with you?”

The edges of his eyes grew taut. “My father thinks it unwise to bring him with me. He says I need to focus on my duties as a husband and to toss aside any distractions that will keep me from being successful in those duties.” His bottom lip trembled. “Such as being in love with someone other than my bride to be.”

It was the first time he’d admitted to loving Kuya romantically. I’d already been like ninety-five percent sure, but having it confirmed almost made me cry. Because they couldn’t be together. Not in the way they both wanted.

Throat tight, I toyed with a loose strand on the bottom of my tunic. “With how your brother views demi-humans, I don’t think it’s safe for Kuya to stay in the castle without you.”

“Kuya wouldn’t stay in the castle.” Sawyer exhaled and focused on the flowerbed closest to him. “He’ll be forced to leave and find a home outside these grounds. That breaks my heart, Evan. He…” Tears gleamed in his eyes. “He doesn’t like being alone. It frightens him.”

“He won’t be alone.” I grabbed his hand. “Kuya can live with me. All the naps he wants and all the strawberry cupcakes he can eat.”

We’d make space for him. Lake and Briar had suggested building on to the cottage someday, adding patio seating but also extending the dining room, reading parlor, and adding an extra room upstairs. With Callum moving in with us, those plans would probably go into effect soon.

“You have my gratitude.” Sawyer clutched my hand and nodded, a tear falling free. “I pray I won’t be forced to leave him behind, but it brings me some peace knowing he’ll be with you should that happen.”

Sir Noah frowned as he surveyed the garden. He didn’t have to say a word for me to know it upset him too—Sawyer being sad. It wasn’t just his duty as a knight that kept him loyal. He truly cared for his prince.

“Enough of these tears.” Sawyer wiped at his eyes and offered me a watery smile. “Shall we take a walk?”

“Sure.” My answering smile probably looked just as watery.

Sir Noah and the guards followed us. When I glanced back at them, Finnian flashed one of his charming smiles that no doubt made all the girls swoon. August too, maybe. The bearded guard was rough around the edges, but I felt a connection between them. Like a love-hate relationship.

“What’s that?” I nodded to Sawyer’s necklace. I’d only noticed it when the sun shone on the gem, making it twinkle.

“A protection stone.” He lifted his hand to it. “Briar crafted it for me. Ban then turned it into a necklace so I could carry it easier.”

Looked like the type that crumbled after one use, but as the knights had proven several times now, once was enough. It could mean the difference between life or death.

“Nice job, Ban,” I told the guard. “It’s pretty.”

He grunted in response and averted his gaze, cheeks darkening.

We strolled through the garden, taking the outer path that provided a more scenic route. More private, as well. I couldn’t blame him. I’d lose my mind being cooped up in the castle with everyone and their brother constantly fawning over me. Trees rose around us, and the leaves rustled in the wind. I peered up at them as we stopped on the path.

Were Maddox and Callum patrolling the forest right now? What about Rowan? Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t see it coming. The attack.

It happened in the blink of an eye.

Finnian, Ban, and Sir Noah were thrown backward by an unseen force, like a blast of magical energy. And there was a clink . Like when fractures formed in thick glass; that moment right before shattering.

Sawyer stood alone, several feet from me, and glanced down at his necklace just as the gem crumbled. I was frozen in place, trying to process what the hell was happening.

Movement came from the top of the outer castle wall. A hooded figure.

Sir Noah returned to Sawyer’s side, and the two guards were one step behind. Blood trickled down Finnian’s face, coming from a head wound, but the others didn’t appear to be hurt.

The man jumped from the wall and landed in the grass. He had bronze skin and dark hair and wore a sleeveless tunic that showed black markings on both biceps, like tattoos. The air sparked around him.

Clarity then slammed into me. The Nocturne mage. It had to be him. Rowan and the others were out searching for him, yet he’d somehow evaded them.

“Stay where you are!” Sir Noah drew his sword, keeping Sawyer behind him. The prince no longer had a charm that would protect him from another attack.

“I’d rather not,” the mage said before a slow smile spread across his face. He then sent a second blast toward us. It manifested like smoke but moved so fast I barely had time to react.

A large body jumped in front of me.

Ban took me into his arms and shielded me as the blast slammed into his back. A pained grunt tore from him, but he didn’t fall. He didn’t release me either.

“Ban!” Didn’t he realize that I should’ve been the one shielding him? I was the one with the protection stone.

“It’s nothing personal, Your Highness,” the mage said, stepping closer to us. “I was paid quite a bit of coin to capture you. My orders were to wait for the ball, but those spies got too close for my liking.”

Something about his accent seemed oddly familiar.

Finnian shielded Sawyer, while Sir Noah stood in front of us, sword aimed at the mage. We stood grouped together, close enough for me to reach out and touch Sawyer. My heart thrashed as I realized something. Ban had chosen to protect me over his prince. Why?

“Who sent you?” Sawyer asked. “King Silas?”

“Who indeed?” the mage said with a sinister grin. “Now come along like a good little prince, otherwise your friends will all die. The first attack was meant to shatter that stone around your pretty neck. The second was a warning. The next won’t be as gentle.”

When Noah lunged at him, the sword stopped inches from the mage’s throat. The knight tried to move but appeared to be held in place by an unseen force.

“Wait!” Sawyer tried to step forward, but Finnian held him back. “I’ll go with you. Just don’t hurt them.”

“He will not… take you,” Noah said through gritted teeth, straining to break the spell that kept him frozen. “I’ll… die first.”

“That death will come much sooner than you think.” The mage shifted his gaze among the guards before stopping on me. His brow tapered.

Ban shoved me more behind him.

Surely, the shouts had alerted nearby guards. But it was wishful thinking. The path we’d taken had been more secluded, cutting through a section of trees that hid us from their view. By the time they realized what was happening, it would be too late.

“No harm will come to you,” the mage told Sawyer. “Yet, your companions won’t be as fortunate. As I said. Nothing personal. Just following orders.”

I saw it the instant the air sparked around the mage. A tell-tale sign of the spell he was about to cast. He gathered the energy between his hands, and instead of appearing like smoke as it had earlier, it swirled orange. Flashes appeared in the center of the orb, like angry flames.

I didn’t have to know about magic to understand the magnitude of the attack he was about to unleash. Much stronger than the ones earlier. Finnian and Ban would probably be blown to bits.

The mage released the ball of energy, and it shot toward us, causing the hairs on my arms and legs to stand on it. They wouldn’t survive the hit.

But I could.

Acting on impulse, I shoved Ban aside and jumped in front of them, taking the full force of the blast upon myself.

And it hurt.

The breath was knocked from my lungs, and I was thrown backward. My back hit the nearest tree with a sickening crunch, and I slumped to the ground.

“E-E-Evan!” a deep voice cried out.

Disoriented, I stared up at the swaying branches. Blue sky showed through them. Something else was a similar shade of blue, though a bit darker. Like the ocean. Eyes that often hid so much from me but softened in intimate moments.

Other colors joined that ocean blue. Purple, topaz, hazel, and the warmest shade of brown.

Why did my chest hurt so much? And what was that smell? Like something charring on the grill. I tried to move my arm, but it felt like deadweight. I couldn’t move any part of my body. Even my lungs struggled to work, making each of my breaths come out sharp and wheezing.

Prince Sawyer and Finnian screamed my name but were drowned out by the loud ringing in my ears. My breaths scraped through my airway, and the nauseating scent of burned meat filled my nose.

A shadow passed over me, and I squinted up into an indistinct face. Or maybe my vision was just blurry. My lashes fluttered closed before I forced them open again.

“You’re the one. I sense it in your blood.” The mage squatted down beside me and chuckled. Gold eyes raked over my body. “Gods. And I nearly killed you.”

Distant yells and the heavy thump of boots came from the path behind us. Weapons clanked against armor.

“Rotten luck that I’m not a healer.” When he touched my chest, pain radiated through my body. With the exception of my legs: I couldn’t feel them at all. “Try not to die until I take you to my leader, all right?”

He slid an arm under my back.

Was he going to lift me? Why? My consciousness started to wane, and I slipped deeper to those depths, body weighing heavier.

And then, there was a menacing snarl.

I caught a blur of black before the mage was thrown away from me. Jaws snapping and deep growls sounded. I tried to keep my eyes open and failed.

A low whine then reached my ears, and something soft butted against my head. There was the lightest pressure on my torso and more nuzzles. Warmth seeped into me, easing the aches in my body. Feeling returned to my toes. Something wet touched my cheek, like little licks.

Footsteps grew closer, followed by shouts and clanks of swords against shields. That warmth on my chest then lifted, and I heard what sounded like retreating paws and the rustle of bushes. I faded in and out.

“N-No.” Trembling fingers caressed my jaw. “E-Evan? P-Please open your e-e-eyes.”

The deep voice was unfamiliar. I tried to do what he said, but I only managed to crack open one lid, catching a glimpse of buzzed hair, a strong jaw, and eyes like rain before I lost the battle and slumped back to the ground.