Fires of Ruin (War and Deceit #3) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,130

entered the foothills of the mountains, but I’ve been struggling getting up some of the steeper parts. Tor assured me that once we’re past this ridge, it gets easier, but I’m not sure I believe him. We’re walking this part, and the horses seem to be finding this much easier than I am.

Reaching out, I take Vaeril’s proffered hand with a smile. “Thank you.” Helping me to my feet, he assists me over the rock I’ve been struggling to climb as Tor makes his way down, only just realising we’ve fallen behind again. He’s completely in his element here, ascending the rocks with ease.

Naril snorts. “He’s your favourite now that the mage has gone, huh?” The muscles in my back go rigid with tension at his snarky comment, and I spin around to face him, my expression dark.

“Naril…” Vaeril warns, watching me warily, obviously feeling my anger through the bond.

“Make one more comment, Naril,” I growl, holding up a single finger just in case he needs help counting, baring my teeth. Today is not a good day to tease or wind me up, especially about Grayson.

When we woke up this morning, the joy of our union and new bond had been overshadowed by the fact he had to leave. Of course, I knew this last night, but it had been bittersweet. The atmosphere when we had both left his tent was awkward at best, but Vaeril had surprised me and made an effort to ease things between us all. Tor kept throwing us looks, winking at Grayson before he left, and the confusion on the mage’s face had made it difficult for me not to laugh. Over breakfast, we filled Grayson in on everything that had happened with the elven queen, my time with the wood elves, and my visions from the Great Mother.

He’s been particularly distressed to learn about my conversation with Prince Rhydian at one of the balls in Arhaven when he told me that when they win the war, they plan to eradicate the magicians, and how the darkness is infecting the land. This just made him more determined to return to the guild to share what he learned with his fellow high mages.

The need to be with my new mate, while not as strong or possessive as with Vaeril, is still making me twitchy. My fae instincts are driving me to be with him, to touch him, to mate him. However, touching Vaeril helps assuage that feeling, making me less irritable, but if Naril keeps winding me up and needling me, I won’t be responsible for my actions.

“I would listen, my friend,” Tor advises as he reaches us, his eyes running over my tense frame. You don’t have to have a sealed bond with me to see the violence in my body language right now.

Making a rude noise, the elf rolls his eyes as he continues to climb, nimbly jumping over the rocks. “I’m not your friend.”

Knowing that the farther we get from the elves, the more Naril worries about his brother, I try to give him some slack. The reason I know is because I’m getting more and more concerned about Eldrin. Yet Naril made the decision to come with us, to follow me, so his foul mood is becoming too much, and I won’t have him shaming me for connecting with my mates.

“Are you okay?” Tor asks, frowning at my now torn travelling dress as I turn my back on Naril.

“I’m fine, just irritable. I’m sorry.” Between Naril and I, we can’t be making this a very pleasant trip for them, but he just waves me off.

We continue to work our way up the mountainside, the horses just ahead of us, picking their way up as we follow behind. We make small talk, but otherwise just stay silent, lost within our own thoughts.

Until I stumble again.

“I suppose magic would be helpful right about now, wouldn’t it?”

A rage so fierce runs through me that later, when I think back on this, I will be fearful that an emotion so strong and so wrathful came from me. My body goes completely still, my hands ball into fists, and I swear the mountain rumbles beneath me. “Right,” I snarl, spinning to face him. Before I know it, I’m somehow right in front of him, his eyes wide with my face inches from his. “I’ve had enough of your comments,” I spit, my teeth bared as I grab the collar of his jacket and throw him to the