The Hunter and the Mage (The Raven and the Dove #2) - Kaitlyn Davis Page 0,58

see, but the sparks at their fingertips labeled them mages, and the squared placement of their shoulders hinted at soldiers. An arch of deep green ferro'kine power sailed overhead, landing somewhere behind the wall in a spot he couldn't see.

"We made it just in time."

"In time for wh…"

The words died on his lips as a wave of gold exploded across the sky, spilling over the edge of the wall and washing over the crowd, brighter even than the sun. All at once, an excited clamor filled the air. Rafe swayed on his feet as the magic sank into his skin, so familiar, too familiar, subtly healing the aches in his bones. He'd felt this power before, the memory of it burned into his soul like a brand.

It can't be—

It can't—

The rest of the world faded away as she emerged from the mist, just as stunning as the first time he'd seen her, the sight stealing his thoughts, his words, the very breath from his chest. Her ivory wings peeked out from behind her shoulders, tucked close to her back, but there was no mistaking them—no mistaking her. Loose braids framed her face, enhancing her high cheekbones and plush lips. Those emerald eyes shone through her magic, filled with purpose, with pride, though in his memories they were filled with passion instead.

Ana.

"What? Who's Ana?" Brighty muttered, staring curiously at his gobsmacked expression. Rafe hadn’t even realized he'd spoken out loud.

"Lyana," he corrected, out of habit. Lyana—not Ana. Even in this world, she was his brother's mate, so close yet so far away.

"How do you know her name? I only just learned it this morning. Lyana Aethionus—the Queen Bred of Snow."

He wanted to laugh. He wanted to cry.

What was she doing here?

What was she doing with him?

The man by her side must have been the king he'd heard so much about. The captain had called him ruthless and shrewd, and he seemed it, staring down his nose at the crowd without a smile on his lips. He gripped Lyana's hip, and she clutched his waist. Rafe forced a tight swallow down his throat when he noticed their joined hands bursting with magic, a power the two of them clearly shared, a power he would never understand.

Pain seared his chest, and he closed his eyes against the ache. In the darkness, he saw her, with moonlight dancing on her cheeks and starlight in her eyes as they held their palms together and studied each other through the gentle glimmer of their magic. It had been deeper than a physical touch, as though their souls had kissed, and then their lips, a night he would never forget, never trade, not even for Xander. The only night of his adult life when he'd felt for a moment as though he belonged.

And now she was here—sharing her magic with someone else.

"Rafe." Brighty tugged on his arm. "Are you all right? You look ill."

"I'm—" He shook his head and stared at Lyana, at the king, at the two of them floating majestically through the fog. They came to a stop atop the wall to address the waiting crowd. "What is she doing here?"

"Do you—do you know her?"

Do I know her?

He knew the taste of her, sweet and intoxicating, like bubbling hummingbird nectar laced with the sharp pang of citrus. He knew the feel of her, smooth skin and supple muscles, thighs strong as they wrapped around his waist, her hair tickling his cheeks. He knew the sound of her, sighs like the sweetest music, his name on her lips the most wondrous song.

But did he know her?

Ten minutes ago, he would have said yes.

Now, he wasn't so sure.

Lyana was Cassi's best friend. Cassi, who cornered him in the base of the castle. Cassi, who cut off his wings. Cassi, who threw him over the edge and into the world below. Cassi, who'd been working for the king now standing with Lyana, their fingers laced together and their magic flowing, the two of them joined for the whole world to see.

Had they been working together? All three of them?

Had she only been pretending the whole time?

Blood pounded in his ears, drowning out the crowd, the magic, the city, until there was nothing but the rapid thumping of his heart. The king was giving some sort of a speech, but Rafe couldn't hear it. The man hoisted his and Lyana's joined hands over his head. The crowd around them cheered, nothing but a distant roar to Rafe's ears, as