Smolder (Crown of Fae #3) - Sharon Ashwood Page 0,57

Even as a tattered remnant, you are a resourceful foe.”

That confirmed Leena’s guess about the Shade. He’d been amusing himself, letting them come close to success just so he could snatch it away.

“Who are you?” she demanded, anger making her bold.

His shoulders stiffened, as if affronted. “My name is Olek. It will mean nothing to you because I rank far above those who deal with the fae. I am here in an investigative capacity.”

“You’re gathering up Juradoc’s loose ends because the general has gone rogue,” Morran said, his tone matter-of-fact. “Your forces are spread too thin for a war in the south, yet he insisted on attacking the most heavily defended principality. You need to know why.”

Olek hesitated, his face invisible beneath his hood. “The Shades have lingered long in Faery without significant reward. It caught our interest when Juradoc made interesting claims about this place. He has a time-limited chance to win our approval.”

No doubt Juradoc had made claims about the Great Temple and the Flame. Leena sensed the presence of the elemental fire, as if its energy tugged her toward the pyramid. This was what the armies of the fae had come to protect.

“What we do know is that the Phoenix Prince has the potential to become an extremely useful weapon,” Olek continued. “Your father, Prince Karth, was the ideal example.”

Morran flinched, and no wonder. The old prince had taken his own life.

The Shade took a step back, putting more room between them. “And although some might deem you damaged beyond repair, Juradoc believes you still have value, especially if he gets his hands on Barleycorn’s treasure trove.”

“What has Barleycorn or his toys to do with me?”

“A good question. I am curious enough to find out for myself. Surrender, Prince Morran.”

Morran gripped his sword. “I think not.”

“Then you shall be my prisoner by force.”

Olek twisted the staff in his hand. Suddenly, it became a sword. It was unlike any blade Leena had seen before. Though its edges shone in the dying light, it shed a cloud of black mist that made her think of sickness and rot.

Instinctively, she stepped to the side, giving Morran room. It was only after she’d done it that Leena realized she could move again. The wall of force that had stopped them had melted away. The Shade was making room for a fight.

It was then she noticed the ground beneath Olek’s robe was growing darker. The Shade was bleeding. No wonder they’d made it this far—Morran had wounded Olek during their first skirmish, and the sorcerer was weakened. Slowly, Leena drew her knife, but held it low against her side. Her primary advantage would be surprise.

Olek took a swordsman’s stance, graceful despite his injury. Leena’s entire body tightened, straining against an overwhelming urge to run. She forced herself to look away from the sword and scan their surroundings, ensuring there were no other enemies in sight. Thankfully, Olek was alone.

The Shade struck. The attack was a mix of magic and blade work, so fast it was no more than a blur. Morran countered, swift footwork saving him. Leena gave him space, terrified of what evil the Shade’s blade might carry. One nick might poison Morran the way Juradoc had destroyed her brother.

Morran barely recovered his balance before Olek advanced again. Morran cut low, ducking beneath the smoking blade and aiming for Olek’s knees. He must have struck because the Shade gave an eerie, piercing cry and fell back. The reprieve didn’t last more than a heartbeat. The next second, Olek redoubled his blows, as if time were running out.

Morran parried again and again, but each blow pushed him back. Leena circled, afraid to interfere, yet wondering how to help. Then Olek charged Morran, leaving his flank exposed. She lunged with her knife.

An invisible force slammed her back twice as hard as before. She staggered, losing her footing before sprawling to the ground. Olek spun, preparing to pierce her where she lay.

He didn’t take her dancer’s agility into account. Leena sprang out of the way, nearly levitating in her panic.

“Back away, Shade,” Morran roared.

Without warning, fire magic rushed through the air, hot as the breath of the sun itself. Then fire licked the length of Morran’s blade, white against the deepening dusk.

“You dare to challenge the Phoenix Prince at his seat of power?” Morran’s tone was thick with defiance as he put both hands on the hilt of the flaming sword.

Leena’s lips parted in surprise. Morran’s magic—the power that had defeated the Shades for