The Alien's Revenge - Ella Maven Page 0,43

for himself,” he said. “But I don’t think there’s much he can say to sway me. I’ll make the judgement on his sentence tomorrow.”

I nodded, weary, wanting nothing more than to eat and sleep in a bundle of soft furs with Miranda at my side.

“I’ll gather everyone to make the announcement that you are welcome within these walls as a free warrior. I understand if you don’t want to stay, but you will always be a Night King.” He gestured to my arm, which was naked of a red arm tag worn by the clavas. I’d had one once, before it’d been stripped of me. “If you decide to war the Night Kings tag again, it’s yours.”

I nodded again. That wasn’t a decision to be made now. As much as I wanted to say yes, a part of me needed more time. Assurance. Would everyone welcome me? Would I always be the mostly mute warrior who had been cast out? And most of all, could I trust Daz, and myself, enough to follow his leadership once again?

My place for so long had been on my own. I didn’t know how I could get used to living in a clavas again. So many memories here, many good. And others the worst of my life.

“Come on,” Daz rose to his feet. “We’ll convene in the dining hall for the announcement. It’s time everyone knows the truth.”

Twelve

Miranda

I was over crying. It made my eyes sting and my face hot and my head hurt. I held back a fresh wave of tears as Daz stood with Drak in the dining hall, his deep voice booming over the gathered crowded of warrior and human women.

“More than fifteen cycles ago, I made a mistake,” he said. “Drak was not responsible for betraying us, and in fact Crius is in a cell right now awaiting his judgement, not only for framing Drak, but also for putting one of our precious women in danger.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowed like a wave.

“Drak is welcome here, whether he visits as a guest or remains as a Night King. I also formally recognize Miranda as his cora-eternal.” He clasped Drak on the back. “Please respect his privacy and time as he adjusts to life in a clavas again.” He waved a hand. “As you were.”

The crowd didn’t break up immediately, many of them gawking at Drak, even as he turned and immediately sought me out. I met his eyes, and his shoulders relaxed as he visibly sighed. He cut through the crowd to reach me where I stood at the back next to Gar.

A heavy hand settled on my shoulder, and I glanced up to see Gar watching me. His teeth were clenched, and he heaved a sigh as it seemed to take what was gargantuan effort to unhinge his jaw and speak.

“I’m sorry for my part in you getting hurt. If I’d known Crius…” his hand on my shoulder tightened and I winced. He immediately let me go with a look of contrition. “Sorry,” he said quickly. The ever-present anger that swam in Gar’s eyes surfaced, turning his eyes a deep black.

“I don’t blame you,” I said. “You trusted Crius. Like everyone did. And if this all hadn’t of happened, I never would have met Drak. We wouldn’t have known the truth.”

Gar nodded with a jerk. He looked over my head, and I turned to see Drak striding toward us faster as he glared at Gar.

When he reached us, he pulled me into his arms. If he could’ve talked well, I imagined he would have told Gar to fuck off. Their eyes met. Held. Something passed between them, and it ended with Gar lowering his gaze. He gave me an indecipherable look, his features softening for just a moment. With that, he turned and walked away. Gar had always been protective of me, and it felt a little like he had passed the torch to Drak.

My mate looked dead on his feet. Fatigue was evident in the deep grooves of his face. When he swallowed, pain streaked across his face. I glanced around the room for my girls but didn’t see them anywhere. I could have used the support, but maybe it was for the better. After being alone for so long, I felt overwhelmed at the crowd. My stomach was a rioting mess. I didn’t want anything but to be alone with Drak.

I gathered a bundle of food, shoved it in Drak’s arms, and led him out of the