it, to keep it hot and smoldering, but not to waste it here, now, against friends. She asked him to save it for when they freed Tristan. Because they would free Tristan. Veronyka wouldn’t cut deals or negotiate. She would take him back with all the blood and magic and fire in her possession.
Save it for vengeance, Veronyka urged Rex. Save it for war.
Know that, my daughter.
Whatever happens… you are loved.
- CHAPTER 59 - KADE
THOUGH THE HORSE MADE travel faster and less exhausting, every bump and jostle as they crossed the rough terrain was like a knife to Kade’s stomach. Riding two in the saddle didn’t help either.
They’d stopped for water and a few moments’ rest just past the smoldering battlefield where Sev and Kade had helped free the captive animages, and when Riella saw the spreading stain on Kade’s side, she’d insisted on letting him ride alone for a while. It was sweet, and Kade wanted to refuse—but he couldn’t. The truth was, no matter how much riding the horse caused him pain, he could hardly stand, the ground bucking and swaying beneath his feet and his head spinning. The water helped, but Kade knew he needed medical attention. He’d definitely popped another stitch or two, and the blood loss was such that he thought he could feel it dripping down his back and stomach and into the waistband of his pants.
The beltless waistband.
Kade craned his neck, looking behind them for the tenth time. Sev should have caught up to them by now. Even if he hadn’t managed to get the second horse, he was still the strongest of the three of them on foot.
Unease grew like a weed inside his chest, digging roots deep into his stomach while vines clawed up his throat. What if one of the soldiers had caught Sev stealing? What if the Phoenix Rider fight spread and Sev had gotten caught in the crossfire? Kade looked over his shoulder again and again, but there was no sign of Sev or soldiers.
Evening fell around them, darkening the shadows and making their path treacherous, slowing their pace. Riella climbed back into the saddle, and Kade realized he’d been drooping slightly and she was worried he might fall. While Kade’s energy dwindled, even on horseback, Riella seemed to grow stronger. She was awake and alert, eyes fixed on the road ahead of them even while she murmured soothing words under her breath—for the horse or Kade’s benefit, he didn’t know.
When a haze of light illuminated the path before him, Kade thought he was finally losing his grip on consciousness—but no, the sun hadn’t crashed down from the heavens. Phoenixes were descending out of the sky all around them, one after the other, like fallen stars.
Kade was wary until he recognized Veronyka among them and realized these were the Riders that he was meant to deliver Riella to—they were the destination, the end of the journey. Even though his heart lightened at the idea that they were saved, Kade couldn’t help the way his head turned away from them, neck craning and eyes searching.
Despite her growing calm and strength, Riella recoiled slightly at the sudden appearance of these Phoenix Riders—no doubt reminded of the ones who’d overtaken the tower. She’d had her arms wrapped gingerly around Kade’s middle, but they clenched tightly now out of fear, causing Kade to release a gasp of pain. He pried her hands off his stomach and held them instead, catching his breath as a man called Beryk, the commander’s second, came forward.
Riella knew him—she stiffened at first, but then she nodded at his words of concern and encouragement, explaining they were heading back to Pyrmont and how their rear scout had spotted the two of them. Apparently Beryk had been the one to recruit her brother and get them all into this mess, but his face was kind and his eyes shone with both happiness at seeing her and regret at what she’d had to endure.
He was quick to shout orders to the others, who helped Kade and Riella from the saddle and plied them with water and food, while Beryk himself eyed Kade’s stomach. Another shout and some spare bandages were bound tightly around his midsection for the journey back to the Eyrie.
“Back to the Eyrie,” Kade repeated, as Beryk and his helper—a smiling fellow with big ears—stepped back.
“That’s right. It’s a long journey, but if we fly all night, we should—”