Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,46
pivot, changing direction. Scarlett and Charlotte come into view, each with a crossbow in her hands. They take turns as though in sync, one woman shooting directly after the other, maintaining a constant stream of fire. The enemies that surround the women rush them despite the torrent of arrows, and Charlotte’s scream spurs me into action.
I cannot afford to spend time stabbing each attacker because it will take too long. Instead I get close to a Boraq’s wings, letting the metal tips of my weapon lightly graze them. As soon as an enemy stiffens, Jeanine finishes them off.
“Are you okay?” I ask, gripping Scarlett’s hand once the immediate threat is gone.
Wide eyes find mine. “Aye.”
“Have you seen Yania?”
She shakes her head, and I suck in a breath, trying to keep my wits about me. Time is of the essence, and my dread grows with each passing second. I break into a run, not caring who follows me even though it would be safer for us to band together. My terror is what drives me now, and it is a hard taskmaster, leaving room for nothing else.
When Yania’s dwelling comes into view, I yell her name, not only to give her warning but because I’m unable to hold my fear inside any longer. In one hand I keep my weapon raised, and with the other I tear aside the tent flap. The emptiness I find within causes my legs to shake, and I stagger back.
Where is my family?!
Jeanine steadies me by gripping my arm. “We have to keep looking because unless you find a body, we have to assume Yania’s alive. Which means she must’ve taken the children away from here as soon as this all started.”
The twins flank me, and the show of protection sharpens my focus. I straighten my spine and take a deep breath. “Let’s go.”
We slink into the cluster of trees, and the sounds of combat and violence become less discernible with each step. I’ve never been far from the campsite because Jaxar deemed it not safe, but the forest can’t be worse than what we’ve left behind. The leaves and vines above our heads sway with a listlessness that contrasts greatly with the urgency running through me. I’m constantly vacillating among wanting to weep, scream, and kill something, but I try to concentrate on staying aware of my surroundings and putting one foot in front of the other. I will do everything it takes to survive; there is no other option.
And I know Jaxar is doing the same.
“Massela!”
Jeanine, Charlotte, and I all turn in the direction of the shout, unsure of who’s being addressed. However, when Iraxion steps from behind the large trunk of a nearby tree, I fall to my knees in despair, since he’s from Rozak’s clan and not mine. Jeanine and Scarlett are quick to comfort me as Charlotte addresses her warrior.
“Iraxion, what’s going on? Where’s Rozak?”
The male ignores her questions, his gaze scanning the direction from which we came. “Were you followed, Massela?” When Charlotte shakes her head, Iraxion gives a shrill whistle before answering. “I have not seen the Masse.”
The redhead balls her fists. “Why aren’t you with him? He is your leader, and you’ve pledged your loyalty to him.”
“I know you worry for him, Massela.” Iraxion grips her shoulders, staring down at his queen. “But even my loyalty to my Masse does not outweigh the one I have for my silana. You must understand this.”
The second Yania appears, understanding dawns. But the moment I catch sight of my children in her arms, I’m on my feet and stumbling toward them, the sobs wracking my chest, making it hard for me to stay upright.
I’m beyond words as I throw my arms around Yania, burying my face between the two small bodies she holds. Tika lays her head on top of mine while my son continues to slumber peacefully, and I inhale the scent of them along with their tiny breaths.
“Massela, they are unharmed,” Yania says gently. “Iraxion and I stole away into the forest at the first sign of trouble, since the younglings are the priority. However, I do not know what has become of everyone else and have no information to give.”
I lift my head, and it takes me two tries before I’m able to speak. “Thank you for keeping them safe.”
“We must leave before it’s too late,” Iraxion says. “People will come this way.” He cocks his head and goes silent for a moment, his eyes widening. “They are