Page 36 of Upon Shattered Bonds

Sundown painted the sky in soft lilac and a vibrant red, interspersed with frothy clouds and waning rays of sunlight. Inhaling, Nina savored the coolness of the crisp March air.

The estate’s grounds had begun to emerge from the harsh clutches of winter, looking forward to the promise of spring. Apple green grass peeked from beneath matted yellows, fall foliage falling prey to blooming buds. Everywhere she turned, life sprung anew.

It was magnificent.

Irked with being locked indoors by her overly protective guardians, she’d waved away their reasonable requests and ventured onto the terrace.

Blood still pooled where she’d been shot, a dried stain against the stone. Arching a single brunette eyebrow at the sight, Nina huffed in annoyance. If she were going to enjoy what might amount to her last sunset, she wouldn’t ruin it over a bit of spilled blood.

Tightness fisted in her chest, a stark reminder of the weakened state of her heart. It sapped her strength and worse, it weakened her control. As if on cue, electricity sparked over her skin, the static barely visible against the cool ivory tones.

Behind her, Zeke’s hand gently came to rest on her shoulder. The electricity curled around him, but rather than pain through their mating bond, all she felt was his amusement.

The soothing influx of his power amplified her own, feeding into her psychic reservoir and bolstering what energy remained. It was a subtle offering, but a telling insight into Zeke’s intentions. They hadn’t yet spoken of what’d happened last night, but she knew it was coming.

Nina rubbed absently at her chest. The healing wound beneath the bone was invisible but could be heard in the irregular rhythm of her heartbeat. A hesitation that most immortal predators would pick up on.

Kaien and Aidan chatted with Zeke, and Nina was surprised that their conversation was far more friendly than when she’d last witnessed between them. Neither of her brothers sounded hostile—a feat in and of itself—but even Zeke seemed to smile occasionally. When their conversation turned to Zeke’s temporary absence this morning, it caught her attention.

Before she could inquire further on the topic, the next challenger arrived.

The sun had barely disappeared beneath the horizon. Cynically, she spared a thought at how impatient people were for her death.

She remained seated upon the cool stone of the terrace, offering her adversary a simple nod. He had extended the formal telepathic request before teleporting into her territory and was owed the same courtesy.

“Good evening, Liam.”

“Good evening, milady.”

A little over nine hundred years of age, they’d seen enough of each other to have developed a rapport. While she’d still consider him a mere acquaintance, Nina had never thought ill of the tall Raeth before her. He’d always been well mannered and formal during their interactions, and she appreciated it now.

While Rhonnen’s challenge had been swathed in chauvinism, Liam’s would at least be civil.

Behind her, the aggression of her guardians spiked, the sudden tidal wave of emotion threatening what little control she retained. Within seconds, she clamped down on the bonds that linked them and glared at them out of the corner of her eye.

Hands in his pockets, Liam inclined his head. “I’m certain you know why I’m here.”

Nina rose from the terrace bench, betraying no weakness. Extending her hand, she gestured toward the field behind the mansion. “Shall we?”

He followed her lead, walking in what would have been companionable silence if they hadn’t intended on killing one another in mere seconds. Her brothers, Blair, Drake, and Zeke trailed behind them, soundless.

Nina analyzed Liam while he stepped around to face her a suitable distance away. The predator beneath her skin cataloged every detail of the man before her.

Lean, about six and a half feet, his wiry frame was corded with long, flexible muscles. From what Nina knew of his prowess on the battlefield, he preferred hand to hand combat over long-range weaponry, and had an innate ability to deflect psychic-powered attacks like Zeke.

However, unlike Zeke, Liam was still affected on some level, unable to fully block the assault. Whether or not it’d block her Reaper gift remained to be seen.

Nina would have to be selective about what skills she utilized. Unfortunately, her current lack of control would eliminate her electricity. One errant bolt of lightning could split off and strike her people—and that was a risk she wouldn’t take.

Liam spoke the words that locked them in a battle to the death. Moments later, katanas met, sparks igniting as steel clashed. Each stroke lit the dimming night in a flurry of orange and red, smoldering fireflies that fluttered toward the earth.

With every swing of her sword, Nina sensed her strength depleting, fatigue mounting behind the apathetic mask she’d adopted.

She felt like she couldn’t get enough air, an ache making her muscles quiver. A fine layer of sweat misted her skin, and she knew it would signal her weakness to her adversary. Pressure weighed upon her chest with every beat of her tormented heart. As her exhaustion peaked, her challenger gradually gained the upper hand.

Liam’s katana parried Nina’s in a skillful move that opened her to his secondary attack.

Bone cracked when Liam’s fist connected with her sternum.

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