Page 98 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

In the center of the bodies, covered in blood, was Ryvin.

“Ryvin!” I started running, weaving around fighters without concern.

My mate saw me and the hard expression on his face melted instantly to one of relief. He sent out a wall of shadows on either side of him, knocking everyone in their wake to the ground, then he ran for me.

We met in an embrace that felt like coming up for air after being under water. I kissed him quickly, then pulled away. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

He kissed me hard, his lips almost punishing, then they softened, and he breathed out a sigh before breaking the kiss. “Just stay alive.”

I nodded, then turned, the two of us fighting the men who were charging toward us, all of them coming to take down the Prince of Darkness.

I called to the shadows again, finding them returning with ease. I wondered if it was because he was right next to me. It didn’t matter the reason, I was just grateful I could call on the magic. We moved in a circle, sending shadows after anyone who charged us. Bodies piled up, but I knew we’d killed even more than were showing because sometimes, we sent them straight to the Underworld without a trace.

Finally, soldiers began to come closer, then flinch before charging. Then, they stopped coming at all. They knew coming for Ryvin was a death sentence.

A horn sounded, loud and low, bellowing with a forlorn call. I stiffened, then turned to my mate. “What is that?”

“Retreat,” he said.

I laughed, still gripping the knife in my hands. Nervously, I looked around, not sure I believed it was all over. But all I saw were Athonian soldiers and vampires from Thebes letting their shoulders slump as they took their first deep breath since the battle started.

Fae were running to their boats, but the dragons circled, taking them out as they made their escape. Flaming men ran toward the sea, only to die screaming as the creatures of the deep made them into a meal.

I whispered a thank you to the monsters, and to my mother, knowing that somehow, they knew I was grateful.

Footsteps sounded, and I turned to see Vanth and Laera walking toward us. Vanth was wincing as he limped. Laera was covered in blood, but walking with such dignity I was certain none of it was hers.

“Well done, Ara,” she said as she approached.

Ryvin growled. “You knew.”

“Of course, I knew,” Laera said. “But she’s fine, isn’t she? And she succeeded where all of us failed.”

“He’s really dead, then?” Vanth asked.

I nodded.

“How?” Vanth asked.

“The gift from my mother,” I replied. “It was a medusa stone.”

Laera smirked. “Clever woman. I knew I liked Ceto.”

“You did not,” Ryvin said, a hint of their old sibling rivalry showing in his tone.

“Well, I do now,” Laera said.

“Where are my sisters?” I asked. “Did anyone make it through the shield? Are the people safe?”

“We turned off the shield as soon as Laera told us my father was dead,” Ryvin explained. “They didn’t expect us.”

“I don’t think anyone got past the beach,” Vanth said. “And we did leave a few soldiers, including your Aunt Katerina and Argus, and two dragons behind.”

“Thank you.” I knew I wouldn’t feel better until I saw them myself, but it sounded good. It sounded like we won. My brow furrowed.

“What is it?” Ryvin asked.

“Did we actually do it? Did we actuallywin?” I looked at my friends in disbelief. It didn’t seem possible that it was over.

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