Page 145 of Heiress of Fire

Just a few moments of peace before she rained hell upon Raven.

“It is, but nothing compared to the woman in front of me.” Ron smiled. Davina blushed and shook her head. “Before we head into battle, I just want to say that you are one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened to me. And if I don’t make it out alive, then I’m so grateful that Magnar let me know you in my lifetime—”

“Don’t say that.” She cut him off.

“You are extraordinary, beautiful, and in my eyes, you are perfect. Especially all those defects you hate most about yourself. And if King Magnar chose you to lead this war, then it’s because he believes that through you, the Era of Silence will end. I believe in you. Always have and always will. And I am so, so proud of you. I don’t know if anyone’s ever said that to you, but I am right now. I’m so proud of you, Vivi.”

She didn’t think she was perfect. She was far from it, but his words…

He was proud of her. The King had said that once a few months ago.

The King and Ron had recognized her efforts to do what was good. To do right. To be better. Even though she believed she had been doing everything wrong. And for some reason, knowing that the King and Ron believed in her and were proud of her was the only validation she needed.

And it gave her a slight hope that perhaps her parents did love her too. She doubted their love and she hated that. She would never understand how a mother could be so cruel to the child of her womb.

Unless her mother decided to change, that wound would always remain open. But she was concluding that the King had gifted her a man who would love her correctly. A man who would protect her, guide her, and support her whenever and wherever she needed. That man was Ron.

A loud swish passed by Ron. Ron hissed and snapped his hand to his ear.

“Ron?”

Davina pushed her head back as an arrow passed between them, Ron let out another groan. As he convulsed in her arms, he began to slip through her fingers. Fear struck her immediately as he fell out of her arms.

“Ron!”

Arrows continued to dash toward her.

“Vivi!” he shouted, lifting a hand for her as his hair ran wildly while he plummeted. Davina spun and turned at every arrow that was shot at her, eyes locked on Ron who was already getting too close to the ocean waters near Basalt. Davina glanced to Basalt’s shore only to find Predators near the seashore with bows and arrows. She groaned in annoyance.

Davina extended her hand toward Basalt Beach and sent balls of fire to fall over the shore, burning the Predators and their weapons.

Ron stretched his arm even more with widened eyes. Their fingers brushed for only a second until more darts and arrows swooshed between them.

Despite all her efforts to burn the Predators to a crisp, more had joined them on the shore and aimed more metal pieces at them. Davina pushed herself nearer to Ron who was hurtling closer and closer to the water.

She wrapped her wings around herself as a shield against the arrows that were aimed at them. He was too near now, she feared she wouldn’t be able to get to him in time.

“No, I can’t lose you now,” she muttered under her breath.

Ron furrowed a brow before she pushed herself toward him and gripped his arm.

At last, Davina was able to reach him. Using her newfound strength, she pulled him into her embrace and wrapped her wings around him.

“You said I could trust you,” he cried.

“That was not my fault!” she retorted.

She looked through the walls of purple fire that surrounded them, panting, as she tried to find a way to get onto Basalt Island. There was no other way. They’d have to go under.

“Can you trust me again?” she asked.

He was silent before he said, “Always.”

“Take a deep breath.”

Her wings stretched wide before folding inward and disappearing.

“Wha—” he questioned but was cut off as cold water engulfed them.

---