Page 99 of Dark Fate

"But know this: The journey will test you in ways you cannot fathom," Oberon warns.

Servants enter with trays of refreshments, signaling the end of our meeting. We stand, an eclectic mix bound by a common goal. The Fae nobility bows respectfully as we take our leave, a sign of the gravity of the task that lies ahead.

Outside the chamber,Rhylandpulls me into an alcove shadowed by prying eyes. His piercing blue eyes hold a direct challenge as he leans in close, his breath hot against my skin. "You sure you're up for this?" he rumbles, demanding my certainty.

His eyes search mine, seeking the solidity of my resolve. In return, I offer him a steadfast stare, ensuring no hint of uncertainty shows in my gaze. "I'm ready," I state firmly, my voice imbued with a conviction that I can only hope is more than just bravado. It's a silent mantra, a way to steel my nerves against the trials that lie ahead.

Rhylandnods once, a gesture of acceptance and understanding, before pulling me into an embrace. His arms are like a fortress around me, a shield against whatever fears lurk in my mind's shadows.

Lucianclaps dramatically, the king of sass, even in the face of looming danger. "Alrighty then," he declares, a grin plastered on his face. "Time to go have a lovely little chat with some ancient, uptight, mythological assholes. I'm sure they'll be absolutely thrilled to see us."

He rubs his hands together in mock anticipation, eyebrows waggling. "Think they'll offer us some tea and crumpets while we swap war stories?"

Eriksteps forward, his gravity anchoring his words. "We take repose tonight," he says, his voice as steady as a mountain. "At dawn, we embark on those mountains."

Rhyland

44

As Lucian and Erik stride away, a cold dread latches onto my spine like a vise grip, squeezing the life out of me. Dani's stubborn belief that the stone is hidden in the Crystal Peaks cranks up the tension tearing through my body, setting every nerve on fire. The horror stories about the Whisperlings mess with my head—their illusions are as deadly as the peaks are steep, a one-way ticket to insanity.

I'm rooted to the ground like an oak tree, but my head's a war zone, fears storming in like berserkers, ready to tear me apart from the inside out. They say those Whisperlings come at you with the darkest, most twisted fears you've buried deep down, weaving traps so convincing you could lose your mind in them for a hundred years. The beast inside me growls a primal rumble that echoes through my chest, itching to dive into the fray and give in to the urge for blood and the wild, untamed call of raw instinct.

Dani locks eyes with me, her keen, honey-gold gaze cutting through the bullshit like a hot knife through butter, seeing right to my core. "You okay?" she asks, knifing through the room's dying reverberations, cutting through the chaos in my head like a beacon in the dark.

I falter, my words stumbling out like clumsy, drunken soldiers. "Yeah, I'm fine," I bluff, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue. But who am I kidding? Thanks to our bond, she calls my bluff without a word, her eyes narrowing in that way that tells me she sees right through my tough-guy act.

Her gaze sharpens as she moves in close, putting distance between us and any nosy onlookers. "Rhyland..." she insists, her voice laced with an intensity that cuts straight through the crap, leaving no room for anything but the raw, unfiltered truth.

My defenses shatter, the walls I've built crumbling under the onslaught of dread threatening to drown me. "It's those Whisperlings," I admit, my voice rough with emotion. "What if..." I pause, hating how vulnerable I feel. "They could make me lose control, make me lose you."

But Dani stands firm, undaunted by my towering form, by the fear eating me alive. Her response is fierce, her voice a fortress of certainty. "I thought the same thing back there," she says, her eyes blazing with determination. "But Rhyland, I swear nothing like that's gonna happen. I won't let anything happen to you." It's a pledge tying her fate to mine, a promise she'll fight to keep.

I chuckle wryly, shaking my head at her boldness, at the sheer audacity of this woman. "You've got it twisted, Angel," I tell her, my voice low and rough. "It's my job to protect you, to keep you safe from all the shit out there."

But Dani just smirks, sass practically oozing from every pore as she prods at my chest with a slender finger. "Try and keep up then," she teases, her voice light and playful, a challenge wrapped in jest. Her sass is a godsend when my inner storm tries to tear everything to shreds and the darkness threatens to swallow me whole.

"Keep up?" I let out a low, mocking chuckle, my voice dripping with challenge. "Baby, I set the pace. And you better believe I'm gonna make sure you keep up every step of the way."

Her laughter rings out, a melody as potent as a spell, taming the wild beast raging in my core. "Sure you do, Viking," she teases, punctuating it with a wink that makes my blood run hot.

I lean in close, nearly nose to nose—my voice a low rumble meant just for her. "Is that a challenge, baby?"

Dani's grin turns wicked, her eyes roving over me in a way that makes my muscles tense with desire. "Maybe it is," she purrs. "Think you can handle me?"

I bite back a growl, my hands itching to grasp her. But we aren't alone, and I force myself to take a measured step back.

"Careful, Angel," I warn, my tone husky with desire. "You don't want a repeat of last night, do you? Not here."

Before I can react, she's in front of me, grabbing fistfuls of my hair and yanking me down into a searing kiss.

For a moment, my mind blanks lost in the taste and feel of her. Then instinct roars to life, and I wrap my arm around Dani's waist, hauling her close. I devour her mouth greedily, heedless of our audience. Her soft curves mold to my body, and she moans against my lips. The sound nearly shatters my restraint.

With effort, I break the kiss, my breathing ragged. Dani's eyes are glazed, and her lips are kiss-swollen. Gods—the way she tests my control.

"Minx," I rasp. "What's gotten into you?"

A serious crease forms between Dani's brows, her features hardening with resolve. "I need this, Rhyland. Need you close," she says, her words laced with urgency. She lays a hand over my heart, the warmth of her touch searing through me. "I won't lose you," she vows, her determination unyielding.

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