Page 116 of Secrets of Avalon

"Melinda," I breathe, my eyes finding hers across the arena.

She stands at the entrance with Kellan as a protective shadow behind her. Her eyes are wide with wonder as she takes in the scene before her. A flash of movement catches her attention, and her face lights up with delight.

"Cyrus!" she exclaims, and I follow her gaze to see the unicorn prancing into the arena, his silver white mane catching the last rays of sunlight.

Ares and I lower our swords, the match forgotten. Melinda approaches Cyrus with reverent steps, her hand outstretched. The unicorn nickers softly, lowering his head to meet her touch.

"I think he likes you," I say, unable to keep the smile from my voice as I move to her side.

“He does. He said he wanted to see me again.” Melinda's fingers card through Cyrus’ mane. “See how I was after the fight.”

“That was nice of him.” I give the unicorn a hard stare, he meets my gaze.

She’s special, this one, Cyrus whispers in my head. Keep her safe.

I intend to, I answer back telepathically.

A snarl shatters the peaceful moment, echoing off the arena walls. I whirl around to see Fen's body contorting, bones cracking and reforming as fur sprouts across his skin. In an instant, I'm moving, placing myself between Melinda and Fen.

Where Fen stood moments ago, a massive wolf now towers, yellow eyes wild with feral rage. Wraith lunges forward, arms outstretched in an attempt to restrain the beast. His muscles strain as he grapples with Fen's lupine form, but he’s no match for Fen’s beast.

I draw my sword, every instinct screaming to protect Melinda. But before I can act, those supernaturally large jaws close around Wraith's arm with a sickening crunch. His agonized shout pierces the air as Fen tosses him across the arena like a rag doll.

"Wraith!" I roar, torn between rushing to his aid and guarding Melinda. But there's no time to choose. I can’t leave Melinda unprotected.

Fen's massive head swivels, those predatory eyes locking onto me. A low, menacing growl rumbles from his chest, and my blood runs cold.

"Fen, no!" I shout, knowing it's futile even as the words leave my lips. The wolf charges, powerful legs propelling him towards us with terrifying speed.

I brace myself, sword raised. "Kellan, get Melinda away!" I yell, not daring to look back. I can distract Fen’s wolf long enough for him to get her to safety.

CHAPTER 44

Unicorn’s Do More Than Sparkle

Melinda Mayweather

A vicious snarl rips through the air. Fen, now a massive wolf, charges straight for us. His bared teeth gleam, his eyes wild with feral hunger.

My heart slams against my ribs. I can't move?—

Kellan's arms lock around me. The world spins as he lifts me off my feet. Colors blur until I find myself on Cyrus' back along with Kellan, my fingers tangled in his silvery mane.

Kellan presses against me, his arms caging me in. "What's happening?" I twist, searching frantically for Hawke.

There—

Hawke stands alone, sword raised against the oncoming beast. Fen leaps, jaws gaping wide.

"No!" My scream tears through the arena.

Fen crashes into Hawke. Pain explodes through our bond, searing my insides. I gasp, the agony stealing my breath.

No. No. No. Hawke, run!

I thrash against Kellan's grip, every muscle straining. "You have to help him!" My voice cracks, raw with the shared pain from Hawke’s injury.

Kellan's steady voice cuts through my panic. "Forgive me, Domina. You are my priority."

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