Page 247 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

Garrik stiffened from it.

The female threw a withering glare over her shoulder. “Need I remind you of who guided you from the castle when the whole of Kadamar wants your heads?” Before Thalon could answer, she snapped, “You are in my territory, brute. I suggest you remember that. There arecavesahead. We will make camp.”

Alora was right. Jade would like her.

If not for the fire, they would freeze.

Garrik stoked the crackling flames under an iron pot that Aiden filled with meat and herbs. He had no interest in it. And with the little they had in their packs, he would rather Alora eat to gather her strength when she woke.

Firelight danced around the cave, fluttering over Aiden and Jade, who were nestled near the flames. Garrik lifted Ezander’s cloak, inspecting the slow-healing wounds through his side, the bruises on his neck. His breathing was less labored, less wheezing than before thanks to a balm Silas’s female had provided.

It was enough. It would be enough until they could dawn to Ozrin.

Thalon never took his eyes off the female. Watching her as Garrik watched Alora, only the glare his brother held was much more critical. Lethal. That deadly stare tracked the female’s movement, burning into her back as she prepared her resting place near the flames, and curtly muttered, “So, you hide your wings only when it suits you.”

The female whorled. Gritted her teeth. “I do not have to explain myself toyou.”

“No. You will explain yourself to Maker of the Skies.”

Garrik angled the split wood inside the flames and stood. This had the stirrings of a battle none of them needed tonight. He moved to step between them, but she was quicker.

Her cheeks scarleted, but not from fear. That was pure, unadulterated rage. The female lifted her wrist, tore a fox-engraved iron bracelet away, and shoved it in Thalon’s face. Pearly-white wings faded into existence, flaring the feathers wide as she stepped inches from his chin. “First, you chastise me for having them. Then you scold me when they’re gone. Are males ever satisfied.” That was not a question; she sneered it as fact.

Thalon was wise to hold his tongue. He merely tightened his jaw, chest heaving in anger.

“Keep out of things you knownothingabout,” she snarled, before returning the bracelet to her wrist. Those incredible, feathery wings faded away.

Thalon flexed his back, squaring his shoulders as he growled, “It was you, wasn’t it?”

“Me,what?” Miwa snarled.

“You who stole that female. That hit me and?—”

“By the bloody seas, some of us are trying to sleep,” Aiden whined from the ground. Jade grunted in agreement, rolled over under their cloaks, and sunk her face into balled-up fabric.

Thalon ignored them and stormed forward when the female turned to Alora. “Stay away from her.”

“Alora is my?—”

“That’sYour Highness.You will address her with respect.” Fiery golden eyes flared with flames. Garrik rarely glimpsed his brother this way unless in war. It almost terrified him.

The female’s face lit up, and that amber gaze swept to Garrik. “She told you.”

“I did.”

Garrik’s chest tightened as he turned to Alora’s voice, sitting up, allowing the cloaks to pool on her lap. The cuts and brushes on her face and wrists were fading thanks to the healing balms. Only the wince on her face told him her internal injuries remained.

Weary sapphires blinked in the firelight, watering at the brightness before she squinted up at them. “Thalon, it’s okay. I trust Miwa.”

Thalon opened his mouth, but Garrik palmed his shoulder, stopping whatever rampage surely would ensue. “Come, brother. Time to speak,” Garrik insisted, and with little force,pulled Thalon to the cave entrance. “What the fuck is wrong with you? You are acting like a damned fool.”

Inked hands ran down Thalon’s beard. “I do not trust her. Believe her to be the one who attacked me and Aiden.” Then folded his arms over his chest as his back met the stone wall. Before Garrik could consider it, Thalon barked, “She is impulsive and hot-headed. Can’t follow orders or laws unless it suits her. Disrespectful and reckless and … and …”

Garrik raised a brow.

“What?” Thalon snarled.

A dark scoff. But Garrik would not say what he was thinking. He planted his back against the side opposite and stared into the moonlight glistening off the ice wall, beaming into the trees. “Have your powers returned?”

---