Page 65 of The Anointed's Paladin

“Hold out your hand,” I instructed, flying over to Kaine first. He held his hand out to me, and I wound the intricate ring around his slender finger, adjusting it so it fit perfectly.

I moved to Talon, and he seemed surprised as he held out his hand as well. I wound it around his finger; the dark mirror of Kaine’s.

I nodded as I finished. Now they were both properly mine.

“It’s lovely,” said Talon, smiling down at it.

“I can add some shinies if you like,” I said, suddenly wondering if they were too plain. The ones in books were a lot shinier than these wooden ones.

Kaine was staring at his, twisting it on his finger. I had made it so the inner part slid around the outer; he seemed to like to fiddle with things.

He blinked, looking up. “Rubies, of course,” he said. “But other than that, it’s perfect.”

My perimeter vines trembled.

“Shh.” I landed on the ground and took hold of a vine.

Talon and Kaine froze. It was not a false alarm; we had company.

“There are people nearby,” I said quietly. “Lots. Trying to sneak up on us.”

“How far away? We have time to pack?” asked Talon, already heading for his stuff. I nodded, and he set to work, swinging his prepared bag over his shoulders. He helped Kaine and me as well, neither of us quite as prepared as him. He drew his sword.

“They’re close now,” I said. “We could still run?”

“Fuck, no,” said Kaine. “What we need after today is some therapeutic skull cracking.”

I wrung my hands, torn as Kaine disappeared into the night air. I didn’t know what was therapeutic about rushing into danger. Talon beckoned me over, and I settled on his shoulder, holding on to his horn for support. My heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking.

He breathed out, and warm air swirled around his body as magic infused him. I clung on tight as he leaped up, clearing the rocks with ease and landing next to our would-be ambushers.

They were a group of them, dressed in similar forest-green garb. Locals, likely, though from the weapons they carried, not friendly ones. Perhaps we’d gotten it wrong, and this was all a misunderstanding?

That notion was quickly dispelled as they recovered from the shock of an enferni landing right in front of them. One charged at us with a yell, swinging a long, sharp knife. Fear shot through me as I looked into his eyes and saw nothing except hatred. He wanted to hurt Talon.

I balled my hands into fists, baring my teeth and calling to the forest around me. I wasn’t going to let that happen.

It was on.

29

Wow, he’s scary too?!

Kaine

Irounded the side of the rocks, carefully flanking the ambushers. They were distracted, and I clutched my daggers tightly as I saw Nidori flutter up.

To my surprise, she screeched and dove, her expression feral. A thick root came out of the ground to meet her. She landed and skidded down it, splaying her arms wide and causing vines to erupt from the ground around her, reaching towards the enemies. It was good to see her embrace fighting; that was one less thing for me to worry about.

Two were too slow and got caught, and a third darted backwards, throwing something at Nidori.

Talon was stalking forwards, his eyebrow furrowed and a look of murder in his eyes. His wings cracked open, knocking the small object off course. It hit a tree and burst into flames with a bang. Talon's face darkened, and he let out a roar that seemed to shake the forest floor.

There were a lot of words I’d use to describe Talon: Hot. Strong. Sensible. Shy.

Terrifyingwas not something I’d considered before, but I’d definitely be adding now.

His wings were splayed in an unnerving manner, cresting above him, tattered and battle-worn.

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