Page 37 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

Kaylen scowled and glared, threatening us all.

He was right, except for the last part. I didn’t want to even pretend to want to marry someone who supported games like these. It was sick.

Aelir turned to me, swaying on her feet. “My heart’s still beating,” she whispered. Her smile built slowly until it was as bright as the sun.

Her happiness made me forget about all the bad stuff, and I nodded, trying to communicate back to her while in wolf form.

The air dropped in temperature, reminding me of Elara’s warning. I glanced back just in time to see Kaylen drive a wind blade into Aelir's back.

No!My wolf snarled as unfiltered rage soared through me.

Aelir gasped, and her eyes widened in shock as the weapon punched through her. I charged at Kaylen, sinking my teeth into her right forearm till they hit bone. Then I released her and head-butted her back.

Stumbling, Kaylen screamed as she clutched her forearm. Blood poured from her wound and slipped through her fingers onto the floor.

Then Aelir collapsed, and her pulse weakened.

I had to help her and stop the bleeding, which meant I had to be in human form.

Ignoring the way my body screamed in protest, I yanked my wolf back. The venom seemed to explode through my body, but I didn’t give a damn. I wouldn’t allow Aelir to die alone.

Pain ripped through my joints, and soon I stood naked once more. I dropped to my knees and gathered Aelir into my arms.

Her breaths came shallow. Blood spilled down her back and from the corners of her mouth. She tried to speak but no words formed.

“I’m here,” I murmured, my voice cracking. “Stay with me. Just hold on. We’re still alive. Remember, we won.”

Life began to fade from her emerald eyes.

Tears filled mine, but I blinked them back. I had to get the dagger out of her back so I could stop the bleeding.

ChapterTwelve

Vad

Gritting my jaw so tight that my teeth ached, I lunged forward, but the veil didn’t budgeagain. Intense heat shot through my knuckles, causing the burns to deepen. This time the tops of my hands and my wingtips were impacted. I needed to get in there toher. She’d gotten so injured, and now was mourning the death of another contestant, leaving her back open to Kaylen.

As expected, Kaylen summoned and raised a wind dagger in her uninjured hand and poised to strike Briar.

No.Fate, please don’t let her die. I shoved the black stone railing toward the veil. The stone groaned, but that was all.

Hands blazing with red flames, Quen shouted, “Back off, you fecking bitch!” She stood between Kaylen and Briar, making it clear she would step in to protect Briar.

Thank Fate Briar had saved those women. A little bit of worry lifted from my shoulders, making it slightly easier to breathe.

Myantha crouched on Briar’s left side, placing an arm around Briar’s shoulders. Her lips moved, but all I could distinguish were two words–lightandpassed.

And Briar sobbed, leaning to kiss Aelir’s forehead as one of her hands closed Ailer’s eyes.

“Lower the veil,” I growled. My hands gripped the railing tighter, and magic sizzled over my flesh as I pressed harder against the veil. As much as I fought to hide the desperation in my voice, some likely seeped through. “Lower itnow.”

Vyraetos turned from the gap in the railing to face me. Beneath his dark hood, I glimpsed his withered face. He spoke with the slow tone of an elder lecturing a child. “It cannot be done, Your Highness. Not until the contestants have all been removed. To do so would taint the results. The magic of the arena will draw them back to the Ascension Hall momentarily.”

“Then get them out of there. All of them.” I bit out the words.

My heart ached, wishing I could wrap my arms around Briar and vow that everything would be okay. My wings tightened and flexed, and Silus cleared his throat.

Kaylen snarled, bringing my attention back to the candidates to find her expression twisting.

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