Page 73 of Emylia

I will protect her.

“I can help.” The words whooshed from me with a weight that would crush bone.

My need to take action demanded me to listen, this is why I trained so damn hard. So, I could protect the people I loved. What was the point if my uncle forbade me?

Before I had a chance to argue, my mother’s frantic voice silenced us. “There’s someone here.”

Sebastian and I both stopped moving, stopped breathing. We stood still, listening to the silence beyond the walls–ears straining for something, anything.

Every creak, every shift in the wind felt like a warning. We weren’t just waiting for noise–we were waiting for the kind that meant danger. That something didn’t belong.

Something… wrong.

The dagger was in my hand in a heartbeat, but I wasn’t sure it would be enough. I swept my gaze across the entryway, not for comfort–but for something sharp, heavy, or breakable. Anything I could use as a weapon, if it came to that.

There was a wooden table on one side with a bronze figurine of Ryker, the Goddess of the rivers and the winding paths of this world. If I had to, I’d make the Goddess into a lethal weapon.

My eyes drifted further, catching sight of a dagger mounted on the wall, another weapon in my arsenal, if I needed. Both weapons were within reach if necessary, at least for someone with my skillset.

A hallway led out from one side of the room, but it was dark, and no candles were lit anywhere else in the house save the entry. If luck was on our side we would only be attacked from the front door, but if we were ambushed from the back as well, I’d be ready.

Without asking, Sebastian stepped in front of me, protecting me with his entire being.

Jackass.

“I can look after myself.” I spat.

“Not going to happen.”

Graceful steps carried my mother to the front window; judiciously, she peered through the window before taking a relieved breath. “It’s fine. It’s Thrainn.”

Sebastian visibly relaxed, crossing his arms over his chest as Thrainn stormed inside.

My uncle was a broody force, all dark, lugubrious features as he studied his wife, his daughters and finally me—making sure there wasn’t a single scratch on us.

I stepped forward, fixing him with a gaze that could melt stone. “Seriously?”

He ignored my comment. “The man is a wounded villager from Mera. They were attacked.”

My blood ran cold. “What?”

“I’ve sent out scouts. No one leaves this room until I know it’s safe.” Thrainn exchanged a look with my mother. “Triska and the girls will stay here with you, Sebastian. I’ve assembled an entourage to keep you safe. Do not leave the house.” Thrainn turned, not bothering to cast me a second glance.

“I can help,” I said again.

He ignored me, making his way to the door.

Sprinting to catch up, I grabbed his hand. “Please,” I implored.

Thrainn whipped on me so fast, I stumbled backward. Thick hands grasped my shoulders, his eyes leveling with mine; I could see frustration and weariness in the dark depths of his eyes.

“And what are you going to do, Emylia? Break the law in front of a search party? Show the entire town that I do not respect our laws, even with my own kin? It is time to stop being a child and start understanding your role in this world.”He let out a harsh breath, realizing that his words would wound me deeply.

“I promised I’d protectyou.” Obsidian eyes swam with grief so deep that it caressed the wound he opened in me. “Do not make me break my promise.” His voice was a low growl. The venom in his eyes sent a chill through me.

Frozen by the weight of his stare, I caved. “Fine, I’ll stay here.” I seethed.

“Sebastian, show Maalikai around, he’s going to help you in here.” With that, he stepped to the side, allowing entrance to someone else.

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