Page 81 of The Fated and the Damned
The muscles in my arms suddenly released and, without hesitation, I ripped the crown from my skull, hurling the damned thing away from me. All at once, the power sucked back in on itself and the battlefield fell silent.
My legs gave out and I fell into Dante’s arms. He grabbed me, cradling my head against his chest as we both gasped for air.
“By all the gods,” András whispered from somewhere close by, but I only had eyes for Dante.
He stroked my face, kissing and squeezing me as if afraid to let me go.
“You saved me,” I croaked, letting myself slump further in his embrace and looking up at him.
He smiled, two dimples winking at me, melting my damn heart. Gods, I was the luckiest woman alive to have this man.
“No, Freckles,” he said, leaning forward and kissing me tenderly, his mouth lingering for a while before he pulled back. “You saved me. You saved us all.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
Dante
Forawhilewejust sat and held each other, both too shocked to move. The agony caused by the crown had faded, but a dull ache still throbbed in my veins, like poison pumping through my body.
Seeing her screaming, her body bending and breaking, had snapped something inside of me. I would never forget the look on her face—defeated resignation. I never wanted to see it again and, hopefully, I would never have to.
András joined our group huddle and Kitarni chuckled as he nuzzled into us, pulling Lukasz in too, his arms wrapping around us hesitantly. I knew our soldiers awaited us, not to mention a certain horseman, but for now the contact was grounding, reminding me of what we had achieved.
All that was missing was a certain black-haired seer and a kind and gentle sister. My heart ached with grief for those we’d lost but, right now, I could only focus on the living. As we pulled apart, rising to our feet, we stared at the ravaged field lined with bodies, then at the rows of men and women waiting beyond.
I untied the pouch at Kitarni’s waist, walked to the crown and cautiously slipped it into the bag. No way was I touching that hateful thing after the damage it had wrought. If I could destroy it here and now, I would do so without hesitation. Of course, that would only cause further problems with the man downstairs.
Sighing, I turned, stretching my arm out to my wife as she approached, her eyes narrowed on the bag at my waist. Kitarni took my hand gently and, slowly, we walked towards our people and the future beyond. When we reached the front lines, they started cheering, hugging each other and celebrating our victory.
And then they did something I hadn’t expected. Lukasz and András joined the masses, turning to face us, a smile on each of their faces. András lifted his arms, beckoning for quiet, and the soldiers fell silent, leaving nothing but the sound of our banners rippling in the wind.
He bent the knee, bowing his head in reverence. “All hail the Wolfblood Witch. Our lady and saviour.”
The army followed suit and I held my breath as line after line of táltosok and witch alike bowed before Kitarni. “Hail! Hail! Hail!”
Lukasz looked up, his brown eyes swimming with pride, a lopsided grin on his face. “Long live the lord and lady of Mistvellen.”
My people echoed the call riotously. The sound made my heart soar, my bones singing with joy. I glanced at Kitarni, finding her smiling with tears in her eyes, and I squeezed her hand, letting her know I was here.Always.
Her hand squeezed back and I wrapped my arm around her waist, tugging her to me. She rolled her eyes as if to say ‘possessive táltos’ and I grinned, going one step further and kissing her passionately in front of our people. She might be lady of Mistvellen, but she would always bemy lady.
Red light filtered over the horizon and I looked to the sunrise, breathing in the new day. The gates beyond the army creaked open and streams of women, children and the elderly came running out, curiosity on their faces.
When all were gathered, I smiled at my people, taking the time to look at as many faces as I could.
“The Dark Queen is dead. Our enemies are vanquished. We stand victorious in the absence of tyranny, but we lost many in the fight. My father, the lord of Mistvellen, is dead. And so begins a new age for Mistvellen. An age where covens and clans can prosper on these lands together.” I looked to Kitarni, who nodded, realising where my speech was heading.
She lifted her chin, giving an air of queenly authority as she spoke. “No longer will witches in my coven remain separated from their loved ones. Where you go is your choice. Mistvellen welcomes all witches and clansmen, all races and stations. This I swear to you.”
The cheers were deafening as families embraced, lovers kissed and friends clapped each other on the back. How had anyone ever thought to enforce such archaic constructs? We were stronger together. Witch and táltos. Allies for eternity.
“Today, we offer respect to the fallen. At dusk, we shall light the bonfires for their passing and tonight, we give thanks to our friends and allies. Let us celebrate our victory with a feast and honour the warriors who made it so.”
I turned to Kitarni, finding her haunted eyes glued to the hillside. I cursed internally, jerking my chin at my brothers, who nodded and took off without needing explanation. What remained of Nora and the others were still staked there and I’d be damned if I let the crows feed on their flesh.
“Freckles,” I said gently, lifting her chin with my finger. “Look at me.”
She blinked rapidly, wiping her dirty cheeks, her eyes slowly rising to meet my own. “Is it really over?”
