Page 51 of A Reign of Malice
My wolf howls inside me, his presence no longer faint or fading. He’s back. Stronger, aware, and ready for battle.
I don’t question whether this was Aurora’s gift or my own fury reviving him. Though, I do test this new feeling.
His essence expands through my chest, up my arms, and down my legs. I tighten my fingers into fists and without thinking of the potential consequences, I call my wolf to the surface and pull on my chains.
Once, twice, and then…freedom.
My shackles break, and I stumble forward. The water pricks at my skin, angry that I’ve summoned my wolf’s power, but there’s no stopping me.
I trudge forward, hauling myself onto the rocks, then have to yank my legs up the rest of theway as my pants get snagged. My chest heaves once I’m out of the harrowing trench, but there’s a smile on my face.
Aurora might’ve left me here, but for the first time in centuries, I can breathe.
And when I do, I taste vengeance in the air.
Tomorrow, Aeson’s reign ends.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
SLOANE
Aeson doesn’t show for breakfast the next morning. That alone is enough to make my stomach twist into knots. Every bite of food I force down is like ash on my tongue. His absence isn’t a relief, it’s a warning. Aeson thrives on control, on appearances, on his ability to loom over me like a storm cloud ready to strike. Him missing is far worse than him sitting across the table with that smug, predatory smile.
“Clara, go check the lower levels,”I whisper through our mind-link, trying to keep the tension from my voice even though my heart’s hammering like a war drum.“Make sure Aeson’s not near the runed door, or worse.”
The thought of him going to Julian, of him doing something permanent to my mate before we can free him makes bile rise in my throat.
Clara’s answer comes quickly, but there’s a thin edge to her tone.“I’m on it.”
I trust her, but her assistance doesn’t settle my nerves.
Dasha promised she wouldn’t report what we did last night, but even that assurance came with conditions. Shemade it clear her loyalty isn’t to me or to Aeson. It’s to her own survival, to the safety of her brother, who’s still tangled in Aeson’s web. If the cost of keeping her sibling alive is selling us out, she will.
And I can’t even blame her for it.
I want to swear off drinking with Estee and Isla, to promise myself I’ll never get that sloppy again, but that would be a lie. Last night was the first time I’ve felt like myself in months. The first time I wasn’t drowning in responsibility and fear, and if I get through this, I’ll do it again. Only next time, Clara’s coming too.
But first, I have to make sure we get through these next two days.
Tomorrow, at dawn, the bonding ceremony begins. Less than twenty-four hours until I’m supposed to be bound to Aeson, my soul tethered to his. Unless I find a way to stop it. Less than a day to either kill him, imprison him, or somehow take control of my own fate.
It feels impossible, like standing at the base of a crumbling mountain with nothing but my bare hands attempting to hold it all together. Abandoning this place would be the smart move. I could run to Polaris or Selaris, claim sanctuary with Isla or Estee, but my pack and Julian…they’d all be left behind.
I can’t leave without my mate. And I can’t lead without my people. So the only path to take is forward.
Clara’s voice cuts back into my mind, soft but reassuring. “The area around the painting is clear. No sign of anyone tampering with it.”
Relief flows through me, though it’s thin and fleeting.“Did Dasha clean up the mess?”I wince at the question. It’s humiliating enough that I puked all over her shoes, butleaving behind a physical trail that could lead straight to Julian’s prison? I should’ve handled it myself.
“The area is spotless now, so someone did at least and no signs that anything was disturbed.”Clara pauses.“Though, I didn’t linger. I didn’t want to draw attention.”
“Smart,”I reply. “Do you think it’s safe enough for us to head into the market today? I’d like to check on the new pup and his mother.”
My heart and mind might be fully focused on Julian, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forsaken my pack. I still want to be there for them as much as I’m capable of right now.
Clara’s answering smile comes through the link, even if I can’t see it. “I was hoping you’d say that. Let’s make it look like you’re playing the gracious queen-to-be, hosting your guests and mingling with the people. That should ease some suspicion.”
I glance across the breakfast table at Isla and Estee, both glow as if last night’s chaos never happened. Though, their mates sitting beside them are looking more tense than relaxed. Theo’s piercing gaze scans the room as though expecting an ambush, while Asher’s jaw works tightly, his hand constantly resting on Isla’s wrist like he’s anchoring himself to her.
