Page 118 of Oath of War
A sharp gasp was the only warning I received before Annika’s eyes snapped open, the golden ring around her irises identicalto mine. She screamed, wrapping her arms around me as she buried her face in the crook of my neck.
‘I don’t want to die ... I don’t want to ... I’m not ready. Please, let me go ... Please, I can’t leave them ...’ she cried out, frantically clawing at my chest. I was sure Ani didn’t realise she was back with us.
‘You’re safe,’ I whispered, stroking her hair gently as I tried to calm the tremors that wracked her body. ‘Listen to me, my love. You’re safe. No one will take you away.’
After several gasping sobs, she finally spoke again, her voice clearer this time. ‘How?’
‘It was a joint effort, but ... Annika, I used your geas. Forgive me, please, but—’
‘You used my geas?’ she croaked.
I crushed her to my chest. ‘You were dead. You were fucking dead. I want you to know the truth, but I would use it again and again if it brings you back to me. You can be mad, but I have no regrets,’ I said vehemently, waiting for her punishing response.
She cupped my face in her hands, her gaze steady. ‘Orm, fuck the geas. I’m back.’ She threw her head back and laughed.
The gentleness of her touch and the unbridled joy in her laughter shattered my control. I buried my face in her hair, and sobs shook my body, releasing all the pent-up fear and despair.
‘Yes, fuck the geas, Nivale. Fuck everything except us,’ I replied, knowing I should release her and let Alaric and Vahin reunite with the divine creature we’d saved, but I couldn’t make my arms loosen their grip.
‘Take your time, Orm. I can feel her deep in my soul. I can see her joy. That is enough for me. But your fae ... he needs her, too.’
Before Vahin had finished the thought, I reached out, grabbing Alaric’s jacket and yanking him over. I couldn’t let Ani go, not yet, but it didn’t mean I would make him wait.
‘If you ever dare to die on me again, I swear I will revive your corpse and turn you into a fucking lich,’ he muttered, kissing her neck.
I rolled my eyes. ‘Mind your manners, fae. We’re surrounded by dead people,’ I joked, the relief flooding me making my voice lighter than usual.
‘So?’ Alaric shrugged, grinning. ‘I’m a necromancer. Dead people are the spice of my life.’
Annika slapped him playfully before turning towards Vahin, her gaze softening as she took in the sorry state of our dragon. She was still for a moment before she lunged at him, and I had no choice but to let her go.
She slammed into Vahin, wrapping her arms around his neck. ‘I heard you. Your voice was calling to me in the darkness. The golden thread that tethered me ... It was you, wasn’t it? How did you do it?’ she asked, placing a hand on her chest.
‘I gave you a dragon’s final gift,’ he answered softly. ‘Your life is now tied to mine. We will live, and live well, for a very long time. And when the time comes to cross the Veil, we will go together. I am no longer immortal, Little Flame. I have chosen my last rider.’ He glanced at me with a wry smile. ‘I’m afraid you were also caught in the spell, as it extends to anyone bound to the dragon who grants it.’
If I thought I couldn’t have been happier, Vahin had proved me wrong. Now I knew I wouldn’t be the first to say my goodbyes to those I loved. Looking between Vahin and me, Annika must have sensed the dragon’s contentment, for she didn’t question him further. Instead, her gaze drifted to where Valaram sat, slumped against a wall, a faint smile still on his lips.
‘He fought for you,’ Alaric said quietly. ‘He could have healed himself, but with his last breath, he thwarted my sister. I was wrong, Domina. He was worthy of you.’
Bowing his head, Ari’s remorse was evident as he approached the fallen fae. ‘Thank you for your help, my lord. May the Dark Mother be merciful to you, too.’
Annika joined him, but instead of kneeling, she moved to Valaram’s side, her hand stroking his face, avoiding the half-healed cut on his throat.
‘I’m sorry, Val,’ she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. ‘You were my best friend during the most difficult time. I wish I could have loved you like you wanted me to, but my heart was already taken.’ She kissed his forehead, her tears falling quietly as she whispered her goodbyes.
When the sounds of the fight disturbed the silence, Alaric helped Annika to her feet, and they joined me.
‘We won,’ Annika murmured, almost to herself. ‘But at what cost?’
‘I know, sweetheart, but maybe now we won’t need to fight again,’ I said, stepping in front of her just before Reynard and his men charged inside and skidded to a halt.
1.I unbound the essence of your power.
2.Rule by your heart.
A month after the final battle
My mind wandered as I sat on the windowsill, watching the dragons soar and dip in a beautiful dance of joyous celebration. Agnes was plaiting my hair, but I hardly registered her brushing and gentle handling, sitting as still as a doll.
