Page 26 of Forged By Heart and Claws
Vad stopped at my side and pressed a hand to his wound.
Silus pointed a trembling hand toward Elara. “If she dies because of you, I swear, by everything I am, I’ll spend the rest of eternity making you pay."
My blood warmed at that threat. How dare he threaten his king and my mate!
Vad’s face paled, and his silver-gray eyes blazed.If he doesn’t shut up, Iwillintervene.
“Fecking void, Silus!” Thalen jumped to his feet, his voice sharp with disbelief. “Are you trying to die?”
Myantha turned away, covering her face. Veralt raised an unimpressed brow, and Rhielle rocked back on her heels.
“Vad.” The ragged whisper came from Elara, who stirred weakly on the mat.
Not moving his hand from Elara’s arm, Vyraetos frowned.
My pulse raced faster. Now he was even upsetting Elara. Something had to give.
“What the hell are you attacking him for, idiot?” Quen’s voice cracked like one of her fire whips.
Vad's breaths were shallow, each inhale hissing through clenched teeth. "Silus—" He ground out.
I launched myself forward, my bloodstained wedding gown tangling around my legs. My shoulder slammed into Silus’s side, driving him into the wooden floor with athud.
Before he could recover, my hand was at his throat, my fingers locked around the soft flesh beneath his jaw, my face inches from his with my teeth bared.
A low growl vibrated in my chest, my wolf surging beneath my skin.
How dare he lay hands on Vad! The man who’d saved all of us and led us through hell. And he called himself his friend?
If I didn’t know how much Elara loved Silus....
"Touch him again,” I snarled, tightening my grip just enough to restrict his movement, “and I'll rip your throat out."
Silus's eyes widened, his hands flying up to claw at my grip. His pulse hammered beneath my fingers while his breath came in strangled gasps. The acrid scent of his fear and shock filled my nostrils.
I didn’t let go. "He’s your king and your friend. He doesnotdeserve this betrayal.
"You’ve made it clear you want Elara to live, which we all want as well, but right now, you’re the one getting in the way.” My voice dropped to a dangerous low. “You want someone to blame? Fine. Blame the people who attacked us. Blame the traitors. Blame whoever orchestrated this.” I snarled. “But don’t youdareblame the man who’s been fighting beside us to keep everyone alive.”
I released him and stepped back, my hands trembling at my sides.
Silus slumped against the door, coughing, rubbing his throat. His eyes flicked from me to Vad, his fire dulled but not gone.
The room had fallen silent, everyone frozen in place as they watched us.
"We've already lost Velessa and Yuki." The words felt like sandpaper against my throat. "And that was after Vad and Elara lost their father, King Merrick.” My voice cracked. “So many have died.”
I met each of their gazes, one by one. “If we fall apart now, we hand themeverything. The throne. The realm. Our lives. Fighting each other only makes their job easier.”
Silus bowed his head but didn’t look away. A hint of something passed through his eyes. Respect? Guilt? Both?
He straightened his surcoat and lifted his chin. “As you say, Your Majesty.”
Vad stepped beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder with a comforting buzz. A slow, approving thrum pulsed through ourbond, deeper than words, rising above the pain and anger still roiling in him.
“The last thing we need is to turn on one another,” he said, voice level but firm. His gaze locked on Silus. “After we reclaim the palace and everyone we care for is safe, if you still have grievances, we can settle them formally. Duel, if we must. But until then…” His wings flared behind him, his body still taut with pain, but he didn’t flinch. “Channel your rage toward the oneshuntingus.
“But if you ever lay a hand on Briar, even raise your voice to her, I’ll end you where you stand.”
