Page 66 of Forged By Heart and Claws
CHAPTER 15
Vad
Idrew Briar behind me and flared my wings in warning. To my right, a narrow crack split the stone wall—just wide enough for one person to fit through. From its shadows, a guard stepped into view. Leather armor clung to his frame, streaked with blood and torn with what looked like bite marks. His gloved hand gripped a lowered sword.
“Your Majesty?” he called, voice cautious. “Do you and the queen require assistance?”
My nostrils flared. He was saying the right things, but I didn’t trust him. Not after the betrayals that had driven us into the underground tunnels of the palace, into the waiting jaws of shadow beasts.
This could be a trap,Briar linked, exhaustion and strain weighing on our connection.
My blood warmed to an uncomfortable level without the restraint of my cold shadow magic. The thought of us being attacked with Briar in this situation was worrying, especially if there were more than a few guards.
He might be alone, or he could be bait. I couldn’t afford to guess wrong. Not with Briar trembling behind me.
Can you still tell if he’s lying?I stood in front of her, ready to rip out his throat.
Briar hesitated.Lie to me.
My head jerked so I could look at her over my shoulder.What?
My wolf feels distant. She’s how I can tell if someone is lying. I need to make sure I can still tell.
It took me a moment to think of what to say as a lie.You are an Ignis Fae and your hair is pink. Also, I don’t ever want to meet your family.
Her features twisted, her nose wrinkling.I can still tell. It’s not as strong as usual, but you do stink.A faint smile touched her lips despite everything.Ask him whatever you want. I’ve got your back.She stepped up beside me, leaning into me for support.
Pride and fear warred in my chest. I could still feel the pain the Guardian Shadow Beast had put her through. But she chose to stand with me. My warrior and mate.
The guard edged farther into the cavern. “Your Majesties?” His voice shook. “I swear—I am no threat to either of you.”
I lifted my chin. “Are you in league with anyone who wishes harm on my queen?”
“No, Your Majesty. I swear it.” He dropped to one knee. “Captain Finbar has sent scouts like me to find you. He’s taken control of one of the lower barracks. He has resources and information about what’s happening in the palace. And above all else, he remains loyal to your bloodline and queen.” The guard bowed his head. “Whatever proof you require, I’ll give it.”
He isn’t lying.Then Briar spoke aloud. “Do you mean any harm to King Vad?” She nudged my arm lightly, causing her legs to tremble.You can’t just ask if he means to hurt me. Your life matters too.
I bit back the smile rising to my lips. Even now, bruised and burned, she was fierce.
The guard shook his head. “I give you my solemn word that I mean no harm to King Vad. I am in service to both of you. There are still a handful of us left.”
He’s telling…the truth.Briar winced, tucking her burning wrists against her chest while hiding the pain from the man before us.
My frown deepened. The link hadn’t faltered before. Either something had shifted, or I was imagining things. Regardless, I couldn’t ignore the ache of what the Guardian Shadow Beast had put her through. I braced my hands on my belt. “And Captain Finbar wants us to follow you?”
Briar’s hand caught my arm before I could take another step. She linked,What about the others? Where are they? What if they’ve run out of oil, or the water keeps rising?
The sharp weight of her worry pressed into me through the bond, tightening around my chest. Her voice didn’t shake, but her fear bled through every word.
I turned to face her and placed my hand over hers.Elara, Vyraetos, Veralt, and Rhielle can see in the dark. We’d moved through the worst of the narrowing passage, and Elara, Thalen, and Silus know the way. The best we can do now is get supplies and information. If we reach the vesting chamber and they’re not there, we act. But believe me when I say that I trust Silas and Thalen to find a way to get them all to safety.
Her lips trembled, and her fingers curled tighter.All right. Of course I trust you.
Stay on guard. This one is telling the truth, but the others could have lied to him.
The guard hesitated at the entrance he’d come through, his hand resting on the wall like he could sense the tension behindhim. “Your Majesties?” His voice was careful. “Is anything wrong?”
“No,” I said, keeping my tone clipped. “Lead the way. Quickly.” I took Briar’s hand.
