Page 101 of Dark & Dreadful Brutes

I even learned why he’d been so grumpy when we first met—because Gleam hadn’t told him when she slipped away with Ravv in the middle of the night as they headed out to find me. He was angry because he had been worried about her.

Though I laughed inwardly at the story, it occurred to me while he was talking just how similar I was to Ravv’s bonded idorr… and just how similar he was to mine.

I wondered if that might mean something for all of a heartbeat before focusing back on Coarse’s story.

Chapter 22

Laeli

One of the suns had already set, and the other two were going down, when we finally reached the thick crevice that was the entrance to the other city.

“We sent word to warn my parents that I’m bringing fae who may want them dead,” Ravv said into my mind, as the first of our group slid into the crack. “They’ll be waiting at the gates to fight. Stay at the back for your safety; I don’t want you involved.”

I wasn’t going to argue in favor of my fighting abilities, so I nodded.

The fae holding Ria’s body slid down, and Ravv and Gleam followed them.

Though I would’ve hesitated, Coarse slid down behind them.

My stomach jumped into my throat as we launched toward the ground below. My terror was tangible, until we landed smoothly.

Even then, my heart still galloped as my chest rose and fell rapidly. I gripped Coarse’s fur tight enough to be afraid I was hurting him.

“Close your eyes,” Coarse growled into my mind.

I, of course, did the opposite.

My eyes flew open, my head lifting so I could see what was going on.

My heart about stopped altogether when I saw the battle that had broken out in front of the metal gates. A couple fought viciously at the head of the group, and I knew they had to be Ravv’s parents.

Among our people, the fae and idorr seemed to have turned on each other, and I couldn’t tell friend from foe. I caught a flash of Ravv’s face as he launched into the fight, ice claws and sharp shards erupting over his skin. He tore through the warriors with ferocity, working with some of them to kill others. I had no idea how he could tell the good ones from the bad ones, though I assumed he’d been filled in on which were most suspected to be working with the cult.

“Let me get down, and you can fight too,” I whispered to Coarse.

“No.” His voice was calmer than expected. “The king and my mate have it handled.”

The words stunned me, but we stayed where we were.

I watched the fighting fae fall one by one, until Ravv stood in a group of those he must’ve trusted, with his parents behind him. His chest rose and fell quickly as his gaze scanned the faces of those left alive.

Finally, his eyes landed on one last man.

The man took a step backward—and then took a final strangled breath before my king tore his throat out with his clawed hand.

The contents of my stomach nearly came back up.

I covered my mouth, refusing to acknowledge the nausea. It was hard for me to face violence, but I knew Ravv was keeping his people safe.

Keeping me safe.

Given the opportunity, that man he killed would’ve likely killed me too.

The gore was still difficult to see, though.

“Someone grab the body,” Ravv commanded.

I itched to ask him what had happened and how the battle broke out, but I knew the time wasn’t right.

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