I brace for her response. Because I fucked up at the griefwood and I said things I can’t take back. I’ve manipulated her, cut her open, hurt her. And I’m undeserving.

But she just says, very quietly, “I’m his.”

And that…

Fuck.

I think I could live and die and resurrect in the space between those words. I think I could make religions out of the way her mouth shapes them.

Theodora only nods. “While I appreciate the help, Wolf, this presents a new set of political headaches—”

A spike of agony lances through my skull. I hiss through my teeth—I can’t hold Alexios off much longer.

The princess’ expression sharpens. “Go,” she says. “I’ll handle things here. If my sister gets so much as a scratch from you, I’ll rip my way into your realm and tear you apart myself. We clear?”

I nod. “I protect what’s mine. You have my word.”

Then, because I’m nothing if not a gracious guest, I stretch my power through the courtyard, seeking the dead. Magic shimmers down my outstretched hand, and every body littering the courtyard—except Idris—bursts into white-gold flame, immolating down to the bone in a matter of moments until only ash remains.

“A parting favor,” I tell Theodora. “To minimize the mess. Left you the asshole for the pyre.”

The flat look she serves me could strip paint. “This is still a mess. One I’ll have to clean up while you fly off into the sunset.” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “Just go, Wolf. Keep her safe.”

OceanofPDF.com

42

BRYONY

EVANDER ANGLES US into a slow, circling descent about an hour outside of Hellevig. The ground rushes up, resolving into a small clearing nestled in the forest. He lands hard, the impact jarring through me.

“A little gentler on the landing next time?” I mutter as I extricate myself from his grip. “Before you rattle my bones right out of my—”

The words wither as I turn to face him. Blood streaks his face, leaking from his eyes, nose, and ears.

“You’re bleeding,” I breathe, reaching for him.

Evander captures my wrist. “It looks worse than it is.”

He’s lying. It takes severe damage to make an Eternal bleed like this.

“Are you dying? Be honest with me.”

A mirthless chuckle barks out of him. “No. I’m receiving a lesson in obedience.”

My brows squeeze together. “Alexios isn’t taking kindly to your rebellion, is he?”

“Oh, he’s delighted. My organs are currently liquefying themselves in celebration.” With a wince, Evander sinks down onto a nearby rock, his wings settling around him. “Now then.” He pats his thigh. “You’re hurt, and I’d like to put my favorite mortal back together again while I’m still coherent.”

His favorite mortal. I almost sneer at him, remembering his words to his brother. She’s a nice piece of ass to enjoy while I’m bored.

Right. I’m sure I’ve been the most entertaining plaything he’s had in ages. Definitely the only one who’s never put up with his shit.

I level him with a flat stare. “I don’t want you healing me. Not when you’re like this.”

“I’ve had a few centuries to get good at compartmentalizing the pain when Alexios yanks the leash. Get your ass over here.”

My nails bite into my palms. It’s a physical ache, this need to crawl into his lap and bury my face in the warm crook of his neck. To breathe him in until he’s the only thing in my head.

But he’s just a god mending his favorite fuck-toy.

“Quick and impersonal,” I force out.

And just like that, the warmth that had crept into his features disappears, replaced by the cold, unreadable mask of the Wolf. “Fine.”

I lower myself onto his thighs and brace for the onslaught.

His magic sinks into me, seeking out all the contusions with unerring precision. But it’s brisk, perfunctory—a dispassionate mending stripped of gentleness. In and out and done.

The space between our bodies becomes an ocean of distance. An expanse where fragile, impossible things curl in on themselves and quietly wither.

But then, I always knew how this story ended: in blood and destruction. I thought I was so careful. That I’d shored up the crumbling walls of my stupid, stubborn heart. Sealed all the stress fractures and boarded up the rotting doors. That I wouldn’t let the Wolf tunnel through my armor and take up residence in the rubble.

I miscalculated. Let him past my guard to burrow where soft girls keep their dreams and tender hopes.

Because I caught feelings for the beautiful knife destined for my back.

It was all a game she thought she could win.

I flinch at the memory of Evander’s words. Because I forgave him at the griefwood, but it still stings. I wonder if this is what lunacy feels like. Wanting something so desperately even as you understand, intimately, the shape of its ending.

And stupidly wanting it anyway.

When Evander’s power finishes knitting me together and withdraws, I lunge off his lap. “Thank you for playing along in Hellevig. For holding me and making it convincing. I know it was to placate Theodora, but I-I’m enforcing your end of our bargain. You promised me a head start, and I intend to use it.”

To wallow and prepare myself for heartbreak.

I turn on my heel, gravel crunching beneath my boots. Already seeking the winding deer trail out of this copse. I don’t know where I’m going, and I don’t care. Just away.

But Evander’s voice yanks me up short. “I wasn’t playing along.”

The world goes still like the charged hush before a storm. My heart slams against my ribs.

“Nothing I said or did in Hellevig was for your sister’s benefit.” His voice is quieter now, almost… hesitant. As if he’s tasting the shape of his confession. “I held you because I needed to touch you. Because I was losing my mind after you left.” An uneven exhale leaves him. “My mother’s roses are dead. Just up and withered. Because the realm knows what I’ve been too craven to admit.”

No.

He doesn’t get to do this after shattering me into so many pieces. He doesn’t get to demolish what’s left. Fuck him.

“I heard you the other night,” I say, keeping my tone even, “with your brother. You were very clear about what I am to you.” I glance over my shoulder at him, my fingers flexing. Control, Bryony. “So you can save the mind games. I won’t fight you in the end. I’ll let you take your vengeance as neatly as possible, but I’m asking you not to make it hurt more. If I’ve made you feel even an ounce of compassion, give me that much.”

I’ve never seen so much quiet devastation in his face before. “Alexios lets Bastien off the leash for a few hours each centennial,” he says quietly. “With him at full power, there wasn’t a damn thing I could have done to stop him from killing you. So, I had to be what my brother needed to see. I had to—” His jaw flexes. “I had to lie to us both.”

The ache in my chest gives a vicious squeeze. “Why are you doing this? Is this another game? One final twist of the knife?”

He closes the distance between us, caging me against the trunk of a tree. “If this is another game, then I’m admitting defeat. I’m telling you that you’ve won.” His head dips, lips grazing my cheek. “Nemesis. I’m telling you that I’ve fallen wretchedly, stupidly in love with—”

“Stop. Please, don’t.” I can’t breathe around the pressure in my throat. I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting for balance.

But Evander grazes my jaw, his touch unbearably tender. As if I’m precious. Cherished. “Look at me.”

“Ishkah. I can’t.” Hot tears streak down my cheeks.