Soulbound

I stared at him, shaking. Darius had Jacob. The man who murdered Brar in front of me and laughed about it had my brother.

And then I was moving, running outside the cave, calling for Arkon. We had to get out of here. I had to get to him before that bastard hurt him-

Grayson grabbed me from behind, hauling my feet off the ground. I kicked and screamed in his grasp, desperate to escape, but he was so damned strong and had a grip like a basilisk. Arkon swooped down, landing so suddenly the ground shook and threatened to knock us off our feet. His roar vibrated through our bones. “Release her, Slayer!”

Anna rushed to stand between us and Arkon and held a hand up to him. “Stand down, Arkon! Grayson's not going to hurt her.”

How could she take his side? She loved my brother almost as much as I did. How could she just stand there and do nothing while Grayson refused to let me go?

Feeling like a fool for forgiving her so quickly after the first time she betrayed me, I rammed my elbow into his ribs, stepped back, then threw him over my shoulder. He lay on his back, momentarily stunned I’d been able to overpower him. To be honest, I was a little stunned too, but I didn’t let it stop me and ran for Arkon.

With cobra-like reflexes, Grayson grabbed my foot, tripping me. He climbed on top of me and held my hands above my head. “I’m sorry,” he repeated over and over again. “I’m sorry, Eva.” I didn’t care for his apologies and tried to kick him; his legs were quick to pin mine down. With him flush against me, there wasn’t anything I could do to escape. “Eva, I know you want to save Jacob, but this isn’t the way to do it.” His voice was soft, like he thought if he was calm, it might calm me down. Like hell it would. I tried to headbutt him, but he dodged it in time. “Eva, please.”

“Get. Off. Me!”

What the hell was wrong with these people? Even Arkon had stopped fighting and sat solemnly beside Aster and Eran, watching me struggle.

“Help me!” I cried to anyone who would listen. “We have to save him. I-I can’t lose anyone else. Please don’t let my brother die.” I broke into a sobbing mess, but I was nowhere near done. If no one would help me, I’d save my brother by myself. I focused on my magic, on the static in the clouds above us. They rolled in darker than before, with a vengeance.

“That’s enough!” Sasha barked, coming to our side. “Eva, if you don’t get a hold of yourself, I will!”

“Then do it!” I screamed, almost begged. There was no chance in hell of gaining control. I didn’t want to hurt anyone, but I couldn’t stop myself. He was my brother, my blood, the last of everything I had. I couldn’t lose him, especially not to Darius.

She kicked the side of my head. A white light flashed in front of my eyes before everything around me grew dark and hazy. I was only vaguely aware of Grayson releasing his grasp from me to attack Sasha.

Now that I’d lost connection with the magic in the air, the clouds began to slip away, opening the sky up to the vibrant blue blanket and relentless heat of the sun. The sudden brightness stung my eyes, making me cringe into myself with a groan.

After tossing a few curses at her, Grayson came to my side again, cupping my face. “Eva? Can you hear me?” His hand was so soft against my skin. I hummed at the sensation of his touch-

My head throbbed angrily. I groaned from the pain, trying to reach for my head, but Grayson took hold of my hands gently, placing them at my sides. He lifted me up into his arms and walked over to the ocean; he went waist deep and held me while his magic swirled around me. The throb slowly faded away and everything slowly began to swim back into focus. I watched as the cut on his head closed shut. I couldn’t help reaching up to the side of his face to make sure the wound was gone.

He smiled weakly at me, eyes as dark as the storm clouds I’d summoned only moments ago. “How does your head feel, Eva?”

With the whirlwind of emotions stampeding through my mind, all I could utter was a dazed response, “It-it’s fine.”

“You’re sure?” His thumb brushed over my forehead and temple where Sasha had kicked me, checking for any bumps. The gentle touch made my heart flutter, which didn’t help with the torrent of emotions I was struggling with. I wanted to be angry and upset, but I had completely melted in his hands and could only feel like a giddy ball of mush.

My head bobbed up and down uselessly.

“Good. We’ll head back to Dragon Canyon at first light then I’ll bring Jacob home to you. I promise.”

That was one slap to the face I wasn’t ready for. All the anger and hurt I’d felt earlier came flooding back in. “What? No, Grayson, we have to get him now. It takes three days to get back--it took you three days to get here! Darius isn’t patient, if we don’t-”

“Eva,” he said sternly, holding me more firmly, “it’s going to be all right. I’ll make sure Jacob comes home to you. Okay?” He made it sound like once I got to the base, I wasn’t going anywhere.

“We’ll go back to the base with you,” Annalyse agreed, because I wasn’t saying anything. The look in her eyes told me she was going to make damned sure that we got back to Dragon Canyon--where it was safe and far, far away from Prince Darius--in one piece and that we weren’t leaving until Hargin gave us the all clear.

“Fine,” I lied. It was clear I couldn’t escape when their guard was up; I had to wait until they were confident I’d obey them, then when they were sleeping, Arkon and I were leaving. Darius wanted me and me alone. I could only hope he’d give up Jacob if I did show up. Though, a part of me knew he wouldn’t. He was an evil, conniving monster; he didn’t have a merciful bone in his body. The first chance he got, he’d kill Jacob. I just hoped that I could kill him first.

“Good.” Satisfied that I was at least cooperating for now, Grayson set me on my feet. He offered me a hand to balance against the vicious waves; I took it only so I didn’t make a fool of myself in front of our audience on the beach. Sasha’s followers had come to check out the commotion I’d caused; I’m sure it’d be good gossip for them later.

As soon as we hit the sandy shores, I dropped Grayson’s hand and marched straight for the cave. Everyone’s eyes were on me, watching, waiting for me to make a run for it. Silently, I tucked into my tent and changed out of my wet clothes. When I stepped out, everyone had gone back to doing their evening routine, preparing for dinner.

The fire was large enough for Sasha’s followers to sit around it. We usually sat with everyone on the makeshift cushions laying around. Once they discovered my hunting skills, they were quite eager to welcome me to their group; tonight, they had a spit with one of the big lizards I’d caught early this morning. It took a while for me to figure out how to hunt the animals here, but I soon discovered that the lizards couldn’t move as quickly during the freezing temperatures at night.

Ed and Abana, a talented couple, played a string instrument they called a chelys, which was made from a tortoise shell, two sticks, and strings they’d bartered for from a vendor of rare, special goods in the Under City. Annalyse approached them and exchanged a few words I couldn’t hear from across the fire. She often sang for the people of Storm Cove; some nights people from the Under City came to listen. Usually, an audience put a smile on her face, but tonight her eyes were dark, her lips pressed in a taut line.

The musical couple changed their tune to something slow and melancholic. Anna shut her eyes, getting lost in the melody, then she began to sing,

"In the midst of war’s thunderous roar,

I long for you to come home once more.

With every step you take on foreign ground,

My heart yearns for the moment you’ll be found.

I close my eyes and see your face,

A beacon of hope in this barren place.

With every breath, I pray for your safe return,

And for the day when we’ll no longer yearn.

The nights are long and filled with fear,

But your love is the light that’s always near.

With each passing day, I feel your strength,

And know that soon we’ll go to any length.

To be together again, to laugh and to love,

To hold each other tight and thank the heavens above.

So come back to me, my love so true,

Come back to me. . ."

The music kept going, but Anna had lost her voice. A single tear slid down her cheek. She let it fall. Nobody seemed to notice. Everyone continued to dance the night away while dinner cooked.

I wanted to go to her, promise her that she'd be able to hold Jacob one more time, but I couldn't risk letting her know my plans. So I stood off to the side, observing everyone silently. It’d be hours before I could make a move; they needed to have their bellies full of food and rum, too tired to notice me slipping away.

Sasha’s people would be the first to go; they drank until the moon was at its peak then the rush wore off and they passed out. I was more worried about Anna and Grayson. The former had gone over to sit by Sasha's side, making preparations for our trip tomorrow, while the latter was standing guard by the only exit. Knowing him, he’d stay there all night, forever vigilant.

Seeming to sense my gaze on him, he turned his head and looked directly at me. His eyes blazed like an early winter’s sunset in the firelight; the intensity sent a shock down to my toes.

He broke away from the cave wall and walked over to me. I fidgeted uncomfortably, afraid he knew exactly what I was doing and was rearing to bust me. He stopped short a few feet away, suddenly hesitant to come any closer. It was then when I noticed I’d subconsciously retreated into the wall behind me.

Damn it. Now he thought I was afraid of him. I was angry, confused, frustrated--everything but afraid. I feared him the least of anyone, despite knowing who he was--used to be.

Gods! It was overwhelming. I couldn’t think around him, and I needed to think now more than ever if I was going to save Jacob. I said the first thing that came to mind without thinking, “I need to be alone right now.

He winced then nodded meekly and raked a hand through his hair. “All right. I understand. I’ll leave you for now, but I won’t wait long.” He turned and walked away. Unexpectedly, he didn’t stop at the perch he’d taken before; he kept on going until the shadows of the night consumed him.

Where is Grayson going, Arkon? I couldn’t well follow him after telling him to leave me alone, especially since spying was not my strength, but I needed to know where he was or I might accidently run into him during my escape.

You mean Dex? Arkon responded a little tersely. I imagine he could sense my turmoil about him and would much rather I hated him as much as Arkon hated his family, but unfortunately, the gods thought it’d be fun to play a little trick on me and had me thinking that maybe the Slayer of Souls wasn’t as evil as the world thought he was. He’s on the beach, performing his stances. He looks perturbed. Eran is trying to calm him down. Your doing?

I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling like an asshole. Yes.

Congratulations. You must be the only person in the world who has pissed off the Slayer of Souls and lived.

I could think of at least one other person who pissed him off more than I did. Enough, Arkon. I don’t want to talk about him, I just needed to know where he was. We need to focus on rescuing Jacob.

Arkon was silent for a moment, then more thoughtfully, Are you sure this is the wisest choice? It would be safer if Anna and-

We can’t involve them. You think they’d let us near Darius? Please, Arkon. If it were your siblings, what would you do?

I sensed a surge of protectiveness from him when he thought about his family, those he’d lost, the ones left he’d do anything for. Very well. We will leave tonight, but if it looks like we will not be successful, I am pulling you out at the first sign, whether you like it or not.

There was no room for argument. This was his one condition. I could take it or leave it. Fine. Keep an eye on Aster, Eran, and Grayson. Once everyone’s partied out in here, I’ll meet you on the beach.

Gable announced the spit was finally cooked. Cheers filled the cavern. Drinks and plates were passed around, while Gable carved up the roast. I stood in line with everyone else and got my portion when my turn came up. I took my spot back in the corner then waited. One by one, people left for their tents, and soon it was only Annalyse and Sasha left on the other side of the fire. It was like they knew I was going to bolt as soon as they left. Still no sign of Grayson, but Arkon informed me he was still outside practicing his stances.

I waited a little longer then decided they weren’t going to move until I did. Pretending to yawn, I made my way to my tent. I kept my head down on my headroll, waiting for the firelight to fizzle out. Once it went black, I used my magic to see the outlines of every rock or object in the cove.

It was time.

I pulled the flap of my tent back--and found Grayson asleep on his side right outside my tent. The moonlight coloured gorgeous shadows on his face, making him all the more handsome and angelic on his restless features. He stirred as I stepped around him, and I froze, waiting for him to wake up and flip out on me. Nothing. Allowing myself a brief moment to relax again, I released a quiet breath and sent a prayer up to the gods, then hopped over him and hurried down the path to the beach.

Arkon was already waiting on the sandy shores. He lowered himself down so I could settle into the saddle as quickly and quietly as possible. In time with the waves crashing against the rocks, he pumped his wings and launched us into the air. We soared over Aster and Eran, who were sleeping side by side between dunes, unbeknownst to our shadows casting over them.

Arkon made good time passing over the continent, without the sun’s merciless assault on his wings. Just by flying over the ocean, I felt the temperature drop drastically. The further we flew, the more layers I had to dig for in my bags until I had all my armour equipped. It felt good to wear it again; as little as I needed it in the Desert Lands, I still felt vulnerable without it.

The sun was just making its way up when we hit the Aborian continent.

I gazed at the beauty of the land, relaxing in my saddle, watching as purples and reds stretched over the mountains in the distance. The world seemed so serene, not like there was a war going on. The trees still moved in the wind the same way. The sun kissed the river just so to make it glisten endlessly throughout the land. It was so green and lush. Beautiful. Oh, how I’d missed the moisture in the air, the scent of pine. It was good to be home.

Almost.

I had some business to take care of first.

Arkon angled himself for the valley where I’d been born. We’ve been flying for two days. You should rest before we enter the lion’s den.

We don’t have time, Arkon. I’ll sleep when Jacob’s safe.

He wasn’t happy about it, but he said nothing further and made his descent near the mouth of the valley, warning me he couldn’t get any closer to the fort without being detected. Luckily, I knew this valley like the back of my hand; I could find my way to the remains of my village without his guidance, no matter how far away we landed.

He found a ravine to tuck into where the forest was thin enough for him to land without making a big commotion. I swung out of the saddle without missing a beat and strapped my weapons to my hips, back, and thighs. He stopped me with his tail before I could continue on without him. “Eva, I don’t like this.”

“Neither do I. The bastard thinks he can take my brother hostage. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”

“Eva,” he growled, blocking my path further, curling his tail around me. “This is serious. I know Jacob is your brother, but you are my dragonbound and with that you have my power. Prince Darius will stop at nothing to have it. If he hurts you. . . I will do whatever he asks of me to keep you safe. Do you understand?”

I did. It was only just sinking in now, though. Just as I would do anything to protect Jacob, Arkon would do anything to protect me, even if it meant working with the enemy.

Suddenly wishing I’d brought Annalyse with me--or at least a plan--I paced in front of Arkon. I had to be smart about this, pushing my emotions aside--the Heavens knew I did stupid stuff for the sake of emotions.

It was midday now, the forest bustling with life and soldiers. They were patrolling the area, not quite near enough to notice a massive dragon, but it was only a matter of time. The first flaw in my plan: bringing a dragon to the middle of a forest in broad daylight. Where the hell was he supposed to go? He couldn’t fly out of here; they’d see him in a heartbeat.

“Arkon, I’m sorry,” I said, feeling like an idiot, struggling to think of somewhere for him to go. “I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

He bumped me with his tail. “You forget, Little One, I have been hiding from humans longer than you have been alive. Worry about yourself, the soldiers will be here shortly.” He stepped away from me, pulling his tail in and tucking his wings over his head, so he was shaped like a lumpy ball. Actually, as he settled into his position he looked more like a massive boulder, the way the colour of his scales worked in with the forest. He was his own camouflage.

Amazed, I almost forgot I had to go into hiding until I heard the soldiers’ footfalls.

Swiftly, I ran for the nearest tree, jumping for the lowest branch and climbing up to the top. I had enough time to adjust myself comfortably before the soldiers walked right underneath the tree. They wore the serpent sigil of the Fortys family in black clad. I held my breath as they continued onward, passing Arkon. They paused, commenting on how such a large rock could make its way to this valley.

A shadow flew overhead. Their heads shot up and then in the next second they were running after it. I used my senses to watch them recede into the forest until I was sure they couldn’t hear me. Relief washing over me, I slipped out of the tree.

Behind you, Eva, Arkon warned.

I whipped around--and was met by a pair of angry gray eyes.