Chapter 6- The Barrier

MAERWYNN POV

I wasn't expecting to see horses when Valen agreed to me following them to the barrier site. I asssumed we'd fly there, he'd carry mein his arms while he twinkles and such but Instead, I see horses.

" No flying?" I ask Rhaenan who looked like he had a brick dropped on his head. I don't blame him, some of the servants have been saying he wasn't his usual self, how could he be when he was away from his mate whome he justnfound. And worse, she had been captured.

" Valen thinks it's safer for you with go with horses"

I stare behind us at the guards marching outside. " And apparently an army of soldiers too just for a short trip to the barrier"

" A Lord would do anything to protect his mate and after the standing he made clear the other day at  Court, a lot of people have their eyes on you now. He wouldn't put it past them to try something wicked"

As if on cue, Valen steps outthrough the door, Dressed head-to-toe in tailored black leather, layered in armor. His coat is long, split at the sides, the pauldrons curve over his shoulders. Silver clasps catch the torchlight, highlighting the sharp edges of his figure. And his dark overgrown hair was loose around his face, some parked up in the back, boots thudding on the floor as he descended the stairs, some servants and guards bowed as he passed and he did little to acknowlegde me just a quick nod. 

His face brightens up though when he sees me. I take a step forward and he reaches out to pull me against his chest by the waist and drops a kiss on my cheek.

"I haven’t seen you in an outfit like that in a while," he smirks.

I stare down at myself.

The black hood drapes low over my face, the edges soft but heavy. I’ve got a thick scarf looped around my neck like I’m prepping for a snowstorm, even though the airs only mildly cold. My sleeves are tight to my arms, covered in that worn velvet-like fabric. Over it, the leather bodice hugs tight and laced up the front. The brown skirt flares out unevenly, rough at the hem, and underneath are leggings that Asterin said were sewn from rattle skins. The belt—wide and old, but solid—is buckled high around my waist, holding a small sheathed dagger at my hip.

And then there are the boots. New. Polished. Astrea's doing on that one.

" I look like I'm out to hunt a god" I say and Valen chuckled deeply it sent a warm wave through me.

" You look fascinating" He takes my hand leading me to the white mare. Rhanena follows suit ounting his own horse. Valen seats his when i'm comfortable and then we ride away from his palace.

***

The moon's barely out when we reach the Barrier. Thick roots twist up around the base of a giant oak. I never really knew what the Barrier looked like—it’s invisible. Just something you feel when you walk through it.

I stay on my horse while Valen gets off and walks ahead on his own. Slow, steady steps like he’s counting them. Then he stops and lifts his hand.

I watch, frowning.

His hand stays raised as sparks of light and crackling energy gather in his palm. It builds, spreading out, until a glowing orange-yellow shield appears, rising higher and higher until it disappears into the clouds.

I gasp. “How far does it go?” I ask Rhaenan.

“To the heavens. High enough that nothing can fly over it. If you try, the storm will tear you apart. Many have tried. None made it.”

“It’s… amazing.” I smile a little. “And the Five Lords made that?”

“Yes. But Valen keeps it going. And now more than ever, it’s stronger—because of you.” He glances at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. “We’ve got you to thank for that.”

I nod. “I just wish I could do more.”

“You are.”

We go quiet, watching. Valen pours everything into the Barrier. The orange light glows like lava—or sunlight falling like a waterfall. It’s stunning. He’s stunning. I can’t look away.

And I never felt prouder to be called his Mate.