Even Rhyers took a cautious step back at the ferocious sight of Sebastian fighting turning into a dragon. “You best soothe your ire, Friend, before…”I change.Yes, I’m quite aware. His mouth whitened.We both know what’ll happen if I change here, in the castle. He gave Rhyers a quick look that had the tracker backing up further. Giving him space.The castle was constructed and balanced by magic. That kind of explosion of it, could rend it asunder. Not to mention in his full form he would tear out the staircase above him, spread walls in the hall and break walls.Before I’d ever be able to change back.Taking a moment to calm his indignation and shock, Bast wrenched the damp tunic apart. Tearing it loudly and jerking it free from his breeches to toss it to the floor. In a wrinkled clump.“You tried to kill me?” His brows lifted.She hissed through her teeth. Red eyes unblinking as she stared at him, trying to assess what was happening.And how much threat she’s under.“A little excess

Sebastian returned to his library but found Rhyers absent. Likely in his room. Each knight had their own chamber upstairs for their constant visits. The castle helps us heal. Bast was thankful for that. He ran a palm over his shoulder and chest, feeling the swell of the scars she’d left. She nearly gutted me. And it was the first time he consciously appreciated his ability to heal nearly as fast as he was injured. He wondered at her strange defensive reaction. There’s something about her. Something happened to her… Someone hurt her. He flopped backward in his red and gold chair. Watching the dancing of the fire. His book limp in his hand resting on the table. What to do with her? He relaxed as much as he was able. Closing his eyes, he felt the tether he had lashed her with. She was pacing her chamber. Still enraged at her foiled attempt at escape. And confuse

I’ll rip out the demon’s throat. That fantasy calmed him. He needs to know agony. As he’s shown me time and again. He felt the echo of hunger for violence in his warriors as their eyes flashed through fog. Next to Deragan, Bast’s gaze was fixed on the Cimmerii demon. Radix’s lip curled above his gray beard at the knights’ refusal to show fear as they all stared him down. He was surrounded by Cimmerii rodents, toad like things haunting his steps. Making it look like he crossed a shimmering black pool. There are more concealed in the trees. Deragan knew. Radix would never so readily bait himself without being certain he could survive it. Coasting overhead Deragan scanned the dense coverage of trees. But saw nothing beyond the green canopy. He’s far underestimated us. His dragons began raining from the sky. *** Branches shattered behind Deragan and saw a battali

Hands falling, Bast gave his Alpha a torn look. “You wanted something, someone to protect them. To keep them from bloody death. You made your vow and you’ve fought like a lion. How many knights have we lost since you took it upon yourself?” “I don’t know.” Bast said brokenly. Trying to listen. But in so much pain the words make little sense right now. “Far less.” Deragan supplied. “You’re the Protector. The warrior that defends the warriors. Chavias gave his life for yours. For that. Don’t deny him the one thing he could offer us.” Deragan tossed a piece of glinting metal at Bast who reflexively caught it in an open fist. Knowing instantly it was Chavias’ pendant. “Why for me?” Bast cried. “For anyone else. He should’ve done it for anyone else!” “But he did it for you and I.” Deragan said firmly. “He saw things you can never hope to, Brother. Chavias was always wise. And he made a choice that was his

Peak Mountain, Black Mountains, Battling Border RADIX MALORUM “Go out, you have a mission." Radix told his fiercest Commander. "You will find where those, from the sky,” He added in a mocking tone. Disdain obvious. “Come through. Where they land. Follow the Knights. They’ll be drawn to the new souls, to protect them. If you wait, if you are patient…And if you trail them. One of them will lead you to the new generation.” Of Watchers. “What then?” “Then we will see if you and your kind can convert them for me. I will need their help in the battle to come.” Watchers become some of the most powerful of my Cimmerii. “And if cannot?” “Then, like the Fallen, they will die.” Radix looked a little worried at this. A horrible waste. But better than them landing in the hands of the Forever Knights. Though Radix's enemy was only