Peak Mountain, Black Mountains, Battling BorderCHAVIAS“Chavias…” Radix, the Demon Master’s crooning voice called through the cavernous lair like a dark wind.The former Forever Knight rose from his sparse cot and walked to the barred door of his prison cell. “What?”“You should know…” Radix teetered side to side, his arms outspread like a child mimicking flight. “I’ve found your boy.”“Savage?”“But of course…” Radix’s arms dropped to his side, and he gave a toothy, triumphant grin. Revealing his pointed teeth overlapping each other to close the jaws of a wolf trap.“And?” Chavias asked. Feigning boredom as he turned and wandered back to sit on the side of his cot. Eyeing the dank stone floor between his feet.“Libby is already there. I’d hazard a guess she’ll get a chunk out of him before he makes her.”“I wouldn’t bet on that.” Chavias lifted his dark head. Black hair and beard catching bits of meager light as did his gray eyes to make them glint maliciously. “He’s the instincts o

Savage figured it’d be a long time before she spoke to him again. If at all.He drew a steadying breath. Scooting backward until his back rested against a tree trunk. Knees drawn to his chest as he eyed the onyx blade he twirled between his fingers.A Cimmerii blade.Savage had found it tucked in the cimmerii woman’s skirts. Already unsheathed as she rested inches from Dimurah’s back. That left a bitter taste in his mouth.He recognized such a weapon. From Radix’s armory. Savage toyed with it. Recalling its sharpness. Remembering how they were both fierce and delicate.Like her. His eyes slid back to Dimurah.He asked himself how much he’d do for her. No answer came. And he realized that it was because there was no limit. I’d do anything for her.Another man walked over and slid down the trunk in a different direction. “You were right. That’s all of them.”Phalanx.“They didn’t even wake.” Chavias gestured to the bodyguards sleeping soundly in a circle around her. Somewhat disappointe

Peak Mountain, Black Mountains, Battling Border RADIX MALORUM “Leige?” Okine rushed into Radix’s den. “Yes?” Radix turned from the stone board laid out before him. Eyeing the pieces depicting kings and queens he already had in place throughout the country. His hands were linked behind his back. But he turned quickly enough that his worn gray robes whirled around him. Okine shrank a little as the Demon Master’s black eyes levelled on him. “There word Savage Boy leave woman unprotected.” “In the Guild?” “Yes, Leige.” “Send men to destroy her.” Radix began a slow toothy grin. His lips peeling too far up his face as he did. His eyes tingeing in the orange that revealed his true nature. Okine lowered his head in deference. Backing from the room as if even he was afraid to fully turn his back on his master. Further down the cavern halls, Chavias was pressed to the doo

Dimurah felt the warmth of morning sunlight heating the cloth walls of the structure. “Yes, we’re in my tent.” He dismissed before she could rail at him for some alleged advances. “I’m glad.” She surprised him by saying. “I doubt I could’ve slept otherwise.” Bringing him to a dead stop. “What?” He deflated. Blinking blue eyes at her in shock. “I know I’m safe with you.” She looked away. “Then why order me away?” He roared. Tossing his arms. Sending men outside the tent scampering from the courtyard. In-case I emerge in a fury, no doubt. “You know why.” She murmured brokenly. Quoting the phrase, he so often told her. His head whipped to her in annoyance. Eyes narrowing. Damn her! “You order me away, rail at me, tell me I’m not what you want or need. Bid me tell everyone in this bloody encampment that you and yours are no longer under my protection despite that you know you’re

“Jax?” She turned beseeching blue eyes on him. No. Don’t do that! “I’ve told you hundreds of times.” She whispered. Her simple words sent his frustration streaking upward. “Talk. Talking. You want me to talk. About everything. To explain.” He quoted the many paraphrases she’d used. “I don’t know how!” “You choose not to.” We’re back to this! His teeth were grinding. And he wanted to strike something. Fight something. Dimurah stalked rapidly to him while he watched. His body wound with the type of fury that sent men backing up. Making them certain not to touch him, and most certainly not to do what Murah was intent on doing. What the devil is she about now? Reaching him she stretched her arm and soundly slapped him. Hard. Making his head snap to the side and blue eyes widen. Flashing brightly. His vision flared blood red and he reflexively imagined a hundred way