Carhurst bustled with excitement with the beginning of its annual Winter Festival. An enormous bonfire lit up the town center and musicians played a lively tune, and everyone was in a festive mood—except Jasce. He leaned against the stone wall of the Iron Glass Tavern, glaring at the holly berries and pine boughs draped along pillars and rooftops. Villagers danced and merchants sold their wares; bonfire smoke and the promise of snow filled the air.
Jasce had worked all day in the forge trying to burn off his irritation, but his mind held fast to the thoughts plaguing him. He needed to find Drexus’s hidden compound, stop his experiments, and kill the remaining Hunters. But he had no idea where to start his search and was running out of time. News of the Watch Guard raiding Torrine in search of the Angel of Death had spread like wildfire. They would eventually ride to Carhurst, and Jasce couldn’t allow that. There were too many people in this town he cared about, especially the woman across the square with firelight shining off her ink-black hair and reflecting in her green eyes.
Jasce tore his gaze from Kenz, instead observing Tillie and Maleous working in their booth. They sold pastries and hot beverages while Lord Rollant hovered nearby, a crooked smile on his face. Jasce tightened his fist, wanting to smack the grin off the weasel, but Kord walked over, placing a muscular hand on Rollant’s shoulder and whispered in his ear. The man paled and sauntered off to another booth.
Jasce hadn’t spoken to Kord since their argument at Amycus’s, and the tension didn’t sit well with him. He wanted to fix things before leaving but hadn’t found the words or the right time. It seemed fate was about to force his hand. Tillie looked at Jasce and said something to Kord. His lips drew into a straight line and nodded, walking through the crowd in his direction.
“Hey,” Kord said, leaning next to Jasce, scanning the crowd of partygoers.
Jasce arched a brow. “Hey.”
Kord scraped his boot on the ground, carving a line in the sand. “Look, I acted like an idiot, and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things.”
“I understand why you did.”
“No, I don’t think you do.”
“I’m the Angel of Death, an assassin who only knows how to kill. It’s understandable to think the worst or not trust me.”
“Do you believe that about yourself?”
“It doesn’t matter what I believe, does it?”
Kord chuckled. “Touché.” They stared at the crowd, and Kord sighed. “I love my family so much it hurts, and I would do anything to protect them. Sometimes I forget Kenz is a grown woman who can take care of herself. When I saw her bleeding in your arms, I lost myself to fear and jumped to conclusions. And then this thing with Lord Rollant and Reed . . . I’ve been stupid.”
“I bet Kenz tore your head off.” Her name tasted bitter on Jasce’s tongue. He couldn’t erase the words he said or the hurt he caused.
Kord laughed. “Still trying to find it.”
Jasce snorted. He noticed Lord Rollant talking with Reed across the square, periodically glancing over his shoulder. “What’s going on with Rollant? Did Tillie set him straight?”
Kord stared where Jasce indicated. “You know Tillie. I should never have doubted that she could handle this better than I could. I would’ve pulled a Jasce and threatened the guy, which could have put her out of business.” Kord nudged Jasce, who laughed. That is how he would have handled the situation, and he would not have stopped at threatening.
“What do we know about Reed?” Jasce asked. Kenz sat with Delmira, Aura, and Flynt near the bonfire. He hadn’t been thrilled with the idea of Kenz “feeling out” Reed, as Amycus had said, though he knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself.
“Kenz said Reed would keep his mouth shut. He cares more about the village than getting the bounty. Reed won’t tell Rollant either. Rollant isn’t a fan of the steward and doesn’t agree with how the Watch Guard does things, but he isn’t a pillar of strength. Best to keep him in the dark regarding who you were.”
Jasce didn’t miss the emphasis Kord put on were. He could have easily said are.
Jasce felt the tension drain from his shoulders. Kord believed in him, or who he could be. It seemed Amycus did, too, and Kenz—even if she currently despised him. She could never know how much he had treasured her words to him that night in his room. I believe you can be so much more than just an assassin. He wanted to prove he was worthy of their trust, and the only way he knew to do that was to protect them. The urgency to stop Drexus pulsed through him.
“Kord, I need to leave.”
Kord sighed, his eyes scanning Jasce’s face. Jasce fought the urge to turn away from his probing stare. “One, this whole mess isn’t your responsibility. You need to wrap your head around the fact that we are in this with you.”
Jasce opened his mouth to argue.
“And two,” Kord interrupted, “tonight is a night to celebrate.”
“This is foolish with the Watch Guard closing in. People should be preparing to fight or flee. Anything but this.” He pointed to the people dancing around the bonfire. “You need to take your family and go somewhere safe.”
“Lord Rollant warned the people. Besides, if we don’t stay, who will protect them? If we can’t celebrate the joys in life, take time to dance and love, then what are we fighting for?” Kord patted Jasce’s shoulder and walked to the fire to join his family and friends.
Kord sat next to Amycus and Kenz, and soon all three were drinking and laughing. Maleous ran to Kord, handing out pastries along the way; a huge grin spread across his face as Kord wrapped him in a tight hug. Even Reed joined the group, talking with Flynt and Aura. He looked up once, catching Jasce’s stare, and nodded. It seemed everyone had a reason to celebrate. Part of Jasce wanted to join them—to drink and dance his cares away, but another part feared the emotions that came with the relationships: fear, vulnerability, love.
Jasce’s stomach dropped. He couldn’t fall in love with Kenz. Even if she believed there may be more to him than an assassin, she deserved a man whose hands weren’t stained with blood.
The bonfire burned brighter, sparks drifting into the night air. A lone snowflake landed on Jasce’s arm. Heavy clouds hid the stars, promising more snow would soon follow. Jasce’s jaw clenched as Flynt grabbed Kenz and led her into a dance around the bonfire, her head thrown back in laughter. That was a better match; it was safer for Kenz to be with Flynt than him. Jasce longed for something out of reach, his fingertips scraping a future that wouldn’t be his. The regret felt like knives lodging into his heart.
“Why don’t you join us?” Tillie asked, leaning against the wall, flour dusting her cheek. Jasce hadn’t even heard her approach, but the vanilla and cinnamon smells that seemed to be a part of her made his mouth water.
“Not in the mood,” Jasce said, focusing on Kenz.
Tillie turned toward him, her eyes searching his. “You really should let your hair down. By the way, I like it shorter.”
Jasce forced a smile and looked away. Villagers danced to an upbeat tune and laughter rang out through the square. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Love someone while fearing you might lose them.”
Tillie smiled and watched her husband play a game with Maleous that involved hiding a coin in one hand. “Do you regret loving your mother and sister?”
Jasce spun, narrowing his eyes. She stared straight ahead, a sad smile on her face. “Kord told me bits and pieces of your past.”
“No, I don’t regret loving them,” he said finally. “But I don’t know if I can go through that kind of pain again. I didn’t handle their deaths well and became someone I’m not proud of.” He ran his hand down his arm, visualizing the tattoos. “What if something happens to Kord? Who would take care of you and Mal? Or Amycus? He’s like a father to them. What if that arrow had been a few inches to the left?” Jasce’s jaw ached when he remembered Kenz’s blood running through his fingers as he dug the arrow out of her chest.
“Jasce, you can’t live your life by what-ifs. You will never truly live, constantly controlled by the unknown.” She squeezed his hand. “Every time Kord goes on a mission, I worry I won’t see him again. But I refuse to live in fear. Instead, I try to love him as much as I can while we are together. I can’t ask him not to go—he’s not one to stay behind. Neither are Kenz nor Amycus. They believe in what they’re fighting for, and you can’t take that from them.” She gave him a warm smile and a light kiss on the cheek, then handed him a pastry. She walked to her husband and son, and soon all three were dancing around the fire.
Kord was lucky to have a woman so wise, so full of life and love. And who could bake like no other. He licked the sugar from his fingers, his eyes finding Kenz. She dropped her gaze, listening to something Aura and Delmira were discussing. Jasce thought about what Tillie said. Living a life of what-ifs was not living, only surviving, a slave to fear and worry. The night he threw his Hunter’s mask into the fire was the night the first link of the chain broke. He had tasted freedom and would never allow himself to be a prisoner again.
His stomach somersaulted, knowing what he had to do. Why was apologizing to Kenz harder than going into battle? He couldn’t leave until he made things right with her. He felt ashamed for hurting her during their last conversation and trying to convince himself he was protecting her. He was a bloody coward.
Kenz left the bonfire and meandered to a booth selling ale. Jasce pushed off the wall, setting his shoulders, and made his way through the crowd. He placed her knives on the counter next to her drink.
“I’m glad you have excellent aim,” Jasce said, signaling the barkeep.
Kenz stared at the knives and looked up. “Yeah, well, I missed.” She turned on her heel and walked past the booths, the noise from the party fading.
“Kenz, wait.” Jasce pocketed the knives and grabbed her arm, dragging her to the nearby stable.
“Let go.”
“I will, I just—”
“Just what?” She glared at his hand.
He loosened his grip and cleared his throat. “It’s better for you to not be with me.”
“For the record, I’m not with you. Remember? I’m just an itch.” She crossed her arms, scowling at him.
“I’m sorry I said that.”
“Why did you?”
Jasce rubbed the back of his neck. This wasn’t going as he planned. “To protect you.”
“What is it with you and my brother?” She huffed, staring over his shoulder. “And what are you protecting me from?”
Jasce concentrated on her freckles, the crease that formed between her eyes whenever they argued. “Me.”
He stepped closer, her magic a magnet drawing him in. Her eyes darted to his as she bit her lip.
“Please don’t do that,” he said.
“Do what?” she whispered.
Her pulse thumped in her neck as he traced his finger along her jaw. “I can’t stop thinking about the other night. How you felt, how you tasted.”
What was he doing? He needed to leave but was unable to pull himself away.
Kenz swallowed. “I do feel it, you know. The way our magic reacts. I’ve never felt that with anyone before.” She held his wrist and he knew she could feel his heart pounding. “What if I don’t want to be protected?” She stood on her toes and kissed him lightly, running her tongue along his lower lip.
Jasce moaned and pressed her against the wall, heat flooding his body. She wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. He should push her away, apologize and leave, but all he wanted was to stay in this moment forever, lost in her touch. He longed to explore every curve, needed the feel of her skin. He inched a hand under her tunic and splayed his fingers along her ribs, his thumb caressing the soft skin below her breast. Her back arched and every nerve ending ignited when she sighed his name. His lips trailed down her neck, moving the fabric aside to kiss her collarbone, licking the spot where the arrow had pierced her soft flesh. He shivered as her hands slid up his back and didn’t shy away as she touched his scars, her fingers sending sparks of heat to his core.
“Kenz,” Jasce whispered, finding her mouth. Their tongues and magic joined in a seductive dance that left him aching for more.
“Ahem.”
Jasce swore and straightened Kenz’s tunic as her fingers stilled on his back. She peeked over his shoulder and groaned.
Kord stood at the entrance of the stables, his hands fisted and face scarlet.
“I suppose you want to hit me again,” Jasce said.
“You have no idea.”
“What are you doing here?” Kenz asked, her hands on her hips.
“I think the question is, what are you doing here, with him?”
“I would think that had been obvious, you nosy, overbearing mule.”
Jasce rubbed his forehead. He had just smoothed things out with Kord, and now Kord caught him kissing his sister in the stable. It would have been funny if not for Kord’s red face and the muscle threatening to explode from his jaw. But he was fortunate, at least, that Kord came in when he did; that kiss was quickly turning into something not appropriate in public.
Kord stepped forward, his massive frame blocking the entrance to the stable. “She’s my baby sister.”
“What happened to the grown woman who can take care of herself?” Jasce pointed out, then winced as Kord slammed him into one of the stall doors.
“Kord, you’re acting like an idiot,” Kenz said, trying to pull her brother off Jasce. Kord pushed her and shoved Jasce.
Anger boiled to the surface, extinguishing the desire from moments before. “You get one shot,” Jasce said.
“One’s all I need.” Kord’s fist flew.
Pain exploded in his cheek as the skin split open and blood spilled down his face. Jasce tapped into his magic and used his strength and speed to grab Kord’s arm and twist him. In less than a heartbeat, Kord lay flat on his back. Jasce lodged a knee into his chest, knocking the air out of him. One hand gripped his tunic while the other one rose, ready to strike. Jasce froze as his blood dripped onto Kord’s face.
He blinked. Two Kords were on the ground and the stable swayed. Kenz’s voice sounded miles away. Jasce toppled off Kord, gingerly touching the cut on his face, his eye already swelling.
“Dad!” Maleous ran to his father, his wide eyes darting between Jasce and Kord.
“What happened?” Amycus asked as he rushed in, followed by Tillie.
Jasce shook his head, trying to clear it while Kord got to his feet, his face still red.
“My brother is what happened,” Kenz said, kneeling by Jasce, lifting his chin to look at the gash on his face. “Kord, look what you did.”
Tillie arched a brow. “Kord Haring, explain yourself.”
“Dad, you shouldn’t hit your friends,” Maleous said, inching closer to Jasce.
“My friend had his dirty hands all over my sister, practically eating her face.”
Maleous gasped, his eyes bulging out of his head as he looked at his aunt’s face. Jasce cleared his throat, Kenz giggled, and Tillie covered her mouth, trying to hide her smile while Amycus examined the walls of the stable.
“It’s not funny,” Kord said.
“It’s kind of funny,” Jasce said, then hissed, touching his cheek. Kord pressed his lips together, trying to hide a smile of his own.
Maleous’s brow furrowed and he reached out, his fingertips touching Jasce’s cheek. A warmth radiated through the cut and the pain lessened.
Tillie gasped and Kord shook his head, fear flashing through his eyes. Tillie looked from Maleous to Kord, the color leeching from her face. Kenz, still kneeling beside Jasce, stared at her brother, her mouth open.
“Did you see that?” Maleous said, grinning wide, staring at his mother and father. Kord remained motionless. Tillie gave the boy a weak smile.
Jasce stood and rubbed Maleous’s head. “Thanks, kid.” A drop of blood trickled down his face, but the swelling and pain had lessened. He glanced at Kord, who still hadn’t moved. Jasce rested his hand on Kord’s shoulder. “It will be all right,” he murmured.
Kord stared between Maleous and Jasce.
A horse whinnied from outside the stable, and someone called Jasce’s name. Amycus ran toward the exit, almost colliding with Reed, who yelled, “Hillford’s under attack!”