The royal flag waved in the air, purple and gold threads glinting in the sun as soldiers fanned around the edge of the courtyard and surrounded the Spectrals. Jasce sheathed his weapon, willing his magic to replenish itself. Amycus also returned his sword to its scabbard and tied back his hair. Kenz glanced between Amycus and Jasce, but she kept her sword free, her gauntlets shimmering a light blue. A thin man, his gray hair falling to his shoulders, scanned the courtyard. His eyes widened when they landed on Jasce and Amycus.
Steward Kenneth Brenet reached for his sword. “Guards, seize them.”
“Belay that,” a soft voice said from behind him.
Jasce immediately dropped to a knee and bowed his head, followed by Amycus. Kenz gasped, lowering behind him with Kord by her side. Rustling and metal scraping on the cobblestones sounded behind Jasce as the other Spectrals knelt as well.
Queen Valeri slid gracefully from her horse, her crown sparkling on shiny chestnut hair that was twisted into an elaborate design. She moved past the steward and touched his arm. “Lower your sword, Kenneth.” Her gown swept across the cobblestones, gathering dust along the gold edges.
Jasce quickly counted the guards. They outnumbered the Spectrals, their magic depleted and many of them injured despite Kord’s healing. His muscles tensed as he tried to find a way out, but when he began to stand Amycus rested a hand on his shoulder.
“Amycus Reins,” the queen said, “it is good to see you.”
“And you, Your Majesty.”
Jasce jerked his head to the side. Amycus knelt with his head bowed, the corner of his lip quirking. Amycus was more of a wanted man than Jasce. How could he be so calm?
“You may rise.” The queen glanced across the courtyard at the kneeling Spectrals. Her gaze hardened and she summoned one of her guards, whispering a command. The soldier nodded and signaled to more soldiers, who ran out the opposite exit.
Queen Valeri tilted her head, her chocolate-colored eyes staring at Jasce. “Azrael, I believe you’re wanted for treason.”
A murmur rustled through the queen’s guards. The four soldiers surrounding the queen drew their swords, stepping closer to Jasce.
“It’s Jasce, Your Majesty, Jasce Farone.” Jasce bowed his head, keeping his eyes fixed on the soldiers. The dregs of his magic stirred.
The queen’s perfectly sculpted brows shot up. “It seems we have much to discuss. Where is Commander Zoldac?”
The steward sputtered and hopped from his horse. “Your Majesty, both these men are wanted criminals. He killed your husband.” Kenneth pointed to Amycus with his spindly finger and licked his lips. The man reminded Jasce of a weasel with shifty eyes.
“Kenneth, I am aware of the accusations made against Mr. Reins.”
“They have an army of Spectrals. We cannot let them go free.”
Jasce reached for his dagger, but Amycus again placed a hand on his arm and quickly shook his head.
“This is hardly an army, and they will go free,” the queen said, still focused on Jasce and Amycus. “You two will come with me.” She turned on her heel and glided back to her horse. Kenneth huffed, glared at the Spectrals, and mounted his horse, riding out of the compound. The surrounding soldiers filed out of the courtyard, leaving five to escort Jasce and Amycus to the palace.
Jasce found Kenz’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “It’ll be fine.”
Kenz nodded and returned the pressure. “Be careful.” She brushed her lips against his. Jasce wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss until Kord cleared his throat. Jasce stepped away, memorizing the freckles scattered across Kenz’s nose.
They exited the Bastion and the Orilyon Palace loomed before them, the white stone reflecting the sunlight, giving the structure an ethereal glow. The cacophony of boots echoed down the corridor, the marble floors shimmering. Portraits of the royal family lined the wall with colorful tapestries that surrounded enormous windows overlooking the Merrigan Sea.
Jasce glanced at Amycus. The man was covered in dirt and ash, dried blood on his face from a newly healed cut. Grime and blood coated Jasce’s clothes, his tunic in tatters from the whipping. He was exhausted and filthy, craving a bath and a drink. He would have to wait for both as they entered the throne room.
Gold chandeliers dripping with crystals hung from the gilded ceiling, illuminating the adorned drapes embracing the windows. Soldiers fortified the room like imposing columns, stone-faced and immovable. The queen swept up the stairs of the dais and sat in the smaller of two thrones, leaving her deceased husband’s vacant. The steward took his place next to the empty throne, his eyes shifting between the queen and Amycus.
Jasce balled his fists at the presence of the guards behind him; even more stood in front and to the side of the queen and steward. Jasce peered over his shoulder and his eyes widened as another set of boots echoed in the cavernous room. Caston marched in, nodding to the guards, and knelt before the queen.
“What is the Hunter doing here?” Kenneth asked, his eyes wary.
“He’s one of mine,” Queen Valeri answered.
Jasce felt his jaw drop. He glanced quickly at Amycus, who shrugged his shoulders.
“Rise.”
Caston stood and retreated to stand next to Jasce. He looked at Jasce out of the corner of his eye, but his face remained expressionless. The steward paled as he stared at Caston.
The queen leaned forward. “Well?”
Caston shook his head.
She sighed and tapped her fingers on the arm of her throne. “First, let it be known that Amycus Reins is cleared of all charges regarding the death of King Valeri.” The queen’s voice trembled slightly.
Kenneth’s head shot up. “Your Majesty, I have to object.”
She raised her hand and the steward’s mouth snapped shut. “Kenneth, you and I were led astray the night my husband died. By the time I learned the truth, you already had your claws sunk into the council with the nobles on your side. I have worked all these years to gather the evidence to prove that Commander Zoldac is the one who murdered the king. He then manipulated the council into promoting you to steward, claiming I was too grief-stricken to rule.” Her eyes flashed with restrained fury.
Kenneth’s eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing like a dying fish. Jasce pressed his lips together and stared at his filthy boots.
“Commander Zoldac has orchestrated this war against the Spectrals. And you,” her expression hardened as she glared at the steward, “were his willing puppet.”
Kenneth swallowed. “Your Majesty, I—”
“You are henceforth removed of your title.”
Kenneth’s face turned red and his eyes bulged. “You can’t do that.”
The queen raised a brow and nodded to her guards. “Yes, I believe I can. Remove this man from my sight.”
The former steward struggled and yelled curses as the guards dragged him from the throne room. The door slammed shut, silencing him.
Queen Valeri stared at Jasce, her face expressionless. “Now, what to do with the Angel of Death?”
Jasce lifted his chin, having expected this. Second in command to the murderer of the king was certain death, not to mention his other crimes against Spectrals and Naturals.
Amycus stepped forward. “Your Majesty—if I may? Jasce Farone has proven himself a worthy ally, helping to destroy the medical sites and defeat Drexus. We wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for him.”
Jasce glanced at Amycus.
Caston stepped forward, bowing his head. “It’s true, my queen. Azrael—I mean Jasce—fought against Drexus and saved my life.” Caston sighed. “Twice.”
Jasce’s lip twitched.
Amycus cleared his throat and Jasce’s shoulders stiffened as he focused on the queen.
“Well, well, Mr. Farone. It seems you have two of my most trusted men vouching for you.”
Jasce lowered his head. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Her fingers tapped again on her throne. Jasce counted silently to twenty before the queen spoke again.
“So, Amycus, whatever took you so long? I’ve been slipping you information for months.”
Jasce jerked his head, feeling his mouth drop. “The queen is your source?”
Amycus smiled and nodded. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I had some convincing and training to do first.” His eyes slid to Jasce.
“I see.” Her humorous tone shifted. “What happened to Drexus? Is he dead? My men didn’t find his body.”
Jasce stepped forward. “My sister and an Earth Spectral took him.”
The queen’s eyes darted to Amycus. “Jaida Farone is alive?”
Amycus closed his eyes briefly and nodded. Jasce frowned.
“Either way, that doesn’t answer my question. Is Drexus dead?”
Jasce gritted his teeth. “Unless his heart is located somewhere else.”
“Jasce,” Amycus said, his tone reproachful.
Jasce cleared his throat and added, “Your Majesty.”
The queen’s eyes narrowed. Amycus explained Drexus’s experiments, with Caston providing missing information. Jasce tried to focus on their words but only saw Jaida’s arms lifted, rage hardening her eyes, her hatred crashing over him.
The throne room grew silent and everyone stared at Jasce.
“I’m sorry. What?”
Queen Valeri drummed her fingers on the arm of her throne. “I asked about the facility in the Arcane Garrison. Were all the vials destroyed?”
“It was a blazing inferno when I escaped. I don’t believe any made it.”
“You don’t believe?” The queen looked at Caston. “Take a contingent of soldiers to Arcane. I want a thorough search of the entire complex.”
“If I may?” Jasce interjected. The queen peered at Jasce and Amycus slowly shook his head, sighing. “Caston, there’s a recruit named Rowan. His mother, Maera, was forced to help Drexus. I don’t know if she survived, but can you check?”
Caston nodded, bowed his head, and strode from the throne room.
Queen Valeri stared at the two men and signaled to a guard on the far side of the room. He opened the door and a man emerged carrying something wrapped in cloth. He placed it on a table and stepped back. The wrapping fell away, revealing a leathery black claw.
Both Jasce and Amycus moved closer. “What is that?” Jasce asked, his eyes narrowing.
“That, Mr. Farone, is part of your mission. It was found on the outskirts of Wilholm, near the Desert of Souls.”
Jasce tore his gaze from the severed claw. “Part of my mission?”
“I want Drexus’s head. He isn’t dead until I have proof, and I want Jaida and the Earth Spectral found.” The queen stood and walked down the steps, her guards trailing behind her. “Those are your orders. You now work for me.”
A week later, Jasce and Amycus arrived back in Carhurst, the cottage and forge a welcome sight. During the long ride home, Jasce had thought about the missing vials. Caston and his team had searched the Bastion and Arcane and had come up empty-handed. Thankfully, Caston had found Maera. One of the soldiers had pulled her free of the flames and kept her alive until help came.
Jasce still bristled at the queen’s words. You now work for me. His hopes for a normal life in the forge had disappeared with that one command. He thought about Jaida and Vale taking Drexus’s body. Was he still alive? Jasce didn’t see how. And now he had to find Jaida. He didn’t need the queen’s orders for that—his plan all along was to search for her. He just didn’t have a clue where to start, and the creature’s severed claw created another mystery for Jasce to solve. At least he had the backing of the Watch Guard behind him, renamed the Paladin Guard.
A hand rested on Jasce’s shoulder. He looked and saw Amycus smiling, his blue eyes sparkling. “It’s good to be home,” the man said.
Jasce nodded and peered longingly at the forge. The need to hammer metal and create something, to lose himself in the fire and steam, stirred inside him. But he had to do something first. He rubbed his hands down his face, stifling a yawn. His mind hadn’t relaxed in a week.
“Jasce, the sooner you talk to her, the sooner you can rest.” Amycus squeezed Jasce’s shoulder and disappeared inside his cottage. Jasce shook his head, dumbfounded at Amycus’s uncanny way of reading his emotions.
Jasce walked down the street toward Kord’s house, passing through the busy marketplace and among the people who were unaware of the battle that had taken place across the desert. Colorful booths and enticing aromas filled the air. Vendors haggled with shoppers and children darted between the stalls, their laughter creating a soothing melody. Jasce glanced at Kord and Kenz’s booth, hoping to glimpse midnight hair, but their assistant leaned behind the counter selling an ornate chair to an older man.
Jasce paused in front of the Iron Glass Tavern. Garin’s booming voice barking orders at Linnette drifted out the door, accompanied by the clinking of glasses. Azrael would have gone in and immersed himself in the bottom of a glass, but Jasce was no longer Azrael. The Angel of Death had lost its grip, the skeletal fingers loosening their hold on his heart. The revenge that had dominated every thought and action had disappeared, replaced with a fierce need to protect those he loved, especially the woman who had turned his life upside down.
Jasce focused on the cottage down the road, the smoke rising from the chimney and the smell of fresh pastries making his mouth water. Before Jasce could knock on the door, Maleous yanked it open and smiled, wrapping his arms around Jasce’s waist.
“Hey, kid.” Jasce ruffled the boy’s head as he entered the homey living room. Emile and Lander stood by the fireplace, Lander’s arm draped protectively around his sister’s shoulders.
Jasce lowered to one knee and stared into Emile’s warm eyes. She reminded him so much of Jaida it hurt to look at her. “How are you feeling?”
“Good,” she said. “Kord and Kenz are helping me control the magic and silence all the emotions.”
Jasce chuckled. “It’s annoying, isn’t it?”
Emile smiled. Jasce shifted his focus to Lander. “We need to talk when you’re ready.”
Lander frowned, then his eyes widened when he saw the royal symbol and commander emblem on Jasce’s cloak. “Okay.”
Jasce nodded and stood, laying the cloak on the couch. The hairs on his neck tingled and he turned to find Kord leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, a slanted smile on his face.
“Glad you’re back. Maleous drove me nuts asking when you’d be home.” Kord handed Jasce a steaming mug of coffee. The bitter, chocolatey aroma was as welcoming as the sugary concoction Tillie was baking. The three children rushed out of the room toward the kitchen.
Jasce nodded his thanks and plopped onto the couch, letting his head fall back.
“You look dreadful,” Kord said, sitting in the chair opposite him.
Jasce gave a suppressed laugh, remembering a similar conversation before in this same room months ago. “I’ve heard that one doesn’t learn if one doesn’t suffer through the pain.”
Kord chuckled, then took a sip of coffee. “Are you all right?”
“Just tired.”
Kord scanned Jasce’s face with his penetrating stare. “Uh-huh. Want to tell me what’s really going on?”
What Jasce wanted was to sleep for a week, but Amycus was right. He wouldn’t be able to rest until he said what he needed to say.
“Where’s Kenz?”
Kord raised a brow.
“Right here.”
Jasce’s head jerked to the side. He stood, quickly scanning her from head to toe. The green tunic made her eyes glow, and she wore the form-fitting pants that made him wish they were alone. He didn’t know what to do with all the emotions rushing through him: desire, fear, gratitude. Kenz’s mouth twitched as Jasce stared at her like an idiot.
Kenz sat in the chair next to Kord. “When did you get back?”
Jasce returned to the couch. “Just a little while ago.” He scrubbed his hands over his face, wishing for something stronger than coffee.
“What’s going on?” Kord asked, worry filling his eyes.
Jasce rehashed the meetings with Queen Valeri, about the steward’s removal from his position, and Caston’s involvement.
“We’re forming an army, with both Spectrals and Naturals, and the queen wants proof Drexus is dead.” Jasce described the claw that was found in the desert. Kord’s face paled and Kenz’s knuckles whitened on the arm of the chair. Jasce let out a breath and leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
“You said, ‘we,’” Kenz said after a minute.
Jasce held her gaze. “You are now looking at the Commander of the Paladin Guard, servant to the queen.” Jasce couldn’t hide the bitterness in his voice. He hadn’t lied when he told Drexus he wanted command of the Guard, but he’d wanted it on his terms. “She also requested Amycus return as a blacksmith and a liaison between the crown and the Spectrals.”
Kord looked from his sister to Jasce and rose from the chair. “I’ll give you two some privacy.”
Kenz’s eyes followed Kord. She turned back to Jasce and stared at her entwined fingers, biting her bottom lip.
Jasce’s pulse throbbed in his neck. He didn’t know how he wanted her to respond, but he knew he couldn’t leave without telling her exactly how he felt. He leaned forward and grabbed her hands.
“Kenz, I meant what I said back in Opax. I’ve fallen in love with you—something I didn’t think possible for someone like me. But I did.”
Kenz raised her head and smiled.
Jasce swallowed and stood to pace in front of the fireplace, his thrumming nerves making it impossible to sit still. He felt her stare as he walked back and forth. Better to just say it and be done with it.
“I wanted to start fresh, try a different way of living, not one defined by battles and death. But that can’t happen now.” He raised his hands and then lowered them. “I don’t know if or when I’ll be back. Plus, I have to find Jaida. What if Drexus is still alive?” He rested his hands on the mantle, squeezing the stone until it dug into his palms. So many unknowns, so many what-ifs.
“What are you talking about?” The chair creaked. She grabbed his shoulder, turning him around. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparked. “I’m going with you.”
“What?” Jasce’s eyes rested on her mouth, wanting to get lost in the feel of her against him. He shook his head. “No, I won’t ask that of you.”
“If I want to join your army, do you think you can stop me?” Kenz rested her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I’m a Shield. I protect those I love. It’s what I do.”
“Kenz, I—”
Kenz placed her fingers against his mouth, her touch igniting a fire deep inside him. “Jasce, get it through your thick head—I love you.”
Jasce felt a tightness behind his eyes and something flutter in his stomach. He had never felt this emotion—couldn’t even name it. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him. Everything about her felt right, felt like home. Maybe he could have a semblance of a normal life, after all.
“Marry me,” he said, the words muffled against her neck, out of his mouth before he could overthink them.
Kenz pulled back, her eyes wide.
“I love you, Kenz Haring. I know the timing is wrong but—”
She kissed him, silencing whatever he was about to say. “Yes.”
Jasce grinned and crushed his mouth against hers, wishing they were alone so he could show her how much he adored her. But Kord cleared his throat, his arms crossed against his massive chest. Jasce gently untangled himself from Kenz’s embrace and gave Kord a guilty smile.
Kord strode over to Jasce, his frown turning into a smile. “I’ve always wanted a brother.” Kenz laughed as Kord pulled Jasce into a hug.
Jasce gazed at the woman he loved and the friend that would one day be family. Whatever darkness the future held, Jasce would face it.
But this time, he wouldn’t be alone.