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I snorted a laugh as Rapp uncorked and tossed the contents back. Kiira shook her head but winced. “Probably best not to move it for a bit.” She pressed her palm into her temple, flashing the edge of her new tattoo.
“Woah, what is this?” Rapp questioned, grabbing her arm and shoving up her sleeve.
Kiira gri
Rokath leaned in and studied it for a moment before directing his attention at me. “Was this your idea?”
“Actually, no,” I quipped, gritting my teeth and shimming out of my jacket to show him the ink gracing my skin just beneath his brand. “The priestesses wanted something to mark who we are and what we are doing.”
Rokath came to stand in front of me and cupped my cheek. His thumb traced over the H on my wrist. “You are a true leader, Assyria.”
His affirmation pricked at my eyes.
Without breaking my gaze, he spoke to Kiira. “You should sleep in my chambers tonight where I can keep an eye on both of you.”
Rapp leaned against the table beside her, arms crossed over his chest. “She can remain here with me. That way if she has problems in the night, the healer is readily available.”
A muscle ticked in Rokath’s jaw as he considered the proposition. “You’re in no shape to fight should someone else come for her.”
I reached for my mate and tugged him closer. “I don’t think they were after Kiira.”
His heavy brows dipped together. “Why do you say that?”
“Because of what the male said. ‘Symbols rise, symbols fall.’”
Kiira sucked in a sharp breath. “Surely you don’t mean to imply–”
“That Xa
Rokath’s eyes flashed with the type of darkness that made my core clench. Yet beneath the outward anger, an i
“There are plenty of others who are unhappy with the current situation,” Rapp pointed out. “And unfortunately, Assyria has become the face of it to many in the army.”
“He’s right,” Kiira agreed.
Their dismissal, combined with the instinct to fight leaving my body, left me irritated. “The sentries weren’t there. Who else has the power to send them away?”
“Not many. Us, Olet. The Százados in charge of the night watch,” Rokath said, his mind racing through endless possibilities. “Tomorrow, I will round up each for questioning, including the males who abandoned their posts.”
He crouched so we were eye level. “As much as I want to go on a rampage right now, I need to take care of you. Your health, your safety, your protection, are paramount to me. I am so sorry I couldn’t reach you sooner.”
Tears burned my eyes. I reached up and cupped his cheek. The soft hairs of his beard tickled my palm. “You came as quickly as you could.”
He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Come, you need to rest.”
Nodding, I slid off the table. He tucked me under his arm, the safest place in all the worlds.
“Send for me if you need anything,” he told Rapp and Kiira.
“We will,” Rapp promised. Using the wall as support, he shuffled forward. Kiira joined him, her steps as careful as his. Rokath and I followed them to Rapp’s room before quickening our pace.
My entire being ached. When we reached the entrance to our tower, Rokath scooped me into his arms. I didn’t protest as he carried me up the spiral staircase, merely rested my cheek against his heart and let the steady rhythm soothe me.
And when we reached our sleeping chamber, I let him undress me. Let him carry me to bed. Let him wrap himself around me. Let him make me feel safe.
“Sleep, Assyria. I will protect you.”
But I’d tasted the truth tonight. And it was bitter. No one, not even Rokath, could shield me from the discontent of those who preferred the status quo. Traitors hid in the shadows—Fates, right out in the open.
Next time they came for me, I wouldn’t be caught unprepared.
I’d be waiting. Ready. Primed with fire in my veins and fury in my heart.
They wanted to cut down a new symbol; instead, I’d show the world what it meant to be the fucking Szélhámos.