Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

After they settled into their individual rooms, they spent the better part of the day cleaning and removing all the dust. Cassiel chose a large room on the third floor facing the north with a view of the ocean. His bedroom was massive but plain. Not much furniture was in it save for an armoire and a desk…and a big bed. He tried not to think too much about that.

Cassiel glanced up at the sound of soft footsteps. Dyna walked into the large room, her gaze trailing over the molding.

She gave him a hesitant smile and her fingers tangled together. “I like the view.”

“I chose it for the space,” he said, coming to her. “Where are your belongings?”

She bit her lip. “In Lucenna’s room.”

He tilted his head, confused until he put it together. “I see.”

“Would that be all right?”

“For a man and his wife to sleep in separate quarters? The outrage.” He chuckled and took her fidgeting hands. The bond’s energy hummed at the meeting of their skin. “What would the neighbors think?”

“They would think what a shameless wife.”

He tsked. “No, they would think there must be something terribly wrong with the husband.”

“There is nothing wrong with you.” Her brows curled up. “I simply…should stay with Lucenna until she wakes.”

But they both knew it was because she wasn’t ready to share his bed.

Which wasn’t the problem. He already said they would wait for however long she needed. Even so, Cassiel subtly lifted his shield, careful not to let her know his thoughts, because he couldn’t deny two things. It would be impossible to sleep in the same bed and not want her. But it would be ten times more difficult to be separated from her in any way.

Not having Dyna in his sight drew out a feeling like smoke from a growing fire. The utter fear of losing her again. The Druid had already predicted it. Death and Shadow were what awaited her at the end of this journey.

The tension was already crawling over his body at the mere thought of it, and his veins heated with his flame. It was an instinct that surfaced to protect what was his. He almost suggested he sleep on the floor for that semblance of space while still keeping her close, but no. This was Dyna’s decision.

Her choice.

He promised to always respect that. Even if it went against his need to keep her safe.

But when did protection become paranoia? His mate wasn’t in any danger. She was in front of him, warm and alive. Dyna couldn’t be happy if he was constantly afraid something would happen to her when he wasn’t there.

“We have all the time in the world to get to know one another.” Cassiel brought her fingers to his lips, trailing his mouth across her palm to the fluttering pulse in her wrist. “Starting from today…” He planted a kiss there and made his way up her arm to her shoulder. “And every waking hour after that…” He pressed his mouth to her throat and heard her breath catch. “From now and until forever.”

Cassiel trailed his hands up the small of her waist and she shuddered. The bond hummed with many desires—from both ends. Dyna’s lashes fluttered closed and she leaned into him.

Cassiel stepped back, leaving the cold air to fall between them. “But meanwhile, I will behave as a perfect gentleman should.”

Dyna’s eyes popped open and her mouth parted wide with an incredulous laugh. She nudged him into the wall. “You’re terrible.”

He took her face and planted a kiss on her lips. You torture me, lev sheli. I cannot help returning the favor a little.

A knock came at the door and they looked up to see Zev standing in the doorway. They both froze.

“I’m headed to town with Rawn,” Zev said, ignoring their positions. “Thought we should look around and take in our settings now that we know where we are.”

“Do you think we should be concerned?” Cassiel asked as he let her go, pretending he hadn’t caught them kissing.

They didn’t know anything about these mercenaries. When Dyna revealed this place used to be Azurite, they all thought it odd that they built a town over a grave.

“I’m not sure yet,” Zev said. “Want to join us?”

Dyna shook her head. “I’ll stay to monitor Lucenna’s condition, and I need to brew medicine for Gale. I should go get that started.”

“I’m staying as well,” Cassiel said when she left. He motioned to the long rectangular package wrapped in soft leather and twine on his bed. “Might be a good time to present it to her.”

Zev chuckled. “I wish you luck.”

“I will certainly need it.”

Zev stepped back into the hall. “She looks happy, you know. I don’t think I have seen her smile this much since before she lost her family.”

“I know it was not easy to accept our bond,” he said, leaning against the doorway. “Thank you, and I’m sorry for any hurt we caused you.”

“Well, I suppose you can make it up to me eventually.” Zev shrugged, giving him a sly smile. “Starting from today and every waking hour after that. From now and until forever.”

Cassiel smirked. “It may be best to stop listening to our conversations. One day you may hear something you would rather not.”

The grin dropped from Zev’s face. Chuckling, Cassiel shut the door.

Dyna, when you are permitted, could you meet me in the courtyard? Cassiel asked as he slipped off his enchanted coat and changed out of his clothes. I have something for you.

Do you? Came her playful response. Should I dress warm?

He turned to the gritty mirror on the wall and sent her the image of his reflection. You will be warm soon enough.

Her delight vibrated through their connection, and Cassiel smiled as he felt her hurry to finish whatever she was doing.

After he tightened his greaves, Cassiel tucked the package under his arm. His wings stretched wide as he entered the balcony, his long black feathers fluttered behind him like a cloak. Since arriving, he hadn’t gone out for a flight. He breathed in the frosted air, and let the sun fall over his face. The temperature was cold but bearable for a little while. The land the manor rested on was more secluded with the woods that surrounded it. The townsfolk may know about Celestials but he didn’t feel comfortable revealing himself, so he was glad they were here.

He leaped off the railing and let the wind take him. Cassiel flew for the woods to give Dyna some time. The trees were dense out here. Mostly pine and or barren branches. He passed by a frozen pond in the middle of the woods. But there was something a little past it that caught his attention. It looked like a rusted gate leading to some sort of underground storehouse or dungeon, long out of use. He continued and soon the woods withdrew and the terrain beyond it was flat coastal plains that ended with sheer cliffs that faced the sea. They were high, water roaring as it crashed on the bluffs. It must be the edge of the Bridge. The cliffs continued for miles in either direction, the town’s wall in the distance.

Where are you?

On my way to you. Cassiel circled back to the manor. Within a few minutes, he landed in the courtyard already cleared of snow. He found Dyna there riding Fair, and already dressed in her fae armor. Her red hair flowed freely behind her like a streak of fire. He might have stood there to watch her all afternoon if she hadn’t seen him.

She smiled brightly. “There you are. What did you have to show me?”

“Your final light gift.” Cassiel presented the package to her with both hands.

Dyna dismounted and let Fair canter off. Surprise rose on her features when she noticed the hilt sticking out of the leather. Steel sang as she drew it free. Sunlight reflected off the sword’s blade. It was light, honed to a slender size, and made precisely for her. Dyna awed as she lifted the hilt to admire the crossguard fashioned into wings like his. Instead of a sapphire, her langet glinted with an emerald that matched her eyes.

Her brows curled as she looked at him in a way that made him hold his breath. “Cassiel…”

He shifted on his feet. “Is it too much?”

“No, of course not,” she said with a teasing smile. “It’s not every day a husband gives his wife a deadly weapon she can skewer him with. Thank you.”

He chuckled. It’s a good thing he has divine blood.

“It’s beautiful.” Dyna admired the craftsmanship, until her smile wavered. “You have given me so much. I also have a light gift for you but…it’s nothing as extravagant as this.”

His brow furrowed, not sure of her meaning.

She reached in her pocket and held out her hand. In her palm were two rings. They were simple, polished bands that gleamed like silver, but as he stared at them, he noticed the grains of wood.

“Before we left Hermon, I asked my lady’s maid to bring me a branch from the Hyalus tree,” she said. “We were wed with borrowed rings. It was the symbolism that counted, but I still wanted to commemorate our marriage with something that held meaning to us.”

It was the Hyalus where they met and where they found each other again.

Dyna flushed. “I’m not as skilled as Rawn at carving, but he taught me enough.” Then Cassiel noticed the scrapes on her fingers, the nicks from the tools. His throat thickened and he couldn’t quite speak.

He shook his head. “Dyna…this…”

“Do you like it?” she asked shyly.

“Very much.” Cassiel took the rings and slipped the smaller one on her finger and the other on his. They were a perfect fit. She had no idea how much this meant to him. How much more he treasured her for it.

“Even if they are only wood?”

Cradling her palm in his, he brushed his thumb over the smooth band on her finger. “When I was eight winters old, my father took me to the smith caves in Edym where I chose my sword and watched it be honed in the blessed fires.” He glanced at where he had left Esh Shamayim propped against the wall. “I can still remember the heat of the forge and how elated I felt to receive such a gift that was made only for me. These rings hold that same value if not more.”

A smile lit Dyna’s face. He supposed that was the reason why he chose to give her a sword. A part of him wanted to replicate a sliver of that moment.

“I didn’t know you were born in winter,” she said. “On what day does it fall? We should celebrate.”

The reminder stole the warmth that had been thrumming in his chest. “It’s not something I celebrate, Dyna.”

Her brow furrowed.

Cassiel busied himself checking her armor and making sure it was secured. He felt her watching him, waiting for an answer. “It falls on the winter solstice,” he finally said. “I didn’t wish to tell you because I know what that day means for your past. It’s an anniversary I hate, too.” His fingers stalled her belts. Speaking of it uncovered an old memory of him as a child, sitting in the dark dining room alone. Waiting for something that would never come. “I turned ten the last time it was decided those sorts of things were not for me. The next day, my father sent me away to Hermon, and year after damn year I’m reminded of that.”

Dyna’s hand covered his. “Because you miss him.”

It wasn’t a question.

“There are days when I do miss him,” Cassiel admitted quietly. “And days when I hate that I miss him. Other days, I think nothing of him at all.”

Her fingers brushed his cheek, prompting him to look at her. “When you have those dark days, come to me, so I may either embrace you—or attack you.”

A streak of sensations pulsed down his arm. In the same spot where she had written one of her vows.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

He chuckled. “Those are my only options?”

“Yes and I will choose which.” Dyna walked backwards with an inviting smile bright enough to spread an indulgent heat through the bond. “Seeing as I’m holding a sword, you do know we have to spar now, right?”

“Lev sheli, I was hoping you would say that.”

Once they had the basics down, Cassiel walked her through the movements. He spent the afternoon sparring with her and getting the feel of the sword. Her movements lacked refinement and practice, but Dyna had already had some instruction, and she learned quickly. It would take more than a day of instruction, but he could already see how amazing she would be.

Her blade slashed through the air and the clash of steel rang in the courtyard as their blades met.

“Well done.” He parried hers away with the training sword he borrowed from the armory. “Again.”

She lunged forward in a step and he swept his sword as he retreated. They moved in a practiced dance. Parry, lunge, advance. Retreat, stab, dodge. Round and round they went into the courtyard.

Dyna pivoted out of the way of his next move and instead of following the expected step, she shoved her sword forward. Her cross guard caught his and she forced his arms up, her dagger appearing at his exposed throat. “You’re dead.”

He laughed incredulously. “I did not expect that.”

Dyna giggled at his shock. “Expect the unexpected.”

Smirking, Cassiel moved into position. “Very well.”

Her actions flowed faster, her enchanted armor giving her speed. Some attacks were new and aggressive. Attacks that he hadn’t taught her. Dyna slashed for him and he blocked, pivoting away out of her next swing. With each thrust, she advanced, breath clouding in the air. Clashing steel ricocheted around them. She was holding her own, and he loved it. Cassiel picked up the pace and pushed. Dyna tried to keep up but retreated into the snow. Her boot caught, distracting her. He flicked his blade and knocked the sword out of Dyna’s hold, sending it arching to the other side of the courtyard. It landed in the plush snow.

Cassiel pointed his practice sword an inch away from her neck. “Surrender?”

Dyna’s chest heaved with wild breaths, a sly smile on those pink lips that he desperately wanted to taste. She hit the flat end of the blade away and dropped. Her leg swept out and next thing he knew he was on the ground staring up at the sky.

“You let your guard down again, kohav,” Dyna teased and she ran for her weapon.

She truly did have that effect on him.

He growled and rolled to his feet. “I find it adorable that you think you can outrun me.”

Cassiel leaped up into the air. His beating wings swirled flurries through the yard. He dove for his target. Under his incoming shadow, Dyna spun around and screeched when he tackled her into the thick blanket of snow. Cassiel landed top of her, pinning her arms over her head

He looked into the striking green of her eyes. “Do you concede?”

“Never,” she replied softly. “Perhaps a truce?”

He leaned in closer, their noses touching. “I may require some convincing—”

Dyna’s legs wrapped around his waist and she flipped him onto his back.

He laughed, grabbing her waist. “I need to stop underestimating you.”

“Yes.” Dyna’s cold hands trailed up his shoulder to his neck, leaving a cascade of tingles in their wake. “You really do.”

Cassiel pulled her down, taking her cold lips in his. He circled her back with his arms and held her close as he kissed her slowly. Green danced in the edges of his vision and he knew tendrils of her magic were sparking at his touch. He smiled against her mouth and rolled her under him, never releasing her mouth.

He would never get tired of this.

Her arms circled his neck, bringing her body closer. Dyna shivered when he dragged a hand up her thigh encased in leather. His tongue flicked against her pulse and he swallowed the soft moan she made. He could feel her heartbeat with every stroke of his fingers.

I left a pot brewing in the kitchen… came Dyna’s reluctant thought. Medicine. I should…go… But she clutched him with no sign of stopping.

Cassiel kissed her once more, then twice, and couldn’t help a third before he got to his feet and helped her up. She was all pink cheeks and shy smiles. He chuckled at the snow in her hair and wiped it off.

“Go ahead. I will gather everything.”

She hurried back to the house as he collected their weapons and gear. Once he had Fair back in the barn, Cassiel put away their things and headed for the dining hall.

The evening sun shone in through the tall windows. A long table parted the room that had been cleaned. The bond led him through another set of doors and he found the kitchen. There was a large furnace and baking ovens. A smaller wooden butcher’s table stood in the center with a steaming kettle. Two other doors led to a pantry and a buttery containing old barrels. Cassiel’s nose curled at the strong smell of something foul overpowering the scent of rosemary.

Dyna stirred a pot she had hanging over a fire in the hearth. “It’s ready.”

“What is that gods awful smell?”

“It’s Esha root. It has many benefits. In Gale’s case it will strengthen her uterine muscle.”

“What are her chances?”

Her brow pinched. “She will make it as long as I can keep her strong.”

“You’re worried.”

“Her placenta is at risk to dislodge and cause an abruption. That is very dangerous for her and the baby. This tonic will help to prevent that, but it may be best to have Gale bedridden until the birth.”

“It’s not something you can magically cure,” he guessed.

She sighed and used a cloth to pull the kettle off the fire to cool on the stone ledge of the hearth. “Essence Healing encourages the body to heal, but if the body doesn’t have the strength to heal, then I…”

Cassiel waited for her to answer but when she didn’t, something cold stirred in his chest. “Then what?”

“Let’s not worry about it now.” Dyna turned away. It’s merely a possibility.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Cassiel picked her up by the waist and placed her on the counter. She stared at him from the shock. The buttery sunlight streaming in through the windows fell over her, lighting the soft, red waves falling down her shoulders. “You will not mention that and tell me not to worry. I won’t tolerate any possibility of danger coming to you. We have spoken of this before, of life force being the source of your magic. I have not forgotten. What will happen if her body does not have the strength?”

She dropped her gaze. “I’m not a full blooded sorceress.”

He lifted her chin, making her look at him. “What will happen, Dyna?”

“Gale…will draw her strength from me.”

Cassiel narrowed his eyes because he knew it wasn’t as simple as that. “What does that mean?”

“The source of magic is essentially life. It’s a cycle that flows from one living thing into another. From the earth to the trees, to the sky to the sun, from person to person.” She sighed at the look on his face. “I studied this, Cassiel. The same way you trained to master the sword. Medicine is my mastery. I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”

But he tensed with dread and he didn’t understand why, only that she was telling him healing took from her. He stood there mutely, angry and worried and not knowing what to say or do, other than to ask her not to help Klyde’s family. He couldn’t do that. Dyna would always want to help others, but why did it have to be at the expense of herself?

Dyna brushed his cheek. “Thank you for worrying about me.”

Cassiel sighed, his eyes closing as she brought her mouth to his. He held onto her waist, her fingers sinking into his hair as he lost himself in the soft kiss.

“Are you hungry?” she asked between kisses. “I made soup. There’s bread, too. Will you join me?” She pecked his nose. “I’m starved.”

Hearing that his mate needed food stirred the protective instinct to fulfill that.

Cassiel frowned. “You are trying to distract me. I will let this drop for now, only because I can deny you nothing.”

He caught the hint of a smile as Dyna hopped off the countertop to gather some bowls. “I know.”