Page 310 of A Dagger of Fire and Fate

“Don’t look at her, she kept it a secret.” Dax patted his shoulder and leaned closer, whispering, “I’ve discovered things about you that would keep you up at night. Don’t ever wound my cousin andyouwon’t have a problem.”

“Are you threatening me?” Ryker asked, amused.

“You catch on quickly.” He straightened back up and grinned. “Luckily, none of your secrets are so heinous that I’d oppose your marriage with Allie.”

They exchanged a curt nod, as if making each other some grand promise.

Honestly, it was sweet, the way they threatened each other for my well-being.

“Give a sign when you get there,” I said. “And whatever happens, do. NOT. die.”

“Promise,” he grinned.

We exchanged a quicker hug than we would have liked, but with so many gazes on us, we couldn’t indulge in the embrace any longer without our eyes watering.

Whether Dax wanted to admit it or not, his mission would be dangerous.

The Fair Isles were a magnet for the most heinous and richest in all of Malhaven–and if the poison had come from there, then the risk would be that much greater for a Vegheara.

But this was his decision.

His mission.

His purpose.

The future of our Clan rested on his shoulders, and I did not envy him.

With a final hug with Evie and a mighty glower sent the Dragon’s way, Dax readjusted his backpack, and turned toward the Western road.

I swallowed my worry as I watched him leave, sending a quick protection spell that flashed between my fingers.

Dax had to survive this mission.

Ryker crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I’d be worried if I were him.”

“Dax can take care of himself,” I said, watching his figure grow smaller and smaller, alone on the road. To convince Ryker or myself, I didn’t know. “Our enemies haven’t gotten us yet.He’ll evade them.”

“He’s very good at evading, I’ll give you that. But there’s one person I don’t think he’ll be able to dodge forever.”

“Who?”

“The Viper.Now that he’s left the crater, she’ll come for him.”

THE END