The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow (The Guild Codex: Unveiled #3)

by Annette Marie

“She’s gonna sell me to Bane,” she continued, sounding hopeless. I didn’t like it. I preferred it when she sounded brazen or sarcastic, or when she sometimes got that soft, sort of breathy note in her voice.

“The first rule of the Crow and Hammer is ‘don’t hit first, but always hit back.’” My eyebrows rose. “Let me guess. That rule won’t apply to me.” “It applies to everyone, including you. There is no situation in which a person is not entitled to defend themselves. However, as one of the more powerful mythics in the guild, you have a responsibility to consider the appropriate level of force to use against others.”

Why the display of power? That’s not your usual style. He was an ambush predator at heart, always showing his weakest face until the last possible moment. He fluffed his fur in irritation. They treat you as a petitioner groveling for leniency, but it is they who should curry mercy with you. “It’s your mercy they need,” I corrected in a low murmur. “Not mine.” You are my consort now. In matters of humankind, I am your weapon to wield.

“I’m going to help him.” He nodded, unsurprised. “Are you okay with that?” Uncertainty crept into my voice. “Is it what you would’ve decided?” “Me?” An ancient, pitiless chill permeated his pale eyes. “I warned you before that I am not a benevolent being, dove. I would leave Lallakai to her doom, keep the Undying gift, and take her consort as mine alongside you.” My eyes widened. “However, if you gave me permission to devour him, that would also be acceptable.”

“And then,” I murmured, my gaze falling to her mouth, “we’ll leave this city together.” “Together.” As her spiritual power drifted around us, I lowered my head. Our lips met. Softly this time. Gently this time. I’d be gentle. I’d be careful. Because now that I knew she was a druid, her promise that we’d be together was no longer just an option I liked. She was like me. She could understand me. We were the same. I needed her. I needed everything.

“You cannot add conditions to a bargain after it’s been struck,” she snapped. Ríkr’s lips curved in a smooth smile. “It is in poor taste, I agree.” She hissed furiously. “Fine.”

Baring her teeth, she surged toward him. Wintry cold swirled out from Ríkr, covering everything around him in a layer of frost, including me. “Careful, Night Eagle,” he murmured. Halting her rush, she curled her fingers threateningly. “Attack me,” he crooned, his eyes glinting with ancient cunning, “and we will swiftly learn which is more powerful: your new ability or my knowledge of it.” Lallakai’s jaw clenched, her beauty lost in the furious twist of her features. He tucked his hands in his cloak’s sleeves. “I bestowed you the Undying power in trust, Lady of Shadow. The moment you turn on me, I will take back what is mine.”

Her gaze flicked to the drifting bits of ice, then returned to me. A faint smile graced her lips. “Lead the way, Bladesong Druid.”