Page 93 of Obsidian Throne

I thought about Evander, having the nerve to leave me here without so much as consulting me. Theo, ready to cart me back to Lochlann against my will.

And most of all, Iiro, who was killing countless thousands in his quest for power. For revenge. For his pride.

Who wanted to hurt the person I loved most in the world.

No, Avani. I won’t let them think that at all.

I clenched my jaw, determination and fury battling within me. I didn’t know how Rayan’s armor would help, and I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I was damned well going to find a way to stop him.

And I would save Evander.

Aaliothat he was.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

ROWAN

There was only one problem with my plan.

“Evander said you would try to escape.” Theo heaved an exasperated sigh while I fumed about him tethering our horses together.

It was barely past dawn, and apparently we were already late. The plan was to make it to the tunnels before the end of the week where I would be escorted back to Lochlann.

Even when I told him I would gather my parents’ forces and come right back through, I knew the threat was useless. By the time I made it to Chridhe and then we moved the militia back through the tunnels, it would be too late.

Theo knew that, too, and he was intent to make sure his plan--Evander’s plan--for me succeeded.

He wasn’t alone, either. There were three guards, all loyal to him, all equally committed to ensuring I cooperated.

“And you’re just fine with taking me against my will?” I demanded in a frigid tone. “Again?”

Theo flinched, but I wasn’t done. Not even close.

“Last time, you at least had the relative excuse that I had broken your precious laws, but what is it this time?” I pushed. “Or do you just truly believe that women aren’t entitled to free will?”

He shook his head, his features shuttering.

I wasn’t actually sure who I hated more right now, my husband or the man currently treating me like a prisoner. Both were taking my choices from me.

But only one of them had promised me we were in this together, had held me like I was his entire life, and then left me in the middle of the night with nothing more than a stars-damned letter.

I decided there was plenty of fury to go around.

It didn’t help that it was freezing again, traveling quickly by horse in the dead of winter.

“What I believe,” Theo said in a growl, “is that you are still as reckless now as you were then. If you won’t come for your own sake, then ask yourself this. Do you honestly believe that Evander can concentrate on defending Bear when you are in danger?”

All the air whooshed from my lungs. Unbidden, memories came to me of Evander walking to that tree trunk to be flogged. Of him ordering his men to stand down.

Is that what I am? A liability? Is that the real reason he left me here?

Tendrils of doubt crept through me, but then, I thought about that day. I had freed myself from the man holding a dagger to my throat.

I had killed Ava.

Before that, I had fought at Evander’s side with the Unclanned, fought for him with the rebels in Lochlann.

So, no. The problem was not me.