Free Reign of Ice (Forever Fae series) by L.P. Dover

“We’ve been trying to figure out other ways to get through this without putting you in harm’s way. I’m sorry it was kept from you. Now that your blood is Winter we can get Durin to make the weapon and then we can all discuss our plans of attack.”
    “No,” I shouted. “You’re not going to tell anyone I know. If you do then they will keep me back from doing what I’m supposed to do, especially Brayden. You know this, Sorcha.”
    Sorcha scoffed and threw her hands in the air, exasperated. “Well, then what are you going to do? Did your new powers magically enhance you to become invincible?”
    “No, not exactly, but I do have a way I can defeat him. I need you to trust me on this. Think of all the lives that could be saved if I get in there undetected and put an end to this. You would do the same thing, wouldn’t you … take the risk for everyone you love?”
    She groaned. “Yes, but we’re going to come up with a plan. I’ll keep your secret for now. However, if you do something stupid I’m not going to have a choice but to tell everyone. It’s up to you, Ariella. I know how you are and I know what you’re capable of as far as running head first into trouble. This isn’t one of those times. Be smart about this and let us help you.”
    “Thank you,” I muttered, grateful. “I know I can do this. No one knows the true outcome of what will happen. I could still have a chance.” I said it, but I didn’t believe it. Going into the Black Forest alone was a death wish in itself.
    The dream world started to fade, but Sorcha grabbed onto my hands and held them tight. Quickly, she asked, “If things weren’t the way they are right now, would you be happy about completing the final bond with Brayden?”
    As everything around me started to disappear, I looked into her emerald green eyes and smiled. “Yes, Sorcha, I would be happy. He’s a pain in the ass, but I would be happy. I can’t see how it would be fair to him to get attached when I know I’m not going to survive the ending.”
    Sorcha’s grip on my hands lessened and we both began to disappear. Before my eyes opened to the new dawn I heard a final whisper escape Sorcha’s lips … it was a promise.
    “You will live, Ariella. I promise you that.”
     

 

     

     
    WHEN I AWOKE, I was alone in my bed, with the low sun trickling in through the window with the coming dawn. My first thought was that everything had just been a dream, but it all became clear again when I looked down at my pale, creamy skin. Nope, it all happened.
    “Brayden?” I sent out through our bond.
    “Yes, angel.”
    “Where are you?”
    “Why, do you miss me already?”
    I rolled my eyes. “I swear I never would’ve thought you could joke around. In a way, I think I miss the brooding and silent Brayden.” He was easier to hate and stay away from when he was like that. I could hear his chuckle through my mind, and as much as I didn’t want it to it made a smile spread across my face.
    Getting out of bed, I removed my robe and my nightgown, and fetched a towel from my closet. “Seriously, Brayden, where are you? I want to know if you’ve seen anyone yet.”
    Padding across the room on my bare feet with my towel in hand, I opened up the bathroom door and immediately froze, dropping the towel on the floor. “Holy hell,” I gasped, unable to take my eyes away from the man in front of me. Brayden stepped out of the shower as if nothing was amiss, gloriously naked and covered in droplets of water, with steam swirling around his Winter skin. He smiled at me, but not before raking an appreciative gaze down my own naked form.
    “Good morning, angel. I see you found me, and to answer your question, no I haven’t seen anyone yet. I’ve been with you all morning, which is going to get everyone asking questions the moment they look at you.”
    Picking up my towel, I wrapped it around my body and held it tight while Brayden chose to stand there with his draped over his