Page 81 of Secrets of Avalon

You're safe with me, love. I reassure her silently, marveling at the growing strength of our connection. I won't let anyone make you feel uncomfortable.

Her eyes widen and she clutches at my arm tighter. I can hear you. In my head. The same way I can hear Siva.

I tilt my head down at her. I wasn’t sure if it would happen. But it is typical of soulmate bonds.

“Magick is pretty cool when it’s not killing people,” she says, staring up at me.

“I agree,” I say, dipping my head to kiss her firmly on the lips.

I descend the spiral staircase of the tower holding Melinda tightly in my arms. The knights have gathered at the bottom and their eyes fix on us the moment I step off the landing. Ares' grin stretches wide across his face. "Always the troublemaker, Hawke. Can't leave you alone for a second."

Fen pushes forward, anticipation rolling off him in waves. "Did you bond? Do you have it back?"

He’s coming to fast. To close to my mate. A fierce growl tears from my throat, stopping Fen in his tracks. "Do not touch her."

Fen backs up, hands raised in surrender. "But your soul, Hawke?"

The completeness within me is undeniable. "Yes. I am restored." Relief surges through my bond with Melinda after I say those words. It really worked?

Yes, it did. I am whole.

"And the queen has awakened." Wraith's words echo forebodingly through the landing area.

"I think so," I confirm, my mind racing with the implications. "We need to get up to the Table. To the tower. My brothers, I need you to keep people away from Melinda. I can barely think coherently right now."

Ares chuckles, handing Boaz a small golden flask. "Let's figure this out and get you two lovebirds tucked back in your room." Boaz takes a sip and passes it to Wraith, who hands it to Fenrir. The flask makes it all the way back to Ares, who finally holds it out to me.

"I'm good," I say, shaking my head.

"Might take the edge off your mood," Ares suggests, a playful glint in his eyes. "Perhaps your mate would like a sip."

“Is it alcohol?” She asks.

I shake my head. “Ambrosia, but I don't need it anymore." I pull her closer, my arms tightening around her.

I turn to Kellan, urgency thrumming in my veins. "Kellan, would you take point? We're going to take the back door through the kitchens, see if we can get there before most people figure out what's going on."

The big man gives me a curt jerk of his head and we go out.

As we navigate the darkened courtyard, Melinda's unease grows, her heart racing against my chest. I hold her close, my senses stretching out into the shadows, ready for any threat. If word spreads about the queen's awakening before we can assess the situation, panic will consume the castle. We need to stay ahead of the rumors, to maintain control.

The kitchens are nearly silent when we enter, save for the crackling of low embers in the large fireplaces. A few hanging lanterns cast a soft glow, and we cross the room as quietly as possible. We emerge below a set of dark stairs. Melinda's soft voice breaks the silence. "Where are we going?"

"The Round Table is up this tower. And Queen Aena’s cell," I reply, keeping my voice low.

Confusion and fear radiate from her through our bond. "You just keep her in a tower? Like locked in a bedroom?"

"No, she's in a cell. Asleep."

"No one could kill her, Domina," Kellan explains, his tone hushed.

The pounding of steps above us sets my nerves on edge, and we quickly come face to face with four imposing Upir guards, their silver armor gleaming in the lamplight. They bow to Wraith, the largest speaking. "Knights... The sword is in the stone."

Ares grabs one of the soldiers by the front of his breastplate, his eyes boring into him. "Excalibur has returned? The whole sword?"

The guard bristles, but Ares doesn't relent, growling into the Upir's face. "The whole sword?"

The guard shakes his head. "Just one piece."