Ella's chest heaved, her breasts rising and falling with her breathing. She realised she was wearing the same dress she'd worn when she was with Ilathor, and she suddenly felt heat come to her face.

"You're blushing," Killian said.

Ella wondered if she should tell Killian about Ilathor, but she pushed the thought away. After all the horror and bloodshed, the time with Ilathor had been a rush of emotion, as Ella craved the warmth she'd seen Shani and Bartolo share. Prince Ilathor had pushed Ella, and she'd succumbed. With Ilathor she'd felt none of the companionship she now felt with Killian.

"The fire's a bit warm," Ella said.

Killian looked over at the fire, which had died down to embers, and raised an eyebrow.

"It's a little cooler over here," he said, opening the crook of his arm.

Ella shuffled over until she was sitting beside him, leaning back into his arms. Killian moved to sit with his back to a tree, while Ella snuggled in to his body, feeling safe with Killian in a way she never had with another man.

Comfortable tiredness washed over her. "You still have me at a disadvantage," Ella murmured. "You've seen me naked."

She felt a hand stroking the side of her cheek, and then Killian's soft touch was on her neck. As Ella drifted off she realised it was the necklace at her throat that he'd found.

"You do care for me," Killian said.

Ella didn't hear him. She had already closed her eyes, sleep coming to her instantly.

51

51

"THIS enemy can be beaten," Jehral said.

Prince Ilathor nodded. "Their numbers are fewer, and even in battle some of the revenants are falling down without being struck at all. Whatever she has done, it is working. Yet still no word."

"I am sure she is safe, my prince," Jehral said.

"Salute!" a voice called from outside. "Your Highness, the Petryan and the Alturan are here."

"Send them in," Jehral called.

Shani and Bartolo entered the prince's command tent. Without preamble, Prince Ilathor spoke. "The new tactics are working. Elementalist Shani, Bladesinger Bartolo, I have you to thank."

"We need to move more slowly," Bartolo said. "I know your men value speed and surprise, Prince Ilathor, but we can't keep this pace up. Today's battle was lucky. Tomorrow's battle might not turn out as well."

"I hear you, bladesinger," Prince Ilathor said, "and I do not wish you to think your arguments fall on deaf ears, but the Tingaran winter is coming, and if we want to reach Seranthia before the advent of the cold, we must press on. My men are not equipped for winter."

Bartolo shrugged. "Then many more of your men will die than is necessary. The speed you want will mean sacrifice."

"It cannot be avoided."

Shani spoke. "The essence we captured today… If our elementalists can have some we can create more walls of fire."