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Back Unbound: A Fantasy Romance
Chapters (49)
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16
  17. 17
  18. 18
  19. 19
  20. 20
  21. 21
  22. 22
  23. 23
  24. 24
  25. 25
  26. 26
  27. 27
  28. 28
  29. 29
  30. 30
  31. 31
  32. Chapter 32
  33. 32
  34. 33
  35. 34
  36. 35
  37. 36
  38. 37
  39. 38
  40. 39. Raith
  41. RAITH
  42. 40
  43. 41. Raith
  44. RAITH
  45. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  46. A NOTE FROM PENELOPE
  47. BEHIND THE MAGIC: READER EXCLUSIVES
  48. SNEAK PEAK: UNVEILED
  49. MORE BOOKS FROM PENELOPE

"Nessa!" His voice sounds so far away, drowned out by the pounding rain and rumbling thunder. And then nothing.

39. Raith

39

RAITH

"Nessa!"

I watch her collapse into the mud, her body crumpling like a marionette with cut strings. Through our tether, I feel her consciousness slip away—not the sudden flash of stasis, but something deeper, more dangerous. A void where her vibrant presence should be.

The windborne's body lies motionless beside her, throat cut clean through, his blood mixing with the rain and mud. A necessary death. One I don't regret.

Typhon shudders, his massive form retracting slightly as the strain of unleashing his true power takes its toll. Blue essence still leaks from wounds across his scales, but the ancient water dragon curls protectively around Nessa's unconscious form, wings forming a canopy against the relentless downpour. His teeth are bared and sapphire magic seeps from between them, as if warning off any who would dare get close.

"She draws too deep," Typhon's voice resonates directly in my mind, surprising me. We've never communicated directly before. "The essence she took from the windborne... it overwhelms her."

I drop to my knees beside her, pressing my fingers to her throat. Her pulse flutters erratically beneath my touch, too fast and too weak. "What can I do?" I demand, looking up at the ancient dragon.

"End the Crucible," Typhon replies, his massive head lowering until one blue eye is level with mine. "The ceremonial blade. If you claim it, this ends. She will be weak for a time. Vulnerable. End this, Raith Hollow. It’s the only way to protect her.”

I hesitate, torn between staying at her side and the knowledge that Typhon is right. Every second the Crucible continues puts her at greater risk. “Do you have the strength to guard her while I’m gone?”

Typhon's head draws back slightly, a flash of indignation crossing his ancient features. "With my last breath," he rumbles. "She is my tethered. Mine to protect. But if this Crucible continues for too long, I fear more of the windborne will come. You must end it. Now."

I nod, trusting the ancient's word despite everything. "Keep her safe."

Movement makes me draw my sword in an instant, fire flaring in my free hand. I lower my weapon when I realize who it is.

Bastian is struggling to his feet, pristine uniform now filthy and covered in a combination of blood and mud. He is dragging himself toward us, face contorted in pain. “You have to go,” he says through his teeth.

“And leave you alone with her? Not a fucking chance.”