Exton

Star is silent, her eyes dark and murky as Phoenix lifts off my back; silent still as I fasten the harness under her arms and check it for fit. It's not that strange - she's never been a chatterbox, and knowing that she'll see the Fae who stole her innocence must be weighing heavily on her mind.

"This isn't going to be the most comfortable ride," I say, "but it won't take long. Maybe after this is all over, I should consider getting a car or a truck."

I strap myself into my own harness, then nod to Phoenix. The giant bird takes off and soon the ground is far below. I look over at Star. "I hope you're not afraid of heights!" - but her eyes are shut tight.

I see Dragon circling the clearing where the fight is to take place, and Guunnar, his face white as Nick's, hanging on for dear life. When Dragon comes within ten feet of the ground, he jumps, then clasps the ground in both hands as if hugging it. 

Phoenix lands and I get us unstrapped, walk over to where Raina is trying to pry Guunnar off the ground. "Get up, you big baby, it's over, we're here."

Keon and his - men? - have arrived and are setting up. Guunnar joins them when his knees steady, and I have a chance to speak with Raina.

"Sister… I find that I don't know what to say, now that the time is near. I have every intention of winning this; but intention may not be enough."

I look around and see Star edging closer, her eyes still murky and cold. I switch to Norse. "*Ef hlutur fara slæmur, fá hana út af hér, gera ekki láta hana sjá." Raina nods, and we embrace.

I move to Star, take her in my arms, just look at her wordlessly, holding her close. "You are my heart, beloved. Remain strong, and we will win this together." I stroke my fingers through her hair and clasp her tight again. "I have loved you since we met, and I will love you forever."

She meets my eyes, hers now a dark pink. "I love you, Erik, with all my heart."


*if things go bad, get her out of here, don't let her see...