1. Chapter One

Chapter One

Kade

G rief held its iron grip on Kade Drengr.

A restless energy swelled and pushed inside him, too, like the infinite choppy waves of the Sapphire Sea. Ahead of him, that sea stretched for miles to an indigo horizon. Seagulls squealed above, nose diving into the depths, lost to the frothy crests. Electricity perfumed the wind, the promise of a storm in the air.

“Aye there!” a sailor called as he descended the ramp of the large ship destined for Nūa.

Kade squinted against the afternoon sun’s blinding light. The silhouette of a pipe became clear, jutting out of the man’s toothy grin.

“You have paid passage?” he asked.

Kade nodded, rummaging in Bleu’s satchel and handing him the appropriate papers.

The sailor looked them over. “Where’s your companion?”

Kade searched for Evelyn amongst the townsfolk making their way home after work. No obsidian hair. No navy cloak, hem forever stained by the mud puddles of Callum. No mass of fiery red fur lost in the throngs of hurried feet .

Uncertainty wormed through Kade as he tried to gain a sense of how much time had passed. Evelyn’d gone to say goodbye to Tovi while he had remained at the docks with their things. Had it been twenty minutes? An hour? Ever since he’d read his brother Eldrick’s missive—his father, Alpha Aramis Drengr, was dead—time had oozed like tree sap, while some moments zipped by.

He’d been here before, the territory painful and familiar. He reminded himself the words that had helped him through grief in the past.

One foot in front of the other.

Kade turned to the sailor. “She’ll be back soon.”

The wind whipped past, raising his wolf’s hackles. Beside him, Bleu sidestepped, hooves clattering against the planks of the dock.

The sailor nodded. “Alright, but we’re boardin’ soon and raise the anchor in an hour. I wouldn’t dally.”

Kade nodded, the only agreement he could manage. He ran his hand down Bleu’s muzzle, whispering the promise of apples once they made it onto the ship. A few packed bags surrounded them. Layered to travel—sweater snug, cloak fastened—Kade was ready to step foot on a forsaken boat and follow his brother’s commands to return home at once. Blankets had been draped over Bleu for the colder nights on the ship along with parting parcels from Miss Patricia—the town’s inn owner. His horse huffed, side-eyeing him. He swore he saw concern flash through his steed’s gaze.

After his mother’s death, he’d become lost to waves of grief with no relief on the horizon. Kade had run for miles and miles in his werewolf form, needing to release his pent-up energy, similar to the pulsing in his chest now, like an oiled lantern, growing the more it burned. Memories of that time flooded through him—wet soil wedging into his paws while he ran through the forests of home, the scent of pine awakening his senses, the crisp breeze after an afternoon shower dampening his fur coat. He’d craved it all.

And he’d found purpose. Running had led him to Carena, the first Daughter of the Goddess, and there he’d been put to work, busying himself with the last of the witch’s autumn crop. He’d picked apples and tilled trees in her orchard until his muscles ached. He’d found something to do, something to busy his mind.

Movement. Action. Purpose.

He’d learned then that there was no sense of sitting in the past. Boarding the ship and returning home felt right . Though he loathed boats, it was the appropriate step forward. And Kade couldn’t deny the tingle of excitement, despite circumstances, for the promise of Evelyn at his side. He searched for her and her witch familiar, Maxie, again, but neither were in sight.

None of it—the urgency, the aptness, the ease of the day—would have happened without Evelyn. She’d done more than help with packing and purchasing the tickets. She’d made sure they said farewell to their friends in Callum, and she’d accepted his silence, staying at his side as a peaceful presence, letting him process his father’s death at his own pace.

Gods , he loved her.

But every time he breathed the words, they turned to dust on his lips. He hadn’t been able to muster them, the timing off.

Hours ago, they’d been tangled together as the sun rose over Callum and the birds sang the morning. They’d been moments away from completing their fated-mated bond, ready to tie their souls and bodies together. And yet, lingering on the past, asking what could’ve been, made Kade lose focus on what lay ahead. Carena’s words trickled through him.

One foot in front of the other.

Bleu reared back as a gust of wind barreled down the docks. Kade soothed the horse, clucking his tongue. Ships creaked as they bobbed in the water, and Evelyn’s absence glared like the sun’s reflection on the waves.

Perhaps saying goodbye to Tovi was taking longer than either of them anticipated. Yet, time ticked by, their departure growing closer. He sighed, whispering his plan to find Evelyn into Bleu’s flickering ears and headed into town .

The air was thick with eeriness as he trudged along. A clatter like thunder behind him, growing louder, spun him around. A massive, black carriage barreled toward him. It didn’t swerve, and the horses drawing it looked like they had the underworld in their eyes. He jumped out of the way as it sped past, wheels losing purchase on the stones as it swayed, unsteady.

Kade furrowed his brows. His wolf became alert, a growl rumbling in his throat.

He continued down the street, hoping to meet Evelyn along the way. His wolf itched for her, his heart thudding in his chest, anxious to hold her hand again. Such a simple touch that grounded him, that assured him they’d endure the voyage ahead and anything else after they stepped foot in Sorin.

Except, when he arrived at the print shop, he found no sign of her. Peering through the window, no one else moved about either. Wisps of steam rose from the fireplace, as if it had been recently doused. Where was she? Maybe he’d missed her, and she’d walked back to the harbor with Tovi?

Down the cobblestone streets, Kade ventured to the dock with haste. Yet, he found it the way he’d left it. Bleu, alone, surrounded by the packs. The sails of the ship had been let down, ballooning with the evening breeze.

Kade’s stomach sank. Time was running out, and his confusion became worry. His wolf, on the other hand, bristled, pacing underneath Kade’s skin.

Think.

He turned left and right, as if the southern and northern streets held answers. If he hadn’t passed her on the path, where else would Evelyn have gone? Maybe she’d forgotten something in her apartment and went to fetch it. Again, Kade hoped to run into her along the way, but across the entire stretch of the town, he hadn’t caught even a glimpse of her.

As he turned onto the most colorful street in Callum, he was hit with the vibrancy of shops painted blues, pinks, and yellows. His sights fell on the last building at the end of the street, the lone emerald building, Pages and Leaves’s golden sign dim in the oncoming clouds. Above the bookshop, no lights shown where Evelyn’s apartment had been. No Maxie waiting at the foot of the stairs. No signs of anything at all. He’d still check though—

A store door’s bell chimed, and Kade collided with a lithe yet tall frame, knocking him off balance.

“Deepest apologies,” the other man said.

“Riven.” Kade offered a curt nod.

Tovi’s brother grinned like a cat who’d already devoured his prey. Not a single white hair was out of line, brushed long and to the side. A three-piece black silk suit molded to his frame beneath a fastened jacket and leather gloves.

Riven raised a purple box, a sickly sweet aroma wafting from inside it. “Had to grab some parting treats before the journey. In my own excitement, I wasn’t watching where I was going.” His stare gleamed with mischief as he eyed Kade’s attire up and down. “You appear to be readying for travel as well, Commander Drengr.”

Kade froze at the mention of his official title. No one had called him that in some time, and yet, what was more surprising was that Riven knew it.

His surprise must’ve been evident because Riven chuckled. “My sister fills me in on these matters. Don’t look so worried.”

He stepped to the side, angling himself in the direction of the harbor. At the mention of Riven’s sister, Kade regained focus, remembering why he’d ventured down this street in the first place.

“Have you come across your sister? Is she traveling with you?”

Riven tilted his head. The angle sparked Kade’s wolf into a defensive posture. It teetered at the edge, barring its teeth as if a threat leered in front of them.

“No, why?”

Kade sighed. “Evelyn went to say goodbye to Tovi not too long ago.”

Riven’s brows shut up. “Ah, yes, Evelyn. She did come by looking for my sister at the print shop, but sadly, Tovi wasn’t there. Last I saw her, Miss Carson was headed in the direction of the harbor. ”

Kade’s brows pinched so violently, a headache pounded between his eyes. Had he missed coming across her twice? Was he so consumed by his grief he’d overlooked her? No, Kade wouldn’t. It was Evelyn. His mate.

He stepped away from Riven. “Thank you, and safe travels.”

“You know,” Riven said, snagging Kade’s attention again. “I’m surprised she chose you, after everything.”

Kade paid Riven’s words no mind. The everything he spoke of was in the past, so he didn’t spare Tovi’s brother a single glance as he continued to Evelyn’s apartment. He climbed the wrought iron steps two at a time, his fear cementing with each clanging step. He found the door ajar, as if someone had left in a rush. Inside, everything was as they’d left it.

And empty.

Had Evelyn ran? Again? He tried recalling their last encounter. The tone of her voice. A glint in her silver eyes. Had he been so distracted by his grief he’d missed signs?

No.

Kade knew in his heart that wasn’t true. Evelyn wouldn’t. She’d meant those words earlier; he felt her love in his soul. But then where—

Something hissed behind the bathroom door. Someone bumped into the walls, and the door’s hinges rattled against the frame. More hissing. More commotion. A stream of curses.

“You little shit,” a female voice whispered.

A cat growled.

Maxie.

But it wasn’t Evelyn behind the door. Kade didn’t detect her warm vanilla and cedar scent. He stepped forward, caution and curiosity humming through his pent-up muscles. Thump, thump, thump. His restless energy mounted.

The door banged open, and a ball of red fiery fur burst out of the bathroom, scurrying under Evelyn’s bed.

“Maxie!” Kade called as he collided into —

Tovi. Scratches lined her cheeks, neck and wrists, blood beading at the surface of her pale skin.

“What in the stars above are you doing here?” he asked.

Before Kade reached Maxie, she dashed past him and bolted out the adjacent door. Her descent down the metal stairs echoed unseen, hurried and determined.

Evelyn.

Kade unsheathed his sword and ran. He ascended the stairs in a blur. Behind him, Tovi called his name, begging him to stop. He ignored her.

Something wasn’t right.

He sprinted down the street, Maxie, a ball of red fiery fur, yards ahead of him. An instinct, a knowing, an element of the fated-mate bond tugged him down the cobblestone street, trusting Maxie to lead him in the right direction.

Through the market square, she darted between the steps of townsfolk, heading towards the docks. Kade shoved others out of his way, never losing sight of Maxie. Frantic, she raced towards the end of the pier.

Where a black-as-soot ship sailed away.

Kade caught up to her and skidded to a halt, his boots scuffing against the wood. His breathing came out ragged, and his heart thudded in his aching, pulsing chest. Once. Twice. A third time as his vision tunneled in and out.

Dark magic sat in the air. It carried her name, as if it carried her away.

Evelyn.

The ship speared through the waters at an unnatural speed, but it was close enough from him to make out the frenzy of activity on the top deck, and amidst it all a black carriage, the same one that had almost run him over earlier. A sickening knowing rippled through him. The wind hurled in the harbor, the land rebelling against the notion.

Evelyn was in that carriage. She’d been taken. His mate had been locked away. He couldn’t feel her, but he could feel it —an enchantment around her, locking her away from him .

It wasn’t possible. He was wrong.

No. No. No.

He pushed out his mating bond but hit a wall, a strong unseen barrier, blocking his bond to Evelyn. He tried and tried to reach her, shouting in his mind. Perhaps it was so new, she didn’t know how to respond on the other end.

Evelyn, please. Answer me.

Answer me, love.

Stars above, it was no use.

The carriage door swung open.

Cold horror shot through Kade. Worse than the cold, creeping discomfort the murders had caused, more frightening than the kelpie of Lake Glenn, and more haunting than the White Lady’s howls on the wind. His knees weakened as a growl vibrated from his throat.

Four— four! —assailants held Evelyn firm as they dragged her out.

“Evelyn!” he cried, but the wind swallowed her name whole.

He had to get to her. Had to protect her. But how? He couldn’t swim. His wolf bared its teeth at the water. Frightened. Maxie yowled and paced as frantically as Kade’s racing heart.

And then a figure obscured his view of her.

At the end of the ship, Riven stood, gazing at Kade, smirking, and—

A single fang glinted over his bottom lip.

Kade stumbled back.

Riven was a vampyr.

Pain lanced through Kade’s hand, sudden and burning. He dropped his sword, the metal clanging against the dock. His hand glowed a pearly blue, a magic he’d never conjured before fluttering like a star. The hilt of his sword gleamed red—he’d burned himself. His muscles froze, and a ringing in his ears muffled the sounds of the dock and sea. The light dimmed and vanished as quickly as it came, steam rising from his bloody wounds.

Stars above , where had that come from ?

The harbor winds whirled. Back on the ship, a cloaked figure had joined Riven’s side, hands thrust into the air. Magic. The air buzzed with power, the kind a witch possessed. The sails of the ship billowed, and it lurched forward, taking off across the ocean twice as fast as a ship that size should travel.

“No!” Kade growled.

He fought the urge to shift, but his rationale won out—what good would his heavy, muscular werewolf form do? Swimming was out of the question.

Longboats bobbed below. Kade sprang towards the closest one, but before he could reach it, a dagger struck the wooden post, cutting the rope that tethered the boat to the dock. It dropped ten feet into the water, and the waves took hold and carried the boat out to sea. Kade cursed, turning towards the culprit. Tovi stood there, another dagger at the ready.

“What are you doing?” he asked, heart racing like thunder in his ears.

“You have to let Evelyn go.” Pain etched her features.

Kade’s body stilled. She was mad if she thought he’d ever do such a thing. Another boat bobbed in the water ahead, and Kade sprinted to it, anger propelling him. Tovi moved in a blur, whizzed past him like a ghost.

Moons, that speed. Her agility. Was she a vampyr, too? Though, Kade didn’t care.

He only cared about Evelyn. The winds and waves dragged Riven’s ship out to sea, pulling her farther and farther away. He readied to jump into the water, his fears be damned, and brave the waves to swim to her. He had to. Gods , she was his mate.

“Kade, stop!”

Tovi stepped ahead of him, laying a hand on his chest and pushing him back. Tears welled in her eyes, but she gritted her teeth, resilient.

“Move aside!” he growled.

Tovi braced and pushed again. Her strength matched his, keeping him at bay.

“She is gone, and you’ll kill yourself if you don’t stop. ”

The black ship shrank more and more as it sailed into the horizon. The bell of the harbor chimed behind him, signaling the parting hour.

It rang to the tune of Kade’s defeat.

Evelyn was gone.

He growled and backed away from Tovi, running his hands through his hair, a delirious haze overcoming him. He’d lost her. He’d lost her. He’d lost her. The truth was too heavy to bear, and Kade sank to his knees. Maxie circled him, yowling for Evelyn over and over again.

Kade raged against the gods, demanding answers. His gaze landed on Tovi. Her wounds from Maxie had already healed, not a sure sign she was a vampyr, but definitely a sign she wasn’t human.

He stood to his full height, muscles quivering. “You helped him.”

Tovi shook her head. “I didn’t. I swear it. Evelyn is my friend—”

“Lies.” Kade’s wolf instincts eclipsed his rationale. “She went to say goodbye to you. You were her best friend, and your brother captured her. Took her from me!”

Tovi flinched. “I can explain.”

Kade shook his head, a wolfish growl rumbling out of him. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you and be done with it, vampyr.”

He charged, yet Tovi was quick. In a blink, she vanished. Kade spun, anticipating an attack from behind, but pain lanced through his skull. He collapsed onto the dock, and everything went black.