The Border

ANNALISE

"Enough!"

The word tore from my throat, sharp as a blade against the cold night air.

All movement ceased. The soldiers at the border snapped their heads toward me, their grips tightening on their Opponents. The refugees, frozen in fear, stared with wide, hollow eyes. Even the mist seemed to pull back, as if the land itself was holding its breath.

My breath seized, all eyes were on me.

Kaleb shifted back beside me, the sound of bones snapping echoing in the stillness. He rose to his full height, his chest rising and falling with exertion, but his stance remained steady—dangerous.

The soldier who had just struck one of the refugee hesitated, his hand still clenched around his neck. "Who the hell—"

"Lady Iris Eryndor," I interrupted coldly. "Mate and wife to Atlas Eryndor, the head of Avador."

Recognition flashed across his face, quickly replaced by uncertainty.