The War and Deceit Series omnibus: The complete series by O'Kane Erin

Author:O'Kane, Erin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

Seemingly as one, everyone drops to one knee as the queen saunters through the large, arched doorway. I’m only a second behind everyone else, but in that small space of time, the queen’s eyes lock with mine, narrowing with hatred. Bowing, I keep my head down, my heart pounding in my chest from the look she just gave me. What have I done to deserve such hatred? Is it just because of race? I don’t think that’s the case since she seemed pretty happy with Tor on her arm, and although he’s from the mountain tribes, he’s still human, right?

Sound resumes as the elves stand up. Whispers float over to me as they marvel over how beautiful the queen is and the identity of the mysterious man on her arm. Slowly, oh so slowly, I straighten, my mind a mess as I try to push away the feelings that are trying to overwhelm me—memories of being a slave, of being pushed to the ground and punished, the brandings on my skin, and the look of pure hatred that the guards would watch me with. The queen hasn’t done anything to physically hurt me, but that one look spoke volumes—she wishes me dead.

Vaeril stays silent at my side, his expression somber as he waits for me to work my way through my panic, obviously experiencing some of my feelings through the bond.

“Is she okay?” I hear Saril ask gently, concerned for me.

Naril steps closer, and between them, they’re able to block me off from the curious glances of the elves around us while I have my freak out. “Clarissa’s life has been…” Naril pauses, and my eyes flick up to glare at him, promising him violence if he tells my story without my permission. “Challenging,” he finishes, wisely choosing not to divulge my history.

“Clarissa,” Vaeril calls gently. “Alina,” he calls again, using his elvish nickname for me. I recently discovered it means ‘saviour.’ I’d been uncomfortable when he first started calling me this, but I’m used to hearing him say it now and the name feels like mine when it’s him who says it.

Taking a deep, calming breath, I look up and meet his concerned eyes. When I glance around at my companions, I see they’re all watching me with varying levels of concern, even Naril, although that’s probably because he doesn’t want me to make a scene rather than him actually caring for me.

“I’m okay,” I say to the group with a soft smile, wishing that speaking the words out loud would make them come true. Turning to Saril, I give her a rueful smile, bowing my head slightly. After all, she’s one of the elders and a close friend of Vaeril’s, so I want to make a good impression. Having a panic attack in front of everyone was not part of the plan. “Sorry for making you worry.”

A gentle hand lands on my shoulder, and I manage not to flinch this time, looking up at the kind elf before me.

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