Elara's POV
The Crusaders did not come with shouts, they did not come with any protesting sound, but with the snap of branches and the cold scent of some oiled metal weapons. The Verdant Haven’s peace shattered under the weight of their boots.
Pastor Jameson’s group is finally here to attack the Verdant Haven.
Lucian’s hand grabbed mine quickly, his grip crushing. The bond between us flared with his rage and anger, a hot, golden wire in my chest. “They will not touch the heart-tree,” he vowed, his voice the low growl of the beast that is lying beneath his skin.
His orders were swift. Our fighters Rylan, Aric and the bonded pairs melted into the green to become the traps and thorns. The unbonded, with Lyra and Aria together, withdrew to the great redwood, their calm presence feeding th
