Chapter 1

It wasn’t meant to be like this. We were supposed to be together forever. White picket fence, two story house, maybe a dog, I don’t know. Just the typical happily ever after that every girl dreams of, not this snarklefritz mess.

But of course, I’m watching the love of my life walk away while my entire future is torn down around me, set on fire and danced on under Pegasus hooves. Maybe rolled on by a dragon then they will eat the ashes, leaving my life a total wreckage. I mean, what guy doesn’t want to pick up the leftovers of someone else?

Adalyra Wraithbourne hugged herself tighter, staring at the sunset she was supposed to walk into with her soulmate, Eryndor Crow. Tall, dark, handsome with clear grey eyes, he was the knight to her princess, the match to her soul mark.

“And now you’ll be all alone, always wandering this world without the other half of your soul. Why? Because you’re a clingy idiot.” Adalyra stomped her foot, leaving a boot print on the soft grass. She wasn’t a girl who waited around to be rescued, not really. Tunic, leggings, leather, knife sheaths, a sword strapped to her back, she couldn’t stand to wait for anyone. Least of all the other half of her soul to rescue her from a trap, let alone another dress she got herself lost in.

Adalyra reached up to the braid she always wore, glaring at the silver and blonde strands. Her jade green eyes filled with tears, running down her cheeks to the shadows at her feet. It would be the last time she cried for a man, let alone a useless one who couldn’t even protect her.

“I’ll protect myself.” She muttered angrily, turning her back on the last rays of the sun, tossing her braid over her shoulder. With that resolve, Adalyra Wraithbourne would become the warrior she had always wanted to be, not the weak and helpless princess that man needed for his pride.

Six years later ... Daggers bit deep into the target as men groaned, coins exchanging hands. Adalyra grinned at the man behind the tavern, tossing a dagger from her hand without looking. It sunk deep into the tree, the red mark for the bullseye hidden by the hilt.

“That’s three.” She locked eyes with the behemoth, her small five foot frame didn’t look like much, but she wasn’t backing down. The shaggy haired man ran a hand through his orange curls, sage green eyes squinting down at her suspiciously. He grimaced as she held out her hand, though her muscles were tensed for trouble. No man made a bet and parted with that much coin when it was obvious he could take her in a fight, considering their size differences.

He looked over her head, squinting at something a moment before the light came on, eyed widening at her.

“You’re the one that has that kings ransom on your head, aren’t you?” Adalyra gritted her teeth, smiling outwardly at the man.

“Of course not. Who would possibly want me?” She said with saccharine sweetness, as if suggesting he might reconsider his thoughts.