How to Save a Fae (Heir of Dragons Book 2)

in her being called Dragon Hunter after everything that had happened. You're a fraud, an embarrassment. They should strip you of your title, of your rank as a Royal Fae. If they really knew how badly you messed things up, they would spit at you as you walked by.
Her sadness turned to anger as she reflected on the great battle and the faith she'd put in the dragons. The Talon Range guard had been happy to assist during the final hour, and to reap a good deal of the praise for the victory, but they were nowhere to be found now that the Fae had to deal with the raiding remnants. She'd been naive to think the Fae and the dragons could be allies—and she'd been stupid to think that she and Kaleb could ever have a future together. You just had to go and get carried away, didn't you? You're so naive, so clueless... A dragon and a Fae? It would never have worked, so why did you risk everything for his sake?
Her thoughts turned toward that final embrace they'd shared... the kiss... Angry though she was, Minx's pulse shot up at the reminder and she found she longed for him still. Hot frustration stung her eyes as she fought to shelve her memories of Kaleb.
Minx, what could you have done differently? You trusted your heart, your conscience. Under the circumstances, you did what you thought was best, Mau purred. Things didn't work out, but you don't have to be so hard on yourself. You're still a hero—the greatest hero of the Fae!
She wiped her eyes and curled up beside Mau, taking a deep breath. I'm no hero, she told the Faelyr. Our people are still dying. If I'd done what I'd been instructed to do, our territories would be safe. Even as we speak the warding spells are diminishing. Instead of fulfilling my duty, I was selfish. I let myself get carried away with... Kaleb's face rose up in the eye of her mind, and she couldn't find it in herself to speak his name.
It's in the past now, replied Mau. There's no changing it. Maybe you could have done things differently, but you've still sacrificed so much in the name of defending Pan and Heilo Lake. No one would call you a failure. Far from it! If the people knew everything you'd gone through, they would love you all the more. Don't sell yourself short.
But they'll keep coming, Mau. The death and destruction will continue. She nibbled nervously at her thumbnail. How many do you think there are? Are they still in contact with Torrent? Or... Valry? Minx grimaced. I had a chance to destroy her, you know. When I defeated her in single combat, I could have struck her down. I had ample time to fire an arrow, to put an end to her right then and there. But I chose to run my mouth, instead. If she's still out there, directing these smaller groups of troops, then I only have myself to blame. It's just another in a long series of oversights.
The Faelyr considered this for a time. If Valry survived, then she'll turn up before too long. She's a proud fighter, and you can be sure she'll come looking for revenge after the humiliation dealt by your hand. You may get another chance to dispose of her. Just make sure you take it next time.
The pair were startled by a sudden clamor outside their window.
They sat bolt upright, knowing at once the significance of the sound.
Again? asked Minx. At this hour? They should be sleeping right now—setting up camps!
It was the ringing of the raid bells, indicating a fresh incursion by hostile forces and a call for reinforcements at the walls of the Trading Center.
Judging by how hard they're ringing, it may be a large group. I wonder what has them so fired up at night? Most of them have come during the day. Minx gained her feet and returned to her bedroom, retrieving her armor. She slid on the shoulder guards and wrist gauntlets, then re-laced her long boots so tightly she couldn't help but wince. Is this the kind of thing we can look forward to every night, Mau? Is this the new normal? Will it ever end?
The ringing continued and Mau paced around near the front door, sniffing the evening air. Hard to say. Let's make quick work of them, send a message. What do you say?
Minx strode toward the door, her dark hair cascading over one shoulder as she bent down to pick up her bow and quiver. Duty calls, I suppose.

Chapter 3
The raid bells continued ringing through the territory even as Minx and Mau arrived in the Trading Center, and the warriors tasked with ringing them looked panicked as they did so.
Upon nearing the gate, Minx understood why.
“W-What's this?” blurted the Fae huntress at sighting the howling legion marching on the Trading Center entrance. This wave of attack was unlike the others she'd dealt with in recent days. In fact, the last time she'd seen a force of this size had been during the great battle itself. There were not thousands outside the gate, but there were many dozens, perhaps even a few hundred, and they had about them the look of an organized militia.
She found her father amongst those who had responded to the call and approached him. Valdar greeted her with a nod. “It seems there were more survivors than we initially believed...” He had donned his leather armor and was armed with his ceremonial longsword. “I was not expecting this. It's imperative that we move quickly to secure the wall and gate. I have scouts placed elsewhere, looking for signs of other mobs. Hopefully this is the only one for tonight...”
Other Fae swordsmen, white in the face for the tremendous threat advancing toward them, chattered nervously amongst themselves. It was only at seeing Minx that their manner changed. “Oh,