“Poppy?”
I jerked, tearing my gaze from the glass wall of the bedchamber. I hadn’t heard Casteel—his annoyingly quiet footsteps didn’t help. Who knew how long he’d been standing there? It looked like it had been more than a few seconds since he was leaning against the doorframe.
“You all right?”
“Yes.” At least, I thought so. After eating a late lunch with Casteel, I’d left the dining chamber to wash my hands. I didn’t know why I’d come to this window to stare at the Cliffs.
Again.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I met his gaze. “You look quite handsome yourself.”
“Handsome?” He crossed his arms. “That’s all?”
“Mm-hmm.” Truthfully, he was absolutely stunning. Something I was sure he was well aware of. “What do we have planned for today?”
“Nothing at the moment.”
The essence inside me hummed stronger. “I can’t sit around and do nothing.”
“Why? Because you’ll likely try to shadowstep to Pensdurth?”
“No,” I denied.
His brows arched. “Poppy…”
“I won’t,” I said with a sigh. “I told you I wouldn’t.”
He was quiet for several moments. “We won’t be sitting around all day. We’re supposed to start training this evening.”
That was right. I’d forgotten.
His gaze swept over me as he drew his lower lip between his teeth, showing me a hint of fang. “But I can think of a few things to occupy the time between now and then.”
I kept my expression blank, even as heat curled through me. “Can you think of something more productive than what you have in mind?”
“Oh, what I have in mind is quite productive.”
“Uh-huh.” Passing my boots, I walked to the table before the sofa and picked up my thigh harness. “Thereissomething we can do.”
He turned toward me. “Hopefully, it involves less clothes or none at all. But since you’re putting on a harness, I’m guessing it doesn’t.”
“You would be correct.” I secured the straps as I eyed the daggers I’d set out earlier—one shadowstone, the other the still-wrapped bloodstone blade. “We could start on our…plans for the Ascended.”
“You’re that eager to get started?”
“Absolutely not. But I’d rather get it over with.”
“I get that. But Kieran’s not here.”
Relief swept through me. I did want to get it over with, but I also wanted to delay it.
“Is there a reason you grabbed the shadowstone dagger and not yours?”
“Yeah.” My gaze fell to the wrapped bundle. “Ever since I learned how it was made…that the hilt was crafted from Preela’sbones?” A shudder ran through me. “I can’t look at it the same. Nor after seeing it strike down Delano.”
Casteel was quiet for a moment. “That’s understandable.”
