Koen’s lip gently tugs into a soft grin and he clasps his hands behind his back to lean over towards me. A mischievous glint sparkles in his emerald eyes as he whispers, “you should wear your hair back more, I like seeing all of your face.” He winks and I scuff, rolling my eyes upward to the ceiling.
“My hair never stays in a damn braid.” My eyes meet his, catching his lips that still form a tight grin I could slap off. “Sorry to break it to you, but this hair of mine is rarely tamed.”
“Who said I like it tamed?” His brow lifts.
My lips pucker as I glare into his eyes that fall to my lips and my fingers snap, catching his attention.
“Let's focus on what we both need,” I snap, my brows pulling in as I take a step closer towards him. “Thanks for your help. Now go, so I can prepare myself for our little trip.”
“We are both searching for something.” His voice drops to a low whisper. “I thought you said you’d never touch me again? And now your hands will be wrapped around me once more as we ride through the Realms together.” He licks his bottom lip before shining a cocky smile, knowing what he just said will get under my damn skin.
“Do not think anything of this!” I stride towards him, my finger pointing. “And no flexing your abs under my hands this time.”
I roll my eyes, shaking my shoulders with irritation.
“Oh you didn’t like that?” He goes to open the door. “Then why did your arms tighten around me whenever I did it?”
“I swear to the Go—” I go to scream with all my might, but he opens the door, scrambling through the small crack beforeshutting it swiftly behind him. I kick the wooden door with my boot and let out a rippling shriek.
“Last ride with him and never again.” I part my lips, exhaling deeply, and head for the window as I watch the last bit of light dance across the clouds. “I’m coming, Tilly.”
Chapter 14
“The Deskyiara bloodline must continue to stay strong. They must continue to be hunters. When blinded by love, the strength and connection from the Gods are weakened. Which will cause the Realms' protection to eventually fall.” - Book of Azure
AS I WALK THROUGH THE empty streets, my boots leave a trail of mud and sounds of splashes in the puddles left by a recent rainstorm. I tiptoe, trying to avoid any sounds that could alert the guards. But as I nervously scan the pathways of the castle walls, I can’t help but take note of the ash that coats every surface. A dreadful reminder of Florian's transformation and the destruction he caused to the land over the river. I feel as if I can still smell the burning grass. Everywhere I look, buildings and trees are dusted with an ashy powder. My stomach hardens,aching that I must leave him here, knowing we were supposed to do thistogether.
But he needs to heal, and I cannot let him go through that torture ever again.He must stay here.He cannot leave ever again.
My back glides against the ridges of the pearlescent cobblestone wall now that night has fallen. I blend into the shadows, sliding along the wall so no one can see me. I flex and curl my fingers repeatedly before sliding my sweaty hands across my thighs. My leg bounces as I check the main pathway of the Kingdom, knowing the gate is right there in reach but I have yet to see Koen.
This is the pathway. I remember the guards taking me this way after the bridge incident. He has to come.
And I swear to that indigo moon up above, if he doesn’t show, I am going to strangle him in his sleep.
But that's when I see him. He's in the dimly lit alleyway nestled between two towering, pearly pillars, the tallest I've ever seen in my life. Each pillar is crowned with two golden patios that encircle their tops, the perfect vantage point to gaze upon the vast expanse of the lands and rolling hills that stretch endlessly across this Realm. The urge to race up there and attempt to brush the stars with my fingertips is almost overwhelming. As if the stars above are calling me to do so.
But I don’t.
I need to find the archives. I need answers.
His silhouette is backlit by the faint glow of the blue moon, casting a soft azure hue around his defined stocky shape, especially his broad arm as his hand rests against the stone wall. I can't make out his face in the darkness, but I can feel his intense gaze on me and I know it's him. As he takes a step from the shadows, I notice his brown curls are now pulled up in a bun,his braids are perfectly redone with a few loose strands framing his face.
His lips form a tight smile as he nods his head for me to come.
I take a step, peeking around the corner of the cobblestone wall and deeply exhale.Don’t get caught.
The streets of the Kingdom lie in an eerie silence. The stillness of the castle walls creates a shiver down my spine.No guards are visible.Yet, at this moment I trust him and sprint toward him. But deep down, I should have expected this. Suddenly, eight guards appear from nowhere, their dark red spears glinting in the moonlight and aimed with deadly precisionstraight at me. They charge towards me, closing in like predators encircling their prey. My eyes flicker desperately from one guard to another, meeting their narrowed, ruthless gazes. My legs wobble, almost giving out on me as my chest heaves violently, each breath a sharp gasp.I am so screwed.I squeeze my sweaty hands tightly together into fists, almost as if I am ready to charge at these men, but I know I can’t. They would kill me. I know it.
I spin on my heel, the gravel echoing in the street as I search the alleyways to find Koen, but he vanishes.Gone.
He did this.
This was part of his plan all along.
The spears come closer, some jabbing at my skin, but one slices against my arm and I wince in pain. My hand grabs the wound, the material of my suit ripped into shreds as blood trickles down my arm. I bite my lip, holding in my cry.
Don’t let him hear you weep.
