A sob tore from my throat.
Tears fell freely now, and his hold only tightened—as if he could somehow keep me from ever slipping away again.
I shattered as he collected the pieces, not letting a single one fall to the ground.
“How is this possible? How is this real?” I whispered, unable to release him. Afraid that if I let go, he would disappear.
His head dipped and his breath moved over my neck as he spoke. “Shay found a way in through the mountains.”
My arms tightened around him. New tears flowed at the sound of his voice.
It is real.I couldn’t stop telling myself this.
“You are here,” I whispered.
“I told you I would come for you.” His voice was so gentle, so safe and warm. Had it always harbored such a tone? One that caused my heart to trip over beats.
A cough from Gorm somehow infused me with the strength I needed to release Erik and step away enough to view him. He towered over me, capable frame tense while his gaze explored my face, as though afraid thatIwould vanish.
He raised a hand, the pad of his thumb smearing the last tear that slipped past my eyes.
“What now?” I asked, stunned by the change of having him before me.
Erik glanced at Gorm without replying. Suspicion tainted his stare.
The old man chuckled. “Young fella, this young lady has touched my dirty feet on more than one occasion. And I already know she plots secret plans right under the Sidhe King’s nose. I would never betray her. She has done more for me in her short time here than that King ever did.”
My lips pulled up lightly at Gorm’s comment. “We can trust him.” I half expected Erik to refuse and force us to find more privacy.
Sapphire eyes turned back to me, and they nearly took my breath away. The strength in his gaze was overwhelming. “Theforces have moved closer. They are likely about a day away now, if they were to be needed.”
I nodded, brows pulling together. “Did something happen?” Why did they move closer?
Erik tilted his head, his muscles tensing, his body growing rigid as if bracing himself for something. “You tell me. All Willis would say is that Shay sensed a change, and that danger seemed to surround you more. It was enough to spook Willis into action.”
Clause. Flashes of what happened invaded my mind, stealing the moment. Robbing my relief at seeing Erik.
My attention dropped to the floor as guilt wrapped its hand around my throat and squeezed.
“Did something happen?” Erik pressed, tension seeping into his voice.
I swallowed, unable to look at him as my mind raced.
He stepped towards me, yet I stepped back, gaze colliding with his once more.
“Why are you here?” I asked.
He looked baffled and confused. “I came for you. There is no other reason.”
My chest tightened with a horrible unease. It was the day Clause intended to open my eyes to some sort of lies. The same day Erik happened to show up.
I took another step back. “You are certain?”
Erik’s thick brows drew together, and he viewed me as though looking at something he didn’t understand. “What is this about?”
“Clause said...” My voice trailed off, suddenly uncertain how much I should even share. What if whatever Clause was insinuating had to do with Erik?
My heart rate spiked. A cold sweat came over me, my stomach growing queasy. I was going to be sick.
