And an impish idea strikes.
“Make good choices, demon,” Ryc cajoles, but like the thunder, it’s a warning come too late.
My laughter turns wild as water pours over his head with a swift turn of my wrists. He sputters as it runs down his face, swinging me over his shoulder.
“Ryc!” My shriek is followed by laughter.
“You were warned,” he says, his grip locking my legs tight.
He sets off as my cloak seeks to smother me. The silk lining, exposed and near dragging over my head, grows water-laden in seconds. The damn thing robs me of any view other than the ground and Ryc’s calm, steady pace.
Before I can squirm free, I’m swung to my feet, left dizzy from the downturned rush. Now across the square, we’re beside an awning, but not beneath it. A closely packed group huddles together a few feet away, under the protection of the canvas, watching with smiles on their faces.
Ryc lifts an arm.
“What are you doing?” I demand.
He doesn’t answer.
Instead, with silence and a shit-eating grin, he pushes at the underside of the awning. My lungs seize as the uttershockof ice-cold water rushes over me—a flood of water emptied onto my head.
Drenched and teeth close to chattering, I stare at the godsdamned fae standing before me. Ridiculous grin, dark hair glued to his face, struggling to keep his laughter under control.
I deserved this.
I won’t argue that.
“You ass,” I hiss.
“Yourass,” he corrects.
Gods, I love and adore this creature in ways I never thought possible.
But right now, I’m going to end him.
He draws me into his embrace, wrapping his arms around me as he continues to laugh. Freezing, I curl into him, finding warmth despite his cold clothing. He steps under the awning, pulling me along with him.
“Are you done?” Eve’s voice calls, barely audible over the deep percussive sound of the rain hitting the canvas above. “There’s only so much disgustingly adorable I can take in a day. You’ve surpassed the threshold.”
She and Cyran stand beneath the next awning before a quaint tea shop. They share the space with others, all faces turned in ourdirection—all bearing smiles.
Eve included.
Cyran too.
Laughing, I snatch Ryc’s hand.
And race into the rain.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Even in thecountless hours I spent daydreaming about a life among the living while in the dark depths of the hells, I couldn’t have dreamed yesterday into existence.
So much laughter and adoration and awe.
Today though… today may prove to be a nightmare.
Nyluma, the capital city of Vis, cascades down gentle, sloping hillsides stretching to greet the curving coastline. Clusters of trees, still bedecked with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges are bright against dark stone buildings with darker slate roofs.
