“You think someone would come through the passage for me?”
“I would rather not find out.” His chin dips, his lashes lowering, shielding his vibrant eyes.
I look away and stare out the doors to the balcony. Everything is so different here. I have no clue what I’m doing.What if someone knew about those passages and came in here? But why would they bother with me? I’m nobody. Ghostly fingers dance along my spine as I stand here, my mind racing with fear and uncertainty.
Maxon’s hand lands on my shoulder, making me jump. “Are you alright?”
Yes . . .
No . . .
I’m not sure.
My anxiety rises, and pressure bears down on my chest. What have I gone and gotten myself into?
“Hey? What’s wrong?” Maxon’s voice sounds concerned.
He steps closer. I instinctively take a step back, feeling a sudden rush of adrenaline. With him standing so close, my mind is completely scattered. Why do I feel like I’m not safe anywhere I go?
A nagging memory tugs at the back recesses of my mind. It’s so close, yet so far, hovering just beyond my grasp. I know it’s important, but I can’t focus on it. Frustration rises quickly at feeling so helpless. I am powerless to do anything about the situation I’ve found myself in.
Maxon walks over to the door and gestures to someone outside. The faint sound of footsteps grows louder as the guards make their way inside. They both glance around the room before coming to a stop in the center. The blonde guard gives me a small grin, and I feel the tension in my body ease. Though the other doesn’t acknowledge my presence, not even with a glance. His short and scruffy dark hair gives him a rugged appearance, as does the hint of regrowth on his face.
“Everly. This is Kian and Tristan. They are your bodyguards while you're here,” Maxon introduces the two fae.
My cheeks flush at Kian's playful wink, but Tristan remains stoic with the same glare from before. His purple eyes narrow on me.
Seriously, what’s he got to be pissy about? I'm the one trying to make sense of a world that is completely foreign to me. Until the queen has gotten what she wants, I am trapped here.
“We are moving Everly to my wing of the castle. I want you to scout ahead and pick a room, make sure it is clear.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Kian says, bowing.
Tristan’s frown deepens. “Your wing? Are you sure about that?”
Maxon growls, stepping up to Tristan. “It is not your place to argue. Everly is under my protection.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” Tristan mutters.
“Be discreet,” he orders, then he turns to Nix, who is still perched on the dresser next to me. “I want you to find Zaria and Raiden. Bring them here. Once we are all together, we will move Everly. Kian, once a room has been secured, come back and inform me. Tristan, stay put and guard the room until we arrive. Understood?”
In unison, everyone murmurs their agreements. Kian and Tristan turn on their heels and briskly walk out of the room. Nix swiftly launches into the air, gliding toward the window, but suddenly comes to a stop.
“Should I tell them what’s going on?”
Maxon shakes his head. “Wait until they get here. I don’t want anyone overhearing.”
With a sharp nod, she is gone.
“Do you really think I’m in danger?” I ask, walking over and resting my hands on the back of the chair.
Maxon wanders over to the balcony doors, with his hands casually tucked in his pockets. His back is to me as he gazes out over the gardens below. The gentle breeze makes the sheer curtains dance around him, softening his dark figure.
“I don’t know, but I won’t take the risk.” His voice is barely above a whisper, but I hear it as if he were right next to me.
My heart pounds against my ribcage, its rhythmic thumping echoing in my ears as I move around the chair. Maxon must feel my presence closing in, because he pivots to meet me, his face a mask of indifference. The glint of the silver ring encircling his captivating violet eyes catches the light, ensnaring me.
I stop a few feet from him, my hands twisting together. “You don’t know me. Why do you care what happens to me?”
