Without warning, there’s movement at my side. I see it out of the corners of my eyes. A chill sweeps down my spine and my breath catches in my throat as two invisible hands encircle it from behind. I choke on nothing.
For the first time, it feels as if I can’t breathe. The water is weighted in my lungs. Heavy. Pulling me down, and down, and down…
Charles is back.
I wait on the shore for him, patiently, as he ties up the boat. It’s been four weeks now—a full month. The longest he has ever been gone. I’m practically bouncing with barely contained excitement at finally seeing my husband again—at seeing anotherperson.
“My darling.” I rush over to him the second he steps away from the boat, throwing my arms around his shoulders. “I’ve missed you so much!”
“Enough with the hysterics, wife. I’ve only just arrived; allow me a moment to catch my breath.” He places both hands on my sides and sets me down. Away. As if I am a toy placed back on the shelf when it is no longer amusing.
“Hysterics? I—”
“Can a man not unload his things without being assaulted?”
“I’m sorry,” I say quickly. “It was a long time here…alone. And I—”
“Are you saying that you cannot even handle a month by yourself?” He pulls his satchel from the boat. “I took you for a stronger woman.”
“No. I mean yes.” I take the satchel that’s thrusted toward me, slinging it over my shoulder. “Of course I can. I missed you is all.”
“Update me on the lighthouse,” he demands briskly.
Not on me. The lighthouse. But that’s his priority; it’s understandable…it’s what keeps Tenvrath safe. Of course it’d be the focus. He’ll ask about me next, I’m sure of it.
“Everything is running smoothly. No issues. The bell has been rung every thirty minutes. All the timing mechanisms have been greased and updated, checked throughout the night as you like. I even cleaned from top to bottom.”
He stills. Like a viper, his hand shoots out, grabbing my face by the chin and cheeks, forcing my lips to pucker slightly with his hold. “Did you go into my study?”
“No,” I say awkwardly.
His hand relaxes and a smile slips across his face. Charles leans in, kissing me lightly. “That’s a good wife. Now, I hope dinner is ready.”
“Yes, it’s started—I mean, it’ll be ready soon.”
“Good. A man needs a home-cooked meal and a loving wife when he returns.” Charles starts around the lighthouse.
“How was your trip?” I ask, following.
“All the questions, must you be such a nag? I am tired.” He sighs, muttering under his breath.
I pretend I don’t hear the words. But—
There’s a flash of light.
A distant scream. Not my own. Or maybe it is? I’m left gasping, doubled over.
The water is as cold as ice. As black as pitch. I blink, thinking I’ve somehow been blinded. But, slowly, colors and lights fade back into existence. My ears hear a song again. It’s slower, more purposeful. Led by a familiar voice that’s…
Right behind me.
Ilryth’s powerful form hovers, radiating otherworldly strength. In his hands, he wields a staff of pale wood that pulses a faint, silvery light. Tendrils of shadow fade in the currents around him; the water moves once more. I gaze up at him, my heart still pounding with fear and stomach churning with disgust at the images that are behind my lids every time I blink. Something in my expression causes him to ease away slightly. Slowly, as if trying not to spook me, he rests the spear against one of the pillars lining the balcony.
“What did you do?” I finally find words. But they’re raspy and thin. Weak. Harrowed.
“A wraith broke through our defenses and made it into the manor,” he says. An apologetic tone breaks through the severity of the statement. His intimidating presence lessens as he sinks to meet me on the floor, tail curling beneath him. Every movement is filled with a gentleness that slows my racing heart. “It sought you out and was trying to rot out your soul and steal your body.”
“A…a wraith was here?” I am dazed.
