“I already told you, I don’t blame you. Especially not given how I was acting…” I press my eyes closed and sigh softly. “I was being taken in by Conri a little, if I’m honest.”
“Then it’s good you’re leaving.” She pulls away. “Give you some space to be free of his charms for a while. Even though I will miss you terribly. I’ve grown fond of having company.”
“I’ll be back soon enough,” I reassure her hastily. The sorrow in her eyes is almost enough to make me want to stay.
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much for me. Just keep yourself safe.”
I nod. “You too.”
I can only imagine that Conri will keep Aurora extra close in my absence. I wonder if she will be sharing his tent in my cot while I’m gone. If he doesn’t have both of us, he will no doubt keep the piece of her magic he does under his watchful eye.
“And Aurora?”
“Yes?”
“You know I will come back, right?” I search her face for any traces of doubt. There is nothing but a reassuring smile.
“I absolutely do.”
“Faelyn?” Evander lifts the tent flap. “We should be going.”
“Look after her, Evander.” Aurora locks eyes with him. “She’s yours to care for.”
“With my life,” he vows.
The words still me. He means them. He’s always meant them. Beyond Aurora. Beyond Conri. He will keep me safe no matter what…I can feel it in my marrow. Part of me wants towrite it off as last night clouding my judgment. But I feel like, if anything, I’m seeing clearer.
Evander cares for me.
“Let’s go.” I give Aurora one last squeeze and follow Evander out into the dawn.
There is little fanfare to our goodbyes. I wonder if Conri is going to attempt to keep my absence a secret. Leaving is nothing more than walking to the edge of camp and slipping between the new trees.
Before I know it, I am soaring across the plains. Charging toward the great unknown of Midscape.
CHAPTER 26
Evander runswith the speed of an unbroken stallion. My knuckles are white, fingers numb from clutching and from the cool morning air battering my body. But even as tears prick my eyes from the wind, a smile cuts my lips.
This time, when we crest the ridge in the distance, we don’t stop. Evander keeps running down the sloping hills and past where Conri’s prying eyes can see. I smile even wider.
He slows not long after, though, coming to a complete stop and settling his belly on the ground. I take it as a sign to dismount. As soon as I’m off, Evander rolls onto his back, changing back into his human form. He still pants loudly, sweat coating his body atop a ruddy flush.
“He really…let you…go,” Evander finally manages, staring dumbstruck at the heavens above. The rise and fall of his chest draws my eyes to it and I barely resist the urge to place my hands on him here and now. It’s especially hard when he tilts his head and flashes me a dazzling smile. “You really are brilliant.”
I lie back in the grass next to him, watching the sheeplike clouds dance across a field of blue. “‘Brilliant’ wouldn’t have been caught in the first place. It would’ve never been taken in by his charm.”
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, recovering his breath. “You’re right. But better men and women have fallen for the lull of his charm. And as far as being caught, you used it to your advantage well.”
I sigh softly and rest the back of my forearm on my forehead. “I had to give up an advantage to get one.”
“So he knows about Brundil. What of it?” Evander looks over to me. “He can’t summon her without you. And I know you would never abuse her power on his behalf.”
“You have so much faith in me.” I meet his gaze.
“You’re someone it’s easy to have faith in.” Evander shifts in the grasses, looking back to the sky but only for a moment before closing his eyes and taking another deep breath.
I’ve never seen him so relaxed. So…free. I’m not the only one who shed weight by escaping Conri. It’s a monumental relief for me and I’ve only been trapped with the wolf king for a short time. I can only imagine what Evander must feel any time he gets away.
