“Just curious,” I say, shrugging. “It’s been a while since I saw the sun.” That’s not a lie. But it’s not the truth either.
Deep down, I’m concerned.
Because night is when bad things happen.
If it’s sunny… then maybe I’ll be fine. Maybe he really will come back.
Clearing my throat, I ignore my racing thoughts and focus my energy on helping him in the kitchen. It’s our fifth fish meal for the week.Good thing I’ve spent the last few decades on an island in the arctic,I think.Otherwise, I might be sick of salmon already.
Grey doesn’t say much as we eat, but I can feel him scrutinizing me. I’ve revealed a lot more than I ever intended to reveal today. So he might be right about changing fate.
I really hope he’s wrong, though.
By the time we finish, he needs to leave. So he quickly changes into a pair of jeans and a black sweater, then comes back into the kitchen after putting on some boots.
I force myself to smile as I say, “See you soon.”
He studies me for another beat. “Remember the rune, Ash.” He draws his finger over it, like I may have forgotten about the glowing symbol on my arm. “If you need me at all,call.” He presses his lips to my temple, the intimate gesture stirring butterflies in my stomach.
Then he shadows out of the cave.
I know he’s nearby still, justrechargingthe wards, as he said. But I can’t sense him.
Instead, I simply feel alone.
In a cave.
Where I’ll eventually meet my doom.
My stomach clenches with the thought, my eyes falling closed.No point in dwelling, Ash,I tell myself, then shiver when I hear Grey’s voice in my head calling me by the same name.
The nickname was unexpected, and again,unseen.
But I like it.
I open my eyes again and focus on the kitchen. It’s a mess again.
Might as well clean it,I decide, craving a distraction.
Afterward, I’ll take a shower.
Then I’ll wait for Grey.
And see if he actually comes back.
9
GREY
Lunar Sector
I wishI could say it felt good to be home.
But it doesn’t feel good at all.
In fact, I’ve been here five minutes and I’m ready to head back to the Nomad Lands.
I palm my chest, hating the strange ache growing inside. I know Ashlyn is my fated mate. However, this sense of longing is highly inconvenient.
