He doesn’t give up, his mouth claiming mine.
I finally stop fussing and kiss him back. But then he pauses.
“What is that smell?” He pulls back and stares around us at the small houses, the doors shut tight and the village utterly silent. Everyone is hunkered down and hoping the danger will pass them by.
I guess I never really noticed, but Raingreendoeshave a certain odor. And it’s … not pleasant, to say the least.
“Let’s just get her and go.” I kick my legs, signaling him to put me down.
He doesn’t. Instead, he steps off the mucky lane and onto my house’s stoop, then puts me on my feet. “Go ahead, my treasure.” He turns, his gaze scanning the buildings, the street, the sky. “I’ll keep watch.”
I don’t bother telling him that no one would dare step out of their house, much less accost him. He’s easily twice the size of the biggest male in the whole town. They’d piss themselves the moment he looked at them.
Running a nervous hand down my dress. I raise the other and knock at the door. How strange to knock at this door that I used to walk through with ease. Am I truly a stranger now?
I wait. Nothing happens. My mother doesn’t answer. Of course she doesn’t. She’s terrified, too.
“Um, Mama?” I knock again. “It’s me. Larellin.”
Scuffling sounds. “Larellin?” Her voice, more brittle than I remember.
“Yes. It’s me.” Tears prick at my eyes. Gods, just knowing she’s here is like a balm on my heart.
The door opens, and she’s there throwing her arms around me. “Larellin!” she wails. “It’s really you?”
“Mama!” I hug her back, suddenly realizing how small she is. Have I grown? “It’s me. It’s me!” Now my tears are falling. I can’t stop them, can’t stop hugging her.
She sobs, her embrace tight. “Gods, how I’ve prayed for this day. I can’t believe it. I can’t—” Her voice breaks.
“I’m here.” I hold her. “I’m here for you.”
We stand there for a long time, both of us crying, until she leans back and looks up at me, her eyes bright with tears. She puts her gnarled hand to my cheek, the calluses rough against my skin. “I can’t believe it.” Her gaze flickers up to the diadem. “It’s like a dream. You’re a dream.”
“I’m real, Mama.”
“Someone’s coming.” Vander tenses.
My mother’s eyes go wide as she looks at Vander, specifically at his wings. “What …” She doesn’t seem to be able to form an actual question.
“Who goes there?” A shrill voice, one I recognize. One that sends bile rising in my throat.
Vander watches Kanelden approach, his steps unwieldly in his too-big armor. A cadre of soldiers march behind him.
“I said identify yourself, Oblivion beast!” Kanelden’s voice cracks on the last word.
Vander doesn’t even draw his sword. I can feel his derision, his amusement at the mortals in their useless armor with their pathetic weapons.
“It’s Lord Rayid.” My mother’s voice trembles. “The new one. His father died. Or was killed, more like. Byhim.”
“The lord’s son?Is this the one who struck you before I came for you?” Vander’s tone is cold as death.
“We should go.” I turn to my mother. “You’re coming with me.”
“So itisthis one.” Vander steps into the street, meeting Kanelden head on.
Kanelden stops abruptly and brandishes his sword. “What do you want, filthy abomination?”
“Your entrails, for starters. Then your head. I’ll feed it to the garthook.”
