In.
Out.
In.
Out.
He’d revealed more to her than he’d ever planned, even before they’d found themselves in this cave. She hadn’t questioned him. She’d kissed him. And yet he knew those questions were coming. Knew there was more truth to share with her.
He tucked Aya closer and closed his eyes – as if that would be enough to steady himself and control the wave of sensations inside of him.
The moment he’d seen her limp form in the sand, his control had shattered so completely he wasn’t sure there were any parts left to even piece back together.
And being near her now … with the memory of her lips against his …
It was too much.
She shifted against him, her body wriggling closer.
There had been moments when he’d thought the hope of her not hating him would kill him. That the hope of them getting through this unscathed would be the very thing that destroyed him. But now he wondered if it would be the possibility of having her – truly having her – that would be his demise.
He had never wanted anything more.
And he had never been more terrified to lose it.
Aya was hellsbent on saving the realm, no matter the cost to her soul. But he could care less about the godsdamn realm.
The only thing he cared to save was her.
Will pressed his head to the top of Aya’s and let himself simply hold her as he inhaled her mint and pine scent deep into his lungs.
He would not lose her. He would make sure of that.
Even if it cost him everything.
Will wished he could drag out their journey. Their two days of travel were bliss, despite the hells they were facing. But they’d both grown quiet the closer they came to Rinnia.
‘We’ll be there just in time for Genemai tonight,’ he remarked, pulling them from their steady silence. The colorful buildings of Rinnia grew closer as they rode through the farmlands.
‘They sure do love their celebrations here, don’t they.’ Aya settled back against his chest, and Will switched the reins to his other hand, his free arm snaking around her waist as he chuckled. He was hyper-aware of each place their bodies touched; had been for their entire ride back.
And though she was teasing, he heard the strain beneath it. She was exhausted, her skin far too pale, her eyes far toodull. The relic had taken its toll. And then there was the matter of the blood she’d lost.
He wanted a healer to look at her as soon as they got back, but he knew it had to wait. He had one more stop to make; one last truth to reveal.
‘I’ll sneak you out early,’ Will purred against her ear. Her laugh was like a shot of whisky, smooth, yet burning that spot in his chest. She turned slightly, her lips brushing against his jaw. A silent thank you.
He wondered, as they rode toward the outer stretches of the city, if she would still look at him with that fire in her eyes after whatever was about to unfold.
Aya frowned as Will steered them not toward the palace, but down a narrow street with ramshackle houses. He thanked the gods that they’d made it back early in the morning. Their visit would be far less conspicuous this way. He pulled to a stop before that rough stone cottage and slid from the saddle, giving the stallion a pat as he waited for Aya to follow.
‘Where are we?’ She took his outstretched hand and swung off the horse, her brow furrowing further as she scanned his face. Will merely led the horse to a small alleyway and tied him to the trough there.
‘Will?’
His heart hammered as he knocked on the door. It was a monumental risk, bringing her here. She’d never helped him before. But perhaps if she sensed Aya’s power and couldsee—
The door swung open, Lorna appearing in the threshold. Aya’s face paled as she took in the woman before them – as she placed the dark hair and eyes so blue they were almost gray.
