“We aren’t waiting for Gregory?”
“I’d rather not push my luck with you being nearly recognized; I’ll find a way to let him know we’ve passed through if he isn’t already here.”
The inn was a long rectangular building, built out of logs like the rest of the structures in town. Smoke curled from its stone chimney, and a wooden sign creaked above the door as they entered. Inside, the air was warm and heavy with the scent of stewed meat and old wood.
Taemin stood at the counter, one elbow propped casually atop it, a grin plastered across his face. “They had one available room left, and I made sure to snag it for you two before anyone else could.” He dangled a brass key between his fingers as proof of his purchase.
Damien folded his arms in front of his chest, expression flat. “We can’taccept this.”
“Nonsense,” Taemin said, balancing the key on top of Damien’s crossed arms. His voice softened, and he turned to Luna, eyes downcast. “Considering all the trouble you went to for us, the least we can do is pay for your room.”
“How’s Gawen’s leg?” Damien asked flatly, one brow raised. “We’re even, don’t you think?”
Taemin’s face tightened—guilt, or maybe shame, settling over him. “I don’t think we’ll ever be even.”
Before Damien could hand the key back, Taemin turned on his heel and disappeared down the hall, presumably to his room.
Luna glanced at Damien. “I guess we’re sharing . . .”
“It would seem that way.”
Chapter 30
Dream Come True or Nightmare?
The sparse room was furnished with only the bare essentials: a narrow bed draped with worn but oddly inviting linens, a shabby nightstand tucked in the corner, and a single window. Pale moonlight streamed through its thin curtains, pooling on the floor.
After a brief survey of the room, Damien shut the window with a soft thud, his movements quick and purposeful. He tossed the leather bag of supplies onto the bed and left without a word.
Alone for the first time since they’d escaped, Luna wasn’t sure what to do. She sat down on the bed and peeled off her boots, relief flooding her the instant they hit the floor. She wiggled her toes happily; the boots weren’t exactly her size, and the poor construction pinched them on the sides, pushing them together uncomfortably, but they were good enough for now. Once they reached Eloria, once she was settled in her new life, she’d find better ones.
New life.
The thought sent a shiver coiling down her spine. Tonight was the last night she’d spend in Ghelvina . . . After this, she’d begin a new chapter. With new people, new customs. With magic. She could only hope she didn’t make a fool of herself.
Brushing her fingers over the threadbare white cotton sheets, she straightened the pillow lying crooked on the mattress. The small act grounded her, if only for a moment—but the day still clung to her skin, heavy and stale. Eager to shed the weight of the journey, Luna dug through the leather bag and pulled out a fresh set of clothes, then undressed and slipped them on.
She’d just finished when Damien returned, carrying two dinner trays. “Figured it would be nice to have a warm meal,” he said, setting the trays down on the bed.
She couldn’t argue with that as she took in the aroma of the food. The steaming bowl of hearty stew and freshly baked bread, though not as refined as the meals she enjoyed back at the palace, still felt luxurious.
Damien sat at the foot of the bed, eating in silence. Neither spoke—they were too focused on the food. When they finished, he set the plates and tray on the nightstand.
“You take the bed.”
The bed was small, but they’d shared tighter spaces in recent nights. Surely, he wouldn’t mind now. She tilted her head, the question shown on her face as her hair slid off her shoulder.
“We’re in a human town,” he answered. “I highly doubt I’ll get any sleep anyway.”
A likely excuse. If he genuinely thought this place was dangerous, why would he even want to spend the night here?
But she didn’t have the energy to argue with him, especially with the toll of using her magic still clinging to her bones, so she crawled into the bed, settling between the sheets, and murmured, “Suit yourself. If you didn’t want to sleep with me, you could’ve just said that.”
A sly grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Are you suggesting you’d like my company?”
“You know very well what I am suggesting.”
He groaned, as if her answer caused him physical pain. “Close your eyes and go to sleep.”
