I frowned, trying to remember. “Greenhaven.”
“On the southwestern border,” Derren said.
I spun, presenting my back. “Unlace me. I’m going to follow him.” Help if I could. People were dying. I couldn’t stay here while Trew and his team defended us all.
Lexie’s fingers worked the same laces Trew’s hands had whispered across hours ago. Where his touch had set me on fire, hers only reminded me of what I was leaving behind.
“I’m not sure following the king is a good idea,” Kerralyn said, standing and scooping up her book, tucking it under her arm.
“It’s a terrible idea,” Derren said, a sly grin blooming on his handsome face. “Which is why we’re doing it.”
“Exactly.”
I hurried over and yanked open my wardrobe. My hands shook as I grabbed a clean set of leathers. In the bathing area, I stripped, tossing the pretty gown over the side of the tub and dragging on the leather outfit.
I couldn’t believe I was considering following, but there was no choice. Trew needed me, and I was going to him. I fastened the straps with more speed than skill.
A primal force clawed at my skin, a need that went bone deep. Inside, magic thrummed restlessly as if it knew he was flying toward danger.
My soul knew its match. My mind just hadn’t quite caught up to that fact.
Back in my room, I found they’d changed into their own fighting gear and returned.
“Provisions.” Kerralyn held up a leather bag.
Lexie grinned ferally and tapped the hilt of the sword strapped toher spine. “I, um, borrowed it from the armory. My father taught me how to use a very similar blade.”
“She’s deadly,” Derren said with the same grin. He stroked the hilt of the shorter blade on his hip. “As I am with this.”
Another weapon “borrowed” from the armory?
We left my room and slipped through the castle, cutting through hallways and stepping out the back door and into the crisp night air.
“Where is the aerie?” I asked. I should’ve stopped in the kitchen and begged the cooks to tell me.
“This way.” Kerralyn pointed. “I haven’t been there myself.” A shiver tracked through her. “But a friend works there and told me once where they were.”
“Which friend?” Lexie asked as we raced across the open grassy area.
Kerralyn shrugged. “I’m not sure he’s a friend any longer.”
We shared long looks before following her down a path winding through the woods.
When something landed lightly on my shoulder, it was all I could do not to shriek. I reeled my head to the side, meeting Pherin’s gaze.
Left me,she more or less said. She couldn’t speak, but that was the impression she gave me.Need me.
I’m sure I do,I sent back, though since I used words in my mind, I wasn’t sure she’d understand.
When she preened, I knew she had.
Just…try not to get into trouble,I sent to the minxpip.
She huffed.
“I should’ve brought my companion,” Derren said.
“Same,” Lexie grunted. “Too late to go back now.”
