AUDRYN
It took over twenty-four hours to fly back to Rivale. We stopped only for a few minutes to switch gryphons in Rynholm and then immediately continued on. Ryder was so furious, he made me travel with Hunt for the entire trip. Several times I considered jumping; but that would’ve undone everything I had worked for.
With Fisher in Kuroden, my list had shrunk to two, though I contemplated putting Ryder in his place. He’d said we were mated, which explained why I felt so connected to him, but what made little sense was the absolute hatred I felt simmering too. Even when he touched me, the lust stayed at the forefront, but I still loathed him.
The moment I stepped off the gryphon, my legs nearly gave out from exhaustion. My body was icy from the early morning air, and as a last-ditch effort to warm myself, I had sunk into Hunt. If I didn’t think too hard, I could almost trick my mind into thinking it was Col who sat behind me. But the smell of tobacco on the guard’s breath jolted me out of the delusion.
Making it to my room, I threw off the leather riding jacketI’d borrowed—stole. Not wanting to draw too much attention to the unintended keepsake, I quickly threw it into my armoire and searched for a sleeping dress. I needed to bathe, the grime on me was disgusting.
“Your behavior while away is absolutely appalling,” Ryder scolded as I dug through what was left of my clothing. “It’s pointless to stand here and lie to me, so tell me everything.”
“Right now? You want me to give you a list, right now? Grab a notebook.” I faced him, my patience nonexistent. “Or would you rather hear of my escapades tomorrow? Maybe you can work up your anger by then since you’re in such acheerfulmood.”
He moved his hand toward me, and I winced.
“Careful, Darling. I was only going to fix your hair,” he purred.
Slowly, he slid his hand through my wind-blown locks, letting his fingers scrape against my scalp. My stomach tilted. I couldn’t ignore how handsome he was, and I ached to have his hand finish what he’d started earlier.
I shook my mind clear as his fingers arrived at a knotted section and he forced his way past it, pulling my head with him. It wasn’t truly love I felt. It was whatever ruined bond the land had cursed me with.
“Don’t give yourself too much credit.” I yawned, sleep nearly overtaking me.
Maybe I’d wait to bathe. Moving to the sofa, I kicked off my boots and slumped back, pulling a small blanket over me. If he wanted to talk, fine, but he’d need to keep me awake first.
“Did you fuck him?” Ryder’s eyes drew down as he hovered over me.
“Would you like details, or would a yes suffice?” I raised an eyebrow and bit the side of my mouth.
“I hate you,” Ryder breathed as his hands balled into fists at his sides.
“Don’t worry, the feeling is more than mutual.” I smiled.
The toilet flushed in the adjoining bathing room and my eyes darted to the door. With the engagement, I assumed he would’ve sent Maris home. My surprise must have shown because Ryder grinned wide.
“She fucks better than you,” he said smugly.
I smirked. “Col’s dick is bigger and curves just right to hit the perfect spot.” It wasn’t a lie, only a detail for Ryder to lament on.
His face fell flat.
“And his tongue … well, that’s something women write songs about. I’ve never had such an amazing org?—”
“Enough! You’ll shut your mouth or I’ll bring Mirael in here to sew it shut.”
His face was so red, it was nearly purple; I decided not to push him any further.
“Later,” Ryder continued. “Sleep and we’ll speak later.” The door slammed as he left.
The bed was softerthan normal; I had succumbed to sleep the moment my head hit the pillow. I woke up groggy and exhausted, despite sleeping longer than usual. I wasn't used to functioning in such a sleep deficit. Kuroden had given me the opportunity for a stable schedule. It was one of the many perks of being away.
I stared lazily at the door, wishing Draven might send breakfast to bed for me. As if my hope was realized, the door opened without a knock. Unfortunately, I found Ryder staring rather than a tray filled with food. I considered hiding under the blanket.
“Good morning.” His tone was softer, and he hesitated in the doorway before stepping into the room. “We’re going to startover. There’s much to discuss, and I don’t have time to argue with you.”
Erasing everything that had happened was impossible. There was nothing he could say to make up for any of his actions. Even with the bond pulling me to him, I was steadfast in maintaining a distance between us.
He moved across the room and sat at the bottom of the bed. Stroking my foot under the blanket, he looked up at the ceiling. “We don’t need to discuss the particulars of your visit. I’ve decided we’re going to move forward.”
