“If he were awake now, he’d probably tell us this is nothing. Even if it’s a lie. He’s survived more wars than most, but I’m certain this was a very close brush with death.”
“I keep thinking about how it must have happened. And Thayden.”
“I’ve been thinking about that, too.”
“That man never ceases to disgust me.” My stomach churned with the revulsion I spoke of. “Would you believe he wanted me to think we were madly in love? He played with my mind, manipulating me every chance he got. All while everyone lied to me because they were terrified of him.”
“I’m so sorry.” She placed a hand on her heart. “That wasn’t supposed to happen.”
“I know.” I released a haggard breath. “I guess I’ll just have to deal with him when I get back.”
“How are you feeling…otherwise?” Arielle’s gaze flicked cautiously toward Wolfe.
I knew what she meant. She wasn’t asking about my bruises again or the exhaustion in my bones. She was asking about him. About the confusion and conflict tangling inside my chest.
And I was certain she didn’t want a full unraveling of my conflict while he lay right there. It was a known fact that even the unconscious could hear when people were talking, especially when the conversation was about them.
“I don’t know,” I admitted softly. “It feels… complicated. I just want him to be all right.”
She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “We’ll talk later. Away from here. Only if you want.”
I gave her a small smile. “I’m sure I’ll want to.”
Through all of this, I could see what she was doing. She was trying to be a friend to me, and I appreciated it more than I could say. It seemed that from the very beginning, even when we’d first met, Arielle’s only aim had been simple.
Friendship.
“Then we’ll talk.” She shifted closer, her shoulder brushing mine in quiet solidarity.
I glanced out the window. In the span of minutes, the light had thinned to almost nothing. The fading sun had slipped away completely, and the one that remained was turning fully silver, bathing the land in a strange, mystical glow.
“Arielle… do you think we’ll find a way out of here?” I’d been trying not to ask that question, but I couldn’t hold it back any longer.
She came closer. Worry touched her features as she followed my gaze out the window. “I have to believe we can,” she said quietly. “If only for you.”
“I appreciate that,” I murmured, “but I’d rather know the truth. The possibilities.”
Arielle looked back at me, her expression soft but strained. “I understand. I just don’t want you sitting here drowning in fear.” She exhaled. “The guys will figure it out. Bastian is excellent with maps across the realms and planes. I’m hoping he’ll be able to find a connection somewhere. Or even establish that it’s safe to portal.”
Her eyes drifted back to the dimming light outside. “I’ve never heard of a place like this in all my studies,” she admitted. “But I do believe it could be one of the dead realms—if only because Wolfe is taking this long to heal. If we were back in Vaelthorne, the healing properties in the air would be helping him.” She shook her head once. “This place… is far from that. It feels like it’s neither here nor there. And not in a good way.”
“I sense that, too.”
She sighed. “Try not to worry. At least we know we’re in good hands.”
“Is there anything I can do?” I asked. “I feel like I’ve just been sitting here.” Because I had.
Arielle glanced down at Wolfe’s chest, then toward the herbs laid out on the table. “I should probably change his bandages and mix some more poultice.”
“I can do that while you rest.”
“Me, rest?” She chuckled. “It’s more like you who needs to rest.”
“I can’t even think about resting or sleeping now. I’m too nervous. Best to keep moving until I can’t move anymore.”
“I’m the same, but I need you to get some sleep later.” She looked out the window. “We don’t know when we may need our energy.”
I followed her gaze and realized she was scared. She was also right.
