“What is this place?”
“The Duvain Estate,” she said softly, her voice hesitant. “My father built it decades ago. For my mother. He said every person needed somewhere to breathe.”
The shuttle began its descent towards a sprawling mansion that sat at the center of the grounds like a jewel in a verdant crown. The building was old-fashioned by Port Cantor standards—stone and wood and wide windows that opened onto wraparound terraces. Carefully cultivated gardens surrounded it, gradually transforming into wilderness.
His breath caught as the full scope of the property revealed itself. The manicured grounds gave way to forest—dense, ancient forest, stretching towards distant hills that were barely visible on the horizon. Open meadows broke up the tree line, and a river wound through the landscape like a silver ribbon.
Room to run. Room to breathe. Room for his beast to stretch and hunt and simply be.
He turned to look at Ember, something fierce and tender expanding in his chest. She was watching him, her grey eyes luminous with hope and uncertainty and love.
“You came here for me.”
It wasn’t a question.
“I came here for us.” Her hand found his. “The city is necessary. The work is important. But I don’t want you to forget…” Shehesitated, searching for words. “I don’t want you to lose the part of yourself that found me in the snow. The part that runs and hunts and lives in the wild places.”
The shuttle touched down on a broad landing pad near the mansion’s rear entrance. Through the viewports, he could see a path leading from the gardens into the forest beyond—a path that called to something deep and primal in his blood.
“You want to remind me of the mountains.”
“Yes.” Her smile returned, edged with something playful. “Is it working?”
He leaned close, letting his breath warm her ear. “Ask me again in an hour.”
The mansion’s interior felt warm and welcoming rather than the elaborate grandeur of Duvain Tower. The furniture was comfortable rather than impressive, the artwork personal rather than valuable. Photographs lined the walls—a younger Ember with an elderly man whose kind eyes matched hers, landscapes from a dozen different worlds, moments captured and preserved like pressed flowers.
Tomas issued quiet instructions about meals and arrangements to the small group of staff. Baylin prowled the perimeter, assessing sight lines and entry points with professional attention, though Rykan caught him glancing towards the forest with the same hungry longing that burned in his own chest.
“Go,” he told him. “Secure the tree line. Take your time.”
Baylin’s grin was sharp and grateful. “You’re sure?”
“I’ll manage the indoor security.” He jerked his chin towards the windows. “Go run.”
His friend didn’t need to be told twice. Within moments, Baylin had disappeared into the gardens, his form already beginning to shift as he crossed into the trees.
“That was kind.” Ember appeared at his elbow, following him out on the terrace as Baylin vanished into the green shadows. “He’s been restless.”
“He’s been caged.” He turned to face her. “We all have.”
“I know.” Her hand came up to rest against his chest, palm flat over his heart. “That’s why I brought you here.”
She was so close. Close enough that he could smell the sweet floral scent of her skin and feel the warmth radiating from her body. His beast stirred, stretching lazily, suddenly very interested in where this conversation might lead.
Her finger traced a line down his sternum, following the ridge of muscle beneath his shirt.
“Tell me, Rykan.” Her voice dropped to something low and teasing. “Have you missed the hunt?”
His hand closed around her wrist, stilling the wandering finger before it could travel lower. “Don’t start what you can’t finish.”
Her eyes met his, bright with challenge. “Who says I can’t finish it?”
She pulled free of his grip with a twist he’d taught her himself—one of many skills she’d developed since the mountain—and before he could react, she was moving. Running. Laughing as she darted down the terrace and into the gardens beyond.
He stood frozen for half a heartbeat, watching her go. Her pale hair streamed behind her like a banner, her body moving with agrace and speed that would have been impossible three months ago. She’d grown strong in their time together. Strong and fast and utterly magnificent.
Five seconds,he decided.I’ll give her five seconds.
