I know I want him again. I feel a tightening between my legs just thinking about it…a need for him. Silly, considering I can still feel a dull sting from our coming together.
I need to be careful not to develop feelings for Sebastian. There’s no future for a half-breed and a king. I know that. I accepted that before I ever lay with him.
I straighten my spine and lift my chin.
No, I need to guard my heart where this fae is concerned. I can do it too.
“I’m ready,” I tell him.
He nods. Whatever softness was there moments ago has been tucked away, replaced by the hard-edged awareness that suits me just fine.
25
Sebastian
Julienne looks up at us from the ground; she is holding onto the reins of the mare I took from the homestead. Her eyes are filled with concern, but she is still smiling through the fear.
“You two take care of each other,” she says, her voice thick. “Promise me.”
“We will,” Isla answers before I can.
I glance at Isla, mounted on Jack beside me, his ears pricked.
Nox shifts beneath me, tossing his head. He’s picked up on the tension in the air, the urgency that neither Isla nor I can fully hide.
“I’ll return the pony to the homestead you mentioned,” Julienne says, stroking the animal’s nose. “You have my word.”
“Thank you, Julienne. For everything,” I tell her.
She steps back from the horses and folds her arms across her chest. “May Kakara watch over you both.”
Isla gives her a warm smile. “We’ll see each other again.”
I’m not so sure about that, but I don’t say it. Instead, I nod once.
We head out, turning to wave once just before disappearing into the forest. The trees are thick, so we keep the pace slow. Branches hang low across the path, forcing us to duck and weave. I lead, picking the safest route through the undergrowth while keeping an ear tuned to the woods around us. Behind me, Jack follows at an easy walk.
Neither of us speaks. The court is still too close. Guards could be anywhere.
We move like this for a long while. Through the thinning trees, past the boundary markers, toward the dome that separates the Shadow Court from the deadlands beyond.
We break into an easy lope through the open field before the barrier. As we pass through, the change is immediate. The air turns cold. The trees give way to mud, rot, and decay. The air smells of it. After a short while, the sun disappears, and the sky turns gray and muted. There is now a diffused light that makes everything look washed out and tired.
I look over my shoulder.
We made it out. Soon we will be able to breathe just a little easier.
“How are you doing?” I ask Isla.
“I’m fine. Holding up. Just a little cold.”
“We can stop for you to put on your coat.” I glance at the oilskin tied behind her saddle.
Isla nods. She drops the reins and quickly dons the jacket.
“Better?” I can’t help but smile at her.
I’m given a shy smile in return. I know I am a gutter rat for thinking of her naked and soft beneath me, but I can’t help it.
