Not Alone Anymore
The road to Rhidian was long, but for the first time, he didn’t walk alone.
Evening gathered low over Fowler’s Ridge, where the road split through the last sweep of redwood. One path bent south toward Rhidian’s seaport, the other curved wide, vanishing into the hills. The horses stood restless, stamping at shadows, as if they too sensed the weight of parting.
Gabriel broke the hush with a groan, tugging at the strap across his chest.
“Dask, you mean to have me run the rest of the way?”
He nudged Evander with an elbow.
“Trade places. You can play scout.”
Evander was already tightening his reins, unimpressed.
“I’ll pass. I’d rather not have every tavern girl in Rhidian thinking I’ve turned courier.”
Gabriel muttered something about castle elves, but Viktor had already stepped close to Amerei, the horses a thin shield between them.
“Tell me your plan again,” he murmured.
Amerei’s eyes held steady.
“We’ll take the long road, double back to the gate within the hour. The guards will let us ride the wall into the castle. I’ll come to the inn as soon as Zeporah dismisses me.”
He didn’t like it—her walking the tavern row at night, even with Evander at her side. His hand found hers almost without thought, rough fingers closing over her finer ones. For an instant he pressed as though to leave something there, a knife, a promise, anything to keep her safe. But when she looked down, there was nothing. Only his hand, clinging too tightly, then releasing before he betrayed himself further.
Dask, how do I walk away?
Her gaze held, searching, but he only said, low, “Stay safe, my lady.”
Every step from her felt like treachery.
The scent of her cloak lingered—lavender caught in rain, the ghost of warmth she left behind. It clung to him long after she turned her horse, a phantom he couldn’t shake. He told himself to move, to breathe, but the world had narrowed to the space she’d just left behind.
Gabriel’s voice cut through the silence.
“Fourth floor of the Flag and Flask,” he called, shifting his pack higher on his shoulder. “Dask, that’s a mouthful.”
Amerei smiled faintly, still looking at Viktor. He turned before his face could give him away, falling into stride beside Gabriel as their paths diverted.
Viktor watched her ride until the ridge swallowed her from sight. His chest ached with the urge to follow.
“You have no idea how much I want to go with them,” he said.
“I have some idea,” Gabriel teased.
His pace stayed easy, voice light.
“She looks at you in a way I’ve never seen her look at another soldier. And she’s been around plenty.”
Viktor drew in a breath, pushing the ache down where duty lived.
“We’ll report to Zeporah tonight.”
Gabriel gave a dry laugh.
“Aye. Special assignment for the royal house.”
