She struggled not to let her dread show. “Did they hurt you?”
“They tried. I’m okay. I didn’t mean to scare you, but I’m okay now…”
After a long minute, he looked up, and his chest expanded as he inhaled a massive breath. “Thank you.” He lifted his hand and gently brushed his knuckles along her jaw. Kira pushed back a sweat-dampened lock from his brow. His vacant eyes were back to their usual melting toffee shade. The paleness beneath his tan had receded, too. “You bring me back. Every time,elska.”
As if she would ever let him endure alone. “I made a promise, Týr. I’m here. Always. But why do you smell so strongly of sulfur?”
“I went to the volcano after—”
“What—why?” Terror garroted her when she recalled what he’d said about preferring death so many times.
“To walk. Calm down.” He cut her a wry look.
“At an active volcano? Where the hell was my brother?”
“Probably keeping a safe distance from me.”
She scowled, not amused.
He sighed and rubbed his jaw. “I’m okay. Fire won’t kill me. I just needed to clear my head.”
Kira searched his face, but she couldn’t pick up much. He still had a lot of damaged fragments inside of him, and he’d likely have moments like these. But he appeared okay for now—
“Don’t fret.” He kissed her mouth then pulled back, his brow furrowing. “The presentation? When is it?”
“Soon. My father had clothes sent for us. Listen, you don’t have to come with me if you need quiet. I’ll go with Riley, do whatever I have to, then I’ll be right back—”
He jerked to his feet. His jaw jutted, that indomitable will of his back in spades. “No. You’re my mate.Mine. I’ll be there with you.”
At his glare, she hastily nodded, a little relieved but still worried. Thank the heavens their stay here would be over in a few hours.
