Oak is asleep as well, curled in the fetal position.
Coward. I probably scared him to death.
I snort at the sight.But why are they all sleeping? Someone should be awake, keeping guard until morning.
“You can relax, Briar. I told them to rest.”
The hair on my neck prickles as I slowly turn. Silas sits leaning against the stone wall at the cave’s entrance, his arms resting on his propped knees. “Your scream echoed through themountain. You best be happy to see me and not hundreds of creatures sitting here.” He rubs his head, looking exhausted. “You really gave us quite a scare, Princess.”
I twist my body to face him so I don’t disturb the others, and he continues, “Rohhit is going to be fine. The ritual almost killed you, but it did save him.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’d never forgive him if you sacrificed your life for his. However, the bleeding has stopped, and he’s resting—thanks to you.” His deep voice flows through the cave like a dark lullaby.
I glance toward Rohhit’s sleeping body.
“His leg seems to be healing. He’ll likely be out for a few hours and limping for a few days. Oak, on the other hand, is exhausted from nearly shitting his pants.”
The corners of my mouth twitch.
He returns a soft smile. “You look awful.”
“You don’t look your best either, Prince Nastronde. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you truly look tired.” I try to stand, but my legs give out under me.
In an instant, Silas is there, guiding me back to the cold cave floor. “Don’t try that again.” His strong hands wrap around my waist. “You need to give your body a little time before you spring up like that.”
I listen and take a moment to relax. Then, my gaze shifts to his emerald eyes. Silas is only two years older than I am, but his eyes seem older. They carry dark memories that no one should experience in a lifetime, especially not at such a young age. He meets my intense stare, and I swear I see a flicker of pain in his eyes before he quickly turns his head away.
“You are freezing.” His arm moves from around my waist. “Take this.”
He removes his outer shirt, exposing his muscled arms and chest. Small scars pepper his skin. I take his shirt and wrap it around my bare shoulders. “That looks nice on you.” He smirks.“Get some rest. I want to show you something before the others wake.”
“Thank you, Silas.”
“For what?”
“For everything.” I smile, and he reciprocates.
Moving closer, I rest my head on his chest, longing for his touch and warmth. We gaze out over the forest for a moment, neither of us speaking, only the sounds of our breaths filling the silence. He takes my hand, gently tracing his fingers around mine. The slow strokes feel tender. I glance up again, studying his face for a moment. His sharp jaw and the worried expression on his brow convey so much.
“I’m okay, Silas,” I whisper.
He looks at me, his brows slightly furrowing. “When I got to the cave, you were unconscious.” He pauses, still drawing small circles around my fingers. “Oak told me what happened, and I didn’t believe him until I saw your face. Your eyes were closed, but you looked horrified.”
I grab his hand. “I’m okay, Silas. I promise.”
He nods, and I know he doesn’t believe me.
“You said you wanted to show me something. Show me!”
He gives me a cautious look before it’s replaced with a wide grin as he stands. He extends his hand for me to take. I take his hand as he pulls me up with a gentle force, making sure I’m stable before he continues forward. “They’ll be fine,” he says confidentially. “That ritual you performed seemed to cast a ward around this cave. No one should be able to see it, let alone enter here with a nasty shock.”
He doesn’t drop my hand as he walks deeper into the cave.
“I’m not going back there! Oak said he saw something.”
He pulls me along, “He’s probably not wrong, but don’t you trust me?”
Not making the mistake of leaving my weapons, I hostler my axes and allow him to guide me deeper into the darkness.
“I’m going to earn your trust one day, Princess. I don’t think you’re foolish for having concerns. I have heard I have a reputation.”
