“What?”
“That delicious laugh,” Silas says, a massive smile on his face.
We lie in silence, watching the stars.
Some twinkle, some remain still, while others shoot across the black sky, and in this moment, the world seems at peace. There is no threat, no urgency; it’s just us. Together by fate, destiny, and sheer luck. My eyes begin to feel heavy as I notice Silas turn, shifting beside me to wrap his strong arms around me.
“Briar?” Silas silently speaks.
“Yes?”
“You are mine.”
I smile as I respond, “Until we reach the darkest realm and further.”
He nuzzles into my back, and I close my eyes, floating into the sky alongside the stars.
Chapter 22
Iwake to the dim morning light pooling through the tightly packed trees.
Silas remains motionless except for his chest rising and falling as gently as the morning breeze. I pause for a moment, taking in his features. He’s peaceful, the world around us is silent, and for just a second, I feel peace, too.
For the first time in so long.
Through the dense forest before us, something catches my eyes, jolting my entire system and pulling me from the calmness I felt. A subtle movement in the shadows makes me sit upright. A familiar black cloak moves in the wind, and the creature steps into the open, clearly unaffected by the wards shielding us from our surroundings. Even after all this time, fear still swirls in my senses. I breathe heavily through my nose and try to keep my heart steady.
It can’t talk to me. I have the mark.
It moves closer, seeming to float above the ground, and I backpedal, my back pressed firmly against the fallen tree. Silas remains motionless—still deep in sleep—and I pray he stays that way. I watch the tall, thin figure approach, its hood casting ashadow where its eyes should be. A wide mouth peeks from beneath the hood, and its skin is a lifeless gray.
My shoulder begins to throb in its presence, and I can’t help but grab at the Rigil in response.
The creature notices my movement and shifts inches from my face, faster than I can comprehend. The breeze from its movement whips my hair in my face, causing my vision to blur. I try to scream, but its bony hand slaps across my mouth. Fear grabs me, and a single tear escapes my eye, landing on its decaying hand. With the other hand, the creature slowly pulls back its hood, and for the first time, I see its face.
The gray, ancient skin continues upward, and a hollow spot exists where a nose should be. My jaw drops, my chin connecting with its grip, when I see its eyes. Glowing, bright green eyes with vertical slits meet mine, and I feel lost—hopeless and soulless—as its gaze burns into mine with an intensity that could set the world ablaze.
The creature slowly shifts its gaze to Silas sleeping beside me.
“Don’t touch him,” I mumble under its grip.
The creature reaches out its free hand toward Silas, and I thrash against his grip. A single black claw gently brushes along Silas’s head. He watches Silas sleep beside me, and a wave of nausea washes over me.
“Silas,” the creature whispers into my mind. “So much potential.”
My eyes widen in horror.
“I said, don’t fucking touch him.”
The creature slowly pans its haunting gaze toward mine, and I fight the urge to break my stare from the soulless green eyes.
“I can,” the creature whispers again. “And I will.”
“Why?” I snap. “Leave him alone.”
The creature smiles, and rows of decaying teeth lie scattered in its mouth.
“You’ll see,” the creature breathes, and my entire system shivers as the words slither out like a promise and threat.
