“Yes, they are protected like we are. Plus, I will ensure an additional ward is around them. They will be fine.”
I nod, and we fall back into silence. The horses’ steps are the only thing that fills the air around us. We head deeper into the forest, and the morning sun dims through the forest canopy. Each shadow causes me to flinch, and I remind myself that it’s my paranoia.
“Thank you for doing this,” I awkwardly say. “I can only imagine this will help us in the future.”
“Welcome,” he replies, tersely.
This man is impossible.
I lean forward and run my fingers through Myah’s mane. She gently tosses her head in response, and I can’t help but chuckle. During the ship's journey here, my days were filled with time spent with Myah. For some reason, she could calm my racing thoughts, and I believe I helped ease her anxiety on the rocking boat. We bonded during that time, and I feel grateful to have her with me again.
“There are things in this forest that are invisible. Silas was right to tell you to keep your senses sharp. If something feels off, I need you to do as I say.”
“Alright,” I say. “No issue.”
He huffs.
“What?” I snap.
“I’ve heard you have a problem with following orders, so please don’t take this lightly.”
“Who told you that?” I protest, and can’t help the slight smirk that crosses my lips.
“Literally everyone.”
I gasp. “You’ve talked to people about me?”
“Yes.”
“All good, I hope?”
“Fucking Gods. You are insufferable,” Larkin snaps, rolling his head on his shoulders.
“Fine,” I huff. “Where are we headed, anyway?”
A cool wind picks up around us, and the trees sway in the chaotic breeze—like hands reaching down to grab us as we pass by.
“Death’s opening.” He hesitates before continuing, “Just about the closest we can get to the darkest realm.”
Chapter 23
“Are you sure we should be doing this alone? What if something goes wrong and we need backup?” I can’t help but ask.
“I've taken this journey many times on my own without any issues, and from what I've heard, you're quite powerful. If anything, I’d say we're more prepared than usual.”
“I’ll take that as your first compliment, Larkin," I say, smiling at him.
The corners of his mouth twitch briefly before disappearing back into his harsh façade.
We continue down the winding path through the dense forest. The dim sunlight has transformed into a blazing glow that spills through every crack in the forest canopy. The birds around us keep to themselves, singing a pleasant tune in the distance, and I catch myself humming along with them. The horses seem relaxed, and I can’t help but take a deep breath.
Being back in the forest and away from the gloom of Andorwood Castle has made me feel calmer than I have in days. The forest buzzes around me, my axes are a comfortable weight on my back, and dare I say, I’m truly enjoying myself.
However, the silence between us is slowly killing me. It’s been over an hour without him speaking to me, and the awkward tension grows by the second. Larkin keeps his calm composure as he rides Atlas with ease—like the two of them were made for each other. Something about the bond between an animal is so special to me. I lean down to pet Myah and turn to Larkin again.
Every so often, I see him swat away a small pesky insect that makes me chuckle to myself.
“Not fond of nature?” I ask.
