“Take note of this, everyone,” Warrick says from across the room. “Larkin makes about one joke a year.”
Larkin’s bright white teeth gleam as he tips his head back, laughing.
“Noted,” Oak says.
“You’re tough,” Larkin says, still studying the tattoo. “In more ways than one. I see why Silas is so fond of you.”
His name makes me flinch.
With the others gathered around me, playfully arguing about Oak’s ridiculous statements, Silas has remained in his room. His door stays shut, and Kalix’s words echo in my mind.
Tether of realms.
I approach the edge of the table, taking my time to stand up. Given what just happened, I can’t imagine rushing anywhere is a good idea. Larkin grabs my arm, helping me stand.
“You okay?” he asks.
I plant my feet on the hard floor, gathering myself before trying to stand on my own. My shoulder continues to throb, and I swear I can feel the poison pulsing through my veins.
“You should go talk to him,” Larkin urges, glancing toward the hallway. “But, you need to be quick. We have to be at the castle soon. Malachi isn’t forgiving of tardiness."
I nod, and Larkin gently pats my back, joining Maines, Oak, and Warrick around the table once more. Their hushed tones tell me precisely who they’re discussing—me.
The hallway before me seems to stretch forever, giving me too much time to doubt myself and overthink what I need to tell Silas. I know he could sense what I was thinking, an unfortunate part of him being my tether. We’re deeply connected on a level that others wouldn’t understand. I know the tattoo worked—Kalix feels more contained than usual, which is a nice relief—but I know it won’t last. That said, I can’t help but think about one particular thing, and it weighs on me as I continue my strides down the narrow hallway.
I don’t think I can hear Rohhit anymore.
I reach Silas’s door, pausing to take a deep breath before knocking. My fist gently taps against the sturdy wood, and I listen for the sound of feet shuffling, but no sounds greet me. I crack the door open and peek my head in. Silas stands at the large bay windows, both of which are open to allow the cold night air to flow through the room. The thin black drapes move in the breeze, but Silas remains unmoving. He leans forward, gazing out over the dark sea, and doesn’t turn around as I cross the ample space to join him at the windows.
I walk beside him, resting my hand on his back, but he doesn’t move.
I make a pained face. “I know you’re mad.”
“I am,” Silas bites out. “Is it that obvious?”
He turns his body toward mine, and that’s when I notice it. Blood—my blood—soaked into his clothing. The amount is shocking, and my mouth slightly parts.
“My Gods, Silas.” I reach out to touch his hand.
He pulls his hand out of my reach, and a new invisible pain overwhelms me.
“I know you are lying to the others to keep them calm, but do not lie to me.” He finally meets my gaze, and his eyes are filled with hurt. “I could feel what you were thinking, and I know you wanted to give up.”
I try again to grab his hand, and this time, he lets our hands mold together.
“That’s not the Briar I know.” His green eyes blaze. “You’re the strong one, and I worry that if the others see you give up, all hope is gone. I don’t want to burden you with that, but you need to understand what you mean to them and what you mean to me.”
I gaze out of the open window. The sea below us churns, and with each crashing wave, the sounds thrumming in my chest.
“I never asked for any of this.”
Silas releases my hand and moves his hand around my waist. “I know. None of us did, but it’s what we’ve been dealt. We can either decide to face this head-on or give up and let the evil win.” His embrace gets tighter. “It’s time we turn this around and take things into our own hands. I’ve been afraid, and I can see in your eyes that you have as well. That fear stops now, and I’m so fucking ready for what’s next.”
He turns my body toward his and tips my head back, pressing a deep kiss to my lips.
Silas pulls away and cups my face. “The next time you feel like giving up, talk to me, and I’ll give you a thousand reasons to keep going.”
I nuzzle into his hold, and pride shines brightly across my face. Fear has been holding us both back, and we can no longer hide in the shadows of our nightmares. There’s too much at stake to give in now. With all the evil surrounding us, it’s time to show the demons who the feared ones truly are.
