“Lastly, I want to learn more about this ancient poison that comes from Andorwood, and Larkin will teach me.”
Larkin’s eyes widen at my statement, and for a moment, I swear a look of dread crosses his face. I smile widely, proud of my final demand. Larkin has been avoiding me since we arrived, and I want to know why. He runs his hands through his messy hair but stays quiet, staring at the table.
“It’s settled.” Silas claps his hand. “You all need to start on our plans for the tasks you’ve been given. We only have a few days, so time is not on our side.”
Fen, Warrick, and Hux file toward the stairs, taking their leave to prepare for the long days ahead. Hux pauses, and he turns to me, letting the others move past him. His eyes convey an unusual anger—an intense rage that chills me to the bone for a moment. He knows I’m onto him, and he’s not pleased.
“Anything left unsaid?” Hux asks.
“To you?” I fume. “Yes.”
“Anyone else?” His lips slither into a smile. “Maybe Silas?”
I furrow my brow, unable to back down from his intimidation.
“Are you threatening me?”
“Now why would I do that?” Hux smiles. “You sure are paranoid.”
I get ready to step forward when I hear Larkin call my name from the balcony.
Hearing my name pulls me out of the stare. I turn my attention toward him, and wave for him to wait a second. I waste no time jerking my attention back to look at the bottom step, ready to either scream at him or punch him in the face.
Hux has vanished. I stare at the empty space and grind my teeth. He’s not going to fuck this up for us. I’ll make sure of that.
Silas, Maines, and Oak are speaking at the table, and I pass them, heading to join Larkin outside. The cold night air stings my face, but its bite helps cool the anger rushing through me.
Larkin gazes out at the vast sea. His white hair billows in the wind, and although Lumor magic creates a steady halo of light around him, his tall frame casts a shadow on the ground.
“Silas is adamant I do this, just so you know.”
“Good.”
“We leave in the morning,” Larkin’s strong voice snaps. “It’s a few hours’ ride on horseback. We won’t be shifting, so we can reserve our magic for the battle and not draw attention to ourselves where we are going. I’ll have the horses prepped, and we will leave at dawn.”
“Sounds great.”
Larkin shoots me a look and says, “Okay.”
He turns to leave the space, and I speak, stopping him in his tracks. I plan to have the last word.
“I know you don’t like me, so I appreciate you taking me.” I shrug my shoulders and turn to walk back inside when he grabs my arm.
“Who said I didn’t like you?”
“Hm,” I pause. “Pretty sure you did. Many times at this point.”
“That’s your own perception, then.”
I roll my eyes, and he crosses his arms.
“It’s me and the decisions I’ve made that have led me here, not you.” Larkin’s gaze is heavy, and I watch his demeanor. He seems anxious, and his shoulders slump inward—like he’s hiding information that’s eager to be revealed.
“So?” I smile. “You do like me?”
He chuckles reluctantly. “Unfortunately, you are growing on me—like a wart, or something else unpleasant.”
I punch his arm.
