“Larkin told us not to shift. We need to save our energy.”
“Since when do you follow rules?” he asks. “And don’t worry about my magic. I’ll be fine. So will you.”
I blink, my eyes quickly adjusting to the darkness. Tall trees crowd the sky above us, making it impossible for the moonlight to grace us with its silver glow.
“Come on,” Silas says, as he pulls me forward. “I want to show you something. You fine with a quick walk?”
I nod and let him pull me forward.
We walk silently through the dense forest, venturing deeper into the woods and closer to the towering mountains overhead. Silas walks with such confidence in front of me, having clearly made this exact journey countless times. He glances back and smiles when our eyes meet. Even in the darkness, his eyes shine brightly enough to light our way, his thumb tracing small circles on my hand.
After passing what seems like hundreds of the same trees, we come to the opening of a clearing. A memory immediately sparks, and I’m back in Daramveer in my favorite forest clearing, and my chest aches. I look to my right, half expecting the carving of mine, Maines, and Barlowe’s name to be there. A pinch of sadness crosses my expression when it isn’t there.
When the clearing opens, I realize we are at the base of the mountain. Bright white snow sits at their peaks, and finally, the moon’s glow provides us with some shimmering light.
“Almost there,” Silas says with a smile, and quickens his steps.
My eyes spot a small sitting area that appears worn from years of visits. A lone tree shades the spot, and Silas guides me directly to it. He halts and brushes off a fallen tree trunk that lies perfectly on the forest floor. He sits without warning and stares at the sky behind us, exhaling a heavy breath. I watch him for a moment, then turn to sit beside him.
My mouth parts slightly when I see the stars. The vast sky takes my breath away. Thousands of diamonds shine in the night sky above our heads, some so bright that I squint my eyeswhen looking at them. Others barely dance in the night sky, but together, they all work in perfect harmony, illuminating the sky if only for us. The bite of the cold night only adds to the beauty around us, and the stars above remain timeless, shining forever in an endless realm.
“I’ve wanted to show you this since we got here.” Silas turns his gaze to mine.
“It’s so beautiful.” I keep my gaze fixated on the galaxies around us.
“You put every star to shame, Briar,” he breathes. “Easily.”
I tear my gaze from the sky and look at Silas. The subtle glow of the stars illuminates his handsome face. I realize that, unlike the stars, our time together in this realm is limited, and he deserves to know the truth.
“I need to talk to you.” I try to keep my racing heart steady, but fail spectacularly.
Silas nods, “I know. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about what words will leave your perfect lips.”
He’s concerned, and my chest feels tight, realizing this news could truly change things. I turn to face him, reluctantly. There are a few things I need to tell him, but for now, I’ll decide which ones to disclose.
“After I met with your father, I went walking around the castle again.”
“Fuck, Briar.” Silas rolls his eyes. “How many times will it take before you listen to me?”
I shrug. “A few more times, I imagine.”
“Go on,” he groans.
“I ran into Yara.”
Silas freezes, averting his gaze from mine.
“After I wielded light,” I slip in. “She told me about you walking in on her and Malachi.” I flinch at the thought.
He nods until my words hit him like a blow. “Hold on. What the fuck did you just say?”
“She told me about her and Malachi,” I reply, simply. “And that you know about it.”
“You are impossible.” His gaze grows angry. “You wielded light? And you didn’t tell me?”
“I haven’t had time to talk to you. As soon as I got back, Hux whisked you away.”
“But you let him,” he replies.
