“There,” he said, voice coated in dark amusement. That wicked grin spreading. “Mythank you—for saving my life. Figured a kiss would suffice.” He placed a hand on the stone wall next to my head, leaning in. Warm air brushed my cheek. “Wouldn’t want you looking desperate—begginglike that anymore.”
That. Fucking.Dick!
I’d experienced hurt before—abandonment, rejection, heartbreak. And yeah, it always stung, leaving their scars. But this—this was straight-up vicious. Right to the jugular.
I loathed the damp burn pooling behind my eyes. But there was no way I’d let this prick see one goddamn tear fall.
His knotted brow loosened, noticing my own mask being placed over the hurt.
I slammed my hands into his chest. So hard he staggered back, nearly slipping on moss.
I wish he had.
His mask flickered, or maybe it wasn’t a mask at all. But I didn’t have a single fuck to spare analyzing it.
Without another word, I stormed out of the cave. My anger was a living, burning light—a Candela refusing to go out. Only wanting to guide me home.
42
CARWYNN
“Fortune’s right tit,”Aine groaned, dragging a hand down her face as she let out an exaggerated breath. Her gold-flecked freckles sparkled like tiny glinting coins in the sunlight.
“Ohhhh, Carwynn.” Breena’s giggle chimed through the air. “Think of how bored we’d be without ya!”
I grunted.
We returned toour meadow—as we now called it. The air still had a bite, but warmth settled underneath. Perfect for a picnic. We took full advantage, stuffed our packs and set off into the forest, desperate tounwind.
A velvety-soft blanket laid beneath us, cushioned by lush green grass. Light-colored crumbs speckled the dark fabric, evidence of our stress sprinkled about. One of our biggest commonalities was how quickly we became snackers when there was an uptick in anxiety. But I liked to think of it as one of our sweet-treat-bonding sessions.
Pattering sounds of the nearby stream tickled my ears as I looked around, desperately pushing down my worry. We’d been out here for over an hour, combing through every detailof my Gorta incident. Aine confirmed that the creature was, in fact, an Ancient. According to her, Ancients were looked upon as legends because it’d been centuries since the last person witnessed one. Everyone had assumed they were extinct by now. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with that information—if it should make me feel special or not for having met two.
I settled with . . .not.
After I’d told them what happened in the caves, Aine practically carved a new design in our carpet with her frantic pacing. Breena gnawed on her lip for some time before coming up with an optimistic approach to the situation. That being—shooting me a wicked grin and prodding for details about the kiss with Pogue.Breena and her priorities.
“You know, it’s not too late to return me,” I said, smirking, then brushed a few crumbs off my lap. “I do seem to be a magnet for chaos.”
Breena tilted her head with a smile. “Nah. It’s too late for that—you’re ours now.”
Aine gifted me a quick wink, one of her rarest gestures. I’d lock that image away for safe keeping.
A warmth spread within me. It started at the corners of my smile and extended down my body, burrowing under my ribs. Of all the horror and chaos, in this moment, I was eternally grateful to have found such friends.
“Here, drink up,” Breena offered, handing Aine and I steaming mugs.
The hot wine smelled of cinnamon, apples, and something I couldn’t place. My god, it was delicious.
“This is incredible, Breena. Really!” I said, taking another gulp.
Aine’s murmur of agreeance muffled as she tilted the cup back, swallowing.
One sip and I was already feeling lighter.
“All right, new rule. Our meadow is officially a worry-free zone. The only things allowed in are snacks, drinks, and—” My words were cleaved off.
“Cute lads for an occasional bang!” Breena cut in.
