He was my hunter? My protector? Something… more?
I didn’t know what we were to each other. We were physically attracted to one another. We had built trust between us by saving each other’s lives.
But… what did all thatmean?
I was dying. There was no cure. And if I failed in my mission, Calista would kill him for not fulfilling his assignment.
Whatever existed between us was already doomed.
So, why did I say it? Why did I say he wasmine?
I couldn’t form a coherent thought. Every time I tried, my throat closed up and my head spun so chaotically I couldn’t see straight.
So I discarded those thoughts, vowing to sift through them another time.
If I survived longenough.
After our kiss, we hastily made our way down the road, knowing Calista would soon send more guards to investigate. And we didn’t want to be anywhere nearby when they arrived.
Though he was covered in blood and grime, I remained close by Theron’s side, grateful Denton and Stella had gotten away. I hoped they were moving forward with the plan instead of waiting for me.
Besides, I didn’t fancy another lecture from Denton about how dangerous Theron was. No doubt this provided plenty of ammunition for him to use against me.
But I trusted Theron with my life. I had no hesitation about it. I knew he would keep me safe. He would die to protect me.
It wasn’t because of our bargain; it hadn’t been for a long time. He had risked his life to save mine more than once. And now, the thought of losing him, of parting from him, made my chest cave inward on itself, crumbling until there was nothing left.
I struggled to keep up with Theron’s brisk pace, squinting against the morning sun peeking through the trees. Ordinarily, the streets would be crowded with people, but I had a feeling Vikros had enforced another curfew to keep the area clear so his men could ambush us.
It didn’t matter, though. We were now so close to the palace that the spires loomed ahead of us, casting shadows along the road. Once we crossed the bridge that led to the portcullis, we would officially be in the city of Taerin, where the nobles and royals lived.
By the time the villagers emerged from their homes, we would either be inside the palace… or captured.
Just before we reached the bridge, I veered to the right, traipsing through a grove of trees that lined the palace walls.
“Where are you going?” Theron asked, though he followed me without hesitation.
“I used to sneak around the palace as a child,” I explained. “This is the most discreet way in and out.” A small smile spread across my lips. “I thought by now I would have forgotten, but it’s come back to me so easily.” I didn’t even have to glance down to know where to step. My shoes had worn a path through these woods over the years, and now, after all this time, it was like I was home again. My feet found the familiar rhythm, falling into step as if I could slide easily back into the role of the invisible princess.
But everything was so different now. This was no longer my home.
It hadn’t been since my father had died.
“Our best bet is to get in through the servants’ quarters,” I continued. “Once we reach the outer wall, there’s a small entrance we can use.”
“There are likely guards swarming the palace, though,” Theron said, his tone full of doubt. “It might still be difficult for us to get in.” His gaze shifted to me, and I knew what he was implying.
“I refuse to let you surrender yourself,” I said flatly. “That’s not an option, Theron.”
He grimaced. “Eira…”
I stopped and turned to face him, giving him my most withering glare. “I cannot do this without you. Swear to me you’ll stay by my side.”
He said nothing. His eyes burned with a desperate intensity that made my knees go weak.
“Theron,please,” I said in a strained voice.
“I swear I will… try.”
