Atlas tucks his index finger beneath my chin and presses his lips against mine. "Thank you for healing the parts of me I didn't realize were broken."
My fingers dance along his abdominals. "I love you."
"I love you, too." He squeezes my ass. "What do you say we go to bed now?"
The fear of my nightmares plaguing me once again cuts into my chest, but I breathe through the anxiety and grin. "I'd like that."
Eighteen
Shaye
Before I can take one bite of the chocolate chip muffin Finn made for breakfast, Nyx stampedes down the stairs like he's on fire. With a bright grin, he swings his legs over the banister and jumps down into the dining room and snatches one of the muffins and scarfs it down in two gigantic bites.
"Are we in a rush or something?" I sip my coffee, watching him with keen interest and equal concern.
I would never describe Nyx as a morning person. The fact he's gotten up religiously to be my bodyguard and attend all my classes and meetings before noon is a feat in itself. But he's extremely chipper today and I'm afraid if I ask why, I might spook him and his typically grumpiness will set in.
Instead, once he finishes his breakfast, he says, "You'll be proud of me."
I flash a look across the table at Finn and Eris, also equally concerned watching the youngest Harland bounce around.
"Why is that?" I dare to ask.
He points a finger at me and smiles. "I took the liberty of seeking Professor Riggs out last night. He wasn't particularly thrilled I found his house at such a late hour, however," he pauses for some dramatic effect, "he agreed to meet with us first thing this morning before his other classes. I didn't tell him anything about the portal or the glass shard we found, so that's completely on you, Kitarni." He downs the cup of coffee Finn prepares for him within seconds and wipes his mouth with the edge of his sleeve. "So, in answer to your earlier question, yes, we are in a rush. We have to go," he peeks at the clock on the wall, "now."
"Wait," I'm flabbergasted. "You went to Professor Riggs' house?"
"You requested a meeting?" Finn seems more surprised by his ability to orchestrate an appointment than anything else.
Nyx holds his hands up, eyes narrowed. "Hold on. Are you not impressed by my effort? Because it sounds suspiciously close to judgment."
"No," Finn and I blurt simultaneously.
"No judgment," I say sweetly, knowing we are awfully close to teetering the line of a happy or irritated Nyx. I scoop his hand in mine and squeeze which softens his gaze. "We don't want to be late."
His confidence restored, Nyx waves me to follow him out the front door after exchanging goodbyes with Finn and Eris. Atlas left early this morning to prepare for office hours, so I'll have to update him on all things portal related later.
The carriage is already outside, ready to whisk us to Magikos Grammata.
"Thank you for arranging the meeting," I tap my foot atop Nyx's, garnering a grin. "That was really thoughtful."
He shrugs, uncomfortable with the compliment. "Figured it was important. Thought I'd help."
"It is a big help." I settle in the cushioned bench as we zip through the city.
"Wait!" Nyx's eyes bulge. "Did you grab the shard?"
I smile and pat my breast pocket. "I always have it." For some reason I refuse to explain to the others for risk of sounding borderline insane, the shard brings me comfort. It might end up being useless, but it's something my father touched. Something connecting our worlds. If nothing else, it makes me think of Enver Sol, and that's enough reason for me to always keep it close.
He nods. "Prepared. I like it."
"Out of curiosity," I lean forward, staring at him on the other side of the carriage. "What exactly did you say to Professor Riggs last night?"
Nyx takes a moment to ponder. "I'll be honest, Kitarni, Ronan and I had just leftPrue'swhen I thought of visiting him. All I really remember was knocking on his door, him frowning, and me asking if he'd meet with us this morning for something important. Come to think of it, the second I mentioned your name, he agreed." His brows furrows. "Meaning if I'd wanted an audience…"
"I think you're misreading the situation," I offer, but it's flimsy reasoning and Nyx knows it. "Maybe he was just… tired?"
"Yeah, yeah," Nyx waves me off. "I'm used to it. Let's just hope he can help us."
