Still, I found myself winking in her direction. It was like my damn body had a mind of its own. “I’d also never say no to a dance with a beautiful woman, though it’s been a long time. Back in Azraak, celebrations like this are few and far between, but when we celebrate, wereallycelebrate. You should come to our winter feast one year. It’s one not to be missed.”
I expected a laugh—or a retort, at the very least—but she pulled out of my arms and backed away. “I think I’m going to call it a night.”
“What? Why?” I reached for her, but she shook her head and walked off, vanishing out the tavern’s front door.
Lilia suddenly appeared before me, her silver brow furrowed. “What did you just say to her?”
I held up my hands. “All I did was tell her she’s beautiful.”
“And that’s it?” Frowning, she glanced over her shoulder at where her friend had disappeared.
“That and I suggested she come to Azraak’s winter feast one year. Nothing untoward, I swear to you.”
Lilia sighed. “Ah, that was it, then.”
I frowned. “The feast part?”
“Yes, you silly demon.” She turned back toward me, shaking her head. “Haven’t you figured it out by now? Astrid’s curse? She is bound to this mountain, which means she’s trapped here for her entire life. Astrid can never visit Azraak. There are no winter feasts in her future.”
Realization crashed down on me, and suddenly, everything Astrid had said and done tore through my mind. She had been so understanding about my ‘brother’s’ affliction. She’d looked so wistful every time she’d mentioned the world outside. Just like Tahir, she was a prisoner in her own home. And just like Tahir, she dreamt of spreading her wings to fly.
“Ah,” I said.
Lilia nodded. “Ah.”
“The Everstone can break her curse.”
“That’s right. And now it’s missing. But what’s more important isyou.” She gave me a pointed look. “Whether she realizes it or not, she likes you. I can tell by the way she looks at you. And you seem to like her, too. What you going to do aboutit, Tormund? You could make her a very happy woman if you chose to do so.”
My heart pounded my ribs; my mouth went dry. “You’re asking me to let her have the Everstone. That’s not fair.”
“It’s not fair that the one person she might actually like is the one person who would keep the gem from her if he got his hands on it.”
I blew out a breath. “I don’t want it for myself. It’s for my brother. Besides…” Grinding my teeth, I glanced away. “Astrid and I can’t have a connection. Once this is all over, I’m returning home to Azraak. Alone.”
“You’ll change your mind. You know how I know that?” Lilia asked, sliding sideways to catch my eyes again. “Because Astrid is a catch. She’s an incredible woman, good at what she does and endlessly kindhearted. And there’s not a doubt in my mind you’ve seen all that, too. So go find that Everstone and give it to her.”
Lilia walked away, right into the arms of the crimson-haired elf she’d partnered with. He drew her in close, nuzzling her ear. Lilia returned the affection by tilting back her head and gifting him a beaming smile as bright as the stars. Happiness practically rolled off their bodies in waves. An unexpected twinge of longing went through me. I’d never had something like that.
And I never would.
Until now, I’d never really wanted it.
I blinked and looked away. Even if I let down my walls, none of it would matter. Tahir needed the Everstone, and I couldn’t fail him. Astrid would never forgive me when I took it from her, cursing her to remain inside these mountainous walls for the rest of her life. Because that was what I’d be doing. Letting the curse remain hers forever.
She would hate me as long as she lived. And I wouldn’t blame her for it.
16
ASTRID
Ihalf-expected Tormund to follow me back home. And when he never materialized from the shadows, I didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. Perhaps a little of both. As soon as he’d started talking about Azraak, I’d only been reminded of how tenuous our friendship was. At the end of the day, we needed the same thing, and neither of us would back down. He wanted freedom for his brother, and I needed freedom for myself.
When I reached my vine-engulfed cottage, I tugged the cot further into the new build and climbed on top without bothering to change into more comfortable clothes. My bones were weary, and my eyelids were weighed down by stones. But despite my exhaustion, I tossed and turned all night. I couldn’t get the vision of Tormund’s midnight eyes out of my mind—or how his hands had felt wrapped around me.
At least it gave me time to make a plan.
After I tumbled out of bed and splashed some cool water on my face, I stuffed some supplies into my pack and took off toward the mines. The answer had come to me, and it was simple enough. I would track down the dragon by myself and use the Everstone’s power before Tormund even knew I’d gone anywhere.
