Soriah ran a hand over Rhael’s shoulders, slow and sensual. Leaving behind a trail of water droplets that fell down his leathers. It was intimate, a clear sign of attempted seduction to get what she wanted. Me. Drowning within the river.
“She is under my protection,” Rhael explained, his voice remaining calm, though tension coiled beneath it. I could do nothing but watch, hoping his protection meant something.
“Pity.” Soriah sighed, drifting towards the water once more. “Perhaps I must think of another bargain worthy of allowing you to cross.”
“Name your price Soraiah.” Rhael ground out, his eyes locking with the Nymph’s. He was not in the mood for making long drawn out bargains, andif I could tell, so could she.
“For you?” she smiled slowly, a devious look in her eyes. “Prove your loyalty to this human, convince me she is truly your companion.”
“How?” Rhael questioned, crossing his arms over his chest. More than once his eyes had darted to me, perhaps contemplating if drowning me was a better option. Or just making sure I had not bolted.
“You tie your life to hers. From the moment you cross until you return.” Soriah said, her smirk sharp. It was clear she enjoyed seeing Rhael squirm.
My breath caught as soon as the words left her mouth. If Rhael accepted this bargain he would feel everything I felt. One arrow through my heart and the Fae King would be dead. I expected him to refuse.
“Done,” Rhael said.
The word shattered the silence as the lake rippled. A pulse of pale light flashing beneath the surface as the bargain sealed itself. Cold crept down my spine as I watched it.
Beside me Rhael let out a slow, pained hiss. His hand lingering on his ribs as if something had struck him. I opened my mouth to question the pain, but his eyes glancing at me were a clear sign I should say nothing at all.
“You may cross,” Soriah finally announced, sweeping her hand in a grand gesture. Welcoming us through her home.
Rhael returned to the saddle behind me, his hands holding on to my waist, not out of comfort but as protection. Only when he took the reins andturned the horse did I realise that it was deliberate. All part of the act we were playing.
Before us, the lake parted, revealing a narrow path through the water. Soriah stood at the edge, watching, although I could feel others' eyes on me. She wasn’t alone.
If either of us drowned, both of us would die. So, I did the only thing that seemed convincing. I shifted backwards in the saddle and lent against Rhael’s chest. My head against his shoulder as the horse stepped carefully along the watery path.
If it bothered him, he said nothing. Then again, there were no signs he was pleased either.
Chapter Eight
We rode in silence for another two hours. Neither of us spoke as the land slowly changed around us. The open fields gradually dissolved into dense forest,
The towering trees pressed closer together until the road felt swallowed by their ancient roots. Branches tangled overhead like grasping fingers choking all signs of life from the sky.
The air smelled different here, herbs, damp earth and old magic. It lingered sharp in my nose with every inward breath.
My eyes moved constantly, darting towards every crack of a twig or rustle in the undergrowth. Every shift made my pulse tighten. I didn’t feel at ease in the forest. I was not home. I had no idea what lurked beyond the treeline, or if the creatures that lived here would greet us with curiosity or bared teeth.
The sky slowly bled from soft blue to iron as evening approached. Streaks of orange clung stubbornly to the horizon, the dying sun casteverything in a harsh, molten glow that painted the trees in burning gold.
It took my eyes a moment to adjust, and it took Rhael even less to decide we would stop for the night.
He chose a small clearing beside a narrow stream that lingered over smooth stones. The position gave him a clear view of the surrounding woods in every direction. The open ground made it impossible for anything to approach unseen.
At least, that would work in theory. Although, I still couldn't shake the sensation that we were not alone. The forest felt watchful. I tried to convince myself that perhaps he had guards lingering somewhere. A pair of silent sentinels keeping their distance.
It would not have surprised me, but I could not see anyone. Instead of looking into the darkening woods, I focused my attention on Rhael, who had set up the tent and gathered firewood with quiet efficiency.
Every time I offered to help, he refused without so much as even lifting his head. Instead, he ordered me to pull the blankets and bedding from the leather bag, tied to the side of the saddle. So, I did.
I carried them to the tent and laid them out the best I could before returning to the clearing. By the time I emerged, the fire was already burning. Warm light flickered across the space, dancing along trunks of nearby trees. Shadows stretched and twisted across the ground as if they were alive. If I had been alone, I would have found it even more eerie.
Rhael sat on the ground, staring into the flames. He broke sticks slowly with his hands, tossing the splintered pieces into the fire one by one, as if the act himself would burn away whatever thoughts sat heavy in his mind.
He was still wearing his riding leathers, the dark material highlighting the sharp lines of his body. The tie had been removed from his hair, leaving the dark strands to fall freely around his shoulders in waves. It should have made him look less intimidating, instead he looked more dangerous.
