“Okay, I’m getting you a drink,” Meela announces.
And then we spend the next few hours planning our route, discussing any issues we might face, everything. We plan to meet Gaethri and Rhydra in town again the following day to catch up with them.
I feel… happy, spending time with them. All of them.
Meela for her honesty and bluntness, making sure no awkward silence goes unfilled.
Raef for his smile, light, and humor he brings to everything.
And Daegan… he’s just Daegan. His presence has somehow become a center of calm for me, and he always seems to be attuned to what I’m feeling, what I’m thinking. I don’t know what will become of me one day when this addiction I’m developing is finally ripped away.
Chapter 33
Two days have gone by quicker than a glass of nox wine sinking its claws into Raef, and suddenly it’s the night before we’re set to leave. First thing in the morning. We’re all having dinner in Meela’s room, which has become our routine the last couple of nights. Meela and Raef go at each other constantly, but I think there’s a strange sort of fondness between them. Perhaps not romantically, but it's hard to tell with them. She told me she’d never love again, and I sort of believe her. I believe in her tenacity.
Then again, things can change.
We’ve met with Gaethri and Rhydra once at the library and once in town, since it’s easier to talk there.
The plan is mostly set, but we’re also hoping for a lot of luck. No one knows exactly where the sword is. Just the general area from the legends Gaethri grew up hearing.
I won’t let myself consider that this entire trip could be a waste.
Daegan sits by my side quietly, like he always does. So close, and yet still so distant half the time. The small things he does in the halls or at meals to keep up the act drive me just as crazy as the first time. But it’s a strange rhythm we’ve fallen into, and I’m used to the torture now.
Sort of.
I still think about smoky, woodsy scents and the deepest shades of blue when I go to sleep.
“I’m tired,” I announce to the room. “I think I’ll go and get some good rest before the journey.”
I know Daegan is going to rise before he does. “I’ll walk you,” he says.
I know.
We walk at a slow pace through the darkened, quiet halls. Most people are in bed for the night already. We don’t say much, but I feel peace in his company anyway. When we reach my door, I plan on saying a quick goodnight and shutting the door, but the thought of being alone on such a big night suddenly makes me feel… anxious.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Something is.”
The corner of my lip pulls up. He always knows. He’s always paying attention.
“I’m just not sure if I want to be alone, suddenly.”
“I can stay.” It comes out quiet, but so certain.
I can’t look away from his gaze and deny him. I need to, but I can’t. “Thank you.”
He takes the key from my hand as he moves around me and leads the way inside.
“I just need to take a bath,” I tell him.
The large, empty room feels too quiet, filled with too many possibilities.
He takes a seat. “I’ll wait for you.”
