“We do.”
The two of them sat together for another hour, talking about everything and nothing. Raine knew Maeryn was different. There was something special drawing him to her. Like a tug on his soul, an ache in his chest, and a strange need to protect. Not in the way he was protective of his friends, but different; deeper. Like he could take on every hurt or burden she might feel and carry them for her. Keep them away so she would never have that haunted look on her face again.
And in that moment, he wonderedis she my soulbond?
7
Soft light appeared, visible beneath Casimir’s still closed eyes.
But it wasn’t the pale orange light of torches. No, it was almost like…daylight. Sunlight.
He moved an arm, prepared for the rattle of chains, instead finding something soft against his skin. His arms weren’t bound above him. He wasn’t shivering. There was no pain.
Was he dead?
Willing his eyes to open, his vision came into focus on a tangle of green vines hanging above him.
Where am I?
There was no cold, damp cave. No smell of dirt or urine. No monsters growling or screams from the enemy camp. There was only peace, quiet, warmth. Songbirds warbled outside glassless windows. A breeze rustled velvet curtains. The sharp scent of rosemary wound around him, carried in from the nearby gardens.
Home. He was…home.
Another smell jarred him. Something familiar…lavender and vanilla.
A soft snore reached his ears. His eyes trailed down, landing on strawberry blonde hair fanned across his chest.
Ava.
She was here. With him. Safe and in their bed.
What happened?
He took a deep breath and studied her delicate features. Beautiful and at peace in slumber, clutching him as if she was afraid he’d disappear. Their legs were tangled together and his left arm was around her waist.
He lifted his other hand and traced her face, in awe and wonder that she was here. Was he dreaming? Perhaps he was still a prisoner and, delusional, was dreaming about her. About this.
A door opened and Kai walked in, followed by Raine. Instinctively, he pulled Ava closer and eyed them warily, ready to fight. Prepared to protect her.
Raine stopped and smiled, eyes glistening.
“Hey.” His voice cracked.
“Is this real? Am I truly home?”
“We all made it back. We got the book and Isolde. Actually, Ava got youandthe book practically by herself.”
“You’re sure I’m not dreaming?”
“Promise.”
Real. This was real. He closed his eyes and opened them again. Still in the bed. He pinched his arm. Still in the bed. Casimir sighed, overcome with guilt over his capture. Over his friends risking their lives to free him.
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? Why are you sorry?” Raine came closer.
“For getting myself into that situation. They should never have captured me. I should have figured out a way to escape without risking all of you.”
