“Audrey,” Arran says, a light warning in the tone as he lifts my chin.
“What? It’s just a simple inquiry.” Before he can object again, I continue climbing.
We pause a couple more times, each stop next to another narrow window that gives me a spectacular view of either the ocean or the island. Despite my protesting lungs, I keep pushing toward the top, excited to see Arran’s favorite view.
Chapter 15
Arran
When we get to the top of the turret, I move behind Audrey and guide her toward the eastern side of the stone circle, keeping my arms loosely wrapped around her shoulders as we come to a stand behind a crenel.
“Arran,” she breathes, lifting a hand to brace against a merlon. “It’s…”
“I know.”
Audrey’s gaze slowly arcs across the sky as she takes it all in. “The sky is endless. And the stars. I’ve never seen so many in my life before. It’s like they’re alive and blinking down at us.”
“Welcome to Starry Hill,” I whisper against the top of her head, following the words with a barely there kiss.
Usually we reserve the welcoming words until we know the creature would like to make this town their home. I’m sure this is not what Audrey wants for herself, but I can’t resist giving her the invitation.
Even if she’s not technically calling our island her home, Audrey has been part of the fabric of the community for years. She’s been involved in so many lives, been impactful with her actions, cares deeply for our creatures, and she’s been a gift to me.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt enthusiastic about anything in my life, but Audrey has broken me out of my shell, awoken the desire to step outside of my comfort zone and become involved in the community again—the exact way she’s been serving them without being an official member.
I know I can’t keep her, but while Audrey’s here, I’m going to make every second worth her while. If she chooses to stay, that’s up to her.
“Do you trust me?” I whisper, holding my breath as I wait for her answer.
Audrey turns around in my arms, her big brown eyes open and honest as she looks up at me. “With my life.”
The words register slowly in my brain, working their way through my body, burrowing deep until they settle in the depths of my soul, etching themselves into my very being.
I gaze at Audrey for a good minute, unable to form the proper words of gratitude before I lean down and kiss her.
Positioning Audrey to one side, I grab onto the high merlons and hoist myself carefully into the wide crenel between them, seating myself securely on the bench-like gap between the raised walls like I’ve done on countless nights before.
Far below me, waves roll lazily into the side of the cliff, the peaceful refrain as familiar to me as time herself, while the expanse of the night sky stretches out around us. Thousandsof stars illuminate the velvet canopy from above, their likeness reflected in shimmering streaks across the glassy ocean surface.
When I’m settled comfortably, I hold a hand out to the most fascinating creature I have met in my entire existence. “Come here.”
Audrey hesitates but places her hand in mine regardless. “Where exactly?”
“Come sit with me,” I say, patting my lap.
“Uhm…”
“Audrey, I promise I won’t let you fall.” My words seem to have the right effect, because Audrey steps closer and I carefully help her up, maneuvering her sideways in my lap so her back is supported by the merlon and her slim legs are draped across my sturdy ones.
I hook one arm around Audrey’s waist, the other gripping her legs to keep her securely against me while she clings to me with her arms wrapped around my neck.
Audrey makes a point of not looking down. “It’s really high up here.”
“You’re safe with me,” I repeat, dipping my thumb underneath the hem of her shirt and rubbing soothing arcs against her soft skin.
In the tiniest of fragments, Audrey allows her body to relax, settling deeper into mine as she relinquishes control and allows me the honor of guarding her from the cliffs below. Her grip loosens as mine remains firm, and as if done absentmindedly, Audrey scratches lightly on the back of my neck, dragging her fingernails up and down in an almost affectionate manner.
Tonight, the wind is absolutely still, the whole island quiet, as if the world itself is holding its breath, waiting to see what will happen.
