Page 78 of Hunger & Harmony

It’s a gut-punch, but my expectations can’t shatter any further, right?

Flames curl higher within the stone hearth when I turn. Even the marble is alive, with elegant swirls and floral details carved into the mantel. It shouldn’t be, though. Nothing should be like this.

While it’s still hazy, I lay out the pieces of last night in my mind. His song. My blood. The pressure in my skull and the light pouring into the concert hall.

I glance over at him again. He stands there, still as stone, and it’s hard to believe this was the man who defied his own kingdom.

“Why?”

He tilts his head, like he wants to look back at me. I think better of my question and turn my back to him.

“Never mind,” I say. “I’m going to shower.”

He remains silent as I try the door to my left. Thankfully, it’s the bathroom, so I quickly shut myself in.

“Oh, thank god.”

I fervently bless whatever angel set up a refreshment tray at the vanity. This bathroom is so large, the first part is only a walk-in closet of storage, mirrors, and seating. The hangers and shelves are notably empty. Not that I have a single care as I head straight for the snacks and glass carafe filled with water.

After knocking back a few cups of glorious nourishment, I release a breath and sink into the chair.

The plush upholstery is comfortable. I’m having a hard time enjoying it. This nightgown not only leaves zero room for imagination, but the material is so thin that I might as well be freezing in the nude. My next mission is to find my suitcases.

Except the same burning thirst creeps back up my throat. I frown at my reflection, as if the mirror has any better idea than me. Maybe I passed out longer than I thought? I could barely stand not that long ago, after all.

I pour myself a couple more glasses. Except the more I gulp down, the drier my throat feels. My hands fly up to my neck, and I swallow hard. This is so uncomfortable. Foreign.

“N . . .” I choke on Niko’s name, and I knock the vanity chair back as I stand.

Stumbling to the door, I rip it open, hoping he didn’t go too far.

Only to rush straight into his back.

“Please,” I rasp out, and I sink into his embrace when he turns.

“I’m here,” he says, lips already against my hair and arms holding me up securely. “I’ve got you, Cadence.”

The tremors subside as he holds me. I catch my breath against his chest, his familiar cologne soothing my heart rate. Even the thirst falls away like a tide.

Despite my muscles unwinding, doubt creeps into my thoughts. What is happening to me? I can’t find any shame as my exposed body presses against his. My fingers curl into his black shirt, and I grit my teeth.

“Why is this happening?”

He hesitates. I pull back enough to look up at him, voice quivering.

“Tell me,” I whisper. “Now.”

When his eyes search mine, I pull him harder against me. The last thing I want is to plead.

“Don’t leave me in the dark.”

His hands soften against my back. Fear returns to his gaze. He wants to let go.

“These feelings aren’t your own,” he says slowly, quietly. “They are mine.”

“Yours?”

“Mine.”