Page 127 of Wraithwound

“She spoke to me. In the dungeons,” Cross said.

Lena figured that was how he’d known her full name, but hearing him say it sent chills down her spine.

“There is something she knows about me, Alina. I suspect she’ll wait until the time is right for her and wrong for you to tell you. But I can’t be sure she won’t manipulate the message either. No matter what happens— I think Taryk has already figured it out. Ask him. Before you believe any of it, ask him.”

Lena’s heart sank. Runa confirmed it, something like malicious joy pulsing inside her.

“Alina?” Cross asked, and it was only then she realized she hadn’t yet answered him.

“I will,” she promised, setting her sights on the summit.

Chapter

Seventy-One

The red-violet sky was unchanging as they walked over the rocky terrain for what seemed like hours. The summit of the mountain was plainly visible and yet not much closer than it had been when they set off, but at least the tremors had ceased and the number of stone columns with the hanging moss were sparser.

They stopped long enough for Lena to check Cross’s dressing, and she was thrilled to learn that his stomach continued to heal rapidly. The skin there was still raw and pink but healthy. Bending slightly to get a better look, she ran her fingers over the dips and grooves of his muscled abdomen, marveling at the new skin there. Cross didn’t stop her this time. It was only when he growled softly that she noticed the bulge in his pants and stilled her hand. Lena’s blood went molten, and it was only the hint of amusement from Runa that made her keep her composure. Cross felt for her shoulders and pulled her up gently, his breaths coming in barely controlled pants.

“You’re testing my self-control, Alina,” he said, his voice rough and low.

Her full name on his lips made her feel like she was whole again, no longer a shadow of herself.

“I—You look so good, your stomach I mean, the injury, it’s mostly healed,” she stuttered before clamping her mouth shut.

A smile played on Cross’s lips, no doubt having realized how flustered she was. Lena sent a silent curse to the sky. EverGods damn me.

Cross wrapped his arms around her, and they stood there together for a long moment, tiny zaps of energy zinging where their bodies touched. Lena reached up and placed her hand over his heart. Slowly, he moved his hand to her shoulder and then felt for the angle of her jaw, running his fingers up to her chin. She stared up at him, taking in the features of his face. He was so beautiful.

“I’d give anything to be able to see you right now,” he said.

“I’m glad you can’t,” she teased.

“Not being able to see you makes my world feel incomplete. You are my light through the darkness, Alina.” He placed a gentle kiss on her brow, having marked its location with his thumb.

A heaviness settled deep into her gut as Cross slowly released her, her body protesting his absence immediately.

They both had secrets; she’d known that long before now. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever had grown between them would be over once they left this place. Lena glanced to the summit and reached for his outstretched hand.

It was only then that she thought to wonder why Runa was being so quiet.

By the time the mountain started sloping upward, they had stopped again to rest and eat. Cross had somehow managed to salvage his armor, working the belts and straps to ensure it stayed on. The thought of almost having lost the warrior in that creature’s den made her shudder, and she had a sudden urge to place her hand over his heart. Shaking the thought from her mind, she decided to focus on their strategy to reach the temple that was now visible at the top.

She shifted uncomfortably on her feet, working up the nerve to start their ascent. The air felt different, wrong somehow. It had grown noticeably thinner, stinging her lungs with every breath she took. She had some idea Cross could sense it too, having fallen silent some time ago. An echo of concern from Runa seemed to mirror her own.

After describing the terrain to Cross, they’d agreed on a route that would be the safest should the ground begin to tremble again.

“I’ve been thinking about what or who we might find inside the temple, and none of the scenarios I’ve run in my mind make sense,” Cross said.

“Runa said we are woefully unprepared. She also warned me about the Goddess,” Lena said.

“What about the Goddess?” he asked.

“She said the Goddess is not a maiden intent on helping humans but the source of our very existence. Three planets: ours, the one the wraiths come from, and the blazing one, exist in her embrace,” Lena said.

“Was she implying the Goddess is the universe?”

“I think so.” Lena’s stomach flipped at the significance of it all. “I know there are other Gods with the Goddess having the greatest presence here, but I’d never heard we were a creation borne of her lifeforce specifically.”