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Adrian’s hand temporarily tightened around mine as the water brushed over my navel, before letting me go, but not straying too far.

We stayed at a comfortable depth for a time, listening while Cal told stories of his hometown in the southern part of the continent.

“—and they never believe me.” He nodded his head toward Sigrid and Adrian. “But I swear, I saw the Furry Man while I was out doing rounds one day in the woods outside my village.”

Adrian and Sigrid laughed and he groaned. “I’m serious, you guys! He had to have been at least eight feet tall.”

“Furry Man?” I asked, not understanding.

“They call him Sasquatch on Six. And he is a myth,” Sigrid said, laughing again.

“He is real, dammit!” Cal sighed. “You’ll believe me when you run into him on your own one day. You’ll piss yourself, too.”

I laughed, his words reminding me of Niall.

“We need more alcohol!” Sigrid yelled, running out of the water, pulling Cal behind her.

“Grab the wine,” Adrian shouted as they ran back up to the castle. “Heathens, the both of them,” he whispered, lowering his body under the water so only his head and collarbones were exposed.

This close to him, the water remained at a comfortable temperature, the coolness mixing with the natural heat of his body.

He dipped his head back, letting the water run through his hair, then stood back up, running his long fingers through the loose wet waves, slicking his hair back away from his face.

I detested how good he looked wet.

“See something you like, Princess?”

I dipped lower into the water, letting it wash over my breasts. “I’m not a princess.”

“Yet,” he said with confidence.

“I haven’t decided if I’m staying, yet.”

“I think you have. I think you feel at home here.” His tone grew thoughtful. “This is your home, Bryn, should you choose it. You belong here.”

His words made my heart flip. “Back to being nice to me, I see.” I splashed water at him.

“I’m trying.”

“Mm-hmm.”

He grabbed my hand under the water. “Go out farther with me.”

I shook my head. “I can’t.”

“You can. Whatever this is . . .” He brushed my hair away, tapping my forehead. “Up here . . . whatever it is you’re thinking, you shouldn’t give it fear anymore. Whatever you’re feeling, conquer it.”

I shook my head again. I wasn’t strong enough.

“Delirium is going to push you. It will find your weaknesses and exploit them. So, tackle this one right here, right now, and be done with it.”

He took a step out farther, and I took a step of my own.

When the water reached my neck, I shuddered and he lifted me up, bringing me against him. His heat reaching my core.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered in my ear. His hands strong underneath me as I tipped my head back, letting the water play at my hair.

“Take a deep breath,” he coaxed, and I did as he said, breathing in deep before he submerged us completely.