Page 137 of Stargazer

“Well, at least I’ll get to play with my new toy tomorrow,” I rasped out. “I’m sure the rogues will be more than happy to indulge me.”

She rolled her eyes incredulously. “Sure they will.”

Without any further distractions, the rest of us trained like our life depended on it, ready and eager to face whatever came our way.

CHAPTER 47

VENUS

The full moon rose in the daylight sky; a beacon as well as a countdown to what would soon occur at the currently undisturbed grounds of Aconite Hall.

We were ready.

Griffin had done what he did best, with the help of Louis and the input of General Theo, putting together our plan of attack.

Now it was a waiting game.

I’d awoken this morning to Griff sitting at the edge of the bed, looking out across the estate and to the trees as if he could already see the wolves coming. He looked ethereal as always, sitting in the morning light like some sort of angelic statue of death, carved of stone.

Severe and lost to his thoughts.

I knew he was going through every meticulous detail in his head, working through any kinks and mentally ticking off his to-do list for the day. We couldn’t afford any mistakes. Not with the enhanced senses and strength the rogues would have during the four hours of the partial lunar eclipse. It had to be planned perfectly. That is, if we wanted to walk out of this alive. And I really wanted us to.

His back muscles were on full display, tight with tension and desperately calling out to me.

After drinking in the delicious view for a few precious, uninterrupted moments before he realised I was awake, I found myself kneeling behind him, rubbing those tense muscles in hopes that I could take away some of the burden he seemed to be carrying. As I kneaded and ran my hands along all that corded strength, he told me again of the plan. Ran me through the strategy and all his concerns, visibly relaxing with each word he shared as if all he needed was someone to lean on.

We spent some time enjoying the quiet of our room and courtyard, bringing breakfast and coffee out to the vintage two-seater garden table, before we split up so he could begin his day and start on the checklist he needed to complete.

My palms were sweaty as Kit and I meandered around the gardens doing somewhat of an unofficial final sweep before we would arm up and get ready. The anxious energy thrummed through me.

Going for a walk had been Kit’s idea to keep us distracted, since there wasn’t much else we could do until nightfall.

We had already passed the reflective brown lake at the back of the property, a wall of pines lining the back side of it and a mass of long purple flowers surrounding it.

Aconite.

Also known as wolfsbane—the reason for the estate’s name. A beautiful but deadly force of nature so casually growing on the grounds like a field of harmless wildflowers.

It had made my blood run cold.

“You okay, Vee?” Kit asked after the handful of concerned glances she threw my way, presumably due to my lack of speaking.

I picked a flower from one of the many coloured rose bushes that lined the path we’d taken, spinning the less intimidating plant between my fingers, careful not to prick myself on the thick thorns along its stem. A white, luscious thing. Despite all various shades of pinks, reds, oranges and yellows at my disposal, I had always preferred the simple beauty of a white rose. Was drawn to it, even now.

“I don’t know. I can’t shake the bad feeling I have about tonight,” I said softly.

“Girl, it’s going to be fine. We’re with the Carrington Knights. We’ve got it covered.”

“I truly hope so. This feels like a bigger battle than I’m used to and I’m just nervous.”

She threw her arm around my shoulder. “I know. But you’re a Knight. You’re capable. You’re brave. You’re strong. Remember that, babe. Consider that your new mantra.” She flicked her hair back and grinned, eyes bright and sure.

I chuckled. “I wish I could have even a slither of your confidence.”

She planted a big kiss on my cheek with a smack of her lips and then stared at the spot with satisfaction.

“There. I’ve transferred some of my magic to you,” she joked with a wide grin.

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