Page 71 of Lich's Mate

I help her carry the large stash of belongings down the stairs, toward the waiting carriage. Some of it is awkward in my arms, but none of it is really heavy.

“You weren’t kidding,” she says, heaving a sigh of relief as she sets a satchel down next to the carriage. “This thing is huge.”

I nod. I swore we’d taken it at least once together. It’s larger than the carriage we first took after I rescued her from the auction block.

My only fear is that it might be an easy target for robbers.

Maybe I shouldn’t be sending her off on her own, I think. Maybe I should make sure I’ve got skilled fighters alongside her, rather than just the driver.

“Please don’t send me away.”

I turn around quickly, and a single tear has formed in her eyes.

I’m not sure what to say. Hearing it is a huge relief—a confirmation of her love for me. But I also can’t abandon this course of action now.

We’ve gotten word that Gorran’s men could be mere days away. If we dally even a little bit, she could be caught in the crossfire.

“I never wanted to,” I tell her. “I’m only doing this so that one day, we might have a chance.”

And I take her in my arms, pressing my face against hers as I kiss her in a strong embrace.

I never want this moment to end. If I could just freeze myself here, knowing that we’d never part ways, forever in her hold, it would be perfect.

If only.

I leave her standing there. My last memory of her is standing there, her eyes still closed, mere moments after her kiss.

I don’t want to watch her leave.

I can’t bear to say goodbye.

I’ll see her soon anyway, I delude myself. Right now, I need to plan.

And I return to the mansion, burying myself in my work.

I try to close my attention off to the cart rolling away. I try to pretend she’s still just in the other room, waiting for me.

27

MEERA

Please stay safe. I don’t want to lose you to a battle I should be joining.

I wave at Kavian, who simply nods before turning away and walking back into the mansion.

The door closes and the carriage starts to move. It slowly makes its way down the winding road leading to the edge of the estate.

I stare back at the mansion’s grandiose doors, my heart heavy.

The carriage suddenly grinds to a stop, the zarryns screeching loudly. The beasts balk loudly and I can hear them nervously pawing at the ground.

Shit! Something’s spooked them—they’ll probably run off in a panic if they aren’t calmed immediately.

“Calm down! Calm down!” The driver is desperately trying to placate the beasts but judging from their noises he’s failing badly. “Relax, you stupid anim?—”

The driver’s sudden scream sends a chill down my spine. Whatever’s happening to him must be extremely painful.

Something makes the carriage shake violently and a scream escapes my mouth before I can even react.

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