Page 82 of Whispers of the Water

When Akira broke the silence, his voice was farther away as if he were leaning against the wall. His tone was quieter, more serious. “Did you finally tell her? You know, how you really feel?”

“I did.”

“Good. She deserves a happy ending.” Akira’s voice grew softer. “And so do you. I’m proud of how far you’ve come with Water Fae, and I know it’s because of her.”

I held my breath. I knew I probably shouldn’t be listening, but how could I not?

Rune was quiet for some time. Finally, he answered, “She’s always been Water Fae. We just didn’t know it. Bria is Bria. She was then, and she is now. That hasn’t changed, and neither have my feelings for her.”

Warmth spread from my chest, making its way throughout my body. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to Rune accepting me so fully. The flood of comfort I felt from his words consumed me, and I welcomed the feeling with open arms.

Akira chuckled softly. “I’m glad to hear that. Couldn’t have said it better myself. We need to be extra careful while we’re here now. Your mom totally suspects that something is up.”

“I know,” Rune said. “Two more days. That was the agreed-upon schedule between Myra and me. We just need to keep a low profile. I don’t want her targeting Newt for breaking our agreement on the timeline, because we both know she will.” His voice was low, and a dark certainty shrouded what he’d said. It made chills crawl up the length of my arms, and I had to force myself to not think about the reality behind his sinister words.

“Agreed. I hate that we can’t take the twins away. Fae really ought to change their barbaric ways when it comes to parenting.”

The space became heavy with the truth of Akira’s words. Fae seemed to parent via strict and fierce means. The fact that other Fae didn’t find issue with this showed not only how different our worlds were—human and Fae—but also how careful Rune and the rest of us had to be while navigating the remaining days. Taking the twins would just make us and the boys targets as Myra fought—literally—to get them back. We’d be on the run, constantly trying to stay out of Myra’s crosshairs, and what kind of life would that be for Newt and Greshim? So long as everyone did as they were told, everyone was somewhat safer.

Just emotionally damaged.

“Well,” Akira said, his usual brightness back again as his voice retreated in what sounded like the direction of the door. “I guess I’ll leave you two lovebirds now. I’m really happy for you, you crazed Fox.”

“Akira.”

Silence filled the room, and I assumed it was because Akira was waiting for whatever Rune was about to say.

“You deserve a happy ending, too,” Rune said. “She’s the Princess. Maybe she can find out what happened with Jesiah. You two could find each other again.”

From what Akira said, Jesiah was the advisor to my parents. I was sure Dallas would know about him, and if Akira wanted me to find out, I wouldn’t hesitate. Except, I didn’t think I could give him hope of potentially reuniting with his lover, only to rip it away should Jesiah be gone.

After minutes of silence, Akira said, “We’re all next door when you guys get up.”

The door creaked open and, seconds later, clicked shut again. My heart twisted at Akira ignoring Rune’s offer. Seeing that Akira was too afraid to look for Jesiah meant he probably believed the worst of Jesiah’s fate, and it most likely meant Akira wouldn’t be able to handle it if that were the case. Just picturing Akira in that state of grief and pain nearly brought tears to my own eyes. It made my throat constrict and my stomach churn. I never wanted Akira to go through that.

Which was why I’d ask Dallas about Jesiah in secret. I’d find out what happened to him, and, only if it was good, would I tell Akira.

With Akira’s absence, there were no more prying eyes present, for which I was grateful, but then I became aware of Rune. It was just the two of us again, and I could feel his eyes on me. It sent my stomach soaring on an endless nervous ride, and I debated whether or not to “wake up.”

Part of me wondered what sort of things went through his head when he looked at me. Given a glimpse into his honest thoughts, I craved more.

The bed dipped as he settled back down. His arm secured itself around my waist, and he pulled me closer to him. The incredible feel of his warm, smooth skin against mine sent dizzying waves through my head. His touch always had a sweet, intoxicating hold on me. I welcomed it in, fully and happily.

After a few moments of lying there in silence, I decided to stir as if I were waking, rolling over, and taking my time to open my eyes. As soon as our eyes met, his face lit up with a tender glow.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

My heart somersaulted as I took note of the affection laced into his voice.

I glanced down, nibbling on my lip. “Good morning.”

His strong embrace pulled me all the way to him, and he kissed my forehead. “How did you sleep?”

I leaned into his kiss with a flutter in my chest. “Amazing.”

The sweet sound of his laugh filled the space around me. Pulling back to meet my eyes, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

I looked sideways again as I worked to fight against the threat of another blush. “I’m good.”

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