Page 51 of Into the Isle

I stared back at the ground in front of me, smiling a bit in embarrassment, telling myself that would be the last time I “accidentally” glanced over at him.

“Torfen are cowardly. They hate themselves. Alone, you’re an easy target to pick apart.”

I looked up at his face, brow lifting. So much for keeping my eyes on my own homework. It was a well-thought-out answer. Another thing I’m not used to from Selby men. Usually, when I asked why someone was harassing me, I was told how it was my fault. That I’d done something wrong—typically something beyond my control.

Grim didn’t go that route. He didn’t blame or gaslight me.

“What should I do about them, you think?” I asked.

“Don’t be alone.”

Easier said than done, big guy. “Good advice.”

He let out a low rumble, something like a hum. We passed the glade, where my blood still dotted the vegetation, then marched in companionable silence through the trees until I finally saw fresh moonlight in the distance. We were reaching the end of the woods, and one of the most alarming and eye-opening journeys—in more ways than one—of my life.

When we reached the final tree line before cobbles and a flat meadow, Grim stopped. He didn’t step through the trees. He handed me my bag.

“Thank you, Grim,” I said with a smile.

He nodded once in acknowledgment. With a return nod, I turned to leave my imposing rescuer.

“Little sneak.”

I stopped, whipping my head around. “Yeah?” For some reason, something like hope bloomed in my chest.

The thick ridge of his brow wrinkled, like he was thinking hard about his words.

“Walk the woods tomorrow night, should you need an escort.” He averted his gaze, as if embarrassed. “If you wish.”

A genuine smile cut across my face. “Gladly, Grim. I would be happy to have you escort me again.”

Chapter 16

Grim

I CURSED MYSELF FOR my parting words to the little sneak. Getting her hopes up with that beautiful smile splayed across her face.

Standing still at the tree line, I watched her become smaller, until she was a tiny speck nearing Nottdeen Quarter. Once I knew she was safe, I turned back into the woods.

A strong sense of protectiveness grew root in my belly. I wanted to shield Ravinica for all the hours of the night. She was pure. Genuine.

Yet I knew it couldn’t be. I knew what I was. I feigned myself into thinking that, as long as I could keep the monster inside me hidden, we could be cordial.

Nonsense, my mind answered. It will never work.

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