Page 28 of Heir of the Autumn Queen

I consider his outstretched hand, wondering if I’ll feel that same spark from earlier. I reach up to him, my hand dwarfed by his massive one, instantly feeling that same jolt of energy, but this time it radiates up my arm and spreads through my body until I feel like I’m buzzing all over. He hoists me to my feet until we’re standing extremely close, with only a few inches separating our torsos, our hands still clasped tightly. We stare at each other for far longer than normal and the buzzing feeling intensifies, stealing my breath.

There’s no denying he’s an attractive male, but my body’s response to him feels deeper than mere sexual attraction.

It feels instinctual.

Inevitable.

Like gravity is pulling us together rather than keeping us on the ground. Unable to handle the intensity of the feeling, I yank my hand away, more violently than necessary. I take a step away from him and my back hits the stall door, the lock making a clattering noise.

Finn cocks his head and stares down at me as if he, too, feels the strange energy when we touch. His jaw feathers as his teeth clench, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Goodnight,” I say, hurrying away from him and back into the tavern.

“Until dawn,” he says, and I can tell he’s smiling, even with my back turned to him.

I rush up to my room with a new burst of energy from Finn’s touch. I realize I didn’t even think to ask why he was outside at the same time I was, and I can’t even begin to understand why he would offer to sit up with Shadow for the next several hours. And that feeling I get when our skin meets? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I look out my window down at the barn, unsure of what my next move should be.

After everything that happened tonight, I know we’ll need to move to the next town sooner rather than later. Having Shadow with me, we’re bound to draw attention no matter where we go, but hopefully as we get closer to Elsreth, we’ll become less of a novelty.

I lock the door and place the table in front of it once again and lay down on the bed. Sleep claims me in a matter of seconds, but my body hums all night with the memory of Finn’s palm on mine.

Chapter Fourteen

I’m up before dawn, anxious to get out of this town and away from anyone who may have witnessed the round of cards last night. I pack my things and head down to the stables to find Finn exactly where I left him. Except now he’s asleep, leaning his head against the wall where he’s sitting across from Shadow’s stall. He looks much younger this way; face relaxed, the peace that only sleep can bring calming his features. I feel this innate pull toward him, and I squat down in front of him for a moment, wanting to reach out and brush some of his black waves out of his face. I stop myself before I can act on that impulse, and stand back up to get Shadow. She stamps her feet impatiently, letting me know she’s ready to get out of here as much as I am.

I open her stall door and start to head out of the barn when Finn stirs and says,“Leaving so soon?”

I slow my steps and look back, ignoring his question.“Thanks for sitting up with her.” I head outside and start walking west through town, hoping to find a vendor selling some food I can purchase for the road.

Finn scrambles to his feet and dusts himself off before hurrying after me. He throws on his cloak to hide his wings before asking,“Where are you two headed?”

“West,” I answer concisely, having put my emotional guard back up after the strange moment between us last night.

“I can see that,” he says dryly.“I meant more like, where is your final destination?”

“You ask a lot of questions.” I stop to buy a still-warm loaf of bread, hard cheese, and purple grapes from the street market that’s just starting to come to life as the sun peeks over the horizon.

“I’m a curious guy.” Finn smiles at me, stealing a grape from the bundle and popping it in his mouth before I stash it in my knapsack.

I give him a chided look for taking some of my food.“I’m afraid you’re going to stay curious, my winged friend.”

“Friend?” He smirks at me. I roll my eyes at him, chastising myself silently for the slip-up of words.“Maybe we’re going to the same place. We could be… travel companions.” Finn easily keeps pace beside me.

“I don’t need atravel companion,” I say mockingly as I navigate through the rows of townhouses on my way out of town.

“What ifIneed one?” Finn teases, but there’s a hint of desperation in his tone.“If we’re traveling in the same direction, what’s the harm in walking together?”

I stop in the middle of the road and study him, trying to figure out if he’s being sincere. It strikes me as odd that he’s trying so hard to convince me, but if last night is any indication, it couldn’t hurt to have someone around who could back me up in a sketchy situation. I decide I can tell him where I’m headed without being completely honestwhy.“Eventually, the plan is to end up in the Autumn Kingdom.”

“What’s waiting for you in the Westlands?” Finn asks, raising his eyebrow with the scar and looking down at me.

“My aunt,” I say casually, trying to hold back the rage that bubbles to the surface whenever I think of Selena. I feel that familiar blaze of fire in my veins, and Finn’s eyes flash with amusement. I tamp down the anger as quickly as I can, hoping my eyes don’t light up and reveal anything.

“Maybe I can help you find her,” Finn suggests, refusing to let the idea of us traveling together go.“I have connections.” He smiles, exuding the unflappable arrogance I’m learning to expect from him.

“I won’t need help finding her.” I laugh dryly.FindingSelena won’t be the problem. Gaining access to her, on the other hand… “You never told me whatyou’redoing in the Eastlands. You’re obviously not from here either.”

“What makes you so sure?” he asks as he follows me further out of town.

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