Page 23 of Fallen Star

The cold winter prince that I know and definitelydon’tlove

“You’ll never forget to remind me where I stand with you,” I say, and a breeze blows through the tree’s opening, as if it’s testing me—or reminding me what else I’m keeping from him. “But we need to find that dove. And I doubt you’re helping me to thebest of your abilityby hanging out brooding in this tree.”

“I’m not brooding,” he snaps, although from the way his silver eyes twist with irritation as he makes his way out of the tree, he definitelywasbrooding.

At least now I know how to get to him—make him think I’m gone.

“Yes, you were.” I make my way out as well, brushing some dirt off my pants and taking a deep breath of fresh air. “Now, areyou going to help me find this bird, or are we going to stand here until another Stalo shows up?”

“Let’s go,” he says, and he brushes past me, not checking to see if I’m following before he continues to lead the way through the forest.

Sapphire

The forest stretchesaround us in an endless maze of frost-covered trees and snowy paths glistening in the morning light.

As we walk, Riven coaches me through how to cast the spell on the bird. He quizzes me relentlessly, not resting until I know every detail of what I’m supposed to say, feel, and think.

Eventually, the forest thins, and Riven stops at its edge, scanning the area.

There are shrubs, a stream, and grass poking out of the snow.

“There,” he whispers, pointing at a dove perched on a low-hanging branch near the water.

It’s beautiful. Innocent.

The thought of what we’re about to do twists my stomach.

“How am I supposed to catch that?” I ask, glancing at Riven.

“You project,” he says simply. “Appear next to it. Catch it by surprise. Literally, and figuratively.”

I frown, since the memory of our argument about my vulnerability when I project is fresh in my mind.

“Sit down first,” he continues. “I’ll hold you, so you don’t collapse and scare it off. Unless you have a better idea that doesn’t involve me scooping your unconscious body off the ground for the second time tonight?”

“Fine,” I say, dropping to the ground near the stream. “But don’t you dare try anything. If you do, I’ll make sure you’ll regret it.”

“Is that a threat, Summer Fae?” he asks. “Or an invitation?”

I glare at him, heat rising to my cheeks. “It’s a promise.”

“Promise accepted.” He chuckles softly, lowering himself behind me. “Now, lean back.”

Not sure what other choices I have—and secretly liking this one—I sit down and let my back press against his chest. His arms wrap around me, firm and steady, and his breath is cool against my ear, the chill of the forest fading against the heat radiating between us.

My heart races, and I have to fight to keep my breathing even.

“Comfortable?” he asks, and from the slow way he says it, I have a feeling he’s as affected by this closeness as I am.

“Just don’t get any ideas,” I say, trying to focus on the dove rather than how close he is—or how his hands linger a second too long as he adjusts his grip.

“You’re the one whose heartbeat is giving us away, Summer Fae,” he says. “Are you sure I’m the one gettingideas?”

I don’t dignify that with a response. Instead, I steady my breath and focus on the dove. It’s still there, preening its feathers, unaware of what’s coming.

Here goes nothing.

One moment I’m wrapped in Riven’s embrace, and then I’m standing next to the dove.

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