I swallowed my shame, trying to keep my voice from shaking, "Right, I guess I'll see you around." I pushed off the bed but he grabbed my wrist gently.
"Where are you going?" His eyes flicked between mine, confusion lining his face.
"I'm sorry, I thought-" I looked towards my clothing littering the floor and the door.
"Come back to bed, Love," he spoke without hesitation, "Unless you truly want to leave, I won't stop you, but I'd rather you stay." He let out a low laugh, "I'll beg you if I must."
Maybe I'm not alone with what I felt. As crazy as it seemed, there was something about Ryn that kept me entranced by him. The thought of leaving him here made my stomach churn, I'm not sure if my body would've let me physically do it.
With a soft smile, I slipped beneath the covers, his strong body curved around mine like a shield, his arms wrapping around me with a possessive tenderness. For the first time in years, peace settled over me like a warm blanket, pushing back the shadows of my blood-soaked past. That night, my dreams weren't filled with ash and death - with Maël and my grandmother burning before my eyes. Instead, I dreamed of golden light and warmth.
Chapter 25
Sunlight filtered through the dusty window, rousing me from slumber. A part of me still clung to disbelief, but the unfamiliar surroundings and the delicious ache between my thighs confirmed that last night had been gloriously real.
Never had I imagined I'd find myself here, savoring memories of a night wrapped in strong arms until dawn.
I stretched languidly, reaching out across the soft sheets, only to find cold emptiness where Ryn's warmth should have been. The heavy quilt slipped down as I bolted upright, scanning the empty chamber. Silence reigned, no sounds of life from the washroom. My gaze fell to the floor, where Ryn's discarded clothing should have been. Nothing. Not a single trace of him remained.
Foolish girl, I berated myself.What did you expect?I'd allowed myself to believe in that spark between us, to imagine last night was more than a fleeting moment of passion. All the while, he'd been plotting his escape, waiting for my guard to drop.
I sprang from the bed, my bare feet slapping against the cold wooden floors. I snatched up my scattered clothing, yanking it on haphazardly. My hands flew to my pockets, fingers closingaround the familiar shape of my dagger and the comforting weight of my coin purse.
Not a common thief after all, I thought with a bitter laugh.No, he'd claimed a far more precious prize - the heart I'd sworn to guard.
The clamor from the tavern below drifted up the stairs, a cacophony of morning revelry. My stomach churned at the thought of facing Jones and Evangeline. As far as they knew, I'd slipped away in the dead of night.
Again, my mind is brought right back to the scene of last night's passion. The way Ryn had commanded me, his touch dominating every inch of my body, coaxing tremors of pleasure that bordered on pain.
I cursed my own foolishness. How could I have believed he wanted anything more than a quick tumble? It was always the same with guards in taverns. I'd witnessed it countless times, deflected countless propositions.
Since losing Maël, I'd kept my heart under lock and key. No man could hold a candle to the light he'd brought into my life. Until Ryn.
He'd pursued me relentlessly, coaxing words from my reluctant lips. I'd found myself sharing fragments of my life, hanging on every morsel he offered in return.
His smile had been radiant, as if he'd swallowed the sun itself. If ever there was a sun blessed being, it was him.
I heaved a sigh, padding silently toward the window. Dawn was breaking, but shadows still clung to the corners, offering me a chance at a stealthy escape.
I didn't bother with my hair, no doubt a tangled mess. The shadows I summoned would hide that embarrassment, at least. But they could do nothing for the shame burning in my chest.
I eased the window open, slipping out into the cool morning air. Gratitude washed over me. Second floor. A manageable drop, unlike the dizzying heights of the upper rooms.
Hugging the buildings, I glided past unsuspecting townsfolk like a wraith. Occasionally, I'd drift close enough for them to feel the air shift, their heads whipping around in confusion. To them, I was nothing more than a trick of the light, indistinguishable from their own shadows.
A year of wandering had etched the path from manor to tavern into my memory. Another six months before I could navigate the reverse without getting lost.
Miles slipped away beneath my feet until, finally, home loomed before me. Tall iron gates stood sentinel, a familiar welcome.
As I crossed the threshold, the morning's revelations began to loosen their stranglehold. I dismissed my shadows, drinking in the sight of ancient trees dotting the yard. Centuries-old giants, they towered over even the manor itself.
Vanya had once confided that these trees were why she'd chosen this place. A private forest with the conveniences of town nearby. I chuckled, recalling how my master's eyes had sparkled, her usual tough facade slipping. A woman wild enough to long for the forest, yet still covet her diamonds and silks.
Love. The voice exploded in my mind, frantic and desperate. My body thrummed with energy as I dropped into a crouch, hands flying to my temples.Where did you go? Why did you leave?
An onslaught of questions battered my mind. My throat constricted, pain lancing through me with each frenzied word.
Please, stop, I begged. In my mind's eye, I conjured a door, wide open to the voice. With all my might, I slammed it shut. Imaginary Maël appeared at my side, throwing his weightagainst the heavy wood until the lock clicked, silencing the intruder.