Page 41 of Shadows of Ruin

I peeked over my shoulder, Raya’s back to me for the firsttime all night. Since she didn’t seem to be in a hurry, I rose, tiptoeing to the tub hiding behind a thin curtain in the corner of the room. The water remained unused last night, which meant it’d be freezing.

I dipped my pinky finger below the surface, shivering, but quickly stripped myself of my dusty clothes anyway, dropping into the tub. I’d be a fool to pass up an actual bath for the first time in… I didn’t even know how long it had been anymore.

“What if I had saved that water for myself?”

Raya’s cold voice made me jump, the soap flying out of my hand. I grimaced at her as her head poked around the tattered curtain. She burst out laughing. “Hurry up. I’m washing too. And not in front of you.”

Grumbling under my breath, I cleansed myself as best I could under the circumstances. Even if it only lasted for a few moments, feeling clean lifted my spirits.

Raya and I changed places in the makeshift washroom so we could each have some semblance of privacy. Just as I finished putting on my tunic, a quick rap on the door sounded. As I opened it, Storm ushered me into the hall.

“You talked to him.”

I frowned, finishing a fast braid in my hair. "Since that isn’t a question, I’m assuming you two were gossiping late into the evening?”

Storm smiled. “I’m just grateful he told you something.”

“Why?” I pushed. “Why do you care?”

Storm put his hands on his hips, sighing before he shook his head. “I’ve known him for years. He carries a heavy burden, and with it, he thinks he has to protect everyone. He?—”

The door slammed open and Kade stood in the frame, glancing between the two of us. When his gaze stopped on me, something flickered in his eyes. Hope? No. I couldn’t quite place it, but it disappeared in an instant.

“Are we ready?”

Storm snorted. “I just walked out of the door a moment before you.” He shook his head again. “I'll obtain our horses from Opal.”

He stalked down the corridor, leaving Kade and me alone in the hall.

It seemed strange after the horrors of yesterday that anyone would do this group a favor. Letting them stay, caring for their horses—it all seemed like a lot to give when Kade had murdered two people yesterday. Unless fear drove their compliance.

I wrapped my arms around my waist, nausea churning in my stomach as I thought about the execution we’d witnessed—what Kade had done. Too much guilt lay wrapped up in allowing myself to feel the overwhelming pull toward him.

Kade’s shadows lingered, inching closer as we stood awkwardly in the hall.

“I’m surprised anyone would help you all,” I said, forcing the harsh words to convince my heart of what my mind believed to be true.

Kade’s face softened. “Lana.” He took a step forward but immediately stopped himself. He’d been doing that more and more. “We’ll be downstairs when you’re ready.”

My heart squeezed, a painful weight in my chest at the thought of the Kade I’d known versus the person I’d seen here.

I nodded, recoiling from the different feelings this man brought out of me, but followed close behind.

We’d barely hit the first floor of the tavern before Raya’s footsteps sounded hurriedly behind us. Jax leaned over the counter, talking to the owner of the tavern, who handed him a large brown sack.

“Until next time, gorgeous.” He winked at her and strode toward us. “Horses are saddled and ready.”

Upon entering the stables, it became all too apparent I would be riding with someone else, again. Why I thought theycould have procured another horse overnight, I do not know. But I’d stupidly hoped.

Jax and Storm mounted their enormous chestnut stallions and moved toward the main road, discussing something in hushed tones. There was absolutely no way in this world, or any other, I would ride with Raya, in fear for my very life. Which meant, reluctantly, I joined Kade next to his steed as he mounted.

A calming whisper of shadows fluttered down my arm. I hated how soothing they were. How much I wanted them close.

I can do this.

Kade reached for me, swinging me up onto the horse. His hands braced my hips, the position forced me flush against his body.

I swallowed. Fates, being pressed up against him wouldn’t help my clashing thoughts. His shadows swirled around me and whipped playfully through my braid. I tried swatting them away, without success.

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