Page 80 of Heir of Illusion

The newcomer gasps, stepping around Thorne to get closer to me. “Frankly, I’m hurt to hear that.”

Thorne rolls his eyes. “You’ll get over it.”

Griffen grabs my hand in his. “Why don’t you ditch him and have a drink with me, Lady Iverson? My broken heart needs mending.”

“Griffen,” Thorne growls, his shoulders tensing.

“Fine.” He tosses me a conspiratorial glance, kissing my hand before he releases it. “Ruin my fun, why don’t you?”

“What are you doing here?” Thorne demands, crossing his arms over his chest.

The humor drains from Griffen’s face immediately as his tone becomes serious. “You’re needed at home. I’m afraid it can’t wait.”

Thorne’s jaw clenches as he turns his gaze to the ocean.

My mouth suddenly turns dry. “You’re returning to the Fifth Isle?”

“It seems I must.” He nods, his eyes full of regret as he turns to me. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

Something heavy sinks into my gut as he turns to his friend.

“Make sure she gets home safe,” Thorne orders, before leaning closer and lowering his voice. “And keep your fucking hands to yourself.”

The newcomer scrunches his nose. “Hmm, sounds like quite a feat.”

“Griffen.”

“I’m only joking, old friend,” he says, waving off the reaper’s menacing stare. “I will be an absolute gentleman.”

“Will I see you at the ball?” I ask, hating the question even though I’m desperate to hear the answer.

Thorne’s gaze finds mine, full of some emotion I don’t recognize. “I’ll be there.”

With that settled, he steps back and searches the area to ensure we’re alone. A moment later, his wings rip through his shirt, shooting out around him in another jaw-dropping display. He’s readying himself to fly away when something occurs to me.

“Wait.” I say, hurrying to his side and awkwardly handing him the embroidered handkerchief he’d lent me. “I figured you wouldn’t want to forget this.”

He nods, and the tips of his gloved fingers brush against my palm as he takes it from me. He stares at the fabric for a few moments before stuffing it into his pocket. With one last glance at me, he leaps into the air. I try to track him, but within seconds, he’s nothing more than a black dot on the horizon.

“So…” Griffen draws out the word, pulling my attention back to him. “You seem rather close to my friend?”

“Not really,” I say casually.

His eyes narrow as the wind ruffles his blond hair. “That’s how you’re going to play it?”

My brows rise innocently. “I’m not playing anything.”

“Fine,” he grumbles. “Keep your secrets.”

“I will.” I smile. “And you should know, I don’t need anyone to help me get home. I’ve got it covered.”

He shakes his head, tucking his hands behind his back. “I’m afraid I must insist.”

I grimace. “I’m afraid that will be difficult for you.”

His brow furrows, not understanding my meaning until I disappear before his eyes. He jumps back, nearly falling on his ass before bursting out in laughter. Taking advantage of his distraction, I begin moving down the beach leaping from rock to rock to avoid leaving any footprints in the sand.

“No wonder he’s taken with you,” Griffen calls after me. “But please try to get home safely. If you don’t, it will be my life on the line.”

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