Page 42 of The Sins of Silas

I froze.

He was hugging me.

Silas was hugging me.

I felt pain in the back of my throat as I returned the hug, holding him close. I couldn’t help it; tears released from my eyes at the sensation of his body, free of armor, pressed against mine.

Despite our days spent trekking Half-Life Pass, he still smelled like him, that intoxicating aroma of pine and citrus.

Silas.

We stood there for a few moments, our bodies stiff, until we eventually relaxed into the familiar feel of each other’s embrace.

Five years…I haven’t been in his arms in over five years.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered.

I didn’t want to pull away, but I felt Silas’s entire body tense at my words. He gently withdrew, his golden eyes pained as he stared.

He shook his head, I don’t know if to me or to himself, and squeezed my arm. “Let’s get back,” he murmured.

So, I followed him.

Roland’s eyes were gentle when I glanced at him once I had returned, but as much as I enjoyed the thought of him caring, I also hated the idea of pity. Of appearing broken. I could tell he was unsure how to navigate this awkward situation, so I had just decided to snuggle in my bedroll and be done that evening.

Morning came, and the kingdom of Forsmont was now steps away. Like Ames, the kingdom rested just beside the water. The docks ringing could be heard in the distance, and I felt my nerves rising as we stepped closer to the stone border surrounding their territory.

“I should speak with Leroy myself,” Silas said calmly, frowning up at the towers and the men stationed there. “I met with him last year. I know how much he despises the idea of being owned by Otacia.”

“You want us to wait out here?” Viola asked him, once again behind Hendry on his horse. Couldn’t have her shifting in front of everyone, after all.

“Not out here, but when I meet with him, I should do it alone.”

“No,” I said immediately, causing everyone’s heads to turn to me. I met Silas’s lowered brows. “What if they decide to turn on you? We should be there in case they want whatever bounty is on your head. I, at the very least, should be there.”

His jaw clicked.

“We appear as humans, do we not?” I continued from my spot in front of Roland. “And as you said, only Otacia wields thosewretched cuffs.” We slowed our horses just before the kingdom’s entrance. “You arenotgoing to him alone.”

At my last words, Silas began chewing on the inside of his cheek.

“She makes a good point, Silas,” Hendry voiced, and I shot him a grateful smile.

“We’ll have your back,” I insisted. “And Merrick will be able to read them.” I ran my eyes along Silas’s irritated face. “I want to ensure you are safe.”

To that, he scoffed, but as he studied me, he grasped the sincerity of my claim. “I have kept myself alive this far,” he muttered.

“I know you have. But they could have you dead in an instant if they wished it.”

“Take the lady’s gracious help, boss man,” Roland added from his spot behind me.

Silas glared at him, then rolled his eyes, letting out a sigh. “Very well…just keep your mouths closed. Let me do the talking.”

Everyone agreed, and as we made it to the beginning of the bridge entering the kingdom, we were halted by the soldiers in the towers, who lifted their crossbows at us. Their armor was red and silver—the colors of Forsmont.

“State your business!” one barked out.

“I wish to speak with Leroy Matel,” Silas responded, his voice loud and smooth. The voice of a prince. “I am Silas La’Rune, Prince of Otacia.”

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