Page 68 of Kissing Potions and Elves
“It—it’s just...” I swallow hard. “What if we get swept away?”
“You won’t.” His voice is low and soothing. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Fear claws at my chest as we approach the water’s edge. “Wait! Please, wait!”
The Dire Wolves halt immediately. “Isobel, what is it?” Lyrion asks. “Did you see something else?” He scans the water, searching for any signs of danger.
“What’s wrong?” Rhystan reins up beside us.
“I—I’m sorry.” I hate that I’m so afraid. If not for me they’d already be across. “I just need a moment.”
Lyrion’s expression softens. “It’s alright. You don’t need to apologize.”
“Take as long as you need,” Rhystan adds, his voice devoid of judgment. He gestures to the water. “Asher and I will go across first so you can see that it’s safe.”
He starts to leave, but I call out, “Wait!” Rhystan gives me a puzzled look. “I don’t want anything to happen to you either.”
“IknewI was your favorite.” He flashes a teasing grin. “But don’t worry. Asher and I will be fine.”
Normally, I’d laugh at Rhystan’s joking, but I’m still so nervous. I turn back to Lyrion. “I’ll be alright in a moment. I just need to muster my courage.”
“I don’t like seeing you afraid.” His eyes meet mine in concern. “We don’t have to go. If you want, we can head back to Oakvale right now.”
“But what about the ball?” I frown. “Won’t your parents be upset if you don’t go?”
“Mother will be positively furious,” Rhystan answers, having heard our conversation. He shrugs. “But she’ll get over it. Eventually.”
It means a lot to me that Lyrion is offering to do this. That he wouldn’t push me to do something I’m uncomfortable with, no matter the cost to himself.
But as I gaze at the churning river, I think of everything I’ve been through. When I lost my parents, I lost everything, but somehow I managed to survive. And if I can do that, then I’m strong enough to face this.
Determined to conquer my fear, an idea enters my mind. I turn back to Lyrion. “Can I—” I hesitate a moment, embarrassed, before finally deciding to push forward. “Would you mind terribly if I held onto you while we cross?”
“Of course.”
He starts to dismount, probably thinking I want to ride behind him and hold onto his waist, but that’s not what I had in mind, so I stop him.
“I meant like this,” I explain as I carefully shift my body, turning around to face him fully.
My face flames hot, but I push through my embarrassment and wrap my arms around Lyrion’s neck, and my legs around his waist as I bury my face against his chest.
Lyrion tenses against me. And stars above, I know this isn’t proper—certainly scandalous by any measure—but at thismoment, I don’t care. I just don’t want to get swept away and drown. Closing my eyes, I listen to his heart beneath my ear as it pounds a strong and steady rhythm, soothing my frayed nerves.
He straightens and loops his arm around my back. “Are you ready?” His lips brush the shell of my ear as he whispers. “I promise I won’t let you fall.”
Drawing in a deep and steadying breath, I nod against him and squeeze my eyes shut as Nyxus starts forward.
Lyrion tightens his hold, anchoring me against his chest. “It’s alright, Isobel.” His voice is low and soothing. “Just breathe. You’re safe with me.”
His whispered reassurance eases some of the tension coiled tightly within. The water laps against my boots as Nyxus moves steadily across the shallow crossing.
I focus intently on the comforting rhythm of Lyrion’s heartbeat, the soft warmth of his breath brushing against my temple. “You’re doing wonderfully,” he murmurs. “We’ll be across in no time.”
“I’m sorry to be such a burden,” I whisper. “I know it’s ridiculous to be so afraid.”
“The first time I came intoThe Enchanted Teacup, I was drenched from the rain, irritable, and nursing one of the worst headaches I’d ever experienced.” He pauses. “You were so busy that day. The café was full because everyone was trying to wait out the weather inside, but you knew I was suffering and you made sure to bring my tea straight away.”
I still. “You remember that?”
