Page 427 of Shadowblood Souls
The knowledge flows through me on repeat with every thump of my pulse, taking the slightest edge off my frustration.
As I get closer, a less welcome sensation quivers through our bond. A jitter of agitation, like a scalding needle stinging me.
I push myself to a jog and reach the row of bedrooms just as Riva steps out of one. Her bright brown eyes shine with a cold glint I’m not used to.
“Here.” She tosses a towel at me that I snatch out of the air automatically. “We’re going swimming.”
Tension winds through her limbs and the sharpened planes of her face. As I grip the towel, something tightens in my chest in response. “What? Why?”
Our friends are emerging from their own rooms to join us, looking like Riva has already informed them of this plan. Sheflicks her errant braid back over her shoulder and skims her fingers down her arm nearly to the silver manacle circling her wrist. “I think taking a dip could help us relax.”
It’s not hard to catch on. I should have thought of this myself.
We’re still not sure how much information Balthazar’s manacles are picking up. If he and his staff are recording audio through them, immersing them in water will cut that function off.
We’ll be able to talk more freely, just this once.
It’s a good plan, but as I turn to walk with Riva to one of the outer doors, the uneasy ache remains inside me.
Since Sully died yesterday, she’s been so keyed up. She hasn’t exactlydoneanything, but I can taste how furious she is as easily as breathing.
For the first time since we cleared up the misunderstandings between us, I’m really not sure what lengths she might go to. And I know she’s capable of an awful lot.
I don’t have even a flicker of fear that she might hurtmeor any of the other shadowbloods. I’m not so sure about hurting herself by pushing too far.
My gaze veers to my brother, just ahead of me in the hall. Griffin hasn’t commented on anything he’s noticed about Riva’s emotional state.
But then, he probably wouldn’t want to point it out when Balthazar could be taking notes.
He could calm her down if he used that part of his talent on her—but for how long? She’d be twice as pissed off once she realized.
And she could end up too complacent to defend herself when she needs to. No, that would definitely not be the right tactic.
Maybe my twin will come up with some other brainstorm, with all his emotional expertise. He’s… he’s been good for her, now that he’s more like himself.
I always knew he would be.
We step past the doorway and head across the patio to the pool with its warmed water. Riva marches right to the edge and starts stripping down to her bra and panties with brisk, jerky movements.
I glance over at Andreas and catch a matching worry in the slant of his mouth as our gazes meet. This isn’t what we’re used to from the woman we love.
Has that fucker Balthazar pushed her over some edge already? How the hell are we going to drag her back from it?
My own anger ripples through me again. My power whips out—and I just snatch it back, an instant from battering one of the nearby planters.
My next breath shudders through me, thick with frustration… and guilt.
I can recognize the unnerving potential of Riva’s rage because it’s such a familiar emotion for me. Fuck, is this how my friends have felt the whole past four years, while I stewed and seethed over the murder and betrayal that never actually happened?
I’ve been there.Ishould know how to talk her down, not be sitting around hoping Griffin can handle it.
I don’t want to be a volatile presence in her life, like a volcano constantly on the verge of erupting. I want to be a steady force she can count on.
But I’ve never fully gotten my own vicious impulses under control. How can I rein her fury in when I barely know how to do it with my own?
Those questions tangle in my gut as I peel off most of my own clothes. Balthazar didn’t give us swimsuits, but boxers work just as well.
The chilly fall air washes over my bare skin, and then I’m sliding into the water. Its warmth closes around me with more relief than I’d like to feel while enjoying this bastard’s property.
