Page 84 of Path of the Dark
When they reached the midst of the square, Elias reined in his horse close to Ryana’s. Behind them, their escort halted. The men’s gazes were curious as they glanced around them. A moment later the great iron gates clanged shut, sealing all of them inside Veldoras.
Elias leaned in close, his gaze meeting Ryana’s. When he spoke, his voice was low. “This complicates things.”
Ryana frowned, hoping that he couldn’t see how on edge she was. “I didn’t think Nathan would move this fast.”
“He would if angry enough.”
Ryana drew in a steadying breath. “So what now?”
“We stick to our plan.” He glanced around to make sure their escort couldn’t overhear them. “I go to my father, while you seek out Gael.”
“I still don’t see how you’ll convince your father to make peace … especially now.”
Elias’s mouth twisted into a humorless smile. “This situation makes it even more important I talk to him. I’ll do what I can to avoid war with Rithmar.”
Ryana stared at him, shock filtering through her. His response unbalanced her. Did he really mean what he’d said about wanting peace?
“Reoul will know you’ve failed him,” she said finally. “He won’t be happy with you, or in the mood to listen.”
Elias huffed. “Let me worry about that.” His gaze narrowed as he met Ryana’s eye once more. “Be careful with Gael. You have the element of surprise, don’t waste it. Make sure you strike fast … before he knows you’re there.”
“Aye,” Ryana replied, forcing a smile. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. “I’ll try.” She hadn’t forgotten the last time she’d fought Gael. He’d bested and nearly killed her. She couldn’t beat him in a fair fight, and now he would have the added advantage of Stynix.
Watching her intently, Elias frowned. “What is it?”
“Some enchanters can sense the presence of other enchanters,” she admitted with a grimace. “Gael knows my scent. He’ll be difficult to sneak up on.”
Elias’s brows drew together, and a nerve bunched in his jaw. “Maybe I should go with you.”
Ryana stiffened. Was that jealousy she’d just seen shadow his eyes? Surely not. She raised her chin, holding his gaze. “No … this is where our paths diverge, Elias of Anthor.”
Silence fell between them, and for a long moment they merely stared at each other.
When Elias spoke once more, his voice held a gruff edge. “Once you kill Gael, you need to get out of the city before Rithmar arrives.”
“How can I do that with the gates locked?”
“They’ll have watches outside the walls all through the night,” he replied. “Shifts of guards will come and go. Just shroud yourself in shadows and wait. Your chance will come soon enough.”
Ryana nodded slowly. “As easy as that?”
His mouth quirked. “Aye … get out of this city, before Nathan and his army arrives.”
Ryana watched him, trying to read his face and failing.
Elias was such an enigma. His manner now reminded her of the brief time they’d spent together in The Royal City. Like then, he’d just given her a glimpse of the man beneath the mask.
She really wished he hadn’t.
I loathe him.
Aye, she did, but then why was it so hard to bid him farewell? The sentiment suddenly lacked force, as if she was merely trying to convince herself.
“So this is the end then,” he said softly. “Goodbye, Ryana.” He leaned in then and kissed her cheek. The rasp of his stubble against her smooth skin and his warm, musky male scent, overwhelmed her.
Ryana drew back from him, her pulse quickening. This was the last thing she needed. His touch jumbled her thoughts. She gathered the reins, tearing her gaze from his. “Which way to the House of Light and Darkness?”
“Take The Spiral Way, and when you pass the second bridge, turn left into the slums,” he instructed. “The House is at the heart of them. You’ll recognize it by the stag’s head on the door.” He paused there. “I’ll let you go on ahead.”
