Page 125 of Riftborne
"Based on their past patterns, they won’t be back for a few days," Ren chimed in.
I felt him shift at my side, his grip slipping off my back as he turned to face Laryk.
The void left by Ren's hand quickly filled with the white-hot gaze of the General. I hadn't even turned around, yet I could sense his eyes drilling into me.
"I've had plenty of men die with similar assumptions." His voice came out in a growl, holding back what seemed like a torrent of frustration.
"Fia.” It was all he said as he walked off, yet it resonated like both a command and a punishment. Am I some kind ofthinghe can summon to follow him? After avoiding me all day?
I think not.
My grip on the bottle tightened, knuckles whitening as I took one more swig and slammed it down, rising to my feet. My mood was shattered, replaced by anger.
I stomped after him, not bothering with goodbyes. He had a head start, but I saw him vanish into the corridor seconds before I bounded in after him, racing until we were standing in his quarters.
"What the fuck is your problem?" I shouted, unable to control myself.
"Your irresponsibility knows no bounds. Getting drunk and taking lowly Base soldiers as company. That sure seems like the way to prepare for this war," he hissed.
Rage simmered in my core.
"I don’t see how it’s any of your business. You brought me here for what? To hide in my room? I don’t know what the next few days will bring. I don’t know what we’re going to find when we get to Stormshire. I just wanted tofeelsomething.”
"And what were you trying tofeeltonight, Fia?" he snarled.
My insides were screaming. I clenched my fists, holding myself back from launching at him.
"Anything, Laryk! Anything to calm this maddening urge to..." I trailed off, jaw clenching as I shut my mouth. I wouldn’t let the alcohol get the best of me. I wasn’t going to say it.
“So fucking that boy was the answer?" His rage turned serpentine, almost mocking.
It infuriated me even more.
I wouldn't let him belittle me.
“I was certainly going to give him the opportunity to try!" I snapped. "I'm sure he was just about to escort me to a more private setting when you?—"
He flew across the room, dropping his weapons unceremoniously to the floor. "I nearly ripped his arm off when I saw it on your back," he said, his tone dark.
He stared straight ahead, and I could see his muscles shifting under his clothing, as if he was forcefully holding himself in place.
The room fell deafeningly silent.
I didn't move as I scrutinized him, really taking him in.
His face wore a cold, blank mask as he took calculated breaths, fixating on nothing but the space in front of him.
"You have no idea the absolute fucking wreck I've been since I met you, Fia."
Suddenly, I wished he would look at me.
I yearned to see the mask break, to witness his barely contained desire and anger rush out all at once.
I walked toward him slowly, and his eyes snapped up to mine, the only thing offering a glimpse into what he was feeling behind his stoic features.
My breath caught in my throat at the need I saw there. Before I could fumble for words, he was upon me. My mind went blank.
His lips seared into mine, my body molding into his shape, completely succumbing to the onslaught of pent-up emotion that we both allowed to explode at once.
