Page 86 of Lost in the Dark

This part of the castle was as shrouded in shadow as the rest of the house—and it no longer hid the truth: monsters dwelled here. She saw it in the marks on the walls, the massive, muddy footprints marking the floor. The tracks ran all the way from the small, rear door all the way to the hallway leading to the kitchens.

The air was colder here, the walls damp.

No torches or tapestries for this part of the castle.

It was clear his Lordship had no interest in his brother’s comfort or health—her heart ached at the thought, and she grit her teeth. She’d be damned if she felt sorry for Enulf ever again, even if this part of the castle was grim and had to exacerbate his ailments. When she’d cared for her grandmother, she’d learned just how much warmth could alleviate pain and aid movement. If he took a room in the center of the castle, his arm, back and legs would no doubt improve…

No matter.

He’d rejected her and her help.

She stopped before the door—a blackened slab of oak—and raised her fist to knock.

The sound of water reached her and she paused. It was hours before breakfast, yet she’d learned he liked to rise early and wash himself before dressing for the day. She’d bet he was half-dressed and completely unprepared for visitors.

A wicked grin teased her lips, and she shoved the door open. “Good morn, Enulf.”

“Anna!” He jerked with surprise and staggered sideways into a battered wardrobe, the piece sitting lopsided on the stone floor. He leaned against the uneven top and stared at her, his doublet handing open, revealing a muscled expanse of purple skin—he had not regained his human guise.

Demons take it, why did his chest have to be so perfectly delicious?

She steeled herself and offered a cool smile. “It was my turn to surprise you.”

“I…” He gaped at her, beautiful sky-gray eyes wide and mouth hanging partly open, exaggerating the tusks protruding from either side. Gods, but those tusks would be perfect for holding onto when he knelt between her thighs and—

Stop it.

“Are you not glad to see me?” She gripped her apron for dear life, trying to ignore the pulse of heat at her core.

“What…” He gave her a wary glance and slowly straightened, the top of his hair brushing the rafters. “What are you doing in my room, Lady? I thought you’d no wish to speak with me?”

“I have a question, Enulf. And you are going to answer it.”

His jaw flexed and his gaze dropped to his hands. “I... I cannot tell you any more, Anna. I already said too much in the gallery, I took too much. My brother will know—I am bound to him as I am to this house—and you will be in greater danger than you already are. You should go.”

“There is nowhere to go,” she replied. “And I no longer care what Rathbytten thinks.”

His eyes lifted to meet hers once more, and for a moment she thought he’d declare his feelings for her. Instead, he gestured helplessly toward the door. “It’s not proper for you to be in here while I dress.”

“Proper?” She scoffed. “This house knows no such thing—and neither do you.”

We abandoned proper in the gallery.

Your tongue was up my channel, my juices on your hand.

As if he heard her thoughts, his cheeks turned a dark purple and he looked away, hands braced on his wardrobe. Those incredible fingers flexed against the rough surface, and she couldn’t help but remember the feel of them against her skin. As angry as she was with him for how that interlude ended, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. Oh, to feel such pleasure before meeting her end.

It was a gift. Even if she’d cut out her tongue before admitting such to Enulf.

“I am payment to trolls,” she said quietly. “To your brother and to you. There is no salvation. No hope. You said as much that day in the gallery, only I wasn’t ready to understand the truth. Now, I am. Please, no more secrets. Rathbytten will do what he wishes regardless of us.”

“I…” His shoulders drooped. “Give me a moment.”

“Very well.” She should have watched him—should have proven her point—but the longer she studied his body, the more she wanted to put the past behind them and beg him to reconsider. The worst kind of folly. She put her back to him, listening to cupboard doors rattle as he finished dressing for the day.

She took a steadying breath.

Strange, how calm she felt despite her desire.

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