AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Maybe next time, Marina.” I slide off the stool and take Fox out.
“Don’t tease me,” he groans.
“Or me!” Marina’s shout filters out.
An annoying heat creeps up my neck. I keep walking, shaking my head, but smiling despite myself.
In the corridor, I turn to Fox. “I want to help.”
He waggles his brows. “Just say when, little wolf.”
“Not that kind of help.” I pat my cheeks. Why am I so flustered all of a sudden? Maybe because this has become real. Staring at his handsome, troublemaking face, I know I won’t be able to deny this pull between us much longer. I take a step back for clarity and clear my throat, but my body cries at the distance.
“I mean, I want to help with Styx,” I explain. “Bodin was on edge during training. I tried talking to him about being a Guardian, and he blanked about many things. You’re alone trying to save your hive, and I want to help. So tell me what you all planned for me. Tell me everything. Perhaps the two of us working on a solution is better than one.”
The tension leaves his shoulders. “I’m so happy to hear you say that.”
“You are?”
“Of course.” He pulls me close again. “I need you, Willow. We all need you.”
“I think...” My heart sings at his nearness, at his words. “I think I need that too.”
Maybe.
His lips press against the curve between my neck and shoulder. For a long moment, he breathes through his nose against my skin. My hands slide around his waist and up his spine. It feels so good to touch him. I don’t know what this means, but I’m done fighting the pull of destiny. Maybe I’m theirqueen. Maybe I’m not. But I’m here, and it feels good. That has to count for something.
“I smell Bodin,” Fox whispers.
I bite my lip. “I kind of . . . well, we . . . kissed.”
He straightens, the whites of his eyes showing. Oh no. Why is he shocked? But then his lips slowly curve in a self-congratulatory smile. “My job here is done.”
“What job?”
His lips flatten. “Nothing.”
“Do you need another visit from the tickle monster to spill your secrets?” I threaten, holding out my clawed hands.
“Ooh. Speaking of secrets, I came to find you because the Baleful Hunt has left his post guarding the Cabinet of Curiosities.”
His comment is off the cuff, but it’s laden with significance. Before I mentioned I wanted to help, he was already on his way to ask me for it.
“Where Styx is held?” I ask.
He nods. “The dragon rarely leaves his post without due caution taken to cover the guard. Sylvanar is on the rampage, interrogating anyone at Burn After Reading.” His mood turns serious. “Unless I can find enough wisps to pay Cait for an ancient mirror blocking the Baleful’s powers, we might not see a better chance. We have to go now.”
“Now?” I gape. “Like,nownow?”
After my entire weekend derailing, I’d hoped to spend the afternoon at the Nexus.
“Now.” Fox gives a grim nod. “I can tell you everything else on the way.”
Shit. It makes sense to go now. Hopefully, the others will forgive me. I’ll make it up to them tomorrow.
“Does the rest of your hive know we’re going?”
“No.” He rubs the back of his head, irritated. “They’re increasingly confused with each passing day. Your arrival has triggered something. Perhaps the binding seals are wrapping tighter around their hearts whenever their true desires shine through. They might even force me to go through with the plan for you to switch places with Styx. We need to do this alone—you and me.”
