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Theo leaves to grab a mug of ale and stops by a tree on the edge of the clearing. A member of the crew waves at Nyx to come to him. After giving me a lecture to stay put, he leaves the clearing.
I scan the crowd to see if anyone is watching me. Hiram’s busy flirting with a stunning brunette, so the answer is no. I stroll over to the beverage table, picking up a mug of Fati wine. Taking a sip, vanilla and nutmeg swirl on my tongue, and it tastes as if I’m drinking autumn. The flavors and scents create an almost euphoric ambiance. I allow the wine to give me some extra courage as I walk to stand beside Theo.
He greets me with his dazzling smile, and some of my bravery falters. I stand beside him, watching the celebration.
“Are you having a good time?” I ask, taking a sip of my wine to distract from my nervousness.
It’s been days since we’ve been able to be this close. The feel of his lips on mine consumes my thoughts all day and night.
“It has been a wonderful evening. Where did your handlers go?”
I roll my eyes and elbow his side, causing his ale to splash.
“I’m not entirely sure, and I don’t care. As long as they’re not following me around, they can do whatever they want.” We clink our mugs and drink to that.
A moment of silence passes between us, the music blending with the crickets from the forest to provide ambient sound.
“Has King Asher heard from King Leopold about negotiations?” Theo asks, and my heart pings with guilt.
Despite our best efforts, nothing has worked to get through to Leopold. He has made up his mind. We’re guilty, and that’s final. All talks have stopped, but we continue to look for the amulet he claims we stole.
“Nothing yet. I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could do to get you home.”
He looks down at me, his expression sorrowful. But I can’t risk sending him back. Leopold’s an evil man who will undoubtedly torture Theo, believing he’s a traitor, if he were to return to Lux.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m sure you’re helping King Asher as much as he’ll let you. If you say he has it handled, then I believe you,” he says with a smile.
I believe you.These three words flood me with relief and joy.
I want to tell him that King Leopold has refused to speak with King Asher, effectively putting a stop to any possible resolutions, including bringing an end to the lightning king.
“Plus,” Theo’s voice interrupts my thoughts, “you’ve given me the best birthday I’ve had in years, so the stay is worth it.”
I let my mouth drop in fake surprise.
“It’s your birthday?” My voice is mildly convincing.
I’ve never missed his birthday in the decade since Oren took me from him, always celebrating in whatever way I could—wishing on the stars for him to be happy and safe. Tobias would sneak me a piece of dessert and celebrate with me after Oren went to sleep.
Tobias knew there was something special about Theo and reminded me often to keep tugging on those threads wrapped around my heart. He said they would lead us back to each other, and he was right. The fates brought him back to me, even if only for a short while.
Theo gives me a simple nod, and we both look out at the cheerful people dancing the night away. I realize Nyx hasn’t returned and Hiram’s nowhere to be seen.
“Can I show you something? Consider it my birthday present to you,” I ask, looking up at him.
“What do you have in mind?” he retorts, raising an eyebrow.
An enthusiastic smile curls my lips as I formulate our plan.
“First, we are going to have to be Umbra spies. Up for a lesson, big man?”
His face becomes expressionless in playful annoyance, and I cover my mouth to stifle my laugh. I go over a few details with Theo about placing our empty mugs in the bin one at a time and then slipping into the tree line directly behind.
Tucked into the trees, I wait anxiously for Theo. My heart pounds in my ears, and I’m bursting with anticipation. My shadows seem to hum with excitement under my skin.
Moments drag on, long and agonizing, but suddenly I hear heavy footsteps in the trees. It’s dark with only slivers of moonlight peeking through the treetops, and Theo stumbles, hitting something with a groan.
I don’t need the light to tell me where he is. I can find him in complete darkness. My shadows call, and the thread draws me toward him. Following the pull, I find him and lay a hand on his back, startling him.
