Wind tugged at my clothes as we crossed the bluff and stepped into the main hut of the inn. The air inside was warmer and scented with something spiced. An old man greeted us at the counter. He slid a brass key across the surface, eyeing us carefully, noting our travel-worn clothes and tiredexpressions.
“First time in Aetheryal? We usually only see tired faces like yours on people who have just climbed the vine. But don’t worry, after a day or two among the clouds, you’ll feel brand new.”
Marin smiled faintly. “We’re not staying long. Just the night.”
He glanced at our gear. “Ah, hunters then. This is the last stop before the castle. I won’t try to dissuade you. It never works, but you should speak to my wife before you leave. You can find her in the saltwater pools taking her morning swim. She knows what waits for you.” The old man pointed a gnarled finger out the door. “In the meantime, you can wash up in the bathhouse. Your clothes, too. And there’s food at the tavern at the base of the cliff.”
“Thank you.” Marin tucked the key away, and we left to find the bathhouse.
After scrubbing away the travel dust, we agreed to meet back at our hut while I hunted down some food. An hour later, I climbed the stone steps again, my legs leaden with exhaustion. But a warm meal and a soft bed waited. The vine and the frigid wind were behind us for now, and tonight, that was all that mattered.
Sliding the key into the lock, I nudged the door open, and for a moment, all I could do was look. Marin sat cross-legged on the worn wooden floor, studying the map. Her hair spilled loose in a dark, glossy cascade that tumbled down her back.
The ties of her tunic hung undone, the fabric slipping from one shoulder to reveal a stretch of smooth skin that caught the candlelight. The sight punched the air from my lungs. Heat climbed under my collar, prickling the back of my neck.
The hut itself was just a small, warm space suspended over the clouds. A wide hammock stretched across the room, hooked into heavy beams overhead. Mosquito netting billowed faintly as the wind drifted through the open balcony door.
Pedestal candles ringed the floor around her, their flames flickering. Beyond the gauzy curtain, our clothes hung from a climbing rope, drying in the night air. Her boots lay tipped on their sides, her jacket tossed carelessly on top like she'd walked in, shrugged off the armor she'd worn since stepping back on land, and finally let herself rest.
I closed the door with my foot, juggling an armful of wrapped food and two mugs. Marin glanced up, candlelight playing over her soft features. Something in my chest twisted so sharply, I had to let out a shaky breath to loosen it.
“The conquering hero returns,” she murmured, our fingers brushing as I offered her a warm mug of mulled wine. Her eyes drifted shut with a dreamy sigh after the first sip.
“I don’t see any dragons, so you must be speaking about me.”
“Mmm…” She settled one of the wrapped pies on her lap, peeling back the waxy leaves to a rush of savory steam. “I already slayed the dragon. I didn’t want to share my food.”
“Smart move. More for us.”
Marin smirked, then devoured her dinner while I kicked off my boots and shrugged out of my jacket.
“These are delicious.” She licked gravy from her fingers and finished the last bite of flaky, cheese-and-meat-filled crust.
“They came highly recommended.” I handed her another. “Did you know… in some realms they bake pies over heated vents in the rock?”
Her eyes gleamed. “Do they? No wonder they're so airy. It's been one amazing meal after another since I returned from the sea.” She shuddered. “Though seaweed sludge isn't much competition.”
I didn't laugh. She was making light of it, tossing a joke over a wall of pain. But the sparkle in her eyes dimmed.
I settled on the floor next to her, wincing at the ache in my shoulders. Marin noticed and leaned sideways to dig into her pack.
“I've got more of Cass’s salve if you need it. She made me take a whole jar, and I have to admit, it works wonders.” Her gaze drifted to her open palm, fingers curling into the center. “When I first came back, my hands were sore and inflamed from the mines.”
“The mines? You never talk about it. All I know is what I learned from Cass.”
Marin rubbed gently at the raised scars on her wrists. They looked like they’d been caused by chains. The food soured in my mouth, my throat closing with fury.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Her gaze flicked back to mine. “I want to… forget about it.”
I inhaled roughly, hearing my words cast back at me from the night Reid died. It had felt like any control I’d had was gone, like fighting for my future might not be enough, and everything that mattered could slip through my fingers.
Holding Marin had been the only thing that made sense. It still was. Her distraction, the way she’d captured my attention with her teasing smile, had pulled me out of the dark.
“Come here,” I said softly.
Marin hesitated as if she was caught between second thoughts and the solace she so desperately needed.Then, slowly, she moved, her hair slipping past her shoulders as she eased into my arms. Her back pressed against my chest, fitting against me like she belonged there. I wrapped my arms around her waist and let my chin rest lightly against her shoulder, breathing her in.
“Let’s see the map,” I murmured. “You were always the planner. Which way should we go?”
