I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
The tension vanished but was quickly replaced by exhaustion.It was inhuman to walk for as long as we did.
We needed to stop, even if only for a few minutes.Our legs were giving out, and every intake of air was drier than the last.
Theo and Tavrik’s steps had slowed significantly.They clutched the rough bark of every tree they passed in an attempt to keep their bodies upright.
It seemed fate had mercy on us, because we stumbled upon a small lake.The water shimmered brightly beneath the sun, rippling gently in the breeze.
I would’ve cried at the sight, but I was so dried up it was more likely that dust would’ve fallen from my eyes than actual tears.
Theo’s mouth parted, but before he could speak, Tavrik and I both cut him off.
“No.”
Theo clutched his chest, staggering back in mock pain.“You don’t even know what I was going to say!”
Tavrik arched a brow.“You were going to say something obnoxious.”
Theo sighed dramatically.“I am a gentleman.”
I rolled my eyes.“Sure thing, Theo.”
I gave him two quick taps on the back then stepped around him toward the water, determined to be the first to sink into its depths.
The cold was a welcome shock against my overheated skin.I waded in until the water kissed my collarbone, my grip on the stone never loosening.I couldn’t risk parting with it for even a second.
What would happen if I were to let go?
Zaheera would likely sense me immediately and know I had betrayed her.
I couldn’t let my mind travel that path.I plunged beneath the surface, letting the water wash away the grime, the sweat, and the weight of everything pressing down on my soul.
The peace was short lived.
My heart thumped a steady rhythm beneath the surface.The memory of Dalkhan wrapped around me, tighter than the water itself.The way his flames had moved across his skin.The way his voice curled around my name like an embrace.
The way his eyes had softened when they found mine at the Veil.
My pulse quickened, faster and faster until I broke through the water’s surface with a gasp.I dragged a hand over my hair, trying to wash away the images of him burning behind my eyes.
When I spun in the water, Theo was watching me, because of course he was.
I narrowed my eyes.“Really?”
He grinned, unapologetic.“Can you blame me?”
Before I could launch a wave at his smug face, Tavrik smacked the back of Theo’s head.
I laughed—genuinely, deeply laughed.
Some things just never change.
Unable to ignore our exhaustion any longer, we decided to rest for the night.
We found a small clearing where the forest floor seemed smoother, and deemed it worthy enough.Gone was the luxury of a soft bed, and back was the unforgiving ground.
I groaned, settling on the dirt floor and throwing a pile of gathered dry twigs over the small fire Theo had built.
