“Judging by things I’ve overheard her say, there’s a single doorway, but whoever opens it experiences unmitigated pain.”
Chapter Seventeen
I’m looking for people willing to do the necessary work and rise in the ranks of the kingdom; apply within.
—The Book of Soal2.1.4.19
Tick tock. Tick tock.
My internal countdown made itself known, screeching at full volume as I considered our options. Or rather, option. Find that key and sneak to the field. If it hurt to open the door, fine. It hurt. I’d do it and I’d deal.
But first we needed to discover what, exactly, that key was. “Introduce me to your grandfather,” I said as wind lifted my hair.
Cyrus arched a brow. “You hope to interrogate the ruler of our world?”
“I do.”
To his credit, he didn’t blanch. “Will you be subtle with your questions?”
Okay, so, I might have been a tad overzealous during my previous interrogations. The very interrogations Mr. Vyle had referenced during our first interaction. A time I’d rapid-fired forbidden questions at CURED’s most illustrious leaders. “I promise I’ll try my very best.”
He sighed. “I’ll set something up.”
As other royals and trainees stepped out onto their balconies, Cyrus linked our fingers and backtracked, pulling me into our room. The door shut of its own accord, and his shoulders rolled in.
He released me and muttered, “We are losing this war.”
No. No! That was Astan’s influence. It must be. “We’re still breathing, Cyrus. We haven’t lost anything.”
He stalked to a wet bar and poured himself a drink. After downing it, he poured another and downed it too. “Would you like one?” he asked with a flat timbre.
“No, thank you.” I’d tried a coworker’s home brew a year ago, and I’d hated how out of control I’d felt.
Cyrus poured a third glass, lifted it, set it down. Lifted it. Set it down. Gripping the edges of the bar, he bowed his head.
Desperate to give comfort, I closed the distance and wrapped my arms around him from behind. With my palms flat on his torso, I rested my cheek between his shoulders, suddenly overcome with tenderness. His ambrosial scent saturated the air, turning every breath into my favorite dream.
Few people got to witness his vulnerability. Only those he trusted. A small circle that consisted of me, myself, and I. My troubles were forgotten as I sought to absorb his. “Look at me, Cyrus.”
For several long moments, he remained as he was, tense and silent.
“Please.”
Slowly he turned, as if he couldn’t resist my plea. I didn’t release him or ease back but pressed closer, letting my weight settle against his powerful body. Our gazes held as I tipped up my face. As we melted into each other. As I conformed my shape to his, enjoying every ache and pang that ignited. The most delicious heat spread to my limbs. Every inhalation came with a side of intoxication. This sensation I liked.
“You aren’t in this alone.” I traced my fingers up his arms and over his shoulders to rest them upon his nape. “Stop trying to carry everything on your own. It’s weighing you down. We aren’t without hope. We have each other and Domino. Whether you like him or not,he’s an asset. We have our books. Ember and her crew. A purpose and a mission.”
A moment passed before he gave me a small but sweet smile. “I like this side of you. The warrior spirit I noticed your first day at Fort Bala.”
His husky voice acted as embers and smoke, curling through my senses. “Is there another side of me you like?” There might have been smoke in my voice too. “Perhaps asofterside?”
His eyelids sank low. “I very much like your softer side.” He set a hand on my hip, between the gap left by my shirt and pants, and the instant sear of skin against skin unraveled me from the inside out. “Do you remember when I said I wouldn’t kiss you while you’re connected to the librarian?”
My heart raced toward him, no finish line in sight, only the endless pull of his presence. “Mmm. I’m still pouting about it.”
He slowly bent his head, stopping when his lips hovered directly over mine. I breathed his air, and he breathed mine, and it was the hottest moment of my life.
“I’ve changed my mind.” He swooped in, pressing his lips against mine.
