“How long do you think Cheryl will be out?” I ask to change the subject, and because I really need to know. We have to find Karl and Manu and get back home before we die in this godforsaken land.
“It’s hard to say. Her body needs time to recover, so it depends on how strong she is.”
“She’s the strongest female I know,” I say, my chest swelling with pride.
Phylia’s sharp gaze focuses on my face. “You love her very much, don’t you?”
“Yes, with all my heart. She’s the reason I wake up every night, even though we aren’t together.”
“And why is that? She doesn’t reciprocate your feelings?”
“I… I don’t know if she does.” I push my bangs out of my eyes, letting out a frustrated sigh. “I keep messing up. I can’t seem to do or say the right thing. Whenever I’m around her, I act like a fool.”
I’m not sure why I’m saying all these things to Phylia, a veritable stranger. There’s just something about the Nightingale healer that loosens my tongue. She either put something in my tea to make me spill my secrets, or her aura puts me at ease.
She smiles. “Love has the power to turn the sharpest person into an idiot. Have you tried telling her what’s in your heart?”
I want to answer yes, but in reality, I never got around to confessing to Cheryl that she’s my everything. I’ve been a coward when it comes to her.
“No.” I look down once more.
“Maybe all you need is practice. Why don’t you sit by her side for a moment and let everything out?”
“She’s sleeping.”
Phylia smirks. “Precisely.”
Eighteen
MANU
ELLNESARI, PRESENT DAY
Ican’t say the experience improves the more times you walk the wind. When we land in the middle of nowhere, I’m sick to my stomach. I let go of Castiel’s arm and step away from him, holding my middle. I’m also lightheaded on top of it. I hate this.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“No. I’d puke if I had eaten today.”
“The nausea will pass soon.”
A second later, Telar materializes. He takes one look at me and arches a brow. “Did you throw up, savage?”
I hiss, baring my fangs. “Keep calling me that and I’ll show you savage.”
He scoffs. “I’m trembling in my boots.”
Castiel shakes his head. “Tell me, Telar. Were you born an asshole, or was your delightful personality honed through the years?”
“Bite me,” Telar retorts.
Castiel clears his throat, reminding Telar that he’s a prince. His arms are crossed, but the upturn of his lips tells me he’smore amused than offended by Telar’s lack of respect. The blond soldier misses that detail, though, because in a low whisper, he adds, “Your Highness.”
When Telar turns toward a boulder covered in vines, Castiel’s gaze drops to his ass.And the plot thickens. It seems their animosity is caused, in part, by unresolved or unrequited feelings. I can’t tell if Telar bats for the other team, but Castiel definitely does, a fact confirmed when he catches me staring and seems embarrassed. The freckles on his face brighten, and he quickly turns away. I’m guessing that’s his version of blushing.
Telar raises one arm, palm facing forward, while his brow furrows in concentration. When he whispers words I don’t understand, the vines part, revealing the entrance of a cave. I could have sworn nothing but solid rock hid underneath those vines.
It’s pitch-black inside, as if darkness has swallowed all the light. My stomach coils tightly while dread licks the back of my neck. It’s not fear of the dark that’s making me leery—it’s a horrible feeling that something evil hides deep inside the cave.
