The early-morning air bites my cheeks as I march down the stone pathway leading to the stables. The view of flower beds and low bushes keeps disappearing in front of me through the thick white fog when I breathe out.
I didn’t think about the mountains being colder than Jaakii when we were preparing to leave Ezkai Castle, so of course, I didn’t pack my winter leathers. I had to borrow a fur vest and a fur-lined cape from the monks.
When I reach the stables, Monk Ren, Monk Dravon, and Elder Arcon greet me with pleasant nods. I enter to find my Ezkai there, checking the mountain horses. Mine is a large golden mare, and Jax’s is an even bigger black-as-the-night stallion.
The stallion gives me a side-eye and grunts when I come closer. I circle the beast at a distance, its bloodred eyes following my every step until I reach my mare.
She blows out as I approach and reach a hand towards her. Her golden coat is softer than silk and smoothest velvet. I’mmesmerized by the sensation under my palm, and the way her lighter gold mane falls like a waterfall down the side of her neck.
“You’re a beauty,” I murmur to her as I caress her muzzle and she nickers.
“Luna likes you.” Elder Arcon’s voice comes from behind me.
I turn to face him and jerk my chin at the stallion. “Glad at least one of them does. That one doesn’t.”
He glances at the horse with a warm smile. “Midnight is just as temperamental as the night itself. He needs a particular type of rider, one who’s experienced in handling wild tempers.”
“It’s a good thing I’m an expert at that,” Jax says.
Bah, sure he is.
He swaggers into the stables wearing his usual black pants and white silk shirt combo. At least he bothered to put on the borrowed fur vest.
I snort. “You do realize we’re about to leave the comfort and warmth of the monastery and travel into the cold mountains for gods know how many days?”
Jax approaches Midnight, and to my utter surprise, the stallion has no problem allowing him to pet its coat. The horse blows out and whickers.
Unbelievable.
Jax eyes me sideways as he fits his leather backpack to the side of the saddle. “I do, darling. Your point?”
“Well, you could at least button up your shirt for once,” I deadpan. Ezkai Emil chuckles. Ezkai Bjorn leaves. “I have no use for you if you freeze to death.”
A slow half smile blooms on Jax’s face. His nonchalant attitude irks me to no end. Especially when I can tell it’s not a mask through our damn bond.
“I thought you’d keep me warm,” he says, amused.
I scoff and flip him off. “As if.”
Jax barks a laugh. I ignore it as I secure my own bag to the horse.
“You have enough provisions to last you two weeks of travel, General,” Monk Ren says.
My heart flutters.
Two weeks is too long to be lost in the wild when any minute now, Caligos could strike.
“We’ll be back by then, I’m sure,” I say curtly.
Ezkai Bjorn returns with a set of worn leathers in his hands. I frown as I watch my Ezkai approach Jax by his stallion and extend the clothes to him.
For a moment, Jax stands frozen as he looks at Ezkai Bjorn and the leathers he offers.
“Silk tears too easy,” Ezkai Bjorn says.
My lips part.
No way.
