A heartbeat.
Then, silence.
Not around us.
Between us.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
PHOENIX
We’ve been on the road for three days. My head is craned up as I watch the few patches of the clear sky visible through the tree branches sprawling above our heads darken.
Fuck me.
Elder Arcon said it’s three days’ journey to the damn feeding grounds. I look down at the map in my hand. With a finger, I trace the path we’ve been taking. Based on the markings we passed, we’re only two-thirds of our way, which means…at least a day more of traveling. Might be two.
What’s worse is that we haven’t seen any signs of dragons. No broken trees, scratch marks, or dragon scales. Not even glassed sand. Nothing.
I sigh and fold my map before shoving it into the inner pocket of my leather jacket.
Jax rides ahead of me with his back straight, whistling a tune under his breath. Unbothered as ever. Despite the guilt that tickles the back of my neck, I open the door between us.
Just a little peek.
My mind floods with images of the forest, birds lurking in the shadows, and that same tune he’s whistling on repeat.
Annoyed, I shove the door shut. How can he be this unbothered?
I scan the surrounding forest obsessively as we ride forward. I know that anytime now Jax will point at a place somewhere and tell me it’s time to settle for the night. With the dusk falling, it’s hard to see.
Damn my stupid human sight.
Jax’s whistling stops and he pulls on Midnight’s reins so suddenly I don’t notice it until Luna’s steps halt.
He’s looking at something on the left. All I see is a shadowy forest and tall trees as far as my eyes can see. Which isn’t very far…
So instead, I listen. But the creatures and animals that call the forest home are just as loud as before.
“What?” I whisper-yell at Jax.
He looks at me over his shoulder. “There’s something there.”
My pulse speeds up.
Jax jumps off Midnight with so much grace I’m baffled, and without a word, he dashes into the forest.
“Jax! Wait!”
I slide out of my saddle, pat Luna on the neck, and follow him. Branches snap under my feet loudly, moss crunching with each step I take.
Jax is fast, and without his beaming white shirt it’s not as easy to follow him in the thicket. I keep looking back to ensure we can still see the path, and the horses waiting for us.
That’s why I walk right into Jax’s back.
“Oh, shit. Sorry,” I say, and push myself off him.
Every time we touch, goose bumps rise all over my skin. He’s been sleeping wrapped around me every night because it’s toocold for me otherwise. While I’m grateful for the warmth, having his body against mine every night makes things…hard.
