“Lord Lochlan cast a spell around Solace so that there’s only one way in and out—by foot. Or horseback, in our case,” Callum answers. “It’s a precaution so the rebels can’t easily reach the city.”
“Yeah, that’s it.” Wilder’s eyes are wicked with amusement.
Sarcasm drips from his tone, but he doesn’t elaborate on what he’s talking about.
When I look up at Callum, he shrugs. I can’t imagine what else Lochlan would be protecting, but clearly, we have a journey ahead of us.
Greer gives a final order to the Guard before cutting in our direction. “We’ll take a Gateway to the Solace border. Reah has horses waiting for us there.”
“Where have you been all morning? I thought we might be leaving without you.”
“Family business.” Her smile tightens, and that’s all she offers as explanation.
Cyan leads us to the edge of the cliffs, finally opening a Gateway to the northern border of Tempest. Unlike on the mountain, there’s a heavy breeze here. The cold is frigid, and the snow is icy like it is on Alyssium.
Horses await us when we reach the end of a trail. They’re taller than I imagined. The stories I’ve read do little to capture their true magnificence. Their manes shine against the sun breaking through the clouds, and the strength of their every movement is breathtaking.
“Do you know how to ride?” Wilder stops at my side, brushing his palm down the horse’s mane. It’s a surprisingly gentle gesture for a male who is often anything but.
I shake my head. “We didn’t have horses on Alyssium. Can I?”
My hand hovers at the horse’s shoulder, and Wilder nods. Its gray coat is smooth to the touch, shining like the winter around us.
“You can ride with me, Elorie.” Callum comes up behind me.
Wilder’s gaze moves over my shoulder. “I’ve got her, Wilhelm. After all, she’s my responsibility.”
There’s nothing sweet or protective in Wilder’s tone. It’s pure irritation. He’s probably annoyed he’ll be babysitting instead of enjoying the ride.
I look up over my shoulder at Callum, who is waiting for me to argue, but I don’t. I can survive sharing a horse with Wilder. Even if the thought of it makes my heart race.
Callum’s jaw clenches as his gaze darts between me andWilder. “Only the beginning of our journey is on horseback. Once we’re deeper into the territory, we can take a Gateway to the manor.”
He turns to the next horse down the line, while Greer watches from where she’s standing near Cyan. Both avoid Wilder. I don’t blame her when she probably sees the rebels who killed her family when she looks at him.
Except that wasn’t him.
It wasn’t his order.
Or I’m making excuses for him.
Wilder works with the guards to saddle the horses. Once they’re ready, he unties the reins and steadies the horse. I’m thankful I’m in leathers and not a dress with how I’ll be seated.
“Ready, Starfire?”He holds out a hand to help me climb up.
I hesitate for only a moment before placing my palm in his. Wedging my foot in the stirrup, I jump up but don’t make it. On my second try, Wilder’s magic weaves around me and pulls me onto the horse. I’m higher up than it seemed from the ground, but then Wilder climbs on behind me, and it settles my nerves.
His arms wrap around me to grip the horn with one hand, holding the reins with the other. His hard chest warms my back, and while I’ve seen him shirtless during training, the feel of his strong muscles surrounding me—of his firm thighs caging mine—has my pulse thrumming.
The horse takes a step, and I tense, grabbing Wilder’s legs without thinking. His thighs are solid muscle. He doesn’t so much as flinch as he tugs the reins and steadies the horse’s pace.
Wilder’s hand slips from the horn to my thigh.“I’ve got you.”
That’s what I’m worried about.
I try not to focus on his thumb grazing my leg. Or how he smells like a forest after heavy rain. I try not to feel the thunder of his heart beating in tune with mine as we start down the path into Solace.
I try to think about anything but him.
