Casimir took his place on a log, gesturing for her to sit between his legs, and continued his massage. She leaned intohis touch, savoring the way he worked the tension from her body.
“Is there a plan for tomorrow, or are we just barreling through without thought?” Jareth asked, seated across from them.
Imsel had taken a seat next to him, watching everyone closely. They didn’t speak much unless they had something important to say, more content with observing the dynamics of the group. It was something Ava liked about them. Their quiet presence was welcomed among the arguments that often ensued between Jareth and everyone else.
Because even though he was here to help, Jareth still couldn’t stop himself from poking at every member of their party.
Maeryn raised an eyebrow at him. “Might you have a suggestion? You seem to speak a lot without saying much.”
Raine looked at her with pride on his face while the others tried to hide their laughter.
“I assumed the generals would be taking charge,” Jareth replied, ignoring her comment. “Since there are two of them here.”
Casimir continued kneading his thumbs in between Ava’s shoulder blades. “It’s hard to plan when we don’t know much about what we’re walking into. The most important thing is to stay vigilant. We leave at dawn. Stick together and make sure to have each other’s backs.”
Though Ava couldn’t see his face, she knew he was staring pointedly at his brother as he emphasized those last words.
“Once we locate the cave and gather what we need, Ava will portal us back to Mosshaven,” Casimir finished.
Jareth nodded, staring into the fire. Raine leaned close to Maeryn, whispering something in her ear. She smiled sheepishly and Ava’s heart swelled. She hoped they’d be able to workthrough whatever was holding them back. Their own grief and guilt over the losses of their old loves.
Because the way they looked at each other reminded her of Casimir and herself.
“Why do you hate your father so much?” Gisela asked, her white hair almost orange in the firelight.
He flinched, immediately trying to hide it. “Who said I hated my father?”
“It’s quite obvious, prince. The spoiled brat who always gets his way but secretly wants dear old daddy’s throne. You wear your emotions on your sleeve, though you think you’re hiding them. Showing up here, though he refuses to help, proves my point.”
Imsel watched the exchange thoughtfully, but Ava could have sworn there was a hint of something like humor in their eyes. As if they enjoyed seeing Jareth taken down a notch.
“If you grew up with a man like him, you’d hate him too.” Jareth turned away and stared into the fire.
Gisela waved a hand, not finished with the conversation. “You don’t fool me. There’s more to it than that.”
“Well, it’s none of your damned business.” Jareth rose and stalked off, disappearing in the trees.
“That hit a nerve,” Imsel murmured.
And Ava knew exactly what nerve it had hit. But even though Jareth was a pompous bastard, she wouldn’t reveal what had happened to Celine. No one else needed to know. It would do no good at this point.
Ava rose to follow Jareth. She didn’t know why, but she needed to talk to him.
“I’ll be right back,” she said to Casimir.
“Ava…”
“I’ll be fine. I promise.” She gave him a quick kiss and stalked after his brother.
Minutes later, she found him leaning against a tree, a ball ofstarlight hovering in his hand. He raised a brow at her approach.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Cut the shit, Jareth,” Ava said. “Why are you here? Why are you helping?”
He extinguished his starlight and crossed his arms, evaluating her with his violet eyes.
Ava shook her head, walking away. “Never mind.”
