As if called, the hide covering the doorway is peeled to the side, and Rhune steps into his bedroom. He’s all smiles and bright eyes, strong arms wrapped around a bulging sack of…something.
“I am home, my Willow! I have secured plenty of food for you and the little one—” he stops, his expression dropping. “You are unchained.”
“Yeah. About that…”
Rhune tips his face upward, nostrils wide and scenting the air in front of me. “You smell like Nyx.”
Dropping the bag, he grips my shoulders, his eyes wide and searching. “Did he harm you? Are you okay?”
“No. And yes.” I swallow, my mind flashing briefly to the heated moment between Nyx and me earlier. “We talked. He showed me around. Made me aware there was no hope of escape…”
Rhune chuffs. “As long as you are okay… Very well. I suppose I can’t be too angry with him for what he did.” His hand caresses my face, and I fight the urge to lean into the incredible sensation. “I’m so glad to be back. My soul—it was aching to be so far from you.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks and settles low in my core. I can’t recall Nathan saying anything nearly as romantic as that in all the time we were together. Sure, he had called meprettyandhot,but this is different.
Rhune pulls me out of my thoughts by shoving a large root-like object under my nose. It’s colored gray and is still partially covered in ice, but Rhune looks so proud of it, I can’t help but give him a small smile.
“It’s food. For you.” He places it down in front of me, then, grinning, he reaches into his satchel and pulls out several more vegetable-esque items—all of them different shades of silver.
“You reacted poorly to meat, so I assumed you are like the herbaceous creatures of this world. I have brought you one of each to try.”
I gaze down at the strange tubers and wrinkled fruit, wondering if any of it will make me sick. I’m so hungry that my stomachhurts,and at this point, I’d scarf down anything safe to eat no matter the taste. “Is it safe? For humans?”
Rhune nods. “My memory—it is not whole, but for some reason, I remember that the creatures and plants in The Far Place are able to be consumed by humans.” He points at the carrot-shaped one colored a faint purple hue. “You might try this first. It is quite bland, but is nutritious.”
“What is it?” I bring it to my nose to sniff. It has a faint earthy tinge, but otherwise, it smells and feels similar to a carrot.
“A hoarfrost tuber.”
I shrug, bringing it to my lips and taking a small nibble. I’m surprised at the completelackof flavor. It’s similar in texture to a raw beet, and isn’t very appetizing—but I can choke these down if they will keep me alive until I can get home.
Rhune notices her slight cringe as she goes in for another bite. “Not good?”
“I can live with it.” I go in for a third bite.I’m just that hungry.
“Maybe this one?” He points at the wrinkled one. “Palepears are sweeter.”
“How do you know what they taste like?” I ask. “Don’t you guys eat souls or something?”
“I am… curious.” Rhune’s mouth tips in a shy smile. “I cannot ingest them without getting sick, but I can taste. Out of all of these, I find palepears the most enjoyable.”
I grab the small wrinkled fruit, taking a tiny bite of the edge. I chew slowly, my eyes widening in surprise as a pleasant sweetness bursts over my tongue. “Oh! These are delicious!”
Rhune’s eyes sparkle as he watches my mouth. “I am glad I found something you like.”
I finish the fruit, then two more. Despite the size of the meal, I feel strangely full—though, my mouth is now begging for water.
Anticipating this, Rhune grabs a small chunk of ice and wraps it in his palm, a faint blue light pulsing from his skin as the cube melts.
“Drink,” Rhune says, pushing his cupped hands closer to my mouth.
Face flushed, I part my lips, staring deep into Rhune’s heated eyes as I drink from his hands. The water is delightfully cool, and each small sip quenches my thirst in ways I’ve never experienced before.
When I’m sated, I pull back, a drop of water sliding down my chin. Rhune reaches out slowly, swiping the droplet away with the pad of his thumb, his gaze heated.
“Thank you.” I try not to focus on how close our lips are right now. “I feel much better.”
“I am glad,” he says. “I live to bring you happiness, my Willow.”
