Page 79 of A Tempest of Shadows

Mouse was freshly scrubbed and in a clean pair of clothes that were too big on him. The amsirah living here had little, but they were willing to share it.

“He used to speak, but he’s been through a lot,” I continued. “I think he’ll talk again one day; he needs time to heal first. At least, I hope he’ll talk again.”

The woman led Mouse to a rope ladder and pointed up. His head tilted to the side before he glanced back at me. When he smiled, I knew what was coming before he darted into the woods, where he was far more comfortable.

“Stubborn boy,” I murmured. “But he’s a survivor.”

Still, I’d hoped he would settle here where he’d have others to watch out for him. And, over time, I was sure the residents would grow to love him too.

“Maybe he’ll come out of the woods for me next time,” Tucker said.

“He will,” I replied. “Now that he knows you won’t harm him, he’ll come out more.”

When we lapsed into silence, I sat back to watch the stars emerge. The fire’s crackle and the conversations created a peaceful atmosphere I relished.

Over time, others joined us around the fire, and conversation returned, but my sense of peace remained. Here, this deep in the woods, while there was still worry something could attack us, there was no worry they’d raid us, throw us into prison carriages, and cart us off to a cell without warning.

King Ivan’s guards would never travel this deep into the woods. Because of that, I felt safe for the first time in weeks.

At home, I went to sleep every night, fearing that King Ivan’s guards would arrive to take us away. Every little sound roused me.

And in the morning, I woke up wondering if that would be the day they arrived to take me away. It was a nerve-racking way to live.

I didn’t want to go back… or at least not yet. I enjoyed the feeling of security here, and Ryker was having fun catching up with his friend.

Earlier today, when he smiled at me, I’d seen the same sparkle in his eyes as the night when he arrived during a blizzard. It was such a heart-melting thing to see, and I couldn’t take him away from this place that had brought it back.

Maybe coming here and meeting everyone would help deter him from the Hooded Robber. Surely Tucker had made him realize the man… or me… wasn’t all bad.

I hoped so, anyway. I was really tired of the guilt eating at me and my terror over something happening to him. It would be my fault if it did.

Like a child burying their heads under their blankets to avoid seeing the monsters in their room, I wished the whole thing would go away. However, I couldn’t make a wish become a reality. If I could, my father would still be alive, King Ivan wouldn’t be king, and we’d all still be free to come and go as we pleased from Tempest.

I covered my mouth as I yawned. I wasn’t ready to go home, but I was tired. It had been an exhausting day.

“We should go,” Ryker said, setting his tankard down. “You’re tired.”

“I’m fine,” I assured him. “Besides, I can always open a portal home and return. I’m not ready to leave.”

Ryker frowned at me, but Tucker nodded. He understood my reasons for not wanting to leave.

“You can rest in my tree house,” Tucker offered.

“I can’t invade your home.”

“It’s not an invasion at all. Besides, I’ve got other plans for the night.” He looked across the fire and waved at a pretty woman who smiled back at him. “I won’t be using it tonight.”

Despite his assurances it was okay, I still hesitated. I should go home, but Ryker would leave if I did, and he deserved this time of relaxation and peace.

Plus, I dreaded returning to that empty manor. If I’d returned home sooner, I could have gone to stay with Scarlet and her family, or she could stay with me, but it was too late now.

I wouldn’t knock on their door in the middle of the night. They’d still welcome me, but I was sure I wasn’t the only one who went to bed and woke up afraid; I’d probably scare them all if I went to them this late.

Ultimately, my desire for this sense of safety outweighed my discomfort over taking Tucker’s home. “Are you sure?” I asked Tucker.

“I’ll take you home,” Ryker offered.

He didn’t get it, and he couldn’t. He wasn’t like the other aristocrats, and his father had completely screwed him over during the curse, but he still didn’t have to fear being dragged out of his home and tossed in a cell for some unknown infraction.