Page 138 of The Unseen Hour

“Orion!” I screamed as Pellix sped over the hills, toward the ruined church and its cemetery.

Without reins, I didn’t have the same control, but I gently tugged Pellix’s mane to the right, and he cantered to the structure when we got close.

When I saw a figure standing in the cemetery, I slowed Pellix to a walk, leapt off him and landed in the dirt. I stumbled to one knee, and a hand wrapped around my arm and pulled me up.

“Ry! Ry, I’m so glad you’re⁠—”

I pulled back when watery green eyes met mine instead of stormy blue and grey.

“Bellamy!” I said, too shocked to think of what else to do but greet him.

Bellamy gave me a simpering smile, and a small bow.

“Celia, darling. I was so relieved to hear you were safe. I’ve spent this past year worrying myself sick, and your family has as well. They’ll be so happy that you’re back.”

Pellix whinnied, and I tried to move over to him. Bellamy tugged on my arm, and Pellix stamped the ground. I heard caws overhead.

“What are you doing here? Why would you be at the ruins, on this night of all nights?” I demanded, keeping myself close to the stallion. Bellamy gave Pellix a scrutinizing look.

“The risk was worth it. Your stallion was found near here after the last hour, and I saw bootprints at the ruins. When the past year of searching turned up nothing, I thought I’d try the location you disappeared, on the anniversary of when you went missing.”

The answer technically made sense, but suspicion ate at me.

No one went outside during the hour on purpose.

Well, except for me and my father. But we’d both done it for love. Me, because I loved him, and him, because he loved his family.

Bellamy might have proposed, but I was under no illusion that whatever he felt toward me was love. He didn’t even really know me.

“I appreciate the gesture, Lord Bonds, but as you can see I’m just fine. And I need to find someone else who is supposed to be at these ruins. A man, tall, with brown hair. He has grey eyes. Have you seen him?”

The Marquess snorted, giving me a disapproving look.

“Meeting a man in the middle of the night, unchaperoned? Really, Celia, what have you been doing this past year? It’s a wonder you’ve managed to avoid a public scandal so long, if this is how you’ve been behaving. What will your brothers think?”

I still couldn’t see Orion, and I had not come this far to be judged by the Marquess, of all people.

“Listen here, Bellamy! I really don’t have time for this nonsen⁠—”

“Celia.” Bellamy glared, but then plastered a smile back on his face. “You’re merely traumatized. Who knows what you’ve endured while you’ve been away. I’m sure you’re anxious to get to your family, darling, and into more suitable clothes. My carriage is right over here. If you’ll just come this way.”

He grabbed onto my arm again, trying to lead me away from the church. I yanked it back, scowling. Pellix nipped at Bellamy, who barely pulled his own arm away in time.

“Really, Celia, this is ridiculous! There’s no point in fighting me! I have your family’s backing, and I am your fiancé! You will obey me.”

“No! I need to find Orion! Toss off!” I threw my arms out and shoved him.

Bellamy stumbled back, mouth hanging open.

“Ry! Ry! Where are you?” I was growing frantic. What if he had gone back to the Ether? I needed Death. I needed a way back to him.

I entered the ruins themselves, continuing to shout. Bellamy was on my heels, and Pellix whinnied from outside the structure. I heard flapping, uncertain whether the birds had remained with the horse or followed me into the dark church.

“Celia, do you hear yourself? Wandering around in men’s clothes, yelling for some man! You sound hysterical. We need to get you home before anyone else witnesses this … scene.”

“I’m not making a scene! Bellamy, this is important! I⁠—”

“Not another word!” he yelled, then cleared his throat. “Dear. Come now, let’s get you home.” He wrapped an arm around my torso and hauled me across the stones. I saw a carriage waiting across the cemetery. I struggled against him.