Page 152 of Facade

“Go,” Ryker commanded Gideon. “Let me see.”

I forced myself to pull away from him, not meeting his eye as I slowly backed up, clamping a hand over my wound.

“I’ll go see Veda.”

“Evanee—”

“No.” My gaze snapped to his, my voice low and filled with anger. “You said you loved me. That I was yours and you were mine. Now this. If all you want to be to me is a friend, after everything we’ve been through. Everything we’ve done and said to one another, with no explanation for the sudden change, then I need space.”

His jaw ticked.

My Gargoyle moved beneath my skin, and before things could be made worse by changing forms and turning to stone in the bright sun, I stomped off. Every step made the crack in my heart and soul fracture deeper.

45

Evanee

Three days at sea on a ship that was so huge and magnificent at first, now felt as tiny as a shield.

Ryker avoided me, I avoided Lyra, while she avoided Brax for some unknown reason.

Everyone was getting a bit touchy after the incident with the sea monster and Ryker throwing that sailor. The sailor was fine, although his arms and legs were now broken but quickly healing, thanks to Veda.

Malachai’s wings were fully functional again, so he and Ryker took turns doing patrols at night. I overheard Gideon say there was no movement reported by them for miles, which made me grateful on the one hand but nervous on the other. It was only a matter of time before the Fae King and Aiden made another move.

Whether the Council and Fae King were regrouping or something greater was being planned, no one could know. My thoughts also drifted to Aniah, hoping that she was okay. Malachai didn’t speak about her, and I knew it was because it pained him to lose her as soon as he got her back. Then again, I think I’d rather deal with not seeing Ryker at all than feel like my heart was being sliced with a dagger every time we crossed paths. Which was often on this watery prison.

With my shoulder already healed, I started working on strengthening my wings. Malachai had given me a few exercises to do with him as he strengthened his own. I did manage to hover above the water for a solid thirty seconds before I fell, splashing below. Malachai had to dive in after me—I forgot to shift back, my Gargoyle form too heavy in the water. It didn’t escape my notice that it gave the crew a good laugh. I’d been so angry, Malachai bear-hugged me to keep me from lashing out.

I’d been below in my own small quarters when the bell began ringing, and the most beautiful words were being yelled out above.

“Land ahead!”

I ran out so fast I almost didn’t get my boots on all the way. My heart raced at the thought of seeing our lands once more. The mountains—oh, our beautiful mountains surrounded by the sweet-smelling moonflowers. The waterfalls and endless green fields. We were going home.

The moon was bright, and the dark mass of land was visible in the distance.

I ran up, squeezing between Ryker and Malachai, not even caring about my proximity to him. They’d already changed into their forms and were towering over me.

Malachai growled.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Unwanted occupants,” he responded, voice deep.

“It would seem the Fae left behind soldiers and skurs,” Ryker said, his talons turning to fists. “Drop anchor here, captain. We’ll fly ahead,” he demanded.

“I want to go,” I said firmly.

“You can barely hover in the air,” Malachai responded with a side glance at me.

“So leave me if I fall. But let me try.”

Malachai looked to Ryker, who nodded, not sparing me a glance at all, which only made me more resolute in my determination.

I slipped off my tunic, leaving me in the coverlet wrapped around my breasts and leggings, as I transformed between them. The sailors kept their eyes firmly pointed down, some even turning their backs to us, all terrified of ending up like their comrade.

Ryker sheathed his swords. Malachai turned toward me, buckling a sheath onto my back that was made to go around our wings, and placed a lighter sword in it.