Page 64 of Facade

“You didn’t exactly push me away.” His voice tightened, that steely tone seeping through. The warning bell that a monster lurked beneath his skin, and I shouldn’t poke at it.

I poked.

A growl tore from my chest, the sound unnatural. “This argument is pointless. We only have a few more days until we complete this arduous journey. You won’t have to think twice about me once you hand me over for whatever the hell the King wants me for. Another thing you won’t divulge. You can just… move on to your next plaything.”

He pulled the reins so hard, Shadow stopped abruptly, his front hooves pushing off the ground. A yelp escaped me as I held on for dear life.

“You’re not a plaything,” he snarled in my ear. I winced at the darkness in his tone. “I meant what I said—that kiss meant something to me. You mean something to me. I haven’t told you why you’ve been summoned because I can’t.”

He eased Shadow forward once more. “I can only promise no harm will ever come to you. Not while I’m around.”

His words were meant to be comforting. Instead, unease coiled in my gut.

17

Aniah

“When will you stop brooding?” I followed behind Ryker, our horses trudging through the thick trees and snow. Ever since I made that deal with Thaddeus, he’s been quiet. Angry.

“I don’t brood,” he growled over his shoulder.

“Then what’s your problem? I thought you’d be happy. Now I can be of some help.” I fiddled with the ring, a thin golden band adorned with a square-cut sapphire that Thaddeus had given me.

An amplifier.

It was imbued with some of Thaddeus’ power and would extract any ounce of magic left in me to that ring. It would allow me to do small spells like cloaking, without them failing or draining me for days. It would also help settle the chaos and inconsistency of my magic. Just a band-aid, he had said, until I figured out where my magic had gone. I didn’t tell him I already knew. I couldn’t even bring myself to think back on it now.

Ryker abruptly stopped and dismounted, leading his horse to a creek that had frozen over. He stomped a black boot through the ice to the water running beneath, allowing the horse to drink. He pulled one of the skins from his saddle and filled it as well.

A wince crossed my face as I dismounted and approached him on stiff legs.

“It’s only one year,” I whispered. His back and shoulders tensed, then sagged as he slowly stood to face me. Tower over me. His unique eyes fierce as they pinned me to the spot.

“But where does he intend to take you for that year, Aniah? What are you to do for him? With him?”

I wrinkled my nose at his insinuation.

“Did you even think to clarify those fucking details before slapping your hand in his?”

“Thaddeus would never abuse the bargain or cross that line. And he wouldn’t have divulged that information. So no, I didn’t waste my breath asking.”

“He’s a male, Aniah. Don’t be so trusting. It’s naive,” he spat, moving to walk past me, but I gripped his arm firmly.

“Do not forget for one moment, Ryker Kallik, that I am much older than you, despite my frozen appearance. I may not have access to my powers at the moment, but I was selected as one of the Four Sisters for a reason.” I eased my grip as his gaze drifted to mine. “When I entered that bargain with Thaddeus, I knew exactly what I was signing up for. Thaddeus is complicated, but he would never do anything so untoward as tie me in a bargain to… use me. I’m not naive,” my tone softened. “I’m just smart enough to know when to ask for help.” I released his arm, but he didn’t move. He shut his eyes, tipping his head back.

“I’m sorry. I just… Shit.” A sadness he refused to share flashed over his face. “I feel responsible for you.”

“Why?” I breathed, frustration still leaking out through that one word.

“I made a promise to Malachai that I’d keep you safe.”

I flinched, hearing his name.

“Watching you enter that bargain means I’m failing at keeping my promise, just as I did her. I know we can’t get her back on our own. Them back,” he amended. “But watching you strike that deal…” He took a deep, calming breath.

“You haven’t broken any promises. I wouldn’t have agreed if I thought I'd be in danger.”

“I—” Ryker stopped, eyes going sharp as he scanned the forest and inhaled through his nose. My pulse hiked—I heard nothing except the whistle of the wind through the frozen branches.