Page 65 of Facade

“What is it?” I whispered.

“Werewolf.” His lip curled back, exposing his fangs. Ryker unsheathed on of his swords, then handed me the reins, moving silently but quickly.

“Lead the horses deeper in the woods, then wait for me. If I’m not back within the hour, continue to the cave and meet Thaddeus' contact. They’ll get you off this realm.”

“Ryker—” I started, alarmed. “I’m not leaving you! Let me help. I can do a cloaking spell now that I have the ring.” I waved my hand in the air for emphasis.

“No, Aniah. Don’t waste your magic on this. I can handle it.”

It was the pleading in his eyes and the understanding of the feeling that plagued him—a promise made to keep me safe—that had me obliging and pulling the horses deeper into the trees. Ryker wasted no time, following the creek north. I had no choice but to do as he said and wait.

18

Evanee

Aiden tried to lure me into conversation, but despite his efforts, tension still danced between us.

I let it.

We traveled as long as we could, well past sunset. Malachai and Dimitri still hadn’t returned. Aiden kept his sword by his side until we came upon some cliffs that dropped straight off into an abyss—the ocean.

Adrenaline thrummed through me. I straightened, straining to see the angry waves below. I’d never seen the waters that stretch between this realm and the others—but the dark kept the drop obscured. The ocean roared, waves slamming into the rock wall below. The smell of the sea life beyond dredged up stories I’d overheard of monsters lurking in the depths.

“These aren’t the Cliffs. When you stop avoiding me for whatever reason, I’ll warn you when we near them.” His words were clipped.

I worked my jaw and grumbled, “It’s not for whatever reason. It’s—“

Something moved in the trees behind us, loud enough to be heard over the water. Our heads whipped toward the sound. Aiden swiftly slid off Shadow, a shadow himself, barely making any sound, and unsheathed his sword. He held a finger to his lips before turning toward the threat.

Silence.

I steadied my breathing, scanning the dark, eyes wide, seeing nothing. Aiden locked in on something. His gaze glowed in the ever-growing dark that crept around us, head moving in a predatory way.

“Walk Shadow forward,” he murmured. “Gently. Stay on the path.”

I searched his face, concern filling me.

“Aiden… please don’t go out there,” I begged.

“Worried about me?” The corner of his mouth kicked up, though his gaze stayed locked on the hidden threat. “Here. Take this. Put it in your boot.” He handed me his dagger with the sapphires on the hilt. My hands shook as I took it from him.

“I don’t know how to ride alone!” I hissed.

He smiled, eyes brightening like torches.

“Shadow will take care of you. And Luna will keep him in check. Go,” he ordered.

“Wait!” I rasped. He paused, raising a brow as he spared a glance. “What the hell do I do with this?” I waved the dagger, the jewels catching in the moonlight.

“Point the sharp end toward the enemy,” he smirked, then stalked toward the trees.

I swallowed thickly, shoving the dagger down in the shaft of my boot before I gently squeezed my heels in. The large stallion started forward, my knuckles going white and my body rigid without the security of Aiden behind me. I glanced back as the dark swallowed him, and a distant shriek carried on the wind. Skurs.

Acid burned my stomach. What if something happened to him? He had no backup. I was useless—unable to wield a sword or even create a distraction. I copied Aiden’s earlier motion with the reins and pulled them toward me. Shadow stopped immediately. I turned again, searching, but there was no sign of him. It was quiet, as if the darkness swallowed all sounds.

My markings tingled, and dread filled me for what would come next—I stopped.

My markings are tingling.