Page 88 of Facade

“I would have suggestions if we weren’t being watched,” he whispered in my ear. I waited for the usual confusing, traitorous feelings to show, but—

Nothing. No spark. No heat. Just a hollow stillness.

“I see your mood swings are back,” I deadpanned.

“How so?” He continued to slowly prowl around me. Instead of goosebumps, my instincts prickled, telling me he was a threat. But he couldn’t be… Not if we were the same. Then why did he hide it? Why did he lie?

“You’re flirting with me, again, after ignoring me since I mentioned the Western Realm. Your anger was unjustified—”

“My anger,” he cut in, stopping right in front of me with his hands clasped behind his back. “Came from fear.”

“Fear?” I snorted, crossing my arms.

“Yes, fear. It truly is a forbidden topic. We may have grown comfortable around one another, but there are others in our group that would report such a conversation.”

I glanced toward Malachai’s darkened figure.

“Evanee, I really have grown to care for you.”

Liar. If you cared, you’d be honest.

I forced a smile, playing along. Until a spasm of pain shot through my back, making me stumble forward. Aiden caught me by the shoulders, his face laced with concern.

“Are you okay?”

“ I-I don’t know.” Pain flared down the center of my back, sharp and sudden, tracing either side of my spine. I bit my cheek, fighting the urge to cry out.

I’d been sporadically chewing on the bitter leaves Malachai had given me. I’d gathered some into my satchel before leaving that cave. I hadn’t had any issues, but this—this was more than the ache and deep itch that usually took root. It was straight agony—tearing through me, as if my body were shifting on the inside. The moon wasn’t even full yet as I looked to the sky. But it would be soon.

Aiden continued to search my gaze. “Where’s it hurting?”

“My back—probably just all of the riding.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but even as I said it, another spasm coursed through the same spot. I pressed my lips together.

“It’s nothing. Really,” I squeaked.

Had I not been watching his reactions, I would have missed the ever-so-slight flicker of his eyes toward the moon, his concern briefly shifting to understanding. Lying bastard.

“I—” I started and rolled my eyes as Malachai approached. It was like he planned these interruptions.

“All clear,” he said, his massive steed slowed in front of us. He looked around at all of the supplies sitting at our feet, untouched.

“Am I doing this as well?” he asked flatly.

“We’ll have Brax take care of this. Why don’t you go into town and… enjoy yourself before we get back to court.” Aiden waved toward the path.

Malachai’s brow arched. “I’ll make another pass around the perimeter,” he declared instead with a fleeting look of contempt, before setting off once more.

“So, last night,” Aiden said carefully in my direction.

“What of it?” I snapped, taking a deep breath as another shockwave shot across my back like lightning. Maybe he’s finally going to be honest with me.

“You know, I’m surprised you didn’t make a run for it. Just like the beach, although I enjoyed the game of cat and mouse that night.” The usual heat that pooled low in my belly was nothing but steam as my skin grew clammy.

“What are you getting at, Aiden?” I wanted answers. Honesty. But this damn ache—

I mindlessly reached toward my back, that incessant itch returning. His mouth hooked at the corner smugly as he looked down at me.

“I’m not a fool, Evanee. I know you’ve somehow lessened the magic’s hold on you.” He took a step toward me.