Page 92 of Facade

“I thought you wanted to talk?” The fire reflected in the abyss of his eyes as he looked down at me. I reluctantly pushed myself up.

“And would you give me honest answers?”

“I promise you I will, just… not here. It’s not safe. I’ll give you answers once we get to the castle.”

“The castle?! I’m not going to that fucking castle where you have Cressida waiting to wipe away what little memories I have!” My voice rose. Lyra stirred, mumbling about a pup that would be getting spanked if he continued being naughty. I shook my head, tuning her out.

His shoulders tightened, jaw working.

“Don’t talk like that, it’s crude.”

“I think it’s warranted when you want to keep my memories from me,” I grated, keeping my voice low. Sharp fangs flashed as his lip curled back.

“I have no choice. But I can promise no harm will come to you when we’re there.”

“You keep saying that, but how could you possibly make that promise? You say you didn’t even know I was at Castle Aurelia, then you show up, to what, save me? Then you play with my emotions, knowing who and what I am the whole time. Yet you never thought to tell me in the weeks we’ve traveled. Never even tried. You wouldn’t even tell me anything about yourself! How can I trust you now? When you plan on taking me within my enemies’ walls and—”

“Because the King made a blood promise with me!” he snarled, leaning so that his face was inches away. “You are mine.”

My breathing hitched. A week ago, those words may have excited me. Lit a fire within me. Now? They filled me with a fear I couldn’t name.

He leaned away, taking a calming breath, then, as if nothing had happened, offered me a partial smile.

“Lay with me closer to the fire. It’ll be a cold night.” He held his hand out.

I pulled my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around my legs tightly.

“I’m not ready to sleep,” I said, voice flat.

His brows knit together, hand outstretched for an awkward moment before he stood, gazing down at me.

“We’ll have time. Once we get to the castle… We’ll have time for you to get to know me more. With the memories… It’s better to have a clean slate anyway.”

My blood thrummed in utter outrage as he walked away, shooting daggers at his back until I met Malachai’s watchful gaze. I glowered at him, too, letting him see the bitter anger before dropping my chin on my knees. The flames flickered and danced before me, changing from blue to red to orange.

This is going to be a long night.

I jolted awake.

A fog had settled over the camp, making it difficult to see Lyra across the way, now curled up with Brax. The fire burned as mere embers beside me, eliciting a chill through my body.

Shit. I fell asleep.

Aiden wasn’t at the camp. Even as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, it was apparent he’d gone off while I slept. It only made the pit in my stomach grow to the size of a boulder.

Slade lay on a bedroll across from me, and even Malachai had slumped over to the ground from where he'd been watching me, his head resting against a tree.

A frown tugged at my brow. Something was wrong—I could taste it in the air. Metallic. The same as what I tasted at the spring. Familiar, but strange—magic? It had to be magic that made them all fall asleep. But why not me? And where was Aiden? Shadow was still here. He couldn’t be far.

The cold bit into my hands as I pushed onto my feet. Just to be safe, I pulled my coat over my mouth and nose as I tiptoed around the camp. My steps made no sound other than a squelch here and there where the mud was thickest.

The whole town was eerily quiet, covered in that unnatural fog. Luna huffed by the trees. As I moved toward her, my gaze still darted around. She bobbed her head up and down. I dropped my coat, crooning to her—

Something clamped over my mouth. My eyes widened, a scream building—Aiden—

“Shhh, it’s me.” Ryker’s deep, gritty voice wrapped around me like silk instantly, as did his scent. He slowly pulled his clawed hand away, and I turned, craning my neck back to look into his incandescent eyes, this time silver with only specks of the usual blue. He towered over me in this form—I loved it.

He threw his head toward the trees, holding a talon over his lips, before extending his hand to me. Nervous excitement coiled tight in my stomach, his hand dwarfing mine as he gently tugged me behind.