Page 69 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

Nyx and I both looked at each other.

“Yeah. We’ve heard the same rumors, only I don’t think they’re just rumors. We believe Samael may be trying to find a way to make his magic permanently dark, but it’s just a theory I have,” I say.

“It sounds like a plausible theory. Are you sure you want to find Aidan? If I was you, I’d go straight back to Nighthold. Cloudrum is growing more dangerous by the day, and just wait until you see Aidan’s place, wait until you see the entire village,” Rhett says.

“What do you mean? What’s happened to the village?” Nyx asks before I can.

“At the ceremony he said he was doing what was best for all the packs, but really he was just looking for money. I don’t know why he did what he did to you or who ordered it, but whoever it was paid him handsomely. The entire village has been transformed. You’ll understand when you see it,” Rhett says.

I trust Rhett, but now doesn’t feel like the right time to tell him about my father and the prophecy. I don’t even want to tell him my own parents ordered the ceremony to take place. The thought causes my stomach to feel sick.

“We don’t want anyone to know we're here. Can you keep it a secret for now please?” I ask.

Rhett nods. “Of course, Lyra. I won't tell anyone. Are you trying to make it to Aidan’s place by morning?”

I look at Nyx, who nods.

“In that case, I’ll go with you guys. It’s dangerous out here, and I’ll make sure no one else in my pack stumbles upon us.”

I look to Nyx for his answer or approval.

“We better get going then,” Onyx says and looks at Rhett, his eyes hardening for a moment before he leads the way back up the hill.

All of us walk on in silence for a long while. Nyx leads the way. Rhett tugs on my arm for me to slow down, and I do. I know Nyx can sense us and probably realizes our pace has slowed behind him, but he keeps his pace and doesn't act like anything’s wrong. Rhett nudges my arm with his elbow.

“So, what’s the deal with you and the Faery King?”

“Oh . . .” My face flushes, and I’m not sure how to answer for a moment. I don’t know what the deal is exactly. Are we together? It feels like we are, but nothing has really been declared. He did say I was his, but that was in the heat of passion. Did he mean it? Did I mean it?

“I can smell him all over you,” Rhett whispers with a playful glint in his eye. My face flushes with embarrassment.

“We’re just old friends,” I tell him and immediately regret it. I hear Nyx’s steps slow for the briefest moment, and I know he must be listening to us. Fae hear everything. I don’t want to hurt his feelings by saying we are just friends, but it’s not like he’s asked me to be anything more than that. My chest hurts slightly. There’s a strange tugging feeling where my heart is, and I don’t know what it means, but I try to push it out of my mind.

“Old friends . . . right.” Rhett laughs. “All I have to say is he better treat you right. If he doesn’t, he’ll have to answer to me.” He smiles in my direction.

“Yes, he does. I promise.”

“And if things don’t work out with you and the Faery king, you know where to find me.” We pick up our pace to catch up to Nyx.

My feet ache with every step, and the silence between us is suffocating. I try to break it a few times, but my attempts fall flat, and we're back to awkwardness. The longer we walk, the more I stumble, and I can feel Rhett and Nyx's eyes on me. They're both walking on either side of me, as if they're afraid I'll fall off the cliff. It's irritating but also somewhat comforting.

Finally, my body gives in to the exhaustion, and I stumble over a slick rock. My ankle twists, and I cry out in pain. I brace myself for impact, but Nyx's strong arms catch me before I hit the ground. It’s a relief, but I still can't help but feel embarrassed by my clumsiness.

“Shit,” Rhett exclaims, looking at both of us.

“Are you okay?” Nyx sits me down on a large rock.

I try to stand up, but the pain in my ankle makes me wince. “I think I just sprained my ankle,” I admit. “It hurts, but I don't think it's broken or anything. I can keep walking.” I try to put weight on it to prove my point, but Nyx and Rhett don't look convinced.

“You can climb on my back. I’ll carry you,” Rhett offers. “It's not too much further. Maybe a couple hours max. Plus, we can probably go faster without you walking anyway.”

I consider his offer for a moment before Nyx speaks up. “I’m going to carry you, baby. You can climb on my back.” His voice is soft and reassuring, and I can't help but nod in agreement.

Nyx sets down his pack before kneeling in front of me. I climb on his back, wrapping my legs and arms around him. His muscles ripple under my grip, and I feel safe pressed up against him. Rhett winks at me and mouths “baby” as I settle into place. I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that tugs at my lips.

“Are you sure this is okay?” I ask, worried about being a burden.

“Yes,” Nyx responds, “I like your body pressed against mine, and you’re hurt. But as Rhett said, we'll go faster this way. No offense.” I can see how it amuses him, and I relax as we continue our journey.