Page 115 of Ashborne Forged

‘She will not end you. But she will attempt to control you.’

‘I know.’ It was my only safeguard with her—if I died, her legacy died with me. And she wasn’t prepared to let that happen. Yet.

‘You need to rest,’ Kham rumbled. ‘The days here will be long, and arduous.’

‘Make certain you stay out of sight. I’d rather lose touch with you for a short time than have them discover you.’

‘I am taking great care. But there’s little sign of humanity outside the house. This place is cold.’

I huffed. I knew that feeling. Cold that sank to your bones. Cold of the kind that chilled your heart even when you didn’t know why.

‘Voski?’

‘Yes?’

‘You are safe. If anything occurs, you need only call for me. I will tear that house down and flame her in it, if that’s what it takes. You will not be trapped here.’

I swallowed, simultaneously grateful, and shuddering, praying there was no need for the reassurance.

‘Thank you, Kham. Just… please. Find Koa. If you find Koa, you’ll find Grace.’

‘I’m not leaving you.’

‘But your mate—’

‘Will stay with her bonded one, as well. You will succeed in this endeavor, then we will be reunited, when we can do so with both of you safe.’

‘Mother hasn’t agreed yet. Not in any meaningful way.’

‘She will.’

I wasn’t sure whether to thank him for his confidence, or despair, because if he was right, I would have days, possibly weeks, in the presence of my mother.

An idea that made my heart heave.

Then an image popped into my head—one of Kham, crawling up the outside wall with a roar, punching talons through the ceiling, and tearing it back like a child ripping paper from a present.

‘I will keep you.’

I blew out a breath. Gratitude swelled in my chest. And a pinch of emotion so deep, it dried my throat.

‘Thank you.’

‘Now, turn your mind from this darkness. There will be plenty to navigate tomorrow. Rest.’

‘I’ll try.’

‘I will be quiet, but I’ll remain. Just send to me, and I’ll answer.’

I nodded and pulled the heavy quilt up and over my knees. But I didn’t lie down.

It felt too vulnerable to be unable to see through the open door. I knew I’d sag eventually, but for now I would stare into the flames and remember the light they cast over Grace’s skin. And remember her smile. And pray for her safety. And for that bastard Breckon’s imminent, painful death.

Sitting back with a sigh, I rolled my head on my neck and tried to relax the tense muscles at the base of my skull.

But it didn’t work.

The quieter the house became, the darker the night, the more my senses screamed. And every creak and rustle sent bolts of alarm through my body.