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“People are afraid,” Griffin continued. “Without a genuine cure, the suffering will only get worse. The elite sequestered in the capital will also be affected, despite their selfish attempts to protect themselves. Our kingdom will not survive. If Eryk hadn’t opened my eyes, I would have had to watch as the world ended and would not have been able to help in any real way.” Griffin’s voice rose. “Your father laid the groundwork, but I will continue the fight.”
I heard the sincerity in Griffin’s tone, the passion as he voiced his convictions. And I started to feel that passion myself.
These were not the tales told at the capital. We were told there was no reason to worry. There was no shortage of food. There was no shortage of water. But apparently, that meant only at the capital.
I sat up straighter in Griffin's embrace.
“Let me help. Let me clear Father's name and do some good. I know how to fight, and studying is a passion of mine. I could help research the cure.”
I’d never given much thought to why Father had insisted I train. I figured it was his military heart or to protect myself if needed. Now, I wondered if he somehow knew I would eventually need the skills and was preparing me for this situation.
Regarding the teeny tiny, little problem of my magic... I’d have to give that some thought.
“You can help. We will be with you through the end.” His lip tipped up. “As E.Z. said, ‘You’re one of us now. Get comfortable.’”
Despite the levity of his words, there was an underlying gravity to his tone. It shifted the mood of our conversation, and the moment suddenly felt charged. We sat looking into each other's eyes, my fist gripping Griffin's shirt to hold him close.
“And Kaia,” Griffin said, our breaths mingling. “Any man would be lucky to be called your Keeper.”
I looked down, not entirely believing his sentiments, but Griffin fingers on my chin turned my face back to his.
His demeanor changed. His body hardened, his arm tightening around my waist. I felt his fingers digging into my side through the thick blanket.
“Kaia.” Griffin's eyes darkened dangerously. “I will find out who hurt you. We will end every man that touched you. Every man that watched it happen. Every man who knew about it and did nothing.” A growl vibrated deep in his chest, and I felt it inside my own. “We will end them and any man who tries to hurt you ever again. That is what it means to be ours.”
That viciously cruel statement, spoken in Griffin’s gruff voice, sent a shiver racing down my spine. His dark eyes swirled with restrained violence.
Gone was the calm I associated with him. He was passion and power and vengeance, yet I wasn’t afraid. Even as his arms locked almost painfully around my waist, I didn’t pull away. It only drew me closer. I felt safe and protected.
I laid my palm on his chest, closing the small space between us, and grazed my lips against the corner of his mouth. Such a minimal thank you for such powerful words.
I leaned back nervously, watching for his reaction. His tongue tasted the spot where my lips met his, and I kissed him again. I pressed harder, holding my lips to his, tasting the spot he’d licked. I didn’t linger, pulling back quickly, but I felt my world shift.
My head spun, and my stomach was filled with a warmth I had never experienced before. Neither of us said a thing as we held each other’s eyes.
I wanted to stay locked in his embrace and explore his lips more, but guilt rushed in. I had just lost Liam and I kissed another man. I looked down, breaking the connection. It hurt to do so, an ache growing in my chest.
“Let’s get you in bed,” Griffin said softly like he could see the thoughts swirling around in my head. “It’s cold and late. We have to be up at first light. We have half a day’s ride before we stop at our next location, and you won't get a shelter like this tomorrow. Get some sleep while you can. The guys left you the cot.”
I wasn’t cold. If anything, my body was overheated and energized, not tired in the least. I didn’t expect to sleep at all, but I nodded.
“Thank you,” I said, standing up. “For tonight. For everything. I don’t think I’ve said that to any of you yet.”
“Of course.” Griffin stood as well. His thick arms pulled me into his chest. Tingles followed his hands as they ran down my spine to settle on my lower back. The coarse hair on his chin scraped against my forehead as he held me tight.
I trembled and burrowed further into his embrace, surrounded by a smell that was uniquely Griffin. It was cloves and sunshine and fresh air, yet somehow different, wilder. I held him tight, breathing it all in.
His beard scraped the soft skin at my temple when he leaned down and gathered me close one last time before stepping back, opening the door, and gesturing for me to enter.
The feel of his arms around me, the warmth of his body, and the tingles along my spine followed me into the cabin and stayed with me long after I settled down for the night. I didn’t smell the stale air inside. It was Griffin's scent that wrapped around me like a blanket.
That night, I didn’t dream of torture, death, and murder attempts, as expected. I dreamed I was lying in a rolling meadow under the sun's warmth while a breeze caressed my face. I dreamed of tranquility and what life could be, rather than what it was. I dreamed of the future I had hoped for but knew wouldn’t be possible.
Chapter13
Kaia
“Good morning, Kaia Banana,” E.Z. chirped, looking down at me from where he was perched on the side of the cot. He barely fit, so he was mostly sitting on top of me.
