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He seems to calm, steadying himself and reaching for a pendant around his neck.
I stand with him for some time, meditating on the implications of a fated mate before wishing him well.
I continue on, but all I can think about is her. Up to this point, I refused to check up on her, but I’m weak. I’m weak, and I admit it.
I find myself longing to share my heart with her, to make things right between us. Our fated bond gives me some insight into her spirit. Perhaps I should open my mind to it.
Closing my eyes, I focus inward, searching for any glimpse of Iara through the hazy veil that separates us. At first, I sense only faint traces, delicate tufts of emotion unformed. But then a wave of panic grips me, cutting straight to my core.
My eyes fly open, my breath caught in my throat. Something is very wrong. The intuition blazes through my mind with utter certainty. Far from crossing the finish line, Iara is in grave danger.
Fear for her safety overrides me as I swiftly change direction. It may already be too late, but I have to try. Our fight seems trivial now, compared to the possibility of losing her forever.
The fated bond hums, guiding my steps toward her unknown peril.Hold on, Iara, I plead silently. This time I swear I will find you. The mountain may have broken us apart, but I won't let it take you from me completely. Just stay alive until I arrive.
Fear surges through me as I swiftly change direction, rushing back the way I came. Iara is in danger out there, and it's all because I abandoned her.
I have no idea where she is amidst the endless peaks and valleys. But the panicked energy thrumming through our bond guides my feet as I race over the hazardous terrain. Something is horribly wrong. I never should have left her alone.
The frozen cliff sides blur as I relentlessly bound up them, lungs burning from exertion and the frosty air. The icy winds tear at my face as I push my aching body to its limits.
Thick, tar-like saliva clings to the back of my raw throat as I gasp down freezing lungfuls. Still, I force myself onward. My legs feel detached, mechanical pistons pumping tirelessly through the deep snowdrifts.
All that matters is finding Iara. This is my chance to make things right and to take back my foolhardy mistake.Hold on just a little longer,I plead silently.I'm coming for you. This cursed mountain will not take you from me completely.
My lungs are flames, my muscles screaming, but I can’t stop. Somewhere ahead, Iara is in mortal danger. Our fated connection thrums, an invisible tether reeling me toward her.
I scramble up jagged rock faces, along razor-thin ridges, eyes wildly scouring for any sign of Iara. Journeying alone, I relied only on my skill and wit to survive. Now everything depends on this ephemeral soul bond guiding my frantic steps.
With one last explosive burst, I crest the ridge, skidding to a halt. Before me, through the swirling snow, I catch a glimpse of scattered equipment. It’s one of Iara's scarves. I rush forward, heart in my throat.Please, let me be in time!
20
IARA
“Looks like it may storm.”
“Nah, it’ll blow west.”
“Well, I’m not taking any chances.”
The voices are loud and, for a second, I think they’re right in my tent. I sit up and groan. Unlike most mornings, it’s not my body that is sore, it’s my head.
“What?” I mutter looking around.
Oh right,I think, remembering. I was so tired after dinner that I just crawled into my sleeping sack. Which I never do. Well, almost never.
Falling asleep in Rylan’s arms after sex was the exception. Usually, I’m very regimented about preparing for the next day. Not last night.
“Damn,” I mutter as I stand up.
I poke my head out of the tent. The sun isn’t just rising, it is up. And I’m the last one left in camp.Fuck,I think.
Well, there’s nothing I can do about it now. I hook the flap open so I can get some light and turn back to my gear. My backpack is over on its side, some stuff spilling out of the top.That’s strange,I think. I sit down and pull the pack open.
Everything is crammed inside, all wrinkled up. I would never do this to my stuff. I glance outside. Did someone come in last night and go through my stuff? One way to find out.
I quickly remove every item, refold it if necessary and lay it out in my usual pattern. Then I count, my little ritual that saves me from going through the itemized checklist.
