AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If you’re worried about me upholding my end of the bargain, you needn’t worry.”
Miroslav pressed a hand to my shoulder as I shifted to pass him and return to Val’s cabin.
“It is notthatI am concerned about…”
My gaze drifted to the offending hand, feeling my patience wind tight, ready to snap. I knew it would take littleeffort for this male to sever the cord between my body and soul, but I’d always aired on the side of nihilism when it came to my own well-being. Though for the sake of Mareina…
Our gazes met briefly; the sudden softness - compassion - in his eyes made my stomach churn.
“I know my fate, Miroslav… What I do between now and then is not of your concern.”
Chapter
Fifty
MAREINA
The camp had already been set up when I’d emerged from the forest. Val had offered his spare room and couch to anyone who wanted them. I’d taken up his offer to sleep on the couch. Nakoa’s gaze had snapped to mine, but to my surprise, he didn’t protest. Perhaps he was trying to weasel his way into my good graces. We still hadn’t spoken since his and Malekai’s brawl.
The rest of Nakoa’solana kah’heihad declined, preferring their own palate of furs in their tents. Which left the bedroom for Malekai.
The group of us sat around the fire eating dinner, thanks to Famei’s cooking and Roderick’s hunting, when Malekai finally reappeared from the woods. His expression was neutral. Unreadable.To most.
I could feel the air heavy around him. His magic, which I could feel on a tangible level, restless. Tension knotted in my chest at the sensation. He had been fine only minutes ago…
Nakoa, standing on the other side of the fire, only threw me a cursory glance as he discussed something with Val, Lokus, Rayne, and Roderick. Pomona animatedly conversed with Vesper a few feet away. I had to do a double-take when I saw Vesper laugh.
Malekai plopped down on the tree-trunk-turned-bench beside me, offering me a small smile as though that would disguise whatever was bothering him.
“What happened?”
Malekai’s chest heaved with a loud sigh.
“Miroslav paid me a visit.”
I reared back. “Just now?”
A nod.
That slippery…I’d been about to call him a bastard, but… Considering he had basically given his life to protect Leilani, Malekai, and the realm…
Still, I couldn’t stifle my grumble. “Well, if you see him again, please tell him I’d like to have a word.”
Malekai’s gaze remained fixed on the fire.
“Care to share what you two discussed?”
“Said he didn’t want me doing anything‘impulsive’… Or interfering too much between you two.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’ve vowed my fucking life to this. It’s not like we have much of a choice.”
Silence settled heavily, and my mind wandered to the dream Malekai had painted of our future in Bein Sith Mór, giving my heart a bitter squeeze.
What I wouldn’t give for that.
“I’ll be right here with you, Mareina. Don’t worry. And who knows what the future will bring. Look where we were less than a week ago.”
