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“I wouldn’t hike up that crater for a thousand griftas,” Malou said. “But suit yourself.”
“It’ll probably take you all day.” Navin stretched his fingers out in front of him. “And that’s if you’re fast.”
With a sudden rock of the wagon, my chest moved forward and slammed back into the unyielding wood bench. Grae’s hand slipped from the backrest and caught my head just before it smacked into the wood.
“Esh! Fast reflexes there,” Navin said.
I glowered at Grae. He should’ve just let me take the knock. It would’ve been fine, maybe the smallest bruise on my body at that point. My spine still ached from being stomped on by the Rooks, though Grae’s salve had helped. It’s the longest I’d ever remained wounded for, but I still didn’t want to risk shifting.
“Maybe you should go lie down,” Mina suggested.
Exhaustion hit me as though she had conjured it into being with her words. My limbs felt heavy, my head fuzzy, and I knew all of my energy was going into healing the many injuries covering my body.
“Good idea,” I murmured, rising on shaking legs.
The wagon rocked again and I tumbled to the side. Grae’s hands shot out, grabbing my hips and steadying me.
“I’m fine,” I snarled, shoving his hands away when he didn’t let go. No one seemed to notice the way I pushed him away, or, at the very least, didn’t find it strange. I was too tired to act like his wife.
He just said “Mmhmm,” and the next thing I knew Grae was standing before he scooped one arm under my legs and the other under my back. He lifted me with ease, climbing the steps up to the second level.
“They’re adorable.” Malou’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Put me down,” I hissed.
“You’re not used to being this injured,” Grae whispered back, echoing my own thoughts. The warmth of his chest radiated into my cheek. My limbs betrayed me as they wrapped around him, hypnotized by his warmth. “The last thing we need is you falling and cracking your head open. Plus, I’m supposed to be your doting husband, remember?”
“Fine,” I snapped, and he chuckled.
We reached my bunk and Grae gently set me down. He pulled away only an inch, his warm breath skirting over my cheek.
His eyes stormed with intensity as he said, “You must be tired.”
“Why?” I breathed.
His hand slid up my arm toward my fingers, still wrapped around his neck. “You can let go of me now.”
“Right.” My cheeks set on fire. I hastily released him and turned away.
“Sweet dreams, little fox,” he whispered.
“Thank the Moon we don’t have to sleep on that wagon again.” Hector shucked his boots and set them beside the roaring fire. The rocky ride had taken its toll on him and he still looked peakish.
I stared out the window, chill seeping from the pane. Below, the village of Hengreave was buried in snow. Mounds of grimy brown ice lined the streets, the steep rooftops dusted in white. How deep was the town submerged? I couldn’t see the cobbles or the bottom steps that led down from the raised houses.
“You should ride up front with Ora,” Sadie said, swinging her feet from the top bunk.
Grae had bought out the entire room, so we didn’t have to share with travelers. Two bunks, a seating area, and a giant clothes rack around a hearth to dry snow-sodden clothes. I was grateful that he hadn’t tried to get a suite for just the two of us. I didn’t think I could handle another night alone with him.
“I’ve got to keep an eye on you,” Hector replied, tilting his head and staring up at his sister. His shortly cropped hair was growing long enough to stick up at odd angles now and he brushed down his stubbly hair.
“I don’tneedyou to keep an eye on me,” Sadie retorted.
“I’ve seen the way that human looks at you.” Hector glanced at Grae. “Right?”
Grae laughed and continued unpacking his bag. “I’m staying out of this.”
“He doesn’t look at me like anything, and his name is Navin, notthat human,” Sadie growled.
