Page 35

I take off the clothes, wipe the mirror clean, and frown at my naked reflection.

The weight I lost is startling now that I look at myself. My collarbones jut out sharply. My wrists look too delicate, like bird bones. Dismay twists in my stomach, a sour note beneath the enduring comfort of the shower.

Wrapping the towel around myself, I return to my room and rummage in my closet for something that might fit me. Finally, I find a soft jersey skirt—a little faded but intact. I step into it and tighten the drawstring until it hugs my hips snugly. Better. Still too loose, but at least it won’t fall off the moment I move. I make do with a blouse that’s supposed to be fitted. After pulling on a sweater, I pile my damp hair on top of my head and pin it there with a clip.

It’s been a while since I wore glasses. I’ve never really needed them, but I always liked how they made me look intellectual. However, the one pair I had, Cassian stepped on.

Jerk.

I’ll have to get another pair.

The path to the palace’s main building is paved with smooth, gray stones and winds through trees and gardens. Afternoon light slants through the leaves, dappling the walkway in shiftinggold. Everything smells like pine and fresh earth. My feet move on instinct, but my chest stays tight with every step.

The main building of the palace rises ahead, an elegant mansion.

There was a time when I used to walk up and down these stairs with confidence. But now, it all feels strange. I pause at the wide steps, brace a hand on the stone railing, and draw a slow, steadying breath.

You’re not alone. Griffin is here.

The thought is a fragile thread pulling me forward.

The main office wing is on the second floor, tucked behind a heavy oak door carved with old runes. I hesitate just a second before pushing it open. I don’t bother with knocking.

The office is bathed in warm light, bookshelves lining one wall. A wide desk is cluttered with papers and maps. Two pairs of eyes turn to me.

I see Erik first, but I ignore him, my gaze seeking out the shifter who has been by my side for months.

“My mother is resting. Jerry is with her. I thought this was the best time to come talk to you, Erik. Am I interrupting?”

The words are spoken to the king, but my gaze is fixed on his brother. Griffin’s eyes, which were holding a hard tension, soften in a way that nearly undoes me. The knot that has been tightening inside my chest for days loosens all at once, like a fist unclenching around my heart.

“You’re not interrupting,” he says immediately, covering the distance between us.

My fear, my exhaustion, it all fades away at the sight of him. I don’t bother with the why of it. All I care about is that, somehow, everything in me knows I’m safe.

I take an unsteady step forward.

His gaze flicks over me quickly, taking in the too-loose sweater, the skirt I’ve hitched higher on my hips. His jawtightens almost imperceptibly, a flash of protectiveness crossing his face so fast I might have missed it if I weren’t watching him so closely.

I feel the undercurrent of tension, but my worries are gently put to rest by Erik.

“While we wait for the food, we should talk, then.” He gestures toward the elegant sofas.

I take a step forward, nearly tripping over my skirt, which has slipped down. Griffin catches me before I fall on my face.

“Are you alright?” he asks, his voice low, almost rough.

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah. I just—” I trail off, heat rushing to my face. I feel fragile and raw and stupidly emotional, standing here in clothes that barely fit, pretending I’m stronger than I am, like I have not been through hell and lost months of my life.

But Griffin doesn’t make me feel small. His proximity is like a balm, steady and solid.

“My clothes are too loose,” I admit, wondering why I feel the urge to cry.

“I’ll get you new ones,” he murmurs quietly, steadying me. “Today.”

His tone is calm, reassuring, like a firm, unbreakable wall in the middle of the storm that’s drowning me inside my head.

Erik clears his throat behind the desk, gently breaking the moment. “We don’t have to do this right now. The two of you have been through enough. Waiting a few days won’t change anything.”