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As he was now.

Life isn’t a game, Jake. It is agift, coveted by those who would give anything to still have breath in their lungs—breath you and your kith take for granted.

Jake put his hand to his chest and massaged the muscles. He couldn’t understand why it ached, but then Raquel rolled toward him, nudged into his side, and murmured his name in her sleep.

Jake cursed and shoved himself to his feet. He needed some fresh air. He needed to move—anythingbut be near her right now—so he strode for Rian, who sat by the faintly glowing embers.

Hearing Jake, Rian glanced over and frowned. “You all right?”

“Fine.”

Rian eyed Jake as Jake sat beside him.

Jake didn’t meet his gaze. He looked to the mist instead. “Any signs of Edom?”

A beat, then Rian shook his head. “Nothing yet. I did hear a couple of Depraved about an hour ago, but nothing’s come close.” He paused. “What if Abecka’s not there?”

Jake leaned back on his hands. He’d thought about this a lot during yesterday’s travel. “Then best pray she left the thread.”

Rian stared at him. “Canyoufix it?”

“We’ll find out soon enough.”

Rian frowned, clearly unsatisfied. “Even if you can, do you think you’ll be able to convince your father to give his blessing without her?”

Jake shrugged. “We might not have a choice. Either way, I’ll find out tomorrow when I go.”

Rian heard what Jake didn’t say. “And what about the rest of us?”

“You’re heading straight for the palace—”

“Like hell.” Rian sat upright. “You can’t go at this alone—”

“I won’t be alone. I’ll be with Raquel.”

Rian gave him an annoyed look.

“The fact of the matter is that I can get there in about three hours. With the rest of you, it’ll take a full day”—seeing that Rian was about to object again, Jake rested a palm upon Rian’s shoulder and added—“you know it will, and we don’t have the time. Edom is already on the move. And who knows…I might even beat you to the palace.” Jake winked, but Rian was not convinced.

Rian’s gaze drifted to where Raquel slept, and then he glanced sideways at Jake. “You sure you’ll follow through with this?”

The question annoyed Jake, and he let it show on his face.

“I’m serious,” Rian said.

“So am I.” Then, “Out with it, man.”

Rian sighed and rested his arms upon his knees as his gaze drifted back to her. “You’re different with her.”

“I’m trying to win her heart, Rian.”

“Yes, but it’s more than that.”

“There’s nothing more,” Jake said. He almost believed it.

Rian appeared as though he almost did too. “She’s pretty.”

Jake felt a flare of defensiveness, but he smiled instead. “Makes it simple.”