Page 194 of Where Darkness Falls

I don’t respond tothe niceties as I glare at my brother. “You’re supposed to stay here with me. I-I won’t make it without you,” I cry. “You can’t start a rebellion all by yourself, Cahir.”

Cahir’s face softens as he kisses my head. “I can, and I will,” he whispers.

I shove him away, my face growing hot with my rising anger. “I won’t let you,” I reply.

Cahir shares concerned glances with Amelia and Rolph. “May I speak with you both in private?”

Rolph glances around the small alleyway for any sign of listening ears. “Of course, Your Highness,” Rolph answers.

I pace back and forth as the couple speaks in hushed tones with my brother. With a nod, Amelia and Rolph exit the alley and return to the village square. Turning to me, Cahir offers a patient grin. “They’re going to prepare a place for us now.”

I breathe a sigh of relief that my brother has seen reason. I throw my arms around him as the tension eases from my body. “I’m so happy you’re not leaving me,” I say.

I bury my face into his shoulder, and he soothingly strokes my hair. Closing my eyes, I barely notice his shadows that swirl around us. Perhaps he’s attempting to give us privacy. I know many shadow wielders can create domes for such things. However, none of that matters because I won’t be alone.

As Cahir pulls back slightly, his eyes are glazed over with emotion, his palms on my face. His shadows swirl more violently as he quickly plants a kiss on my forehead. His blue and amber eyes glow brightly. “Forgive me, Maeva,” he whispers.

“Forgive you for wh?—”

Suddenly, I don’t remember what I was saying.

I feel strange, empty in a way. My head throbs as I try to understand why I feel so weird. I stumble over something, landing on the broken cobblestone floor.

Wait, where am I?

I look downat my clothes, noticing blood along the hemline and bodice. My shaky fingers hold the fabric, as if touching it would somehow bring back the memory.

Where did the blood come from?

“Are you alright, miss?” With a gasp, I crawl backward, my gaze landing on a strange boy with dual-colored eyes. His face is pinched as he watches me.

“Do you know where I am?” I ask the odd boy.

“You’re in Aurelius,” he replies.

Aurelius… Aurelius…

It’s not familiar to me, but it must be since I’m here.

But why am I here?

I glance at the boy. He’s attractive in a way I’m sure that most girls find him handsome. Yet, for some reason, the thought of being attracted to him makes me uncomfortable. However, his intense eyes reel me in, as if desiring to anchor me. However, it can’t be that. For some odd reason, I feel safe with him. I must have lost my mind because I shouldn’t trust a stranger. Yet, why does it feel like he isn’t a stranger at all? Something about him is familiar, but I just can’t place what it is.

A soft grin crawls along the boy’s face. “Are you well?”

I place my cold hands to my cheeks, hoping to cool my embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” I laugh. “But do I know you?”

The boy’s smile falls into a frown, a soft tear rolls down his cheek. He scrubs a hand over his face as his nostrils flare. “No, you don’t,” he sighs. “I saw you down here and thought I’d make sure that you’re alright.”

Why is he sad?

Have I unwittingly offended him by not recognizing where I am?

“I’m sorry,” I reply. “Did I say something wrong?”

The boy shakes his head, turning toward the opening of the alley.

When did I get in this alley?