Page 73 of Where Darkness Falls

I clear my throat.

“The palace is haunted by wayward spirits and malevolent creatures that the mist cursed. The palace used to be iridescent with an ethereal glow and now is nothing but shadows and atrocities,” I say.

“Will I be in danger there?” Maeva asks.

“Not if we have any say in the matter,” Virgil growls.

“Agreed. We’ll make sure you remain unharmed. Luckily, the spirits and creatures fear us and tend to hide in the dark corridors. As long as you don’t wander too far from one of us, you will be fine,” I say.

She nods, dusting debris from her torn dress. “Let’s not tarry then,” she says. “I’d rather not risk the destruction of any other cities on my behalf.”

“Alright mates, onward to the palace,” Riordan says, clapping his hands together.

Without another word, we summon our horses out of our signets. Danté doesn’t hesitate before going to Maeva. He pushes Gawain out of the way as he nuzzles her hand. She strokes his head, and the bloody creature whinnies as if it were a colt.

“Traitor,” I whisper, nearing my mount.

She giggles as his snout huffs against her cheek. It might be the first true laugh from her since our journey began. It’s a melodic, sweet sound, and I instantly wish I could replicate it. She’s enchanting, and it’s not because she’s bewitched us or glamored us. Even my bloody horse is charmed by her, which is a phenomenon because Danté is rarely drawn to anyone. It’s just simplyher.

Her intelligence.

Her bravery.

Her heart.

Her beauty.

It’s hard not to be drawn to her.

“Are you ready, Rosey?” I ask.

Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I swear there’s a hint of playfulness within them.

“If you are, Emyr,” she says with a smile that could put every shining star to shame.

Siorai, give me strength.

“You’re not going to flail around like a pixie, are you?” I jest, holding out a hand for her.

“Only time will tell, High General,” she replies, reaching toward me.

Then Gawain appears, like the annoyance he is, putting space between us.

“I wish you well,” he practically yells, wrapping his arms around her.

I’d very much enjoy severing his arms from his body, were they not currently around such a rare jewel.

He whispers something in her ear, to which she nods, before he places a kiss on her cheek and backs away.

Gawain’s wrinkled expression gives the impression that he’s perhaps ingested one too many lemons in his lifetime from the way he glares at me. “You’ll not harm her,” he warns.

“I don’t plan on it,” I say, leaning in so that only he can hear what I have to say next. “But I’ll harm you if you ever come between us like that again. Don’t pretend to care for her when it’s obvious the only life you care to save is your own.”

Gawain’s eyes are pinched together as his face turns a new shade of red.

“That’s not?—”

“You and I both know it’s true,” I growl. “You had the opportunity to help carry her out of that rubble, but you didn’t. Stay away from her, or I’ll make sure you regret it.”