Page 17

“ T he running segment of training is barbaric,” Ingrid huffs, bending over her knees.

Emmy bumps into her as she passes, throwing a glance over her shoulder. “Come on, keep up if you’re going to run in our group.”

Ingrid mumbles something foul under her breath but picks up her pace again. I turn to Emmy, matching her pace. “You could be nicer. She’s trying.”

Emmy pouts, jutting her lip out. “I don’t want to. If we let you keep strays, you’ll be asking to keep the rogue gnomes next.”

I falter, not bothering to hide my amusement. “Gnomes are real?”

Deah chuckles, picking up her pace to match ours. “They are. We need to spend more time in Zindell.” She looks past me to Emmy then. “She’s too sheltered. She needs more time in the Valley and in town.”

“I’m right here,” I squawk, a child trapped between bickering parents.

“For once I agree. You need to get out more,” Ingrid calls from behind us, still huffing and puffing.

Emmy looks over her shoulder again, groaning. “Fine, Ingrid can stay.”

Deah claps her hands, still managing to hold Emmy and I’s clipped pace. The only thing I have naturally excelled at here has been running. “Let’s get approval to go into town tonight,” she squeals. “We can go search for gnomes on the way in. I won’t even dispatch us, promise.”

We grab an early dinner in the dining hall and all break off to get ready to go into town. As Deah had put it: “We can’t go into town and not get noticed.” So here I am, coming back to our room with an arm full of Ingrid’s spare street clothes.

Deah is nowhere to be seen, likely waiting for me at the front entrance. I hastily pull on leathers that accentuate every curve I have, and a top that fits more like a brassiere. It exposes my mid-drift, and a hint of the side of my breasts. The overlay is sheer, so the coverage seems moot anyhow.

I glance in our small mirror above the dresser and notice how much muscle I’ve put on since arriving. I might actually be attractive for the first time in my life. My long blonde hair is thicker than it’s ever been, my skin flush with color even while living within a cave. I’m emboldened enough to swipe red lipstick across my lips that Ingrid had passed to me earlier.

To finish, I pull on black heels that Lamond would probably scream at me for wearing and jerk the door open.

Poking my head out of the room, there is still no sign of Deah. Our room is close enough that I can hear murmuring in the training hall even from here, so I take the shortcut hallway toward it. Stepping into the drafty space, I spot a shirtless, very sweaty Ridge sparring with Laz.

Oof. This male is chiseled everywhere .

Forcing my eyes off his sculpted body, I breathe sharply through my nose, turning to move quietly back down the hall. My heels click loudly against the stones, and I curse myself for choosing beauty over functionality. The heavy footsteps behind me cause me to flinch.

“Aledrya.”

The skin on my cheeks is scorching as I face Ridge. “Sorry to intrude. I didn’t know you were sparring with Laz. I heard voices.”

Keeping my eyes on his face is becoming increasingly difficult. I have never seen someone with so many cuts of muscle. I don’t let myself think about the markings down his chest, either. His skin glistens with a layer of sweat that makes my mouth water.

Abovesake, what is wrong with me ?

Someone is not having very pure thoughts, Artemis snickers. I ignore her, still staring at Ridge.

At his eyes. Not his delectable physique.

Ridge lets his gaze slip for a moment though, noticing the sorry excuse of a shirt I’m wearing, and likely the marking spanning my bicep that is usually covered. He brings his attention back to my face.

“Where are you headed tonight?” His quirks up a brow, still smirking down at me.

“Out.” I raise my chin, not giving him more than he gives me. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your training. I’ll let you get back to it.”

“I wouldn’t have come over here if I didn’t wish to speak with you,” he counters, a coy smile forming. “Can’t say I’m familiar with the bar Out . Tell me more.”

Based on your heart rate, things must be getting very interesting, Artemis taunts down our tether.

There are times I forget she can hear my side of conversations and feel my emotions. Unless I can ever master tuning her out.

Must you be so involved in everything? I snip.

She huffs. Barriers, Aledrya.

“Just heading into town with Deah, Emmy, and Ingrid,” I tell him, bracing for backlash.

His gaze dips again quickly, then flickers back up. “Enjoy yourselves.” Ridge turns to head back into the training room.

“Wait,” I call out after him, and he pauses, turning to face me. “Do you want to join us?” I shift on my feet uncomfortably, waiting for his reply.

Ridge stiffens, his expression turns bored in an instant. “That seems like something friends would do. I don’t believe we’re friends,” he remarks, rubbing at his stubble.

“You’re helping me. That’s something I would do for a friend,” I counter, crossing my arms. The movement makes me aware of how exposed my skin is .

If Ridge notices, he doesn’t allow it to show. “I think you are confusing my caring about the wellbeing of others in the Ravels for friendship.”

That felt like a blow more than it should have.

The onslaught of disappointment threatens to rattle me. “I never see you walking Deah or Emmy to their rooms. That seems like something people who are friendly do.”

“I’m not training Deah or Emmy,” he shoots back. I detest how much reasoning his response has.

I drop my arms again, rolling my shoulders back. Ridge stiffens at the unobstructed view of my chest, but keeps his eyes locked on mine. “Very well. I misread the situation. Have a wonderful night of sparring.” I turn, flipping my loose hair over my shoulder.

Displeasure floods me in a way I’d prefer not to dwell on when he doesn’t call after me. I keep my chin high anyway as I approach the corner in the hall. I dare one glance back, breaking my stride.

Ridge is standing there, eyes directed toward the curves the leather is showing off, watching me leave. His gaze briefly meets mine, then he immediately returns his attention to the training room. I can’t help but note his back is just as impressive as his chest.

My cheeks burn with a grin, my steps lighter as I cross into the next hall.

Oh, you are in so much trouble, Artemis warns.

I smile, nodding at the guards passing by. He’s not interested.

You are, she counters quickly. I think you should at least keep training with him.

For your entertainment? My head is down in concentration, hardly noticing the people passing by.

He’s the only one who forces you to actually do anything.

He’s miserable to be around. I push away the memories of our training in the Pass. It had been days ago, but the words still hung in the corners of my mind.

He didn’t seem so miserable at the end of your last training, she grumbles in response.

“Aledrya.” A gruff voice jars me from my conversation. I stop, turning to find Lamond and two plainclothes officers flanking him.

“Hi, Lamond.” I nod to the two men behind him. They both grin earnestly at me, until they notice Lamond’s sneer in their direction. His scrutiny makes them stand rim-rod straight.

Embarrassment of my lack of clothing radiates through me, nervous sweat beginning to form. Past Lamond, I can see Deah and Ingrid making their way through the crowded hall.

“Where are you going?” Unlike the way Ridge asked, Lamond’s question feels accusatory. His gaze rips down over my outfit, and it’s anything but flirtatious. The look takes me right back to the Pickled Gnome, where he flung insults at me.

“We’re going into town. Deah got permission—”

He rudely holds his hand up. “No.” His voice is hard, throwing me off completely.

“What do you mean, ‘no’?” I narrow my gaze at him, the sentries behind him sharing a wide-eyed look.

“I mean, last time you damn near got people killed, so no . You cannot go into town without a proper escort.” He crosses his arms, sizing me up.

Deah and Ingrid stop behind the officers, peering around their shoulders at me. “Ready to go, Aledrya?”

“Almost,” I supply, turning my attention back to Lamond. “You can’t tell me not to leave. I’m not a prisoner.”

“I never said you cannot leave, I said you need an escort.”

I squint at him. “Who would be our escort?”

He huffs a sigh that makes me wonder how I ever tolerated his presence. “Would you stop pitching a fit if I allowed you to choose?”

A smile spreads across my face. “Why, yes, actually.”

Lamond glares at me, but tips his head back. “I’m listening.”

At the bar, Laz rubs his palms down his face for what feels like the hundredth time in the last two hours. “Why did you make me come here?” he grouses, his golden hair ruffled after how many times he’s raked his hands through it.

“I already told you.” I set my mead down, my mind swimming happily. “I had to have an escort, and I’d rather not go at all than have Lamond here.”

Deah squeaks out a sharp laugh, clearly also feeling the mead tonight. “Lamond is sort of a buzz kill.” Emmy snorts, nodding her silent agreement. “A hot buzz kill, though,” Deah quickly adds.

“Yes, but somehow I’m now responsible for all of you,” Laz growls, knuckles whitening around his glass.

“I didn’t get to see a single gnome.” I ignore Laz entirely; Emmy barking out a laugh muffled by bar noise.

Deah swirls her drink. “Well, it’s Lamond’s fault we had to leave after sunset.”

Ingrid elbows me, causing me to wobble in my seat. I guess I’m a little more than tipsy. “Lower your voices, drunkards. Nalin is in the corner booth.”

I spin around, immediately regretting the reaction. As my world tilts, I grip onto Ingrid’s arm for stabilization. Deah giggles, steadying my other arm. When my eyes refocus, they lock in on Nalin. Somehow, I manage to stand, although I likely look like a newborn deer.

“Aledrya , sit—” Laz hisses, but I shake my head at him, shifting on my feet.

“I need to go,” I mutter in response, eyeing the exit. “It’s late and I’ve had enough to drink.”

Laz stands up, grabbing my arm. “Why the shift in mood?” He peers around the bar, confusion etched on his face. “Is someone making you uncomfortable?”

“Yes, Aledrya. Are you uncomfortable?”

Nalin appears next to us, sipping from his mead casually. One of his dark eyebrows is kicked up, waiting for a response.

I blow out a breath, wishing I’d not had so much to drink tonight. “Tell me the truth, are you here because Lamond sent you? I came with Laz, like I promised I would.” I wave a hand toward the blonde warrior at my side. “This feels like an invasion of privacy. ”

Nalin chuckles, setting the empty glass down on the bar, signaling for another. “This is a public establishment, is it not? So what if Lamond also asked me to keep an eye out for you? Is that really the worst thing?” His gaze flickers to Laz briefly. “You need all the protection you can get. You’re not used to being around the Fae yet, and your decision making is subpar at best.”

The words knock the air from my lungs. “It’s hard to prove I can do better when no one gives me the space to try.” I ignore the burning sensation in my chest. “Lamond needs to drop the overbearing act.”

Nalin scoffs, narrowing crystal eyes at me. “He’s still your superior, which means you need to follow orders.”

A low growl rumbles from Laz’s chest, and he glares down at Nalin. “That’s enough.” Nalin has the good sense to drop his smirk at Laz’s change in tone. “She isn’t doing anything wrong by being here.”

Nalin glares at me one last time before retreating to his booth.

My bottom lip trembles. I need to get out of here before my emotions take over any further. “Laz, I’m sorry, but I really need to get out of here.” I glance over at our table, the others watching with wide eyes. “Thank you for agreeing to come with us, but I’m not staying.”

Deah jumps from her seat, appearing next to us. “I could dispatch us?” she suggests quietly.

Laz waves his hand, shaking his head assertively. “Absolutely not.” He looks between us. “You two will end up in the heart of Wastelands with how drunk you are. We’re walking, and we can talk about what happened on the way.”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Laz,” I say again, frustration creeping into my voice. “Please, I need space.” Without waiting for a reply, I rush for the exit, desperate for air.

I need out of this bar, out of the presence of people, so I can release the dam on the emotions lodged in my throat. Laz is still on my heels as I push through the door; cool air comforting me.

“Why are you so upset?” Laz presses; Deah right behind him, peering at me with worry in her eyes .

I don’t want to explain to Laz how tired I am. Tired of not being trusted. Tired of trying to sort out my feelings about Ridge. All I want is to be alone.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll see you both in the morning.” I turn, but Laz grabs my upper arm once more; only this time there’s a strange sensation along with his touch. “What was that?”

His mouth presses into a hard line, but his eyes soften. “One of my powers is to read emotion. I hate to do it, but you’re acting strange. I need to know everything is okay.”

Now it’s my turn to pale. Come get me, I plead down the tether.

Already halfway there, troublemaker.

“What does it mean to read someone's emotions?” I whisper, his grasp still firm on my bicep. I’m halfway afraid to know the answer.

A cool breeze pushes off the mountain, but it doesn’t squash the forming nausea from Laz’s words. The street is mercifully empty of other patrons, save for the three of us.

“I can sense your true feelings…even if you’re trying to repress them.” He winces, dropping his hold. “I didn’t realize you felt so distressed, and I’m sure I’ve added to that by reading your feelings without permission. I’m sorry.” He glances at the bar. “Can we please go back inside? Nalin is going to report this to Lamond if you disappear.”

A wind from above breaks the standoff between Laz and I. Artemis flaps her wings slowly, landing daintily on the cobblestone street.

Laz shoots me an incredulous look. “You can’t be serious. Not only do you want to risk getting into trouble by disappearing, but you also want to drunkenly fly home?”

“I-I can’t be here.” I turn and head towards Artemis. It had been a few months of rigorous training at this point; I could handle minutes of flight after a bit of mead.

“Wait, I’ll ask Adonis to come,” Deah shouts over Laz’s shoulder, but he shoots her a warning glare.

Hesitating by Artemis, I soften my gaze at Deah. “No, you stay and have fun. ”

“Aledrya, talk to me. I’m sorry for what I did, but I’m worried!” Laz shouts from just outside the bar, not daring to infringe on Artemis’s space. Deah still hovers behind him, shifting on her feet from the chilled air.

The urge to cry returns, and I shake my head. “Let Nalin think what he wants. I’m heading back.” I turn and mount onto Artemis’s back, somehow feigning enough sobriety to do it in one go.

For the record, I think this is an awful idea, Artemis tells me, beating her great wings. Do not, under any circumstances, let go of me.

We catch the wind, soaring toward the Ravels. When I look back, Laz and Deah are still standing outside watching, as if still willing me to change my mind.

All I need is space. Breathing room where no one is hovering over me; waiting for me to slip up.

The second Artemis lands on the Overhang, I barrel over to the opening and tumble smack into the Blocks. It knocks me back flat on my ass, lightly skidding across the dirt. I curse the shoes, ripping them off as I stand up. Holding out my palm, the opening illuminates then falters.

“ Shit ,” I hiss, trying again. Tears still burn my eyes, but I don’t allow them to fall.

Repeating the same process, I hold my hand firmly to the Block to get it to disengage, only this time it zaps me.

Locked out.

Of my own home.

I turn to Artemis. “Do the Blocks shut off at a certain time?” She clacks her beak at me as if that’s an answer. “Got it, you don’t know.”

I pace back and forth for a moment, before stopping beside Artemis. “Could you fly me to the front entrance?”

A snap of her beak.

“ Please ,” I amend.

It takes us longer than I’d remembered to fly from the Overhang to the front entrance to the Caves. She lands on the precariously narrow edge, leaving me a small sliver of room between her and the mountainside to dismount. My hands quiver with nerves as I make my way around her toward the Block.

I walk to the door, placing my palm on the pad that should admit my entrance. It zaps me and falters, like the Overhang Block had.

My breathing turns uneven, the warm rush of alcohol leaving my system in an instant.

I rub my eyes with my palms, blinking back tears I desperately need to not fall. Do we just sleep on the Overhang?

Artemis ruffles her feathers, angling her head as if considering. After a moment, I finally get a response.

You’ll come with me, she tells me firmly.

What about Laz and the others?

Artemis blinks her big, yellow eyes at me. Apparently, you are the only one locked out. Ganthral confirmed the Blocks are working for the others. He won’t tell me more than that.

My teeth could turn to dust with how hard I grind my jaw together. Let’s get out of here.

I mount and we take flight again, back in the direction of the Overhang. We pass it though, flying away from the mountain. After ten minutes of flight, she descends into a deep valley. The area she lands is lush with grass, protected by a circle of trees. The temperature down here is much warmer, the wind a gentle caress. I blink, taking in the sacred haven that is Zindell.

Birds lightly chirp above, settling into nests in the trees lining the bowl of the valley. Deer feed on the deep grass around the edges; unbothered by the giant warriors that call this place home.

Orion pops his head up from where he’s resting, focusing on me. He blinks a few times, as if remembering who I am before settling back in. When I look past him, I see hundreds of Phoenixes all resting peacefully, a handful on watch. Artemis leads me near Adonis and Hans, and they nestle in near each other.

I thought you’d be more comfortable around familiar Phoenixes, she tells me, offering a spot to lean against her .

I take it, leaning my head on her side. I’m sorry you had to come retrieve me. My heavy eyelids are becoming increasingly difficult to fight.

You are my person. There is nothing I would not do for you, Aledrya. Now rest.

Her voice is what drags me under into a deep sleep.

“Get up.” A slender hand grabs my wrist.

My eyes fly open.

Abacae somehow found me again, just like he promised. He’s so much more horrifying close up, his large mouth and needle-like teeth curl into a broad smile. His nearness allows me to see his stringy, black hair under the hood of a torn cloak. His soulless eyes peering into mine.

“I told you that you would be seeing me again, girl.” His breath is positively foul. “Tell me, did you enjoy seeing what I did to Westyn?”

“You’re disgusting,” I spit in his face.

“And you’re all alone,” he lilts, grabbing my collar and lifting me off the ground. “No big, strong warrior to save you. No Phoenix to save you.”

I kick and thrash against him, but he lifts me from the earth. I have no leverage.

“I’ll make you plead for death,” he hisses.

“Aledrya.” A firm male voice rattles me.

I gasp, slinging myself into a sitting position, panting. It’s still dark out, and in a panic, I start to flail in an effort to get away.

“Aledrya.” I stop fighting against the touch. “It’s Ridge.”

I blink as Ridge comes into focus, crouching on one knee in front of me. He looks at me with such concern it makes my heart cleave in two. He drops his touch on my arm, slowly curling his hand into a loose fist.

“Why are you out here?” I croak, the nightmare still plaguing me.

He looks at me as if I’ve grown two heads. “Laz came to get me immediately after you left, but he wouldn’t share what happened. Thankfully, Orion was able to share where you were.” He looks me over, as if checking I’m unharmed, before looking me in the eye again. “I would have made it here sooner, but I was tied up with something else.”

Something that feels entirely too similar to jealousy hits my stomach.

“I’m fine,” I eke out. “My access was denied into the Caves.” My eyes burn from holding back tears that threaten to fall.

“Your—” Ridge locks up, shaking his head and blinking. “Your access was denied? That isn’t possible.”

“Ganthral told Artemis I was the only one locked out. Seems like it’s possible for Lamond.”

Ridge’s jaw twitches. “Why would Lamond want to lock you out?”

The dam breaks, and I burst into tears.

Ridge freezes, his eyes filling with shock. I’d relish in him looking so unassured if I wasn’t sobbing uncontrollably. “Aledrya,” he murmurs, his fingers grazing my shoulder before finding my chin. He pushes up on it so we’re eye to eye, concern veiling his usually tense features. “Please don’t cry.”

The feel of his touch against my skin makes me draw in a shaky breath. “I’m sorry. It’s just…” I force a second steadying breath, calming my racing heart. “The lack of trust is getting to me. I’m really trying, but even you seem to withhold important information from me. And Lamond never fails to check in on me; I can’t even go into town for drinks without someone watching me.”

I force myself to meet Ridge’s stare before continuing. “Nalin told Lamond I’d disappeared from the bar, and that I’d left Laz. I suppose being locked out is my punishment for that.”

I’ve never seen a male radiate fury like Ridge is right now.

“For leaving the bar without a bodyguard ?” Ridge grows eerily still, the muscle in his jaw jumping. He lets his hand fall away from my chin, a chill running over my skin at the loss of his touch. “We’ll deal with that later. For now, you need somewhere to sleep. Do you want to remain out here or come with me?”

I don’t hesitate with my answer. “I want to go with you. ”

His attention shifts to Artemis, who has been standing protectively behind me.

“For the record, I would have stayed here with you if that’s what you wished for. I wasn’t planning on staying at the Ravels tonight. Are you fine with that?”

I mutely nod in response, swiping away the last of the tears.

“We also need to dispatch, so please refrain from vomiting on yourself.” He regards my current state before adding, “Or me.”

He grabs my hand, and within a heartbeat, we’re standing in front of an enormous, stately home.

It stands at the edge of the water, a warm yet agreeable breeze pushing off the sea. The house itself is more akin to a castle, its formidable and squared frame lined with dark stone. Black and rose gold flags I can’t make out fly high, and a few guards stand in front of the oversized glass front door. Mystic lights glow from inside the windows, giving it a warm, beckoning aura.

“Do you live here?” I gasp, following him to the door.

He says nothing, but acknowledges the guards before leading us inside. The inside of the house is somehow even more grand than the outside. Lustrous, black marble flooring runs all through the home, with curved archways leading into a grand living space. Bright purple and pink flowers in pots at every entryway, and floor to ceiling windows looking over the Tridonic Sea. I can only imagine they offer plentiful sunlight during the daylight hours.

I follow Ridge through a hall with towering ceilings, glossy wooden doors lining both sides. He stops at one halfway down the hall, opening it.

Following him inside, I take in the massive open space. The four post canopy bed sits against the wall in the middle of the room, the bedding reminding me of a cloud. A plush rug under it, making the room feel even warmer, perfectly blending with the light wooden furniture and white bedding.

I peek into the bathing chamber and gape in wonder at the sleekness of it. Black marble flooring flows in here, too. Thick, fluffy white towels folded neatly on the grand white quartz bathing counters, and matching rugs on the floor that look like they’ve never been stepped on. There is an in-ground bath with a view out over the Tridonic Sea.

“Who all lives here?” I breathe, turning back to Ridge, who is watching me from the bedroom door.

He shrugs, looking off toward the windows. “Depends on when you ask. You’ll see a few people and guards milling about.” He clasps his hands behind his back, finally looking at me. “Are you in need of anything else?”

I shake my head, returning my attention to the magnificent gold accents sprinkled throughout the bathing room.

“Very well. Good night.” He closes the thick wooden door behind him with a thud.

I stalk over to the side of the bed, sinking down on the edge. It even feels like a cloud. I reach for my shoes, before realizing in horror I don’t have any on.

Abovesake.

I pull off the leather pants, then the sheer shirt. I don’t bother closing the curtains. If someone wants a show, they can have it.

Ripping open the armoire, I’m taken aback to find nightgowns hanging. Plucking one off a hanger, I pause to run a finger over the cool silk material, slipping it on. A bath is in order, but my head is pounding, and dawn will be here soon. Instead, I opt to slide into the bed, groaning at the feel of the butter soft sheets.

Tomorrow is a new day.

I try not to think about how I’d felt when Ridge had comforted me. The lack of judgement when my emotions had overflowed.

The tiniest sliver of trust he’s given me by giving me somewhere to stay.

Perhaps he would prove to be a hero after all.