Page 22
A llegedly, part of catching a gnome is setting a good trap. Or so Emmy claims. Never mind that she’s never caught a gnome, nor seen one in person.
Also, no mind that we are all drunk off our asses, stumbling about like newborn deer.
Artemis and Ganthral sensed we were close to the Ravels, joining us and taking cover in the trees above to keep watch. Soon, Solay and Adonis flap their great wings above, announcing their presence as well.
Emmy squints as she watches Solay land. “Don’t you have anything better to do?” she snaps at the branches above where our birds are hidden from our view.
A snap of a beak, followed by a squawk. Emmy rolls her eyes.
“What did she say?” My eyebrows raise in question.
“She said no. They took bets,” Emmy gripes, turning back to our trap. “Overbearing fowl.”
The trap is simply a hole in the ground covered with leaves. It took us nearly an hour to dig it, and we had to use Emmy’s heeled sandal.
I can only imagine how deranged we look, elbow deep in the dirt digging with a shoe.
“Why would a gnome even come over here? It’s just leaves,” Ingrid complains, rubbing her temples. When she pulls her hands away, dark brown dirt smudges mark her skin.
Emmy waves her question off. “Patience.” She gestures for us to follow her. One by one, we crouch behind a bush a few feet away from the trap. As Emmy snaps her fingers in a series of zig-zags, a steaming plate of food instantly appears next to the leaves we pushed over the hole.
“How did you do that?” Deah and I both demand at the same time, focusing on the tray that looks an awful lot like the ones at the Ravels.
Emmy’s smile is smug as she assesses her food placement from our spot behind the bushes. “You never asked what kind of power I can summon.”
Deah stares ahead for a moment. “I always assumed your powers were being able to piss anyone off, or super strength.” Emmy slaps her arm in response.
“The power, Emmy,” I remind her, snapping my fingers to get her to focus.
“I can recreate objects, so long as I can picture it in my head.” She wrinkles her nose in the direction of the steaming food. “I don’t have a clue if it tastes anything like it should, though. I suppose we’ll find out.”
We stay in this crouched, uncomfortable position for what feels like hours. Quietly watching to see if a gnome will fall into our trap.
A question has been looming over me since we got here.
Did Lamond send Ganthral? I ask Artemis, even though I have a feeling I know the answer.
A slight rustle of feathers above, the branch creaking. Yes.
I grouse to myself, and Emmy cuts me a glare. We talked at the bar, and it seemed like he understood where I was coming from.
It would be hard to believe he would instantly change his ways, Artemis admits. In this instance, I don’t blame him. This is moronic.
I can’t help the resentment slithering into my mind, burrowing itself there. While that’s true, he didn’t need to send Ganthral. You’re here.
“Erm, Aledrya? Could you possibly stop setting fire to our cover?” Ingrid whispers, shifting uncomfortably.
I snap my attention to my hands. “Shit, sorry.” Smacking at the fire, plumes of smoke rolling off the bush.
Movement across the forest makes all of us freeze. Even the Phoenixes above are uncharacteristically quiet. The bush still smokes in front of my face, casting an ominous scene across the forest .
A small creature with a hat so oversized it hides any hint of eyes pokes its head around the thicket. Moving slowly, the small gnome emerges from the greenery, slightly trembling. Looking back and forth, assessing if it’s safe, it darts toward the plate. Now that the gnome is closer, I can see it looks to be a he . His beard hangs down to an oversized stomach, and he wrings his hands in front of his beard as if nervous.
I suddenly do not like this plan at all.
“Don’t move,” I bark, shooting up. The gnome freezes, turning his face toward me, shaking. Now that I’m standing, I can see how tiny he is. He barely comes to my knee. “I won’t hurt you. Just don’t walk over the pile of leaves, it’s a trap. We wanted to see a gnome in person.” Shame washes over me as I step from behind the bush.
He studies me for a moment, before speaking rapidly in a language I’ve never heard. He inches forward, keeping his head angled toward me.
“I promise we won’t hurt you.” I have no idea if he understands what I’m saying, guilt gnawing at my insides. “There are still three others in the thicket, so don’t be alarmed by them.” I turn, gesturing to the bush we were using as cover.
Deah, Emmy, and Ingrid rise clumsily, waving timidly at the gnome. He bows his head, his chin meeting his chest, before snatching the bread from the plate.
Ingrid clears her throat. “He’s speaking—” She cuts herself off mid-sentence, looking a bit dazed. “It’s an old Fae language.” The gnome nods vigorously in response. “I know it fairly well.”
Emmy marvels at the spell-master. “Of course you do.”
I can’t help but beam at my friend. “Is there anything you can’t do? What did he say?” The gnome’s eyes dart between each one of us, munching thoughtfully on the bread.
Ingrid looks at the bearded gnome, offering him a smile. “He said he offers his thanks for your warning, and the food smells inedible, save for the bread.”
Deah loses it in a giggling fit. Emmy crosses her arms, scowling at the bearded gnome .
“Ask if there are many other gnomes. And what is his name?” I push Ingrid, urging her closer to the gnome, still picking at the roll.
Ingrid translates, the gnome looking between us as he chews. Once she’s done, the gnome pins his gaze on me, talking so briskly I think he may be making things up.
She replies rapidly, making him nod. “His name is Gerrof. He said there used to be many of his kind, but there are only a hundred or fewer now. The only reason he came over was because he was hungry. They are forced to hide often, so food is scarce.”
“Hide from what?” Emmy’s eyes widen in horror, focused on Gerrof.
Before Ingrid can translate, the gnome starts speaking, arms flailing as he does. He gets more and more animated until he abruptly stops, shaking his head.
Ingrid blinks, asking something in his language before turning to us. “I guess he can understand us perfectly.” She nods in confirmation to Gerrof. “He says they don’t know what it is, only that it eats everything . They saw a flying snake—” She grimaces in my direction. “Since that day, gnomes and other creatures have been disappearing quickly.”
Deah’s face crumples. “That is incredibly sad.”
Something is approaching. Artemis’s voice is frantic; I can hear her shuffling above. When I look toward the group, I can see them having conversations with their Phoenixes as well. I cannot get to you through the trees.
Gerrof contemplates momentarily before darting off through the thicket. Glancing around, I’m noticing how far into the woods we wandered. None of us thought to leave markers to find our way out in the dark. Our birds were right to come supervise.
We all stand as still as possible, bile rising in my throat. “We need to get out of here. Get to the birds,” I whisper, not daring to look above. I have never seen the woods so still—so quiet. Even the insects have stopped chirping and buzzing.
Can you fly overhead and show us the way out? I ask Artemis, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.
A pause before she answers me. Yes, but it will be difficult. This part of the woods is dense.
“Artemis and the others are going to fly overhead to show us the way. We’ll have to do our best to track them,” I tell the others as softly as I can. A thought bubbles to the surface as my gaze lands on Deah. “Could you dispatch?”
“I can only do it if I know the layout of where I’m going. I don’t have a clue where we are,” she stammers, voice ladened with defeat.
Ingrid grabs my arm before I can respond, a low hiss slipping out. I follow her line of sight across the small clearing between thick trees, and I see why she’s unnerved.
A slender, spindly man stands across the way, swaying in the wind. His skin rotting away from the bone, face gaunt and pale. He snarls in our direction, revealing decaying, yellow teeth. I notice his hands then; they’re more like claws. Long, razor sharp talons tip each finger.
“Thinking about running?” he croons. His voice is something I could have dredged up in a nightmare. “Daft girls. Alone in the dark wood,” he taunts as he lumbers toward us. His movements are clunky and awkward, and I piece together with a jolt of energy that we may be able to outmaneuver him.
“Go,” Emmy squeaks. It’s all we need to spring into motion, darting through the thicket away from the blundering monster.
I hear wings flapping overhead, and I thank the gods that the birds could hear us. Ingrid runs in front of me, short black hair dancing behind her. We’re all barefoot, thanks to our time crouching behind bushes, but we left our hair down to go out into town. This could easily be a weapon used against us if we don’t get further away from the brute hunting us.
Huffing, I launch over a fallen tree, following Ingrid’s path. “Deah,” I pant. “I know you don’t know the layout, but you have to try to dispatch us out of here. I don’t think I can summon any of my powers while we’re running.” My senses are so disoriented, I have just as much chance to hit one of my friends as I do the creature.
She doesn’t reply. Instead, we run in silence for a few more moments .
“Stupid girls, didn’t anyone teach you not to go out into the woods at night?” The creature’s voice sounds closer than I expected. That jolt of energy goes down my spine again. “You’re Aledrya,” it crows, not sounding at all tired from the chase. “We have been looking for you, Bringer of Darkness.”
“What the Beneath?” Deah pants from beside me. We weave between trees, and I trip over a root. Somewhere in the last stretch of running, I lost sight of Artemis in the thick canopy above. “I can’t summon.”
The creature’s laugh is pure evil. “Of course you can’t. You’re no match for the Vase—” The last word is cut off, the shriek following it is deafening. We skid to a stop, and I slam into Ingrid with such momentum it topples us both over. Hoisting us both to our feet, I wheel around to assess the new danger.
“Holy gods,” Ingrid whispers, clinging to my arm still, breath still heaving.
Ridge stands between us and the creature, power rippling off him. He tsks at it, and I can only imagine the ire on his face. “You’re not allowed to be here, and you’re certainly not allowed to mess with any of mine.”
The creature hisses, retreating a step. “Overlord says otherwise,” it sneers at Ridge.
Ridge chuckles, low and deep. “He can come tell me that himself.” With that, he unsheathes his sword and approaches without a hint of hesitation.
The world revolves around Ridge. Everything about him commands authority. The creature attempts to flee, but Ridge throws his power out and slams the creature into the dirt. It flails against him, thrashing and squawking.
“What a pathetic death,” Ridge says smoothly as he stands over the creature. “The least noble, if you ask me, to die lying down, not even able to retaliate.”
He brings his sword down on the monster's arm, slicing through rotten flesh. Black blood bubbles as the creature thrashes against Ridge’s power.
“This is only the beginning,” it pants with quiet trepidation. “He won’t stop until he has the Little Star.”
Ridge looks bored. “Too bad this is the end for you .” In one swift motion, Ridge brings the sword down, separating the creature from his head .
Ridge pauses, wiping the sword with a cloth before tossing the soiled rag over the creature’s face. He sheathes the sword again behind his back, striding over to us. “What are you doing out here?” His tone is lethal, and he’s only looking at me.
Emmy gulps. “We were tracking a gnome.” She fuses her lips together, as if not wanting to reveal any more.
“Drunk?” he seethes, his focus still on me. His immense power is a veil hanging over the woods.
“Yes.” My voice is hardly a whisper, fighting the tears of relief and shame.
He says nothing for a long moment. He sucks in an audible breath, as if my honesty placates him. I try not to shift under his unrelenting attention. “We’re leaving,” he growls at no one in particular.
He waves his arm, and we’re barreling through time and space. Wind batters my face, and I know without looking that we’re standing on the Overhang.
He’d dispatched all of us with a flick of his hand. Including the Phoenixes.
“Go home.” He points to the Phoenixes. To my shock, they heed his order and scamper off like school children.
He then turns to us. “You three”—he points to Emmy, Ingrid, and Deah—“go back to your rooms. If we don’t see you at training in the morning, you’re dismissed from the Ravels. Have I made myself very clear?”
They nod in unison, but it’s Deah who squeaks out a “Yes, sir” before they dart through the Block.
I watch them leave before glancing back at Ridge. His eyes are like fire, focused wholly on me.
“Ridge, I’m—” He holds his hand up, and I clamp my mouth shut.
“You’re coming with me.” His voice is dark, a sharp edge to it. The displeasure with me is evident in his features.
He careens us through the universe again, but it feels like an eternity before we land outside his sprawling estate. A wave of comfort crashes over me like the waters beyond. I can’t quite place if it’s from Ridge or the house itself .
I follow him inside like a dog with its tail between its legs. He turns a corner, walking with such purpose I’m jogging to keep pace. We pass the room I stayed in last time, never breaking stride. There are grand double doors at the end of the hallway, and I realize I’m following him to his rooms. I say nothing as we cross the threshold, the doors magically sealing behind me.
His private quarters are similar to the room I stayed in, with imposing windows that face the water. There is an opening where the door should be, gauzy curtains billowing in the breeze. His bed is the largest I’ve ever seen; crisp, white sheets and a comforter that looks buttery soft.
Ridge finally faces me. He scans my face, no doubt finding a layer of dirt and sweat there. There is an unbearable burning in my throat, the words I want to say remain stuck.
“This is the last thing I expected tonight.” Maddening fury clouds his features. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”
My entire body turns to lead. The wine from hours ago has long gone from my system. “It was a mistake. We didn’t think a grotesque monster would hunt us.”
“No, perhaps not. But that doesn’t make your actions safe.” He bites out the words, his face hardening.
His words strike a nerve. I sigh through my nose loudly, my brows crashing together. “Why are you suddenly interested in protecting me?” My voice cracks, but I press on anyhow. “Let me guess, you would have done that for anyone within the Ravels, and I’m misreading your actions?”
Exasperation clouds his face as Ridge strides closer. “I may be struggling to communicate how I feel, but you’re clever. You know I treat you differently from the others.”
“You don’t strike me as someone who doesn’t communicate well. If you wanted me to know how you felt, I would.” His eyes flare at my words, hands clenching in and out of fists. “You’re forthright in every other conversation we have, it’s clear you don’t want to tell me how you feel. ”
If Ridge’s jaw tightens anymore, I fear it’ll crack. He leans in, my heart beating against my chest like it plans to escape. “Perhaps I am trying to save you after all, have you ever considered that?”
My exhale is long and shaky, my fingers trembling at my sides. “From what?”
“Me,” he growls, so close his scent of cedar and orange hits my nose and captures my heart in a vice grip. “Someone like you deserves a suitor who can give you the world.”
“And you can’t?” I ask, ignoring the twinge of sadness building in my chest.
“No,” he starts, his rolling timbre stroking down my spine. “Not the kind of world you deserve.” My eyes snap up to his, and I find nothing but steely resolve there. “There is nothing about me that is good, Aledrya.”
“I disagree.” My words are a whisper, but I mean them all the same. “You push me, you allow me to make mistakes. I don’t know what it is about you, but…” I force down an inhale, squaring my shoulders. “I want whatever it is you can give me.”
A veil of sadness washes over Ridge’s face as he takes in my words. “That’s my plight. I would give you everything,”he says softly. “And it still wouldn’t be enough.”
My heart beats harder than it ever has in training, during any attack. It’s an effort to keep my knees from quaking.
“You said you trust me,” I say, and he nods. “Tell me something no one else knows. Tell me something about you .”
I expect Ridge to baulk, but he doesn’t even flinch. He reaches out, cupping my cheek to hold my stare. “I want you so badly that I haven’t been able to think of anything else since the day you threw a fireball at me. You occupy all my thoughts, even when you shouldn’t.” My pulse goes from hammering to utterly still. “It’s difficult to be around you, because I know I can’t have you. Yet every time I push you away, I find myself wanting you more.”
“Who says you can’t have me?” My voice shakes, the steady hand caressing my jaw feels like a brand .
His hand moves to trail my throat, his eyes tracking their path. “I did. My moral compass may be shattered beyond recognition, but even I know better.”
Absentmindedly, I sink my teeth into my lower lip to keep it from trembling. Unyielding eyes fixate on my mouth, his lips pressing into a thin line. “So you’re not willing to give me what I want?”
“I don’t give a shit what you want.” His touch is steady as his fingers dust my collarbone. “I know what you need.”
“Then I suppose I need to get to my own room, if you don’t want to continue this.” I force myself to step back, his hand falling away. “I’ll sleep in the same room as last time, and we can forget this conversation ever happened.”
He says nothing, standing perfectly still.
My back hits the door, making me pause. “I’m sorry you had to come rescue us.”
He still doesn’t respond, his entire body like stone.
Forcing my hand onto the doorknob, I turn it. “Good night, Ridge.”
“No.” My mind is still processing the command as he strides across the room. “Fuck that.” With his words, he claims my mouth.
My entire body melds to his in an instant.
A hand slides up, cupping the nape of my neck; his fingers tangle into my hair. His kiss is so thorough and assertive, my knees buckle. I grab at his soft shirt, needing him closer, needing more of him. I part my lips to allow his tongue to find mine. He obliges my silent request, and my eyes roll into the back of my head as he explores my mouth with expertise. His hand moves to my low back, igniting the fire in my blood.
Pressing further into him, he reaches below and grips my thighs, pulling my legs around him. I follow his lead, legs tightening around his waist, my body relaxing under the stability of his touch.
My arms hook around his neck, propped on his broad shoulders. He nips at my bottom lip, and I feel like I could combust from that alone. He presses my back into the door, rolling his hips against mine. I sink each of my fingers into his silky hair as his hands hold us in place. Despite Ridge’s grit and strength, he’s treating me with a heartbreaking gentleness.
I refuse to let this kiss end, crossing my ankles and squeezing to hold him hostage. He draws in a sharp breath, palming my ass, rolling his hips against me once more, my skin singeing at his touch.
The fervor in his touch reminds me of the fire I adore, and when he rips his mouth from mine, I whimper. His smile at the sound is as wild as I feel.
“Greedy.” He tsks before kissing my neck. I lean my head back, giving him access to whatever he pleases.
I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that I was actually on fire right now.
“ Ridge .” I dig my nails into his back, the feeling of hard muscle and sinew under them. He smiles against my skin before pressing kisses along my throat.
When his teeth graze my throat, my hips involuntarily snap up, grinding against him. I draw in a sharp breath when I finally realize the sheer size of him, my hold on his shoulders tightening.
He moves to brush his lips over mine, a husky, dark chuckle rumbling in his chest. “You enjoyed that, didn't you?”
I whimper, bunching his shirt with my grasp. A groan leaves him as he reclaims my mouth, kissing me with such ferocity it makes my head spin.
Releasing his shirt with one hand, I let my fingers trail down his chest. Memorizing the indents and hardness of every muscle they run over. He stiffens when I tug on the hem of his shirt, his hand flying up to grasp my wrist.
“None of that tonight,” he murmurs against my lips.
Before I can protest, he nips at my bottom lip, earning a squeak from me. He turns, hauling my back from the wall. I gasp at the sudden movement, my head spinning. Striding across the room, he perches me on the edge of the bed, my skin feeling entirely too tight. He smirks, that dimple appearing on his cheek. With a wave of his hand, the nightgown I’d worn last time appears folded on his bed.
He hands it to me, his gaze remaining on mine, never straying. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back. ”
I nod, watching him retreat from the room.
When the door clicks shut behind him, I pull off my pants and shirt, slipping the nightgown over my head. Still reeling from our kiss, I remain sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for him to return.
He opens the door a moment later, carrying a glass of water. Setting it down on the nightstand, he tips his head toward it. “Drink it. Otherwise, you’ll be hungover tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” I say softly, looking up at him.
“You’ll sleep in here tonight,” he murmurs, watching me. This time, he hesitates, as if waiting for my confirmation.
“Yes,” I confirm, my voice sounding smoky and so unlike me.
He pauses for a moment longer, before stalking over to his armoire, stripping off his shirt. Even with his back to me, I still blush at the sight of him. His movements are so elegant and powerful, countless muscles down his back. I shift on the bed, leaning over to take a sip from the water Ridge had brought me.
He drops his black pants, making me nearly salivate on his comforter. I retreat under the covers to hide my blazing skin. The armoire clicks shut, and I watch Ridge wave his arm as he saunters to the bed, the lanterns dying out. His room is full of moonlight from the open windows, the sea breeze still floating through the air.
He slides in beside me, his warmth at my back.
In one swift motion, Ridge slips his arm around my chest, the other around my waist, pulling me to him. I close my eyes as he holds me against his bare chest, my power purring at his gentle touch. He strokes idly up and down my arm, kissing behind my ear.
“I warned you I am possessive,” he murmurs against my skin, still lightly running his fingers across my arm. “I hope you’re done considering what you want, because you’re mine now.”
I lean my head back into him, savoring his scent and touch. The way my body fits into his perfectly. He trails a finger along my throat, kissing the area where my neck meets my shoulder. Something about it feels so assertive— I submit myself fully to it, to him. A whimper escapes my throat, goosebumps pebbling my skin. He groans against my skin, as if sensing my thoughts.
“Go to sleep, Aledrya,” he tells me, settling in behind me, still wrapped around me.
At his command, I tumble into the best sleep of my life.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
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- Page 8
- Page 9
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- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22 (Reading here)
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