Page 8 of A Warrior's Heart

“Because I wanted to say goodbye.”

My heart leapt into my throat. I loathed goodbyes. Malik’s gaze locked on mine, and neither of us said a word. The light shifted above us as the water darkened outside the barrier. The sun was setting in the surface world.

Malik had no obligations to me. He was neither my lover nor my guard—though, a part of me wished for the former. Touch was difficult for me. Something happened when I was a child that had torn apart my self-worth and made me wary of nearly everyone. Malik had gradually helped me, whether he realized it or not.

And now he’s leaving me.

“Goodbye, then,” I said, stooping down to retrieve my bow. “I’ll be here at the palace while you and my sister go gallivanting around on a quest.”

Earlier that day, I had been happy to be in Avalontis. I’d thought there was nowhere else I’d rather be. Yet, now that Eva and Malik were leaving, I didn’t want to be left behind. The surface terrified me, but I would face that fear if it meant helping those I loved.

“You say you’re not a child, yet you throw a tantrum like one,” Malik said, eyeing me as I gathered the arrows.

I had the urge to stick my tongue out at him, but that would only prove his point further. Ignoring him would suffice. Once all the arrows were where they belonged, I strapped my bow to my back and left the field.

Malik followed. He was quiet as he walked behind me, and his silence only made me angrier.

How dare he forbid me to go with him. Gods only knew how long he and the others would be gone, and he expected me to sit around the palace twiddling my thumbs until they returned?

He’s such an ass.

When we reached the palace, I stormed up the grand staircase and headed for my chamber. My footsteps clacked on the tile floor, adding sound to my internal anger. His steps couldn’t be heard. I reached my door, and even though I told myself not to look back, I did so anyway.

Malik stood in the corridor, his glowing eyes watching me. He was beautiful and frustrating and I wanted to both punch him and wrap my arms around him.

I did neither of those things.

I stepped inside my room and closed the door before leaning against it. Tears burned in my eyes, and a few slipped free.

Lorcan had a life with his mate, and now Eva and Malik were preparing for a quest. It felt like everyone around me was changing, and yet I stood still, watching the world pass by before my very eyes.

After placing my bow near the door, I removed my sweaty clothes and went into the washing room for a bath. I hoped the hot water would not only soothe my sore muscles but soothe my mind as well.

Chapter Three

Malik

“I understand your concern, but you know he’s a good fighter.”

I listened to Eva try to convince me one last time to allow Troy to journey with us.

We had the supplies packed and were about to head out. The length of time we’d be gone was unknown, so we had gathered the necessary provisions but tried to keep the load light. We would stop in villages along the way for food and hunt when necessary.

“Troy is only a boy, and there’s no place for a boy in this mission. He will slow us down.”

Just another excuse. Troy could fend for himself, and he was quick on his feet. But I also knew that if he came along, I would be more focused on keeping him safe than on the mission. Perhaps it was the bond that had formed over the years of me guarding Prince Lorcan, therefore guarding Troy, that had me so protective of the younger male.

Or so I tried to convince myself.

“An archer would be useful to us,” Nereus spoke. I had trained the young soldier for the past three years, and I trusted him. This was his first real mission, and although I sensed his nerves, he also exuded confidence. Determination.

“See?” Eva said, hitting my arm with the back of her hand.

“I have given my answer on the matter,” I responded. “And I will not discuss it further.”

Reif joined us next, wearing a leather chest piece, black trousers, and boots. His long black hair was pulled back into a single braid, and the scar marring his left cheek made the scowl on his face appear even more deadly. He was the only male I’d ever met who stood at my height.

“Thank you for agreeing to come with us,” I said, sticking out my arm to him.