Page 90 of Balance

How had that even happened?

“Besides,” I changed the subject. “If that’s the only thing, then let’s do it—I completely give in to my role, etcetera, etcetera.”

Miles scoffed, running his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, that’s not how it’ll work with us.”

“Thenhow?” I pulled at his sleeve. “Whydon’t you want to bond with me? What do we need to do?”

“I’m notlettingyou bond with me until you’re ready.” Miles sighed. “Anyway, wecan’tbond until we trust each other.”

My pulse roared in my ears—did this mean he didn’t trustme? “But… I trust you.”

“No, you really don’t.” Miles shook his head. He rubbed his hands down my arms, expression softening as he met my gaze. “But that’s okay, I’ve never really given you a reason to believe in me, and I don’t want to be a burden. I’ll prove to you that I’m strong enough, and then, maybe, we’ll move on from there.”

“Miles…” What was he saying? I felt lightheaded and queasy—I was losing him.

Even now his focus had shifted from me, turning to the distance as his eyes began to shine so brightly. This should be a sad moment, but even in tragedy, a growing excitement lightened the lines of his face. Adventure called to him, like an ancient knight of old, and he had no choice but to follow his heart.

“Is that mandrake?” Miles let go of my arms, pointing excitedly toward the rushing current. “I haven’t seen one inages.”

Or maybe he’d just seen a pretty flower.

Still though, I’d never seen one before either. This was a reason for celebration.

He rushed toward the river where a fallen trunk lay, with me following closely behind, until I also saw what had caught his attention.

The tree must have been washed down from upstream. The thinnest parts were all that held it in place, while the base, along with some exposed roots, rested further out into the water. Harsh waves pounded against the bark. But even against the onslaught of the river, the tree seemed steady enough.

“Crap,” Miles muttered, standing on the bough. The pressure was enough to cause the whole structure to sway unsteadily. His gaze lingered longingly on the purple star-shaped flowers nestled among the roots and soil. They still looked to be in good health—the fall must have happened not long ago. “I’m too heavy. It’s not going to hold me.”

I silently agreed; there was no way to walk or swim out there either. The white-tipped rapids were nothing to be trifled with, and the flowers too far.

Miles was still looking at the flowers. “Those would have been really helpful.”

I perked at that. “For your potion?”

He shot me a strange look, brows furrowing. “Well, yeah…” he began, but I didn’t stop to hear the rest. I’d slipped past him, jumped onto the bough and—thanks to several years of ballet lessons along with my extraordinary sense of balance—had made it out of Miles’s reach before he’d even had time to process what was happening.

“What are you doing?” Miles’s voice had taken on a sharp edge. But I couldn’t turn to look at him. I had to focus.

“Getting you flowers,” I answered, keeping my eyes on the prize. I was much smaller and lighter than Miles. It should hold long enough for me to get there and return.

“I don’t care about the flowers anymore!” He sounded close to panic. “Please come back!”

He barely spoke before a crack sounded from behind me, echoing loudly in my ears.

“Bianca!” his voice was strange—dominating and strong. He’d only sounded like this one other time: after we first met and he yelled at Finn on my behalf.

I instinctively jumped, turning towards him—but he wasn’t even looking at me.

His eyes were wild, hand reaching toward me. “Don’t move.”

My stomach twisted at the command in his voice and my panic rose.

It was then I felt it. The main branch—which had seemed so sturdy up to this point—was dipping under my weight. My vision fixated on the spot that held Miles’s attention. The place I’d just crossed now seemed ready to snap.

Despite my confidence, I was still too heavy. This never would have happened before. Curse Starbucks, their delicious pastries, and their calorie-laden beverages.

The rapids continued their onslaught, and my head felt light. This had been a very, very bad decision.