Page 83 of Fighting for Her Heart

A tiny spear of guilt stabs into me. I wonder if Mom could have protected Axe and Ryker if she’d had her amulet to anchor her magic? She’s given up so much for me.

Holding me, Zuben strokes my back. “I understand that you want to come with us,” he says softly. “But I will not let the Keepers of Light capture you.”

I look up into Zuben’s eyes, so moved by his deep concern, his deep love. Sliding his arm over my shoulders, he turns and we stroll together to rejoin Nora, and then the three of us walk to the car.

“There is no need for this motor vehicle,” Zuben says to Mom, making a face as he looks at the boring gray sedan. “I can quite easily carry you to the city and we will arrive just as swiftly.”

Turning back from the opened door, Mom crosses her arms over her chest. “I will not be carried like a child.”

Zuben’s brow furrows. “But, I would carry you as anadult.”

I smile. As much as Zuben’s changed now his barriers are down, he’s still my Zuben, literal to a fault.

Mom pulls me aside and into a warm embrace.

“Please don’t worry, Ember. Everything will work out as it’s meant to.”

“Just promise me you’ll bring back the men. I love them so much.” I glance down. “All three of them.” As impossible as such a thing seemed not long ago, it’s impossible to deny it now. If any one of the three were hurt, my heart would shatter.

“I promise you,” she says, “that you will see them again, and soon. It’s what’s meant to be.” Mom cups my face in her hands. “Never forget how special you are, Ember. How unique. You are descended from a goddess. You are Gullveig’s embodiment on earth.”

My heart rate accelerates. “If I’m a goddess or something, then shouldn’t I help? Shouldn’t I come with you?”

Mom shakes her head. “Listen to Zuben’s advice about that. It’s not safe. They’rehuntingyou. And you have yet to fully develop your powers.” She touches the amulet hanging around my neck.

I start to take it off.

“What are you doing?”

“You should have this.” I remove it and hold it toward her. “If I’m just hanging out here on the farm, I have no use for it. You might. It can strengthen your magic.”

“That is very kind and thoughtful.” Mom kisses my forehead. “But I don’t need it. I am able to focus my magic without it, butyoumight need it on the off chance they come for you.”

My chest tightens.

“But don’t worry. They won’t.” She slips the amulet back over my head, then cups my face. “They can’t find the property and I’ll be back very soon.”

“With Ryker, Axe and Zuben.”

“I promise you’ll see them soon.” She kisses my forehead, and then gets into the car.

As I watch Mom turn the car around and start down the lane, I concentrate on Zuben’s heartbeat, listening to the organ as it thumps hard and strong, and I focus also on his blood as it rushes through his body.

How far along on their travels will I be able to hear him? My own racing heart threatens to overtake the sound of his, so I center all my attention on Zuben as the car moves down the lane to the road.

We’ve only just truly connected; I’ve only just broken through Zuben’s fortress-worthy series of walls; I amnotprepared to lose him. Not even for a few hours.

Focusing on Zuben’s heartbeat, I run, following behind the car.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ember

I haven’t runthis quickly over this distance before, and certainly not while trying to track the sound of someone’s heartbeat and voice.

As they drive, Zuben quizzes Mom about how the other men were captured, making her repeat some details over and over and asking her to describe details about where they are being held.

Zuben always likes to ask questions, especially of my mom, but I’m starting to wonder whether he knows that I’m following behind—especially since he suggested that they avoid freeways and take back roads as much as possible.