Page 9

CHAPTER

NINE

“Uncle Jack!”

I’m on the ground in an instant, legs moving, chest constricting, and relief racing through me so fast, my head spins. It’s really him. He’s flesh and sweetness and trembling as I tug him into my arms, holding him so close, I’m sure he’s struggling to breathe. But shit, Jamie… here, as I live and breathe.

“Holy shit, kid.” I pull away, holding him by the arms as I peer into his face. Dirt smudges litter his skin, but he’s unharmed and bright-eyed. “Bloody hell.” I tug him close once again, pressing my lips to the top of his head and hugging him hard. “You’re okay.” Another kiss and I ease him back. “You’re okay, right?” I search for signs of injury. Search his gaze for distress.

He nods, his little bobblehead bouncing up and down as he grins at me. My gaze darts behind him, falling on Calythra. He’s speaking to Solan in Glowranthian (maybe), and his hands fly wildly in the air as he points to his right, signalling somewhere far off in the distance.

I follow where he points and don’t see anything but trees—a given, since not long after exiting a valley, we entered a forest.

“Cal said we’d find you.” Wide-eyed, Jamie glances at Calythra, something close to adoration on his smudged face. “He managed to get us away from the monsters chasing us.”

I feel the blood drain from my face while Jamie’s cheeks flush, his eyes sparking with wild, almost-frenzied excitement that I have little doubt is laced with fear. Fuck . I swallow the lump in my throat and pull him to me a third time while glancing in Calythra’s direction. His startling blue eyes are pointed in our direction, and while he’s smiling, it’s absolutely clear he’s on high alert—standing vigil, almost.

“Thank you,” I mouth, more than aware the words aren’t deep enough to reflect just how in his debt I am.

He dips his head, gaze unwavering, his almost-translucent skin shimmering in the sunlight.

“We must leave.” Solan’s deep voice grabs all my focus. My eyes travel to him, and just like every time since we shared our first kiss, the sight of him captures the air in my lungs. He’s so ridiculously beautiful. And mine.

The tilt of his head is minuscule, but I swear he knows what I’m thinking as I give myself the moment to enjoy him. Jamie’s back and safe at my side. Solan’s looking like he wants to devour me while taking a knee to worship me. The combination is heady. And for the first time since being in this world, surrounded by monsters and uncertainty over whether each breath I take might be my last, I inhale a breath that fills my lungs, my very being. Air and relief are a peace-giving mixture—who the fuck knew?

Before I can ask what the new plan is, I whip my head around. “Where’s Tahrionne?” It’s likely I’ve butchered his name, but still, where the hell is he?

Jamie squirms in my grip, trying to turn and point. “Tahrionne led them away. He said it was the only way to throw them off. He went north.”

My heart sinks. “He’s alone?”

“He’s clever,” Calythra interjects, his tone light but edged with purpose. “He had no choice. They were gaining on us, and he was the best decoy. It worked. We’re here, aren’t we?”

I glance at Calythra, my chest tight with worry. His casual demeanour might be an act, but his confidence is steadying. “And now?”

“We’re on the outskirts of Youlander Pass,” Solan says, his voice measured but tight. “It’s where we were supposed to regroup. We can’t stay here long.”

“No kidding,” Calythra mutters, scanning the forest with his sharp, ethereal eyes. “We spotted klaustras nearby.”

The mention of those monsters sends a shiver down my spine. I don’t need the reminder of what the car-sized, three-horned creatures can do. “Fantastic,” I mutter. “Last thing we need is to tangle with them again.”

Calythra gives me a toothy grin that’s somehow both reassuring and infuriating. “Don’t worry. They don’t usually go for seconds. Unless you smell like dinner.”

Jamie wrinkles his nose. “Do I smell like dinner?”

Calythra crouches dramatically, sniffing the air near Jamie. “Hmm. Maybe a snack. You’re too small for a full meal.”

Jamie giggles, and I shake my head, thankful for the levity even if my nerves are still frayed.

But Solan isn’t laughing. He’s scanning the tree line, his golden eyes sharp with worry. “We need a plan,” he mutters. “Without declaring ourselves to the realm, we’ll always be on the run. But I can’t….” His jaw tightens, and his gaze darts to Jamie, then me. “I can’t risk you.”

I step closer to him, my voice firm when I ask, “And what happens if we do declare ourselves? They’ll split us up. Reassign us like we’re inventory, right?”

Calythra’s expression flickers, his usual bravado dimming for a moment. He looks twitchy, almost uncertain—a stark contrast to his usual confidence.

“What?” I press, narrowing my eyes at him. “What aren’t you saying?”

He hesitates, his fingers flexing at his sides, the faint bioluminescence along his arms pulsing erratically. Finally, he sighs, glancing at Solan before addressing me. “There’s an option. It’s dangerous, but it might be our best shot. The Riftborn.”

Jamie perks up, his curiosity blazing. “What’s that?”

Calythra gestures vaguely, his movements sharp with emotion. “Think rebellion. A faction made up of those who’ve been wronged by the realm. Locals who don’t fit their rigid mould, sure—but mostly people like you, me, us.” He glances around the small group that contains three different species. “Those of us who weren’t born to this world. When the merges started and worlds collided, anyone who came through—whether human or something else—was treated as property. Tools. Soldiers. Experiments. It didn’t matter what you wanted; the realm decided your fate.”

He pauses, his steady tone turning brittle. “That’s what sparked the Riftborn Rebels. They’ve made it their mission to fight against the realm’s oppression, to demand rights for everyone—whether they were born here or dragged here. They believe no one should be forced to serve under the guise of survival. They believe in freedom. Democracy. Equality. The kind of things most of us thought were long lost.”

Jamie’s eyes widen, and I feel a knot forming in my chest. Calythra’s words burn with a truth I can’t ignore. It’s not just about us, or Solan, or even Calythra himself. It’s about everyone who’s been crushed under the weight of a system that sees us as little more than pawns.

Solan stiffens, his entire frame going taut. “Absolutely not.”

“Why not?” I ask, my gaze darting between them.

Solan’s golden eyes, wide with fear, lock onto mine. “They’re radicals. The realm considers them enemies, traitors. If we’re caught with them, there’s no coming back.”

“They also don’t give a damn about the realm’s rules,” Calythra counters, his tone firm. “You think the realm will honour your bond?”

The fuck? He knows about our bond? Do I have neon lights above my head? Hell, perhaps my scent has changed or something. I try to give myself a subtle sniff but catch Jamie’s attention. He’s looking at me like I’ve gone and lost the plot. I clear my throat, focussing on Calythra.

“Not between beings from different worlds. You’d be fighting every day just to stay together.”

The truth in his words lands like a blow, and I see the hesitation in Solan’s expression. For all his strength, his defiance, he looks scared. But when his gaze meets mine, something shifts.

He nods slowly as if coming to a decision. “We don’t have any other choice.”

Jamie raises his hand like he’s in school. “So… first we get my horse, right? You did stash it somewhere, didn’t you?”

Calythra barks a laugh, his grin returning. “Priorities. Yes, kid, we stashed your horse. He’s safe.”

Jamie beams, and I find myself smiling despite the tension. “Good. Let’s start there. I’ll come up with the next step.”

Solan turns to me, his golden eyes softening. “You?”

“Yes, me.” I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m capable of making decisions, and I’m not going to sit here waiting for someone else to dictate my life.”

He doesn’t argue. Instead, he steps closer, his fingers brushing mine. The contact is grounding, sending a quiet thrill through me. He needs this, I realise—this touch, this reassurance. And maybe I do too.

“Uncle Jack, are you and Solan boyfriends now?”

Bloody hell . My fingers twitch, but rather than releasing Solan’s hand, I hold tight. “Uhm.” I peer down at my nephew, my breath whooshing out of me when he stares back with curiosity and maybe a little amusement.

This kid’s met one of my old boyfriends, but it’s been a while. Who am I kidding? He was probably too young to remember. But boyfriend? Seriously? How am I meant to explain that Solan is so much more than that even though I don’t think we’re even officially fully bonded, which the arsehole still hasn’t explained properly.

Sure, we keep being interrupted, and there’ve been nonstop life-and-death situations going on, caused by monsters and plants who are determined to eat us and a realm that wants to enslave us.

Talk about one clusterfuck after another.

“Yes…?” I drag the word out.

“Huh. He’s so much bigger than you.”

And isn’t that a kick to the balls?

Calythra snorts out a laugh while Solan vibrates at my side. Arseholes, the both of them.

“He’s not that much bigger than me,” I say a little defensively. We all know I’m full of shit. Solan is wide and tall, and given half the chance, I’m sure he’d carry me around. Honestly, in the bedroom, I’m more than happy for him to do just that. And being engulfed in his strong arms is like being wrapped in a blanket more than big enough to swamp me.

But still, calling it out like that….

Jamie dips his brows, assessing the two of us together. “If you say so,” he settles on, ever the diplomat.

I roll my eyes, mainly at myself. I also nudge Solan with my elbow, since the dick is thoroughly entertained. Stopping short, I slam my hand to my chest. The fuck is that? I turn abruptly, staring at Solan, realising that I felt every ounce of his amusement deep in my chest.

Understanding fills his gaze. And yes, I bloody know that, too, despite no outward change. We communicate silently. No words push into my head, and thank fuck I haven’t developed the ability to mind read, but I sense warmth, reassurance, a plea to not panic. Each emotion is a pulse surrounded by affection that’s impossible not to react to.

I tug my hat off and press my forehead to Solan’s chest. This is not the time or place, and I swear to all that is holy that if those purple monsters burst out and attack, I’m going to go all John Rambo on their arses, but I need a moment to process. To feel. To not freak out. I sense Solan’s emotions. There’s little doubt he’s experiencing mine too.

There’s a shuffle at my side, and I tune in, but I’m not quite able to pull away just yet. Calythra has led Jamie a few steps away, talking quietly to him. Strong, warm arms wrap around me, cocooning me. I swallow back the bubble of hysteria that Jamie is right about how big Solan is. I love it and wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I’m okay,” I finally say, clearing my throat. Vulnerability is a curse back home—for a man, a farmer, and even a property owner. Fuck, even for an Aussie bloke. I take a breath before trying to bottle that shit up, but Solan knows. He’ll always know, right? What I’m feeling? The depth of my emotions? Is that what’s happening here? I’m not sure if that’s terrifying or liberating. Both, I suspect.

“I’m okay,” I repeat, this time receiving a gentle kiss on the top of my head before he releases me. My smile is quick to form and real when I peer up at him. He nods once before I step out of his hold and glance over at Jamie and Calythra.

As though sensing my attention, Calythra stops speaking and turns my way, Jamie following suit.

“So, the Riftborn….” Calythra’s words trail off, heavy in the air.

Solan’s jaw tightens, his large eyes darting between us. He still looks like he wants to argue, to shoot the idea down entirely, but something stops him. Maybe it’s the weight of everything Calythra just said before my realisation, or maybe it’s the way my hand instinctively finds his again, grounding him.

I squeeze gently, offering silent reassurance. “How do we even find them?” I ask, keeping my voice steady. “And how do we know they’ll trust us?” Or how can we trust them, for that matter?

Calythra lets out a soft huff, crossing his arms over his chest. “That’s the tricky part. They don’t exactly advertise their base. But I’ve got… connections. People who owe me favours. I can get us there if we’re willing to take the risk.”

Solan’s lips part, but he hesitates, his gaze flickering to me. “This isn’t a decision we can take lightly,” he murmurs, his voice low and deliberate. “The Riftborn may oppose the realm, but their methods are… controversial. If we align ourselves with them, there’s no going back.”

Jamie shifts in my peripheral vision, frowning. “Isn’t that better than being on the run forever?” His voice is small but determined, and it makes my heart clench. “They sound like the good guys.”

Calythra chuckles dryly. “Kid’s got a point. But trust me, Jamie—they’re not all heroes. They’re desperate, and desperation makes people dangerous. You’ve gotta decide if that danger’s worth it.”

I take a breath, letting the weight of the moment settle over me. “We need a plan. Solan, I know you’re worried, but we can’t keep running blindly. If we’re going to survive this—and not just survive but actually live—we need allies. If the Riftborn are fighting for the same things we want, then it’s a risk worth taking.”

Solan studies me for a long moment, his face etched with uncertainty. But there’s something else there, too—trust. He nods slowly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “If you believe this is the right path, I’ll follow.”

Jamie grins, a flicker of youthful optimism breaking through the tension. “Looks like it’s settled, then.”

Calythra’s sharp teeth flash in a crooked smile. “Good. But first things first—we’re not going anywhere without that horse of yours. What did you call it again? The Mountain?”

Jamie laughs, his voice light despite the gravity of the moment. “No, it’s Ridge. But Mountain works too.”

“Right,” Calythra says with a playful smirk. “Let’s grab Ridge and get the hell out of here before we run into those klaustras . Again.”

The levity is brief but welcome as we start moving, weaving through the trees towards where Calythra stashed the horse. Calythra keeps up a steady stream of commentary, half for humour, half to mask his own tension. “You know, this ‘Ridge’ better not be as temperamental as the last horse I dealt with. That thing tried to eat my satchel. And by ‘thing,’ I mean it was basically a furry demon with hooves.”

Jamie snickers, and I can’t help but crack a small smile. It makes sense other horses have found their way into this world. I’m sure there’re some of my cattle roaming around somewhere. Even Solan’s lips twitch, though his shoulders remain taut with vigilance.

When we reach Ridge, the sleek black horse is exactly where Jamie said he would be. The animal tosses his head, snorting softly as Jamie approaches with a grin. “See? Told you he’s the best.”

Calythra raises a brow, eyeing the horse as though he might suddenly grow a second head. “I’ll reserve judgement.”

As we prepare to move out, Solan steps closer to me, his hand brushing against mine. I glance up at him, and his expression is softer now, his golden eyes warm and searching. The contact steadies him, doing the exact same to me.

Jamie notices, of course, because he’s twelve and impossible to evade. He tilts his head, grinning slyly. “You two are weird.”

“Thanks for the observation, kid,” I shoot back, my tone dry.

He shrugs, his grin widening. “I mean, it’s cute, though. Like… gross cute.”

Calythra laughs, a low, rumbling sound that echoes through the trees. “Ah, young love. Makes me glad I’m not involved.”

I roll my eyes, but there’s a smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in what feels like forever, there’s a glimmer of hope threading through the chaos. It’s faint, but it’s there. And for now, that’s enough.