Page 38 of Spirit Trials (The Spirit Kingdoms #1)

I eventually get tired of standing and drop down in the grass next to Harper.

I run my eyes over both of them for at least the fifth time.

They look just as dirty and as exhausted as I do, yet neither of them complain.

Terron comes back a few more times, but we decline each time.

And then he comes back one last time. “I have to take you back now.”

I look over at the woods. Come on, Rysden.

Relief nearly swallows me whole when Shade walks out from the woods with Rysden and several others a few steps behind him.

“They’re back,” I point out. I stand up and walk towards them.

Well, at first, it’s a walk and then it’s a flat-out run.

This time when I reach him, I don’t stop.

I throw my arms around him. His arms come around me and hold me tightly. “You’re okay,” I say into his chest.

“I’m fine,” he says in a low voice. After a moment, I pull back and step out of his embrace. He studies my face a moment. “Why didn’t you go back?”

“We wanted to make sure you were okay.” I face the forest. “Is it going to be saved?”

“The water is rushing through now. It will be out soon.” Even as he says the words, I watch as the flames begin to die down. He puts a hand on my back. “We need to get back.”

We join the rest of our group. “Are we ready now?” Terron asks patiently.

I nod, and we gather around Eaglon. I take in the majestic gryphon again and reach out and touch his side, and Rysden slides in behind me.

As soon as we’re all ready, we flash. It’s just as disorientating as it was the first time.

I take an unsteady step, and Rysden puts a hand on my elbow. “Just give it a minute.” Once I’m steady, he removes his hand.

“Everybody head home and get some rest; we will meet tomorrow to discuss the rest of Trial Two and the plan going forward.”

Almost before Terron’s done speaking, Rysden ushers us over to the horses. “Farrah, you’re with Hector.” He boosts me up, even though I don’t need his help.

“I’ve got to go meet with the leaders. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” His eyes meet mine for just a moment before he strides away.

The ride back to the house is made in silence. When we arrive, the guys send us inside and take care of the horses. “One of you can use my bath, so you don’t have to wait. I’m not ready to bathe yet.” I tell the girls.

“You sure?” Harper asks, but she doesn’t fight me on it. They both look dead on their feet. I sit at the table for a few minutes, but every time the fire cracks, I jump in my seat.

“Why don’t you go take a bath,” Lox says after a little bit.

“I can’t,” I say absently. “The girls are using mine.”

“Use Rysden’s; he’s not here,” Lox says. I’m about ready to argue, but Lox stands up and pulls my chair out with me still in it. “If not for you, do it for us. You stink.”

I stand up. “Fine.” I walk over to the stairs, but suddenly they look daunting.

Jamik walks past and stops when he sees me staring up the stairs. “Do you need help, Farrah?”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks, though.” I begin the ascent.

By the time I get to the top, I’m beyond exhausted.

I make my way down the hallway to Rysden’s room.

I see his large tub, and suddenly, I can’t get in the bath quick enough.

After filling the tub, I strip and sink into the hot water with a groan.

The water eases the ache in my muscles, and I stay in there longer than I probably should.

Now that my body is beginning to relax, I can barely keep my eyes open.

I drag myself out of the tub and run a comb through my hair.

I look through Rysden’s wardrobe and pull out the first thing I see—a black soft shirt—and tug it over my head.

Thankfully, it’s almost to my knees; I don’t even bother with pants.

I want to head back to my room, but I can’t even put one foot in front of the other.

Hoping Rysden won’t care, I drop onto his bed.

I don’t even pull down the blankets; I’m too exhausted.

I simply pull one of his huge furs over me and burrow under it.

Sleep drags me under before I even get fully settled.

Sometime later, I pry my eyes open and stare at the ceiling.

It takes me a moment to place my surroundings.

Rysden’s room. I try to use my hand to rub my eye, but I can’t move it.

I turn my head and see Rysden sitting in a chair next to the bed sound asleep.

I look down and see that my hand is swallowed up in his.

I stare at our hands, unsure what to think about it.

I move slightly, and he wakes up. His dark eyes meet mine, and he’s instantly alert.

“How are you feeling?” I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

My voice is too hoarse. He drops my hand and grabs a cup of water from off the nightstand and hands it to me, so I can drink.

“Thanks.” My voice is still rough, but at least I can talk. I put the water back on the table. I notice absently that I’m under the blankets now. I glance over at Rysden, who has yet to stop scowling. I’m wondering if it’s permanently etched into his face now.

“A healer should be here today. I haven’t been able to get any to come to the house yet.”

“It’s okay; I’m sure they’re healing way worse injuries from...” my words trail off. I don’t really want to think about everything just yet.

He leans forward and catches my gaze with his. “Who did that, Farrah?” He nods at my neck. His voice is deceptively calm, but I can sense the danger under the surface.

"Just part of the trial,” I say.

“Try again. I can see finger marks around your neck. Somebody tried to strangle you, and I want to know who.”

“It’s over and done with. It’s not for you to worry about.” I sit up and throw back the blankets. “I’m really sorry about stealing your bed. The girls were using my bath, and I came in here to use yours and totally crashed. You should have woken me up.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine; it's your bed. I’m really sorry. I feel terrible that you didn’t sleep.” My voice is raspy and sore, and I take another drink of water.

“If I’d wanted to sleep, I would have climbed in bed next to you.” He says the words without looking away, and I suddenly don’t know what to say.

“Oh, okay. I need to head back to my room. I’ll uh—” I step towards the door.

“Farrah.”

I turn back around, but somebody knocks on the door. He scowls at it before walking past me and opening it. I hear a murmur of voices, and then he turns back to me. I take a step towards him. “Rysden, when was the last time you slept?”

“I only sleep when I know you’re safe under my roof.” His admission shocks me into complete silence.

I falter a moment, unsure what to say. “Have you heard anything about the next trial?” I finally ask.

“Yes. In the light of yesterday’s events, they want to move it forward.”

Unease grips me. “When is it?”

“Tomorrow.”

I work to keep any expression off my face. “Okay. We’ll be ready.”

His eyes bore into me. “This third trial is meant to eliminate everybody whose spirit animals haven’t shown. It’s going to be rough, but I don’t know what it’s going to be. I wish you didn’t have to do it.” I can hear the frustration in his voice.

I shake my head. “Could you just have a little faith in me that I can do this?”

“Faith in you?” He chuckles darkly. “Farrah, this is not about my faith in you. You have shocked me at every single turn. Every time I think you’re down and out for the count, you show me once again your warrior’s heart.

It’s no longer a doubt in my mind that you could win this whole thing without a spirit animal. ”

“Then why do you not want me to participate in this last trial?” I ask in exasperation.

He stares at me with those ridiculously dark, intense eyes.

“Because I have this need to know that you’re safe, that you’re taken care of.

I can’t breathe, sleep, or eat when you’re not around.

And when I know that you could be in danger.

..” he runs a hand through his hair. “Do you have any idea what that does to me?” His words are soft.

“No.” I meet his gaze head-on. “Because you don’t tell me anything. I’m just the girl that you hate, that you keep secrets from.”

He scowls. “That’s not true.”

I raise a brow. “Isn’t it? You didn’t tell me that you were a prince, and the awful King was your father, and you didn’t tell me about Shade. You disappear for days on end without telling me what you’re doing, where you’re going. And most of the time, you act like you can’t stand me.”

He doesn’t refute anything I’m saying. “I’m used to keeping my distance from people,” he finally says quietly.

“Why?”

His eyes meet mine. “My father has convinced our people to fear me because Shade came to me so early.”

“So?”

“You have to understand. Our people are incredibly superstitious, so the fact that Shade came to me so early has always kept me at arm’s length from people. They weren’t going to let me even compete in the Spirit Trials, but they finally conceded if I didn’t use any of Shade’s power.”

I rear back. “Wait. Are you trying to tell me that people think you’re evil?

” He nods, and I laugh. I don’t mean to, but it just sort of comes out.

“I’m sorry,” I say covering my mouth with my hand, even as he narrows his eyes at me.

“I’m sorry, Rysden; that’s just literally the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.

You’re one scary dude with your muscles and dark, thick hair and the markings on your arms I’ve caught glimpses of, and let’s not forget your surly moods—”

“I don’t have—”

I cut him off. “But you’re not evil; you don’t have an evil bone in your body.”

He stares at me. “You really believe that?”

“Yes, and anybody else that thinks differently is stupid. Now, I’m starving. Do you think we could go eat?”

He’s still staring at me. “You’re something else, Farrah Bromean.”

I’m not really sure he meant it as a compliment, but that’s how I’m going to take it. “Thank you.”

“Are you going downstairs like that?” he asks casually right before I open the door.

I stop. “Should I not?”

He shrugs. “Your hair’s messed up, and you’re wearing my shirt. It looks like you went for a roll in the sheets. It’s a good look; you won’t hear me complaining.”

My face heats up. “I’m just going to run to my room first and then I’ll meet you down there.

” I leave without another word and make my way quickly to my room.

I close the door and will my cheeks to lose their heat.

Because I really am starving, I quickly run a comb through my hair and then braid the long red locks before putting on another soft white tunic and black stretchy pants with several sheaths.

“Anybody save me any food?” I ask as I enter the room. “Because I’m starving.”