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Discomfort funnelled down all open bonds—Ry’s included—at his new term of endearment .

You have got to stop saying that, I told Damon, dropping Maeve’s hand reluctantly. Seriously. It makes my mates uncomfortable.

The demon shrugged. “It is a term to describe what you are to me. That is why I also call you ‘my Queen’. Because that is what you are.”

I sighed through my nose and shook my head. “You are impossible.”

“I am your husband,” Damon replied, wicked smile playing at his lips. “Eternally yours.”

I didn’t even bother responding to that, instead moving towards the centre of our little encampment. “Anyone have a blanket hidden in their belts by chance?” I asked, ignoring the way Damon’s smile widened. “Or, like, a whole ass tent? I don’t particularly like camping, but I will suck it up.”

Elias came up to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, tugging me into his chest and holding me to him. “Unfortunately, no blanket,” he murmured as he pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “But you could always shift.”

I had a feeling his suggestion had more to do with wanting to see my wolf than giving me an idea on how to sleep. “Hmm, I’ll think about it,” I said, burying my head in his warmth. “But I think I need to be me to get through to Nyx.”

Soon, you’ll show me , he replied.

I couldn’t help but smile up at him. “Of course,” I whispered.

But for now, I needed sleep.

I wasn’t necessarily tired, but I still pulled myself out of his arms and turned to Adrian specifically, who dropped onto an old, fallen log.

“You’re joining me,” I said, pointing at him. “I don’t know what’s wrong, but you need some rest.”

I knew he wanted to argue. But I didn’t give him a chance to, instead moving to his side and grabbing his hand.

“You have bags under your eyes, and you look ready to pass out,” I murmured. “Please. Just a few hours of rest.”

Adrian’s eyes softened as he sighed. “Okay. Fine. A few hours.”

I released a breath. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me.” He gave me a look that told me there was something he wasn’t saying. Not even the bond gave anything away, which meant he was blocking me from something specifically. “You can use me as a pillow, Sweetheart. ”

“Perfect.” I tried to smile, to make it reassuring, but it felt stiff on my lips.

Adrian rose with a groan, but he didn’t say another word as I led him towards the old corner of stone.

As we made our way there, the others talked in hush tones, figuring out the rotation for who would stay on watch, while others rested.

The conversation I caught told me they were actually working together—Damon included.

I wasn’t sure why that made me smile. It was dumb, being glad they could work together without fighting.

I knew my original team could do it without question.

That was something we’d been working towards before everything exploded.

But I’d never been sure what it would be like once other mates were introduced.

Adrian lowered himself to the ground, nose crinkling as he sat back. “You were right to ask for a blanket,” he muttered, “my ass is wet.”

I sat down beside him with a grimace. The earth wasn’t soaked, but it was definitely damp. I’d definitely have wet spots when I woke up. At least the trees offered us some protection.

My prince opened his arm for me, and I joined him without complaint, snuggling up beside him and resting my head on his chest.

Why are you so tired? I asked him quietly. And remember: no secrets.

Adrian stiffened beneath me, heart rate picking up. I couldn’t help the small ember of guilt that lit in my belly, but I also knew not to let him drown in whatever he was dealing with.

I feel guilty , he admitted after a long moment, his hand moving to cover mine where it rested on his chest. I feel guilty about leaving everyone. My siblings were there, at the ball. My dad. My mother’s mates. Our friends .

Tears burned the corners of my eyes. I feel it too. I’m sorry .

His fingers linked with mine as he sucked in a breath.

It’s not your fault, Ivy. It never was. This is on Dante.

He betrayed us—his family. He killed our mother.

He stopped, sucking in a deep breath and releasing it slowly.

I feel guilty because I know that when I find him, I won’t be able to hold back.

I want to kill him. I want him to suffer like he’s made others suffer.

But I also don’t want him dead. I don’t want to risk what might happen if he somehow gets free, if he manages to manipulate someone into releasing him.

I can’t—I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

But he should also suffer for his crimes, for all he’s done.

That’s not all though, is it? I asked carefully, closing my eyes as his natural smell filled my lungs. I took comfort in the peppermint, in the familiarity of it—the safety it brought me.

Adrian sighed, and his hand tightened around mine. I’m working on a way to stop him. A charm. That’s why I’m so tired. I’m sorry for not saying anything before, but ? —

You don’t need to apologise, I replied. I get it. Just—don’t use up all your energy, okay? You also need to be able to protect yourself if anything happens.

I love you, was all he said. So much, Ivy.

My throat tightened with emotion as I pressed myself into him. I love you, too.