Page 114 of The Moon's Fury

He grabbed her elbow before she made it far. She spun around, eyes blazing.

“What—”

“Let’s spar,” he said quickly. “We could both blow off some steam.” His warm, hazel eyes were filled with concern, and she hated it. She tried to wrench away from his grasp, but he held her tightly, pulling her closer to his chest.

“I thought you said your legs were tired,” she snapped.

“Of walking. I have plenty of energy to knock you on your pretty ass.” He smirked, oozing arrogance. “Unless you’re afraid to lose.”

“I know what you’re doing,” she snarled, baring her teeth like a sandcat. “It’s not going to work.”

He loosened his hold. “Layna, you’ve barely spoken over the last few days. I have better chances of holding a conversation with Naj.”

“So go talk to your horse, then.”

She tried to pull away again, but his grip became iron.

“Layna,stop,” he sighed. “The rage is going to eat you from the inside out.”

Her simmering temper boiled over.

“You expect me to just be happy? Move on like nothing happened? Theykilledmy mother!” she shouted.

“Of course not. You have every right to be angry. But don’t close yourself off like this.Talkto me. Find an outlet for that rage. If you don’t, it will burn through you, reduce you to ash until there’s nothing left. I’ve already walked the path you’re on, and I promise it only leads to more despair. You own my soul, Layna. Let me help you.”

He was right. His handsome face was so earnest, so filled with love. He was knocking on the doors of her cold, broken heart.

He’d wait there forever.

She looked at him—at the fading injuries on his face.

The injuries she couldn’t heal.

She wiped away her tears before Zarian could.

“We should keep moving,” she said hoarsely. “There’s a lot of ground to cover before nightfall.”

This time, he didn’t stop her when she pulled out of his grasp.

Dagger in hand, Zarian knelt in a secluded spot and waited. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to wait long.

He’d left Layna at their makeshift camp to hunt. Despite his cajoling, he couldn’t coax her to come. She was retreating more and more into herself each day. He was actually relieved when she let her anger take hold earlier, because then at least she had feltsomething.

Quieting his mind, he listened, focusing on nothing but the sounds of the forest.

The whispering of the night wind.

The gentle rustling of fallen leaves.

The loud crunch of dried twigs underfoot.

His eyes snapped open seconds before a massive creature pounced on him with a loud growl. Sharp claws dug deep into his back and knocked him forward. Hot breath fanned against him, drops of saliva dripping onto his neck.

He had seconds before the beast tore into him.

With a loud grunt, he reared up with all his strength, flinging the animal off his back. There was a loud thump—it didn’t land far.

He stood quickly, facing the animal. The black wolf nearly reached his waist. Poised on its haunches, it bared its sharp teeth and snarled.