Chapter 5
Chapter Five
I shot up, disoriented. Looking around the magnificent chamber, I was taken aback by my lavish surroundings. Candles on the nightstand in the corner lit the room in a soft glow, although it was mostly dark. How long had I been asleep? My eyes wandered down to discover I was draped in a clean nightgown and nestled within the softest sheets I had ever encountered. I ran my hands over the luxurious fabric in gentle circular motions, delighting in the sensation. I wondered if I was dreaming. A glorious smell filled the air, too, and I took a deep breath before pulling the end of my braid to my nose. It was me. I smelled like lavender and berries. It appeared I had not only been cleaned, but bathed. Then, the realisation hit me—I was naked beneath this gown.
My heart raced as my hand shot to my neck, relieved to touch the moon pendant against my skin.
“That smug, pretentious bastard,” I hissed aloud. Rage surged through me, and my vision turned red. I was going to give him a piece of my mind. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my robe neatly draped over a chair by the window. I moved slowly toward it, stepping gingerly on the floorboards, silently praying they would not creak. I paused by the mirror, taking in the sight before me. I hardly recognized the woman staring back. The nightgown accentuated every curve of my figure, the top enhancing my bust in a way I had never imagined. I attempted to adjust the fabric and cover myself as much as possible, but it stubbornly resisted.
“Oh, for goodness sake,” I muttered. “I don’t have time for this! Where are my boots?” Lowering to the floor, I crawled on my bare hands in search of them and spotted them tucked away under the foot of the bed. Now, I needed a weapon. I ventured into the powder room and opened all the cupboards, hoping to find something sharp or pointy to use to my advantage. Scissors, perhaps? Though I had doubts, they would leave something like that within my reach. All I found was an old, shabby hairbrush. I sighed, accepting that I had to make the most of what I had.
I lifted the old hairbrush high above me as I carefully pushed my bedroom door open a crack. With bated breath, I peeked into the hallway, waiting for someone to appear. It struck me as odd that no guard was stationed at my door. Did they think so little of my ability to escape? I heard voices from the end of the hallway and halted. I didn’t even have a plan. I was in another world far from my own, held captive by a group of vigilante fae. Maybe they intended to use me as a human sacrifice, making me believe I was safe and pretending to care for me before luring me in for the slaughter. Maybe the old folklore myths were true after all.
I carefully weighed my options.
Option A: Head toward the voices, demand they return me home, and maybe even seek their help to locate Arnica and rescue Jesse.
Option B: Escape, attempt to navigate this unfamiliar realm, and risk getting lost, or worse, eaten by one of the many mysterious creatures roaming this land, with only an old dinky hairbrush to protect me.
After a moment of contemplation, I chose Option A. I wasn’t entirely na?ve; I recognized I needed help, and I had no clue where to begin on my own.
I followed the distant voices down the hallway until reaching the long red curtains, pulled back and fastened on either side, an eerie yet captivating detail. Above me, enchanted stars shimmered in the ceiling, lighting my path. It felt like I was floating through the night sky. I reached up, brushing one star with my fingertip. It vanished at my touch, only to reappear in a new, empty spot above.
“Magical,” I whispered.
I paused at a grand arched door and leaned in, pressing my ear against the intricately decorated wood. I listened to the chatter and laughter echoing from inside. With a deep breath, I steadied myself and opened the door just enough to unlatch it from its hinge; then, I kicked it open, sending it flying inward with a resounding crash.
They all jumped back in unison as I stood before the men who had brought me here. They were sprawled out on a banquet table, surrounded by an absurdly large spread of food. Enough to feed an army.
“Oh, my word!” Brennan jumped up from the table, a mouthful of food spilling from his mouth as he spoke. “Good evening, Jayne.” His eyes darted awkwardly between my chest and face, seemingly uncertain where to look. Realising I was essentially naked in their presence, I felt all their eyes on me. I ignored their stares and focused solely on the prince, who returned my gaze, rising from his seat.
With all my might, I hurled the hairbrush at his handsome face, yet he raised his hand and deflected the brush with a simple wave, sending it to the other side of the room, where it ricocheted off the wall.
I pointed my finger at him. “That thing you did to me with the bright light; I don’t care who you are,” I declared, “but if you dare do that to me again, I will chop off your balls while you sleep at night and mail them to your parents. Is that clear?”
Nicolias spat out his drink, unable to contain his laughter. Kaelan smirked, crossing his arms in front of him, while Brennan’s mouth widened with shock.
“You’re a wild little thing, aren’t you?” The prince sat back in his chair, amused. A reluctant smile returned to his face. Dimples. He had dimples—how had I failed to notice them earlier? “You may not believe me, Jayne, but I was trying to protect you.”
“From whom?”
“From yourself.” He raised his voice. “And your outrageous stupidity,” he muttered, taking a swig from his flask. I glared at him, clenching my fists.
Option A was no longer an option, it seemed. I wouldn’t ask this man for help. Option B it is!
“If you can all please excuse me.” I curtseyed, yet my glare was unwavering. “Take me to my bow and arrows, and I’ll be on my way.”
A soft voice from behind caught me off-guard. “Jayne, oh! I’m absolutely delighted you’re awake to join us. You must be famished!” A woman with long, midnight-black hair cascading over her shoulders walked toward me with a dinner plate. Her beauty was astonishing; she appeared slightly older than me, with a flawless, porcelain complexion several shades lighter than mine. Her features showed maturity in an alluring way. She pulled out a chair at the table and gracefully sat before turning to me with a warm smile. “Come, we have much to discuss. Sit next to me, here.” She smiled sweetly and patted the seat beside her, her nails painted crimson. She gathered food, piling my plate high with a delectable array. The scent of cooked meat filled the air. I beheld a tempting spread of baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, carrots, and green beans while baskets of bread and decanters of red wine lined the table. I couldn’t shake the thought that the amount of food in this room alone could sustain my family for an entire season or longer. I hesitated, darting my eyes around the room again before lingering on the kind stranger.
“Dinner is my favourite meal of the day. Eat, Jayne, and we shall figure out a way to find your sister.” She winked at me, and my stomach churned. I couldn’t recall the last time I had eaten anything, let alone a full meal. I hesitated a moment longer and then nodded. The need for food was overwhelming, and maybe I could gather some useful information. I sat at the table, my mouth watering at the smell of food.
“How long have I been asleep?”
“It’s been nearly twelve hours,” she replied.
“Oh, my goodness,” I gasped, horrified at the thought of having slept for half the day.
“You clearly needed the rest, and don’t worry, I cleaned you up, not them,” she reassured me, reaching for her fork and taking her first bite of food. When she tossed her hair over her shoulder, I studied her pointed, jewel-adorned ears and her porcelain skin that shimmered in the room’s soft light.
“Thank you.” I was relieved to know it had been her and not one of the others.
“And I can see my nightgown fits you perfectly,” she remarked, scanning my form.
“I beg to differ,” I remarked, attempting to adjust my top to provide more coverage.
“Don’t worry. I’ll arrange for new clothes to be prepared for you right away,” she said kindly. It served as a stark reminder that I had nothing with me except the clothes I had travelled here in. Given their torn and blood-stained state, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had already tossed them.
“Thank you, that’s very generous of you,” I said gratefully.
“It’s my pleasure,” she giggled. “I will take any excuse to go shopping! These guys have not let me leave the manor in weeks. I’m itching to go out! Sorry, I have yet to introduce myself. I’m Lillian.” She smiled and nodded in Ambrose’s direction. “I’m the brute’s little sister.”
I froze, and then glanced between them both, trying to discern any family resemblance. She was nothing like her brother.
“It’s okay; you’re right. He can be a bit overprotective sometimes. He needs a stern talking to every once in a while.”
“I think he needs more than a stern talking to.” I caught myself and bit my tongue. If he was a prince, then Lillian was a princess. I began to eat yet kept my eyes on her, waiting for her to speak. She seemed relaxed, almost too relaxed, which only made me more suspicious. If she couldn’t give me a solid plan soon, I’d finish this meal, thank her, and escape. I grabbed a potato and shoved it into my mouth, sighing as its buttery, crisp exterior melted on my tongue. I barely chewed before swallowing, and it lodged in my throat. She handed me a drink, and we both burst into laughter.
“Thank you.” I took a sip of water and then placed it back on the table. My eyes widened as I noticed the half-empty cup fill to the top again.
“It’s enchanted,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “The entire house is. You can ask for almost anything you desire, and it will appear.” I nodded and took in my surroundings again.
“Who does this manor belong to?”
“It’s actually a safe house, one that has been in our family for many years. No one will bother us here, though we must keep low and out of sight for the time being.” She smiled. “Oh, honey, you’re still in shock. That’s okay,” she said with a comforting pat on my knee. “Jesse was the same when he first arrived in Faerie.”
I coughed, placing my hand over my chest. “Did you just say Jesse? My brother’s name is Jesse.”
“I did.” She smiled.
“You know my brother?” I asked, raising my brows.
“I do, very well!” She paused, seeming to contemplate her next words. “Well, technically, I haven’t met him yet.” Her voice trailed off into a squeak, and she gave me a nervous smile, her cheeks flushed. It made no sense. “We have a lot to tell you. It’s a bit of a long story.” The room fell silent, as though they had been listening to our entire conversation. “Listen, Jayne, this might sound a tad outlandish and, well, really confusing, but we’ve journeyed back in time.” She said her last three words slowly as I tried to piece them together.
“I’m sorry,” I laughed, coughing simultaneously. I set down my knife and fork. “It sounded like you said you’re from the future?”
“That’s right; you heard me correctly. That’s exactly what I said.” She reached for my hand, yet the smile gradually faded from my face as the realisation sank in. “Okay, where do I begin?” She looked at the men on the table, who stared back at her, blank-faced. She carried on without waiting for a response. “Jesse used the power in that stone to send us back in time,” she said, pointing to the pendant around my neck. I instinctively grasped it, feeling its warmth, yet when I looked down at the smooth stone, it suddenly felt heavier, as if it held secrets I had never imagined. “The hearthstone is ancient… powerful. It is capable than more than just time-travel. Long ago, legend spoke of a time when a stone of extraordinary power was forged. It was believed to be a token of unity between the two realms, a symbol of harmony and balance, infused with the essence of mortal power and Faerie magic to hold sway over both worlds. The stone possessed a power that drew the attention of both mortals and fae alike. Mortals driven by greed sought the stone for its ability to grant unimaginable power, to shape reality itself with a mere touch. On the other hand, faeries were driven to its connection to the very fabric of their essence, seeking the ability to harness the ancient magic it promised.”
“The bearer of the stone could become invincible,” I whispered. She nodded.
“Yes, it could be a colossal issue in the wrong hands. Thus, the elders of both realms decided the stone must be hidden and safeguarded from those who sought to exploit its power. It was prophesied that only those deemed worthy with pure and noble intentions would locate and wield the stone’s power. For centuries, it lay dormant, concealed, and untouched, until your brother and sister discovered it and delivered it to the one it had beckoned for—you.” She paused, studying me. I must have looked like a deer in headlights.
Prince Ambrose’s voice sliced through the tension in the room. “Ten years ago, Nicolias and I stumbled upon a human boy, unconscious at the border walls. He had nothing but the clothes on his back and a chain in his hand.” He gestured toward the necklace adorning my collarbone. Jesse made it here. He’s safe or was safe? But that wasn’t the case anymore. Something had changed. “After he regained consciousness, he told us the king’s soldiers had raided his home. He and his sisters managed to make it into the depths of the forest before they were split up.” Ambrose’s words hung in the air, enveloping the room in a suffocating silence that seemed to tighten my chest. “At some point, he was captured, but his sister Jayne evaded the soldiers, and an exchange was made. You gave him the stone, and it transported him here to Faerie.”
His words lingered. The silence grew oppressive, squeezing the air from my lungs. I couldn’t shake the feeling that a crucial piece of this story was missing, something he deliberately withheld.
“We initially dismissed his story as delirium, but as time passed, we quickly learned that he was telling the truth. He could do things we had never seen before. He joined the ranks and quickly rose to the top. At the age of seventeen, he became my General Commander.” Did Lillian just say General Commander? I stilled. Jesse is to become the Commander of a Fae Army in the future? I finally understood it, then. They had the wrong person. There was no way they were talking about my Jesse.
I attempted to downplay the situation. “There seems to be a misunderstanding. I believe you have the wrong boy. My brother couldn’t harm a fly, let alone lead an entire army,” I said, gauging their reactions.
“Jesse Daniel Ritherton,” Ambrose uttered his full name with a familiarity that sent a shiver down my spine; it was like he had said it countless times before.
Lillian interjected, an urgency in her tone. “We’ve received intel that King Theon has a Seer in his midst, attempting to manipulate the present to alter the future as we know it.”
Nicolias chimed in to help Lillian. “His sole mission is to retrieve that stone.” Lillian ran her fingers through her hair—a nervous habit, it seemed—before twirling a strand around her fingertips. “The hearthstone is, or should we say was, connected to Jesse. The king’s plan was to capture and eliminate Jesse before he ever reaches Faerie with the stone and becomes anyone significant. Without Jesse, and with possession of the hearthstone, the king will destroy everything in our world.”
As I connected the scattered fragments of information, a sudden clarity washed over me. “So, Jesse from the future sent you all back here to thwart their plans of capturing him?” I queried, glancing at Ambrose, who nodded in confirmation. “Why didn’t Jesse come back himself? Why isn’t he here with you?” I pressed, a furrow forming between my brows.
“The hearthstone prohibits its bearer from traversing time. He alone cannot alter his own fate,” Ambrose explained, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation.
“But you failed. They’ve taken Jesse; I saw it happen, and so did you. He’s now under King Theon’s control,” I asserted, trying to grasp the gravity of the situation.
“Not entirely,” Prince Ambrose countered. I turned to him, raising my eyebrows in disbelief. “We misjudged our timing, yes, but we found you, and you have the stone,” he explained, yet his words ignited a spark of anger within me.
“So, you allowed them to take him,” I accused.
“The stone is bonded to its bearer. Our priority at that moment was ensuring your safety,” Ambrose replied calmly.
“And in doing so, you abandoned Jesse,” I snapped, feeling the weight of betrayal heavy in my chest. “They think he has this in his possession.” I held up the turquoise stone. “What do you think they’ll do when they realise he doesn’t?”
“They won’t harm him, Jayne. He’s too valuable,” Ambrose reassured me, but I couldn’t shake my concern.
“And you’re willing to take that risk? He’s just a child, Ambrose!”
“I’ve known him for a decade. I’ve witnessed his resilience firsthand. We’ll regroup and devise a fresh strategy. We will bring him back, Jayne. Your brother isn’t just a friend; he’s family to every one of us.” I felt my shoulders relax slightly at his words.
“What’s the plan?” I demanded.
“While you were…” Prince Ambrose hesitated, and Nicolias scoffed. “ Recovering . Nicolias, Kaelan, Brennan, and I ventured across the wall to get close to the prison, but it’s heavily guarded. King Theon has a Fae ally named Geoffrey. He’s fortified the area with powerful wards, but we’ll find a way in, Jayne. We just need a little more time.”
I bit my lip. “And what of my sister, Arnica? I told her to hide and wait for me at the caves.”
“Yes,” Ambrose confirmed, locking eyes with me. “Jesse believed Arnica hid in those caves for three days before attempting to reach the Seltos Mountains. During her journey, she was captured by the King’s soldiers and taken to the Obsidian Dungeons.” His words hit me like a blow to the chest, and my breath caught in my throat. The blood drained from my face.
“The Obsidian Dungeons?” I whispered, my voice trembling. I struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation, paralysed by fear and disbelief, numbing my thoughts. I gripped the edge of the table to steady myself. “We have to save her,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “We can’t leave her there.”
“We will set out at sunrise to retrieve and bring her safely back here,” Kaelan added. A weight of uncertainty burdened his words, and a shared hesitation among the group unsettled me despite their nods of agreement. With Jesse appearing in Faerie alone, with no mention of either Arnica or me, a realisation dawned: they were altering the course of history, a revelation that filled the room with a palpable sense of doubt.
I stood at once. “I will join you.” It wasn’t a question, but a declaration.
“ We ,” Prince Ambrose retorted, “does not include you, Jayne. You will stay here, where it is safe.”
“Not this again. Is he always like this?” I turned to his friends, who now surrounded him.
Lillian nodded, while Nicolias smirked. Kaelan and Brennan remained silent. They glanced at me and then Ambrose, who furrowed his brows. It was no secret he held the highest authority in his inner circle. Whatever he said was final. I couldn’t help but wonder how a lifetime of giving orders felt. Didn’t he tire of it?
“Is there something we have done thus far leading you to distrust us?” he questioned.
I raised a brow at him, but ignored his comment. “Lovely then. It’s settled.” I leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. “I will come with you. I can be helpful.” I hated how desperate I sounded.
“You will stay here. Lillian will keep you company, and Nicolias will stay, too. He will begin your training,” Ambrose stated.
“Training?” I frowned, feeling a surge of annoyance. He was clearly trying to brush me off, keeping me distracted.
“Your powers are limited, and you must be taught control. We need to teach you how to wield magic with intention and learn how to control it. Nicolias will help you with that.” I crossed my arms and tried not to look offended. He thinks I am useless.
“I’m sorry you believe me to be weak and powerless, Prince Ambrose, but unlike you, I didn’t have the luxury of growing up in a place like this,” I said sternly. While I may not have complete control over my magic, I took pride in what we had learned over the past few years. We were resilient and self-taught.
“That’s not what I said, Jayne,” he replied, and a hint of pity flashed in his eyes. I didn’t need his pity, either, not from him or anyone else at the table.
I averted my gaze, hoping he would drop the subject, but he didn’t. “When I return tomorrow, Kaelan and I will provide some combat training for you and Arnica.” He said Arnica’s name with unwavering certainty. “Brennan will educate you about the creatures inhabiting our court. You’re a part of our team now, whether or not you embrace it. You have much to learn.”
I wanted to tell him off and reject the notion, but I held back. There would be another time for that. I had no desire to integrate into their team, but if it meant helping me protect the two people I most loved in this world, I would do whatever it took. “Now, please, have a seat. You are our guest tonight,” he urged, and I complied, taking my seat once more.
Lillian’s warm smile comforted me, and she gave me a reassuring nod. Yet as the siblings exchanged a look, uncertainty creeped into the room, making me feel uneasy despite their assurances.
“Lillian, can I ask you a question?” She turned to me and nodded, her eyes wide. “How are they able to cross over into our realm? The mortal kingdom? It’s impossible.” I paused, trying to recall my father’s words.
“Faeries of royal blood can pass through the barrier. Our blood is bonded to both realms, symbolising our once-unified kingdom. When Ambrose passes through, he creates a shield that allows those with him to crossover.” Lillian’s explanation only sparked more questions, but instead of pondering silently, I voiced the troubling thought that weighed heavily on my mind. “Something else occurred that day, didn’t it?”
“That”—The prince spoke instead, silencing her—“is a story for another time.” Lillian nodded in agreement. There was more to the story, and the feeling of unease plagued me; they were hiding a valuable piece of information from me. I made a note to ask Lillian when I could get her alone. Brennan began speaking about the underground tunnels they had mapped out to break into the Obsidian Dungeons.
Over time, my exhaustion became evident as I slouched in my seat.
I sensed a pair of bold eyes on me when I glanced over at Prince Ambrose. Was he utterly indifferent? It certainly appeared that way. As far as he was concerned, he dominated the room and its occupants. I locked eyes with him in challenge while Brennan continued his discourse in the background, now discussing the creatures who lived beneath the Fortestule mountains, wherever that might be. I focused on Ambrose’s eyes, refusing to be distracted by the perfect angles of his cheekbones. A small tug at his lips appeared—this man was infuriating. I held my head high and shielded my thoughts, erecting imaginary walls around my mind until he tilted his head, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. My eyes narrowed as I maintained our connection, refusing to let his intimidation affect me. Suddenly, a deafening clap of thunder ruptured the skies as if it were above us. The entire room quaked, and the windows trembled in response to the thunder’s force. I immediately averted my eyes from his and reached for Lillian’s hand. “What in the world?”
Lillian hurled a dinner roll at Ambrose, hitting him square in the face.
“Halfwit,” she muttered.
The men burst out laughing— laughing !
“Did he just command thunder?” I asked her, raising my finger toward the ceiling. I couldn’t fathom how the roof remained intact.
“One of his many formidable talents, my brother,” she replied with an eyeroll. Prince Ambrose nodded at my astonishment and disbelief. Only the most powerful fae could control the elements in such a way.
“How old are you?” she asked him, a sarcastic tinge to her voice.
“One hundred and twenty-eight,” he retorted, almost bouncing with pride. I nearly choked.
“One hundred and twenty-eight! Is he joking?” No, that couldn’t be true. He had surpassed the full mortal life span twice.
“I wish he were,” she whispered before shouting, “Well, then, start acting your age! You’re all behaving like a pack of animals!” she scolded.
“But you love us, Lilli!” Nicolias teased. I didn’t miss the way they exchanged smiles. The look in his eyes left me wondering if there was something more between them. She appeared to hold his gaze for a forbidden moment while the others in the room remained oblivious.
As our conversation continued, we continued to fill our plates with delicious food. Next on the menu was a custard tart with a dollop of cream decorated with delicate citrus blossoms. I couldn’t help but gasp. Lillian’s eyes were on me, and I sensed her curiosity. I reached for my fork, hesitating as I prepared to cut into the glorious-looking dessert. I had tried nothing like it, and I could only imagine the explosion of flavours.
“Go on.” Amusement laced her voice as she encouragement me to continue.
I must have appeared bewildered. To her, this was perfectly ordinary, but it was a complete privilege for me. I took a bite. A burst of sweetness flooded my taste buds, followed by a subtle tang that lingered. It wasn’t just the melting crust—it was the combination of all flavours. I closed my eyes in pure delight.
“So, how old are you, Lillian?” I eventually inquired, opening my eyes once more.
“I’m one-hundred and six-years-old, the baby of the group.”
I couldn’t help but wonder about the ages of the others. Nicolias seemed slightly older than the prince, perhaps in his late twenties, while Brennan looked significantly more aged than both of them. Kaelan appeared to be in his early twenties, and I pondered whether wolven aged differently from the fae. What was the ageing process like for my siblings and me? Were we similar to any of them?
Ambrose stood up and urged us to retire to our chambers. I glanced at Lillian beside me. “Jesse and Arnica will be fine, Jayne. I have a feeling fate had a role in bringing you here with us. Just wait and see. Go get some rest for tonight,” she reassured me, squeezing my hand. Her words brought me comfort, and though I disliked waiting, I felt at ease in her company. Lillian glanced at someone beside me, and I knew who it was before he even spoke, sensing his presence. Warmth returned to my body and coloured my cheeks.
“May I walk you to your room, Jayne?” asked the prince. I glanced back at Lillian in desperation, yet she merely shrugged with a look that said I was on my own.
“And what if I say no?” I asked. His gaze drifted to my boots before travelling up my body. I instinctively crossed my arms, acutely aware of my lack of clothes.
“Well, I suppose you could run from me; your shoes are quite suitable, but I’m not so sure about the rest of your attire,” he remarked with a sly smile.
“Are you mocking me?” I glared, but he didn’t offer a direct response. Instead, his eyes continued their journey over my body before returning to my face.
He squinted at me and tilted his head, like when we first met. There was a primal quality to his demeanour, and I sensed his growing annoyance. It seemed he didn’t particularly like me, yet he continued to make an effort, probably out of obligation. He rocked on his heels, clasping his hands behind his back.
“I value my life greatly. I would not be so reckless to do so,” he assured me with a charming smile. “Shall we?”
Prince Ambrose led me down the hallway, and I followed, gazing up at the ceiling again. It was breathtaking, homely, and warm, the surrounding magical elements humming a peaceful tune. When I spoke softly, he came to a halt. “It all feels surreal, you know,” I said. “This place, your home. It’s like a peculiar dream I can’t quite grasp. I can hardly believe I’m standing before you in a world I never knew existed.” I continued looking upward, feeling his eyes on me again, as though he were searching for answers, trying to decipher my thoughts.
Emotions overwhelmed me, surging to the surface. I could no longer contain them. Arnica waiting for me to find her; Jesse in the hands of the King—it was too much. They must have felt so frightened and isolated. We had faced everything together, and I had abandoned them when they needed me the most. I had failed to protect them. Frustration and anger welled up within me, along with a profound, bone-deep weariness. I was tired—tired of holding everything together, tired of hiding and running, and always getting the short end of the stick.
A stray tear rolled down my cheek, and Prince Ambrose appeared before me, his expression stoic. I froze, staring up at him as he gently wiped my tear with his thumb. My heart raced at a dizzying speed as I turned to gaze at the beautiful yet infuriating male before me. He lowered his voice, his face mere inches from mine. “You mustn’t blame yourself.”
“It was my fault. We shouldn’t have separated. I—” I shook my head. “I should have fought harder.”
“And what then?” he countered, his breath warming my cheek. “You could have been captured as well. What help would you have been to Jesse or Arnica then? I’ve only known you for a day, Jayne, but one thing I know for certain is there was nothing more you could have done. I will bring them back to you.” A spark of hope ignited within me for the first time in a long while. I couldn’t quite understand why, but I placed my trust in this stranger before me, the one who promised to mend my fractured world.
He leaned in closer, and the gravity between us felt so strong I couldn’t pull away. But he abruptly stepped back and turned, leaving me standing in my doorway with his last words lingering in the air.
“Goodnight, Jayne Elizabeth Ritherton.”