Chapter 24
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Sleep wears off after a few yawns.
I twist around, finding Mikael lying in the other bed, his eyes on me. His expression is soft, gentle—even lazy.
I slide out from under the covers and walk to the window. Besides him sleeping in another bed, his presence, and look, is so familiar.
Expectant.
Like when I’d wake, and he’d be watching me, and I’d tell him what my dreams were about that night. He’d listen intently, and expressively.
I was very much okay with what happened last night. But he’s also an ass for cutting it short. I loathe to admit that he’s right though, and I respect his restraint. I can’t blame him for wanting to make sure it’s something I truly desire before giving in.
My reflection stares back at me. I don’t look terrible, all things considered.
Any cuts and bruises once peppering my skin have already healed.
The only change is the uneven and bristled ends of my wavy brown hair, a reminder of flames.
An unwelcome chill spreads along my spine at the memory of getting hit with its fire.
My gaze catches on the amulet resting against my chest, hanging by its golden chain. This singular object has changed the trajectory of my life—
Mikael’s form appearing behind me distorts the view and I frown, my thoughts interrupted.
“Good morning gorgeous. Did you sleep well?” Mikael’s voice is a low rumble in my ear. It sends a shiver through me, my body responding to the way his tone is sensual and soothing.
I stretch my aching muscles, still sore from the climb up the ice mountain, to focus on the pain instead of him. Reverting to the way I’ve operated for the last two hundred years. Letting pain fuel me, not pleasure. “Morning.”
He places a kiss on my shoulder. “Don’t be mad.”
I shrug him off. “I’m not mad.”
Not mad at all. I can’t blame him for jilting me. I have, for the last few weeks, been nothing but unpleasant to him. But I didn’t know the truth then. I thought I was still being forced to spend time with a man who betrayed me.
Yes, his bite was euphoric, but by the time he’d gotten me worked up, I wanted more. And he still denied me.
I huff and turn around, looking up at him. Also still naked.
“Okay.” Mikael chuckles. “You must have forgotten how bonds work.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “So, you should have known that I did desire to continue last night.”
“Perhaps. I can’t imagine it being that hard to desire me and the kind of pleasure I can provide.” He smiles and walks away, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
Ugh, I want to smack that smile off his face. Even so, I again appreciate his full and round muscular ass that’s on display before he closes the curtain to the bathing chamber.
He knows me too fucking well. It’s not like I wasn’t going to look.
I didn’t notice any new tattoos on him. Or myself, so I yank my clothing off the rail by the fire and get dressed.
I raise my voice, making sure he can hear me from across the room as I braid my hair. “I need to get back to Varithen. I’ve been gone too long, and neither one of us has new tattoos.”
“Can’t keep your eyes off me?” Mikael raises a brow as he walks back into the room and pulls his pants on.
“Yes, that’s exactly it.” I walk up to him, placing my hand on his chest, running it over the curve of his pec before giving his nipple a twist. He yelps and jumps back.
“I’ll get you back, when you least expect it,” Mikael warns.
I smile and can’t help but laugh as he rubs his chest. “Come on. Let’s go.”
I throw the rest of his clothes at him. Picking up our cloaks, I hold open the door, waiting for him.
“Bryn, tell me about the bargain you made,” he requests as we make our way out of the inn.
“It’s a long ride back to Varithen. I have plenty of time to tell you on the way.” I continue to the stables that are situated behind the inn and speak with the groom. I give the passphrase and promise to send him a sack of coins for the use of two horses, plus a promise of their return.
The path from Norhaven to Varithen weaves through the forest north of the capital. A route we’ll be veering away from. Instead, we’ll travel through the farmlands that edge the Wastelands. It’ll add a day or so to our travels, but I won’t risk going near the capital.
They’d kill Mikael if they found us. I don’t know what they’d do to me, and I’m already flirting with death.
Grand evergreens embrace us with open arms, their foliage still thick even in the winter months.
We ride close together, knees almost touching, taking it easy on the first leg of the journey.
When we’re past the capital, we agreed we’ll ride hard to make up time.
We only have a few days left until this curse kills me.
When we’re out of earshot, and the sounds of the town are replaced by birdsong and the soft clop of hooves on dirt, I steel myself for telling the tale that I haven’t told but once before.
I’m not afraid of death, but I’d like to explore this next phase of life.
Except, ever since the last trial, competing thoughts have run rampant through my mind. One moment I want us together again, the next I can’t imagine our wounds healing. My wounds, in particular. I repeat my new mantra over and over.
Let it go. Let it go.
I’m supposed to be a fae warrior, strong in mind, spirit, and body. No wonder they always told us not to fall in love. Not only had I done that, but I took it further and bonded myself with someone.
What an idiot.
An idiot so deeply in love, I hadn’t cared at the time.
As much as I’ve tried to forget the details of that day, they never left me. In fleeting moments—smells, sounds, certain scars—bring me right back to the day of the battle.
And the bargain.
Over time, I’ve been able to suffocate their impact. They’re buried deep, but always waiting for a chance to pull me back under.
Staring straight ahead—unable to look at Mikael—I start, because if I don’t, I’ll lose my nerve. This is a chance to unload a burden I’ve carried for so long.
“When I saw how the battle was going. How the fae’s weakness was being exploited, and we were losing so many warriors, I knew I had to do something. It was, after all, my fault. I caused all the devastation before me.”
“You were not the cause,” Mikael interrupts, placing a hand on my forearm.
I look at him. Those gorgeous gray eyes burn with fierce protection. It guts me. It’s clear he would do anything to change what happened.
“Say it,” he demands.
I look away, a sob choking me. Tears fall of their own accord. I wipe the back of my hand against my cheek and pull in a breath.
Exhaling, I take far too long to let the words leave.
“I’m not the cause.”
“Now please, go on.” He removes his hand, giving me back my space.
“All the bloodshed.” I shake my head; the tears keep filling my eyes, like my heart wants to escape from the pain of the memories. “Death surrounding me… Both fae and vampire.”
“Bryn.” Mikael grabs my horse’s reins and stops us. “Breathe. Take your time. If it’s too much, tell me when you’re ready.”
Breathe. Breathe, I repeat over and over, inhaling one long breath after another, trying to steady my racing heart.
“I haven’t spoken about this for a very long time. The only one who knows is Peylin, and that was right after it happened.”
Mikael runs his thumb across my cheek, wiping a tear away. “While it may be different, I know that deep-rooted pain. I had no one I could trust. Not even the vampires I knew, that knew you.”
My eyes flit up to his face, and concern is etched across his features. “I want to tell you. You deserve the truth. It’s the least I can do.”
“I’ve told you before, you don’t owe me anything. But I would like to know.” Mikael squeezes my hand and offers me back the reins. “Now that I’m here, I will never let you suffer again. I swear this to you, Brynnrieal Salinthor. You will never again find yourself at the mercy of others.”
He used my full name, letting me know the sincerity of his words. I nudge my heel into the horse’s side and click my tongue, urging her forward. Just like her, I need someone gently urging me in the right direction.
I look at Mikael, and he meets my gaze, offering a sweet smile.
Him.
He’s the one helping me now, leading me on the path I need to go. He’s not left my side, even though I’m an ass and get annoyed at his antics.
It’s unlike all the other fae in my life—besides Peylin.
She is the only one who stuck by me, became the foundation which refused to crack from the pressure of my grief.
As hard as I wanted to fall into oblivion, she did not allow it.
Fuck. I need to tell her just how much I appreciate what she’s done for me.
Mikael’s smile fades, replaced by concern, but when I offer my own smile, his features relax.
“Is there more than what you told the dragon?” I ask, not able to continue just yet, to relive what happened that day.
His jaw flexes, the swell of his throat rolling as he swallows and looks down the road. “Yes. Would you like to know?”
I know that look. The painful swallow before having to reveal something you don’t want to say. I’ve had to do it many times when delivering bad news to a resident.
“Yes,” I say confidently.
“There are two parts, but I won’t bore you with all the details—at least for now. We have a lifetime for those.”
There’s a pause, and I can only assume he’s waiting for one of my quips, but I don’t have one this time. Instead, I wait in silence for him to continue.