Chapter 8
Camryn
Ikeep having the same dream.
A cool breeze tickles my cheek and I open my eyes to see Caelum’s annoyingly effective grin beaming down at me. I tilt my head to see the landscape rushing past, but I’m too captivated and oddly comforted by being in Caelum’s arms that I’m not afraid.
The guy frustrates me to no end. He’s a huge, intimidating fae warrior, and yet he is kind and gentle.
But I can’t forget he’s the one who brought me here to that icy bastard.
I have yet to figure out what Lord Arc’s deal is.
I feel like a doll he’s locked up to dress up and admire.
He thinks he’s scary, but I doubt he’s met anyone like me before.
If he wants to keep me here, he’ll have to deal with my wrath.
It’s been days since I found out Aurora was in Silverveil. I oscillate between nausea and elation at the thought of Aurora being held captive here, too. But maybe we can find a way out.
I’m standing on the balcony outside my room, wondering if I’ll be able to get a glimpse of Aurora when she arrives. The air is crisp and I’m still in my nightgown, refusing to leave my room all day. My skin prickles with goosebumps and I hold back a shiver. But it’s nice to feel something.
A knock on my door calls me back inside. I expect it to be Vespera, appearing to let me know dinner will be served in an hour. When I first arrived, she wrote notes to let me know what was going on. Now that I’ve learned the schedule, her appearance is enough of a cue.
I tug open the door and am surprised to see Caelum filling the doorway. His hair is windblown and his face is heavy.
“What do you want?” I ask.
He looks over my shoulder at the open balcony and then back at me with concern. I can’t deny that I’ve thought of jumping more than once. But those were the early days before
I decided I would make their life a living hell for keeping me here.
My will to live is stronger than letting them get the best of me.
Caelum’s golden eyes return to mine and I choke back the flutter of my heart in my throat. It would be easier to hate him if he wasn’t so beautiful. He gives me a look that cracks my headstrong facade.
“She’s here,” he says quietly. I know he means Aurora.
My eyes widen, and I stare at him. “Did you bring her here?”
He nods solemnly.
I sigh. Although I haven’t met any other of Arc’s cronies, I’m relieved it was Caelum who brought Rory.
I put my hand on my hip. “What? Do you want my thanks for bringing my friend to this shithole?” I glare at him. “Goodbye!” I swing the door shut, but his large hand wraps around its edge.
“I’m sorry,” Caelum whispers from the hall.
My heart clenches. I hate how this twists my insides. I whip open the door to see his face completely crestfallen.
He drops his gaze as I glare at him.
“Why am I here?” I ask, eyes blazing. I have yet to receive a straight answer since I’ve arrived. And I know what Caelum is going to say before he even opens his mouth.
He glances at me. “It’s not my—”
“Your story to tell. I know.” I finish his sentence, annoyed. “Where is she?”
He swallows, straightening himself. “She’s settling in. You’ll see her at dinner.”
I want to ask why I can’t see her now, but I know he won’t give me an acceptable answer. I’m half tempted to scream her name until I find her, but decide that could keep me from seeing her altogether.
I glare at Caelum, who hasn’t moved from the doorway. “I don’t get you. As much as I wish I knew what I’m doing here, I’d rather know what your motivations are.”
His eyes soften, and I know he’s holding back.
“Right. You can’t tell me,” I snap. “Well then, I guess I’ll see you later. Thanks for the message.”
His throat bobs and he stares at me for a breath before he turns on his heels and stalks down the hallway. As I watch him disappear around the corner, I shut the door, leaning against it as my mind whirls.