Chapter 13 #2
I did go back to the castle, but instead of making my way to my rooms, which would have been smart, I went to the library.
I was still looking for something, anything, that explained how the Veil was made or could be repaired.
Channels used in some specific combination or the right amount of power applied.
Or a ritual, like skinning a snake in the light of the new moon and then dancing naked in its blood, although I hoped it didn’t come to something like that.
The history book Finn had left for me today discussed two peoples from different lands coming together, their powers combining to form what we now knew as channels.
I also found an account of my parents’ deaths, but all it said was they sacrificed themselves, and it fixed the Veil.
There was no mention of what the fuck they actually did. I slammed the book shut.
As I pulled another book toward me, a strong arm brushed mine.
I didn’t need the ocean scent nor the telltale sign of my heart rate increasing to tell me it was Griff.
I studied the page in front of me, searching for something, anything, that would distract me from his presence.
Of course that was when he sat next to me, his body angled toward mine, taking up space in the way only he could that made the rest of the world seem smaller.
He rested his arm along the back of my chair, his hand curving lightly around my shoulder, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Like he touched me like this normally. Like I hadn’t been thinking about his hands for days.
“Find anything useful in your research?”
“Nope.”
I shivered as he shifted closer.
“Cold?” he asked, concerned.
I shook my head. Not even remotely.
He peered over my shoulder at the page. “That won’t help,” he said, nodding at the book that was speculating on the origin of the Veil.
How had I never thought to ask the person who was out there each time it broke? “Then what will?”
“I don’t think you’ll find it in a book.” He was echoing my thoughts. But someone, somewhere, had to know the answer.
I started to ask him another question when we both heard his name called. He swore softly under his breath as he gave me a glance that said he’d be right back and that I should stay there until he returned.
He was gone for longer than I expected, and Kaia was right—I was wrecked.
I slowly drew myself up and began my laborious journey back to my chambers.
People who normally acknowledged me, even if it was just with a quick bow, walked straight past me.
It was as if they didn’t recognize this version of their princess—the one who had used so much power she was dripping sweat onto the floor.
It wasn’t long before an irritated voice called out behind me. “Why can you never just stay put?”
“Who, me?” I scoffed and crossed my arms, instantly regretting it as it threw off my center of balance that was already shaky. I attempted to recover and told myself I’d only stumbled slightly. Maybe he hadn’t noticed it.
His gaze roved over me. “You look like you’re going to fall over.”
Who was I kidding? Of course he had noticed. He noticed everything. “Gee, thanks. Just what a girl likes to hear.”
Giving up, I leaned against the wall. The coolness of the stone sank through my leathers. Leaning was good. Better than standing upright.
“What did Kaia have you doing?” There was concern in his voice, and he took a step forward as if he was prepared to catch me should I start to fall.
I shrugged, tipping my head against the cool stone. “What doesn’t she have me do? Today it was blocking her sword of air with one of fire.”
An eyebrow shot up. “You’re wielding channelblades already?” The concern turned to astonishment. Had I actually managed to impress him?
“I suppose so.” I slumped a bit more against the wall. At this rate, I was going to inch myself down the wall until I landed in a sweaty heap.
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Damn, Princess. I’m impressed. Normally students have to wait several years before working with that level of power.”
“I’m guessing she doesn’t think I have years,” I said weakly.
He gave me a sharp look but changed the subject. “I need to head out.”
He’d actually told me.
Something must have shown on my face because his eyes darkened. He took a step closer, his hand coming to rest on the wall near my head. “I promised, Princess. I’ll never break a promise to you,” he said solemnly.
My heart soared with his words. And then it fell just as quickly. “But you only just got back.”
“I know.” I couldn’t place the emotion in his voice. Sadness, perhaps?
“Take me with you,” I blurted out.
“Absolutely not.” He crossed his arms, a picture of immovable strength.
“Why not? I can use my channels. I can handle channelblades—”
“In a controlled environment. This is different.”
“I need to see what we’re really facing.
What my people are really facing.” I shoved off the wall to stand in front of him, but misjudged my balance.
His hands shot out to steady me, gripping my waist. The momentum carried me forward until I was resting against his chest. I tilted my head back to look at him, prepared to continue my argument.
“Please, Griff.”
For a moment, something flickered behind his mask. Was he tempted? But it was quickly replaced by that stone resolve. “Not this time, Princess.” His hands flexed at my waist. “When you’re stronger. And not about to collapse in my arms from exhaustion.”
“I’m fine—”
“You were leaning against that wall, and now me, because you can barely stand upright. Continue training, Princess. Continue getting stronger. Then I’ll take you.”
I saw the promise written in his face. “I’m going to hold you to that, Griffin Narvene.”
“I’d expect nothing less. Come on.” He released me slowly, then held out his arm. “Let’s get you back to your room before you fall on your face.”
I took his arm, feeling the accompanying jolt, and let some of my weight rest against him. A feeling of rightness settled in me, so strong I was surprised it wasn’t flowing out of me, as if this, right here, was exactly where I was supposed to be.
When we got to my door, he didn’t release me immediately.
Instead, his hand slid from my arm to my waist as he turned to face me.
His hazel eyes were soft as they searched my face.
He brushed a strand of hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear, his hand achingly gentle as it lingered.
“Stay safe.” His voice was low, tender even.
“You stay safe.” In contrast, my voice was hard, trying not to let the worry seep through. “And find me as soon as you’re back.”
“I will.” With one final long look, he took his leave.