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There.
I’ve said all there is to say.
We stare at one another for a long beat. I don’t cower beneath his pointed gaze.
“I get it,” he says quietly at long last. “Now come back to me.”
A deep longing wars in my chest but I fight it. I pull my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them.
He needs to understand that this is wrong, that he can’t lock me here.
“My own path,” I insist.
“Fine,” he grits the words between his teeth. “Can I walk with you on that path?”
My lips quiver at the offer.
But I say nothing.
I don’t trust my own voice.
His hands tremble, inching closer towards me. I see his desperation and need. I’m only covered by this blanket over my shoulders. He can easily pounce at me and fulfill his darkest fantasies.
He tries to catch my eyes again. “Little fawn, please come back to me.”
I shake my head, hiding my head on my knees. I’m channeling Blaire’s stubbornness right now.
“I’m sorry about the dress. I’ll get you new ones,” he promises. “With pockets.”
I fight the smile tugging my lips. The tormented sound of his voice prompts me to look at him. His eyes are full of apology and remorse. “Forgive me, Nel.”
I inhale deeply through my nose and exhale slowly.
A storm rages outside, and Svenn had just died today. That’s the only excuse I’ll allow myself for staying the night. I simply won’t have it if this situation continues tomorrow.
I’ll run away.
But for now, I wrap my hand around his neck and slide into his lap.
His features ease in the slightest with relief.
“I’m—I’m only holding you because it’s convenient for the bond,” I say quickly, keeping my face hard.
Svenn nods in understanding.
He pulls me towards him until there isn’t an ounce of space between us. The exhaustion of diving into the ocean and healing Ksatka is creeping up on me. I rest my cheek on his rigid chest and try to relax.
It’s impossible, but I try.
The castle is old and every creaking noise bothers me. My skin prickles at the scratching sound behind the metallic door. Another banging and my heart rate shoots up to the sky.
Svenn’s hand lands on my exposed ear, covering it ever so gently. My heart beats out of rhythm at the gesture.
“Don’t worry, Nel. I’ll protect you from that gingerbread fucker,” he says in a low voice.
It’s just a silly superstition. I don’t even really believe that anymore, but I like that he remembers that little detail about me.
Svenn drops a kiss on top of my head and whispers, “Nothing will harm you. I’m here, little fawn.”
