Page 89 of A Tempest of Shadows

The next morning, our day started as it ended, but when we parted again, I felt impossibly shy and insecure. They were two things I wasn’t used to experiencing.

I was usually so damn certain about what I was doing, where I was going, and what I had to do… even when I was making incredibly bad decisions. I had no idea what this meant or what would happen once we left this tree house, and I hated it.

I suspected we would go back to business as usual. I would help him hunt for someone who didn’t exist anymore, and he would barely acknowledge my existence as he had with the blonde from the carriage.

Jealousy caused my teeth to grind together as I tugged on my socks. Why did I have to think of her now when I was already feeling completely uncertain about everything?

I hadn’t expected this sudden turn of events to create so much chaos inside me, but I hadn’t expected to feel so right in his arms. I couldn’t lose that.

I couldn’t ask Ryker about any of it. Immortals had fun with each other and parted ways without regret; it was what we did, what I was supposed to do and had always planned on doing when I finally found someone to share this experience with.

I liked being free to do as I pleased. I’d never wanted to be tied down by anyone for at least a few more centuries, but I couldn’t walk out of Ryker’s life, and I didn’t want him to leave mine.

It was inevitable we would one day have to part ways. His father would never allow us to be anything more, and our society wouldn’t be thrilled about it either.

You’re an idiot. If Ryker knew the truth, we’d never speak again and might drag me to King Ivan or kill me himself.

No, it would be best if we parted ways today and never looked back. I would have an amazing memory to recall over the years, and he could return to the aristocrats, where he belonged… sort of.

Birth had made him one of them, but he was different from the monsters who had trapped us all here.

I followed him down the ladder and tried not to smile when he grasped my waist and plucked me from the bottom. When he set me on the ground, his thumb stroked my waist before he released me. He strode across the clearing to where Tucker stood with a small group of amsirah practicing with bows.

They didn’t have arrows; I could see why as they dropped their bows, spun them awkwardly around, and had trouble keeping the strings back. Even with targets only ten feet away, I wouldn’t have given them any arrows either. They’d probably shoot themselves or each other.

I understood why they didn’t fire more arrows when they confronted us in the forest; they couldn’t. Tucker had a lot of work cut out for him with this motley crew, but they would get it… they had to.

While Ryker spoke with Tucker, I stood a few feet away with my hands clasped as I searched the woods for Mouse. I’d hoped he would come to say goodbye, but I didn’t see him.

He’s all right. He has a way of surviving.

I wouldn’t let myself think his luck might run out one day. I might scoop him up the next time I saw him and lock him away somewhere to keep him safe. Mouse required his freedom, and I couldn’t take that away, no matter how much I yearned to protect him.

When Tucker and Ryker turned to me, Tucker extended his hand, and I took it. “We’re trusting you with our secret,” he told me. “Ryker assures me you’ll keep it, and I have complete faith in him.”

I had no doubt they had complete faith in each other. No one went through what these two did together without forging a special bond. I didn’t look for scars on Tucker, but I was sure they were beneath his clothing.

“I’d never tell anyone about this place,” I vowed.

“Good.”

“Mouse will show up around my manor again, but he’ll return here too now that he’s been treated kindly. Can you make sure newcomers know to look out for him? He’s a sweet boy who’s had a terrible loss.”

Tucker clasped both my hands in his and squeezed. “I promise the boy will be safe here.”

“Thank you.”

Tucker jerked his head toward Ryker as he grinned at me. “And you’ll take care of him?”

I didn’t know how to respond, and I could feel Ryker’s gaze boring into me, so I nodded. Ryker clasped my elbow and gently drew me away from Tucker. They embraced one more time before Ryker turned and led me away.

“I’ll open a portal to your manor,” he said as we walked across the clearing. “I think, after yesterday, we could both use a day off from searching to rest.”

I was both grateful for a reprieve, more tired than I’d realized, and dreading being alone after knowing the peace of this place and the wonder of Ryker. Would he return after he left today?

Yes, he still wanted to find the Hooded Robber, but would he still seek my help finding the thief? He might decide he was better off on his own without the possible added complication of me.

It would probably be better if he decided against returning for my help in the woods. We could separate now, without him ever learning the truth, and eventually, he would give up on finding someone who didn’t exist anymore… or get himself killed.