Page 77 of The Reaping Rose

“Unfortunately, I came in here to get you.”

“Is something wrong?” I pull back.

“No, but Callum found something.”

“A way to open the Arch?”

“I believe so.”

Chapter 26

Elorie

When I meet Wilder in our room, my hair is still damp but braided off my face. His pupils widen at the sight of me, like he physically can’t contain his reaction to my presence. The feeling is mutual.

He stands, leaning against the wall with his arms and ankles crossed. His dark tunic is open halfway down his chest, teasing me with the carved muscles I know too well. His hair is messy, falling to his eyebrows. And when he smirks, it tugs his scar in a way that is uniquely him.

“Ready?” he asks, opening the door.

“I don’t know if I ever will be.”

He nods in understanding, holding my hand down the hallway. When we turn the corner, we find Rior and Letia waiting for us.

“I’ll wait for you at the library,” Wilder says through the thread, meeting Rior so I can speak to Letia alone.

“Elorie,” she chirps, stopping in front of me. “Is it true? Callum is working on opening the Arch to the Mortal Realm? Everyone has been talking about it. If it works, will we be going back?” The excitement in her voice falters, and I glance over to see her frowning.

My eyebrows pinch. “Do you not want to?”

“I don’t know.” Her frown deepens. “I don’t mind it here, but soon, I don’t think I’ll have much of a choice.”

She lifts her hand with the aeraliss ring. At first, that’s all I see. Until I step closer and notice the small red veins on her skin. They web out from beneath the ring, stretching to her fingertip and reaching nearly to her wrist.

“When did this happen?” I ask, my eyes shooting to hers.

Her nose scrunches. “It’s been worsening the past day or two.”

“You should have come to get me.”

“What would you have done?” Letia challenges. “I can’t take it off.”

I reach for her hand, and she winces when my fingers clasp hers, so I pull back. “Does it hurt?”

“Only if someone else touches it. Otherwise, I don’t feel anything.” She flips her hand over to show the veins also stretching up her palm. “It’s not happening to anyone else, Elorie.”

Confusion furrows my brows. “No rashes? No marks?”

She shakes her head. “Only me. What could be wrong?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, wishing I had a better answer. “Wilder is looking for answers. He’ll figure out what’s going on. And then, if we can open the Arch to the Mortal Realm—if it’s safe to cross—we’ll make sure you can take this off soon. I promise.”

“You have more important things to worry about.”

“More important than my oldest friend? I think not.” I grab her free hand. “I’m going to get answers for you, Letia. I’m going to find a way to get everyone home.”

Her lips press firmly as she nods. Her fingers squeeze mine; the slightest surge of something sparks where our palms meet. Something reaches out.

“I’m going to fix this, I promise.”