Page 63 of Storm

Golden flecked eyes dig through mine, almost hypnotising. Knowing he won’t find the answer in them, I respond. “Operation New Halo, with this year’s date on it and the word nu-clear highlighted.”

At the strange word, Adam snarls, teeth and all. I still don’t know if I pronounced the last part right, but it affects the fae before me, his body stilling to an unearthly quiet.

“Are you sure that’s what it said?”

“I found it on Melek’s computer. I’m sure.” My head makes an exaggerated up and down movement to prove my point.

He lifts his hand, slapping it against the wall behind my head, swearing. “Well, looks like we have a deal, human. Be ready to leave next week.”

That’s it? Adam makes a move to turn away from me. I reach out, taking any part of him I can secure, pulling him to a stop. “What day next week?” Being in limbo is too much for me. I need answers.

Turning to face me with aggravation on his ticking eyebrow, he answers. “I cannot give you days or times, woman. It will be when it’s convenient for me, and at a time that possesses the least risk.”

“Okay.” His eyes travel down to my hand attached to his shirt and back up, a scowl pulling at his deep jade lips. “Oh, sorry,” I respond, releasing him. The fae briskly walks out of the room and up the stairs, not sparing me a second glance.

That was not what I expected.

Next week?

It’s already Friday.

Next week could mean Monday.

I’m not prepared. Yet, I have to be. This is my only solid chance of escape after all this time.

Walking the length of the sitting room, I torment myself into an early grave, thinking of all the things I need to prepare for Sunny. He’ll need his bear bear, a couple of changes of clothes, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. That should all fit in a backpack. And his drawing book and pencils. Not to mention snacks and plenty of water.

I sink into the stuffy formal high-winged chair opposite the large bay window, the night placid and unmoved by my inner turmoil.

Sighing, I sit and stare. This is it. We’re really leaving this all behind.

“Am I doing the right thing, Nix?”

I wish he would answer me. Any sign would be nice. Instead, all that greets me is silence.

CHAPTER 18

WELL-INTENDED PLANS ALWAYS BACKFIRE: A THEORY

One thing I know for a fact is that well-intended plans rarely work out. Well, that’s what I usually find. On Wednesday, my theory is proven correct.

It starts like any normal day; breakfast at the seated nook in the kitchen overlooking our crispy-looking garden, the cold having really done a number on it, struggling to hold on. Each year, it manages to pull through, followed by an unsanctioned adventure outside. Melek is on a call with the rest of the council, giving me strict instructions to stay inside with Sunny. We have no intention of complying with them.

Melek should’ve learnt years ago that I enjoy breaking his rules. I really don’t understand why he bothers anymore.

And I need something to distract my mind after having waited day after day for Adam in a somewhat obsessive way. Every thought wanders to our escape. How will he get us out of the house? How will he get us beyond the checkpoints? Will Sunny be upset? It also doesn’t improve my mood that I am heavily pregnant. The one saving grace I hold onto is that this pregnancy is proving to be a breeze so far. Barely any pain, besides from the slight discomfort from carrying a few extra pounds. It is definitely giving me a false sense of security that leaving Halo is a possibility for us.

So, to break up my intense worry, my hands wrung to pieces and my bitten lips shredded, I decided that Sunny and I would benefit from a walk in our forest—without Melek’s blessing.

We are thoroughly rugged up before traversing into the backyard, a chill sweeping the air. The biting edges of it make me forget about Adam’s lack of communication.

Sunny is eager to check on his treehouse, a structure in the middle of our backyard forest that Melek had constructed a few years ago. We haven’t visited his boys-only house in a week, and he is starting to grow desperate.

I am usually made to wait down in the forest, Melek and Sunny being the only ones allowed inside. It has always given me time to study the unusual markings on the trees, so I’ve tried not to take it personally.

The groundskeepers keep the path through the thicket of trees well-maintained, fallen leaves brushed to the side as we often take this route on our morning walks. Just not as recently with my stalker—husband—barely allowing me to step foot outside in this weather and in my “condition.”

The cold air invigorates me.