Page 183

My blood turned to ice.

“Explain.” The word sounded like a warning.

“No.” He waited. “You’ll only believe it when he tells her.”

Silence.

Then—

“And he already has.”

She knows.

“Knows what?”

My room swayed.

“Enough.” He answered. “You don’t have much time, Alaric.”

“How much?” My voice broke.

“Less than you think.”

The curtains parted. He was gone. Like he never existed here at all.

I didn’t move. Couldn’t. Every instinct screamed toward Nyssa.

You don’t have much time.

How long?

Less than you think.

I was already too late.

A floorboard creaked. Then the slight drag of a foot.

I knew that sound anywhere.

My head snapped toward the door. My pulse exploded. Instinct narrowed in. I strode to the door and twisted the handle…

She was there.

Her hand hovering in the air…

Like she didn’t yet know if she wanted me.

I stared at her.

She stared at me.

Neither of us dared move.

Until my heart closed the distance.

I stepped closer and reached up. Cupped her face and leaned down. Her breath blew warm against my face. Mine stuttered. Her hands shook as she reached for me. I felt it as I folded her into me. The tiny shudders of her body. Mine ran deeper. Hidden beneath skin and bone.

Still, I felt them.