A murmur of agreement ripples through the group.
“Do your part, my friend,” El Lobo says. “Call on me when it is time.”
I nod, but the pressure in my chest intensifies. I can only think of one thing: Melisa.
The need to see and touch her prickles along my skin. I need to kiss her, to ask her something important.
Chapter 35
MELISA
Each day, we get closer and closer to our departure. All that is left to do is to see what Eneko brings back from his trip. Through the speaking stones, we will tell the King and Queen that Rholker still resides in Zlosa, reveal all his secret plans, and leave.
Soon, I will see Enduvida. The crystals and the jewels. I’ll hear the sweet songs my mate loves so much.
I sit on the bed, sorting through my dresses. As I look at the clothes hanging in my closet, the clamminess of my skin and unsteady beats of my heart take over.
Tomorrow.
I'd been dreading the day that Eneko would return for the last week, and now here we are.
I take a deep breath through my nose, the words sitting in the back of my mind.
We need information… but I don’t want him to come back.
When the sound of feet walking up the steps to my door filters into my room, I startle, but then close my eyes.
Ra’Sa.
Fuck.
He’s weary. He spends so much time planning with the other humans, organizing supplies. I should cast him away, and yet, I open the bond between us.
Come in.
The door swings open, and he stands there, looming in the doorframe. Chest heaving. Eyes glinting in the firelight. He slips inside and shuts the door behind him quietly.
“Ruh’flor,"he exhales, seconds before he wraps me up in his arms. Instinct has me wrapping my arms around him, too. I breathe in the scent of stone and wood and let my eyes flutter closed.
I once thought I had a heart of stone, and yet, all I needed was a stone bender to work it to life. To force the organ to beat, to pump blood, and to feel anything other than anger, survival, or terror.
"Is everything all right?" I ask quietly, acutely aware that he still refuses to pull away.
He nods, his chin digging into the top of my head.
Yes. Everything is ready for tomorrow, he replies to my mind.
I let out a long breath.
It’s really happening.
It is.
His fingers thread through mine.
Melisa. I have good news.
Oh?I say, not letting on how much that makes my gut churn.