Ryker growled.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,Mother.” He nudged the door, hoping Tertia would get the hint. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Or not. He’d rather swim naked in the icy Black Sea for hours.
Thank all the gods, with a final huff and glare, Tertia left.
When the elevator doors closed, Ryker slumped against the wall. He ran his hand through his hair, shut his eyes, and groaned. That was, without a doubt, one of the most miserable conversations he’d ever had the displeasure of having with his mother.
He wasn’t sure how long he remained there before a wet nose pressed against his hand.
Marlowe’s black tail thumped enthusiastically, and he looked up at Ryker with wide, anticipation-filled eyes.
“Want to go outside, Marlie?” Ryker scratched the dog behind the ears.
Woof.
“You’ve got it.”
A run was a good idea. Fresh air would clear his head, and hopefully, Brynleigh would be back by the time he returned.
He texted her to let her know he was taking out the dog and would be back soon. He ran his face under cold water, shook off the last remnants of his mother’s visit, and changed into black running shorts and a pale blue T-shirt. It was cold outside, but he’d warm up quickly once he started moving.
Hooking Marlowe onto the leash, Ryker closed the door behind him. They jogged down the stairs, avoiding the elevator and the lobby in case Tertia was still lingering. He didn’t even know why she had bothered to come to his apartment. He’d gotten her message loud and clear from the numerous emails, texts, and voicemails she’d left him over the last few weeks.
The only good thing about this was that, for once, River wasn’t taking the brunt of their mother’s anger.
Gray clouds hid the stars from view as Ryker and Marlowe slipped out the side door. The cool air pricked at his skin, and he shivered. A heavy mist hung in the air, warning of impending rain. His magic swirled as if it wanted to come out and play.
Another time.
The water fae slid wireless headphones into his ears, connected them to his phone, and dialed his sister’s number.
As soon as it started ringing, he took off running down Center Street towards Eleyta Park. He and Marlowe always ran this familiar, comforting path. Three parks were within equal distance of Ryker’s apartment, but he preferred this one. The trail was fenced, there was a small pond where dogs could swim, and pets were allowed off-leash.
He wasn’t worried about waking up his sister—she was a night owl. Sure enough, she picked up on the third ring. “Hello?”
“Mom was here,” Ryker informed her, his voice steady despite the pounding of his feet on the sidewalk.
“Ah.” She sucked in a sharp breath. “I’m sure that was…”
“Delightful, as always.” Ryker turned the corner, staying beneath the streetlights as Eleyta Park came into view at the end of the road. “But it’s okay, she left. How are you?”
“I’m… alright.”
It was evident by her tone that she wasn’t telling him the whole story.
“You can tell me,” he gently prodded. “Is it Dad?”
By the Black Sands, he hoped their father was alright. If the deities that ruled this continent cared about them, they would allow Cyrus to live. Their family couldn’t handle another catastrophe right now.
“No, he’s stable, and the meds are working.” River exhaled. “I’ve just been… worried. I don’t know. I have a bad feeling.”
Ryker slowed. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t explain it. It’s not my magic,” she hurried to say. “But I feel… uneasy. Like something is coming.”
Ryker frowned. “Maybe it’s nothing.”