“I will.”
Their conversation drifted back to the charred stone.
Myrrah would bring it back to her coven, where they would attempt to disentangle the threads of black magic woven throughit. She left soon after that, and Ryker was called into a meeting. He listened with half an ear, Myrrah’s words echoing through his mind.
Whatever you do, don’t let her go.
He wouldn’t let Brynleigh go. Not ever again. He would continue to fight for them because deep down, buried beneath the pain, hurt, and sorrow, he still loved her.
Even if it killed him, he’d love her until the day he Faded.
Buzz,buzz, buzzzzzzz
Ryker’s phone vibrated on the nightstand, waking him from a nightmare. Around noon, he’d stumbled into the hotel room the army had procured for him. After taking the fastest shower of his life, he’d collapsed on the bed and fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep almost instantly.
He glanced at the clock, grimacing. It was just after five. He hadn’t gotten much rest, but it would have to be enough.
Groaning, he reached over and pulled his phone off the charger. He held his finger over the sensor, unlocking the phone and swiping past work emails. He would deal with those later.
A missed text from his sister a few hours ago caught his eye.
River
Dad’s improving, thank Dyna. He’s awake, and this morning, he raised his right hand. They’re going to try him on solids tomorrow. The meds seem to be working.
Ryker exhaled and typed a brief message, reminding his sister to train and thanking her for the update. He didn’t expect an immediate response. River was probably at Dyna’s temple, praying to the fae goddess and making an offering.
He scrolled up to the message that had just come in and clicked onit.
Brynleigh
Hi.
One word had never sounded so good.
A smile pulled at the corner of Ryker’s lips as he sat up, the sheet falling to his waist. Myrrah’s words echoed in his mind as his thumbs flew over the keyboard.
Ryker
Hi, back.
Two checkmarks confirmed the message was read, followed almost instantly by three dots. He leaned against the headboard, waiting for the phone to vibrate.
How are things?
That’s a stupid question. Of course, they’re bad.
I think I’m nervous.
Ryker huffed a quiet laugh, bringing the phone with him to brush his teeth and prepare for the evening. They’d be working around the clock until they uncovered a lead.
I’m nervous, too.
And things are… not great. I’ll probably be here for a few more days.
Setting the phone on the counter, he ruffled through his duffel bag for some clothes. He’d just pulled on his pants when his phone vibrated again.
Okay. Yesterday, I… retrieved a book that belongs to Jelisette. I think it might be of interest to you.