“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 clearfrom 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.”
“Maybe.” But it didn’t sound like River agreed with him. “I’ll mention it in my prayers tomorrow. I think Dyna is helping Dad.”
River’s faith in the goddess of life and healing was sweet, but Ryker thought the medicine and round-the-clock care were the reasons their father was improving. He didn’t say that, though. He didn’t want to break his sister’s spirit, especially since he knew how much she cared for the fae religion.
“How’s school?” he asked instead.
“Good.” River made a sound of amusement. “I can’t wait to be done, though. It feels like I’ve been learning forever. I want tohelppeople. I can’t wait to start my internship next year.”
He smiled and led Marlowe across the street. “I know you do, River. You’ll be an amazing doctor.”
She hitched a breath. “Do you think so?”
Even though Ryker couldn’t see his sister, he imagined she was drawing her lip ring through her teeth.
“I know it. You’ll be an incredible addition to any medical team. I’m so proud of you.”
If Tertia refused to say the words, Ryker would say them twice as often.