Buckling in, she pulled off her heels and beamed at her husband.
“So, my surprise.” She wiggled her toes, grateful to be freed from theconfines of horrible footwear. “Will you tell me what it is now? Another chess board?”
Since the rebels’ attack, she and Ryker had played several chess matches together. She was currently winning by one game, but she wanted to extend her lead.
Ryker flashed her a grin as he navigated the car onto the highway.
“No, this is bigger than that.”
He refused to say anything else, though. She tried to get information out of him, asking question after question, but he was skilled at evasiveness.
Eventually, Brynleigh gave up and stared out the windows. Like the apartment, the car had vampire-safe glass, and she admired the sun. The skyline slowly shifted, the industrial metropolis of Golden City giving way to sprawling golden fields and, eventually, sun-kissed forests. A companionable silence filled the vehicle, and Ryker’s thumb stroked the back of her hand.
Peace as silent as a winter’s night and as comforting as a heavy blanket settled between them.
Thiswas right. This was where they were always meant to be. Just the two of them.
Eventually, Brynleigh’s eyes grew heavy. She drifted off to sleep, anchored to reality by Ryker’s fingers laced through hers.
She’d never let him go.
Lips brushed Brynleigh’s forehead.“We’re here, sweetheart.”
She smiled as she woke, leaving a quiet, nightmare-free sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting Ryker’s.
“Where are we?”
They were parked in front of a single-story log cabin with a wooden wrap-around porch. In many ways, it reminded her of the small bungalow where he’d brought her after The Pit. Tall trees reached for the night sky, pine needles dusted the ground, and a still, blue lakewas off in the distance.
“This is my cabin.” The corner of Ryker’s mouth tugged up as he reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt. “Well,ourcabin.”
“It’s beautiful.” She returned her gaze to him. “Is this my surprise?”
He shook his head. “No, your surprise is inside.”
Intrigued, she followed him out of the car. She considered putting her shoes back on, but she took one look at the discarded heels and decided to leave them. The cold winter wind howled through the trees. There was no snow on the ground, but if the heavy clouds were any indication, a white blanket would cover the land come sunrise. She’d enjoy her bare feet while she could.
Ryker offered Brynleigh his hand and helped her up the steps. It was unnecessary but also ridiculously sweet, so she allowed him to assist her.
She thought he’d unlock the door, but instead, he knocked.
She shot him a quizzical look, but he just smiled and squeezed her hand. “Patience, love.”
Footsteps came from inside, and then, the door swung open.
Brynleigh stared, blinking repeatedly. She opened and closed her mouth, but words were hard to find.
“I… This… Zanri?”
No matter how many times she closed and reopened her eyes, he remained standing in front of her. He looked… well, probably as good as she had when she’d first gotten out of prison. He was leaning on a cane, his skin was a collection of bruises, and he was far too thin.
But he was here.
Alive.
She turned to Ryker, her brows furrowed. “How?”
Her fae captain smiled and squeezed her hand. “After the Reunion, several teams searched Jelisette’s safe house. They uncovered information about her nefarious dealings. She was blackmailing dozens of people, including Zanri. Once we had that, I petitioned the Chancellor to release him as an act of goodwill.”