Page 125 of In The Shadows

“It’s just me. Take my hand. There’s a path a few feet away with more light,” I whisper.

His callused hand slides into mine, causing tiny sparks across my skin. If I look close enough, I’m positive I could see light bouncing between us.

He closes his hand around mine, and I lead us out of the trees onto the worn path leading up to the brink. Once safely in the light, I let go of Theo’s hand, even though I don’t want to. We walk quietly up the hill under the clear sky. The stars and moon shine brightly upon us, lighting our way.

As we near the crest of the brink, I grab Theo’s arm, halting him.

“Close your eyes. I want this to be a surprise.”

His warm, honey eyes look down at me with skepticism.

“You’re not going to throw me off the cliff, are you?” I release his arm and give him an irked glare.

“I don’t know. Are you going to be a good boy and do as you’re told?” I mimic his words back to him.

He shakes his head but follows my directions and closes his eyes. I take both his hands in mine and walk backward into the clearing at the top of the brink.

Stopping at a safe distance from the edge, I release his hands and stand beside him.

“You can look now. Happy birthday, Theo.”

He opens his eyes, and they instantly go wide at the view in front of him. His mouth falls as he takes in the sight. I smile and look out at the realm before us.

This is one of my favorite spots in all of Omnia. From here, you can see the other three kingdoms. Each appearing to glow in the distance. I’ve searched the realm for another view like this, but there isn’t one.

I allow Theo time to enjoy this view while I enjoy mine. There’s one more place I want to show him tonight, and my heart flutters at the thought of sharing my secret spot.

Chapter 30

Theo

“If you’re up for it, I have one more place I’d like to take you.” The queen’s voice is soft and muffled as I stare blankly ahead at the entirety of Omnia. I didn’t know there was a place in the realm where you could get an unobstructed view of everything. There are the harvested fields and sky-reaching plateaus of Fati. The glow from the moon is the only light across the harsh land. The rolling hills with overflowing flowers of Terra. Fireflies dot the landscape, making it appear as if they’re stars blinking in the night sky. The snow-capped mountain tops of Lux, massive and unyielding. The flicker of lights from the lanterns and candles across the village cast a warm glow, making my heart ache for home.

I swallow hard, trying to clear my mind. My mouth is slightly dry from being open in shock for a little too long. I can’t take my eyes off the spectacular sight before me.

“Thanks for this. The view is unlike any I’ve ever seen.” I feel her gaze shift to me, slowly trailing up my chest to my face. My skin heats where her eyes slide along my body.

“It’s just one thing that makes Umbra so special. True beauty lies under Thalos’ shadow veil, if only you know where to look,” she explains. Turning to look at her, my heart skips a beat as I finally take her in.

Her porcelain skin almost glows in the moonlight while her hair is aflame as if embers of a fire yet to smolder out. Her luminous jade eyes stare softly at me as the corner of her lips curl up in a smile. She’s stunningly beautiful—looking like a radiant goddess under the glow of her kingdom.

I need to get it together.

Blinking several times, I try to clear my thoughts. Obviously, it doesn’t work. I take in a shaky breath to calm the anxiety rising within me.

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