Page 28 of Heart of Shadows

Dimitri followed them all day, slipping through the folds of the world as they flew far above him, feeling with every ounce of his perception for that telltale signature of magic, to no avail. By the moon’s next rise, Dimitri was in as foul a mood as Raedon as they camped at the foot of the crags, sheltered by the tall pines that grew there and shallow caves under the cliffs.

Unable to bear their less than welcoming company, he slipped away to the top of the crags just as the sun slipped below the horizon, shattering the sky into flames as day burned to night. His worries blazed just as brightly, and he was glad for the barren solitude that afforded him no need to hide the depths of his concerns. The gusty wind chased the shadows from his soul, but the skies held no answers. The question hammered him with every beat of his heart, that ever-present undercurrent of panic thrumming with it. How far away have I sent the Dragonheart?

24

HARPER

Harper strode alongside Aedon, who looked at her appraisingly as she examined the new outfit she wore, courtesy of him. It was a mismatch of garments, but Harper didn’t care. The loose-sleeved shirt billowed on her arms, and she had tucked the long hem into the well-worn leather breeches. The leather boots, at first too large, had molded to her feet, thanks to a few whispers of magic from Aedon. She could still feel his hands upon her calves, stroking the boots into a perfect fit as he knelt before her. That had done strange things to her insides that she did not want to acknowledge. It had been too long since she had enjoyed the touch of another and nothing more, she had ruled, before resolutely clamping down upon the feeling.

Aedon would also not reveal to her where or how he had procured the clothes. Harper had a sinking feeling they were the product of thievery, but she was so comfortable and warm, she did not dare complain. A gentle breeze lifted the scent of lavender water off the tunic and cloak. This one had no holes or patches, and it was far sweeter than the stale sweat and ale that had ingrained in her former cloak.

She pulled the cloak closer, her fingers seeking out the soft wool and fingering the dull metal clasp. It seemed rudimentary compared to Aedon’s, but a thing of beauty and craft to Harper. More than that, the cloak was warm. It made her old one seem like a thin, tatty rag in comparison.

“We’ll have to get you a weapon, of course,” mused Aedon.

Harper snorted. Her hunting knife was one thing. A sword or some such item seemed ludicrous. “A weapon?” She was so lost in the thought, she did not see the root at her feet. She stumbled—and immediately, his hand was upon her wrist, his arm around her waist. She braced against him as he righted her, almost chest to chest.

“Steady there, Harper. Are you quite well?”

For a second, she could not breathe with his verdant eyes fixed upon her. As the heat of his touch seared through her sleeve. As the firmness of his hand at her waist melded them together. She pulled away, heart hammering. “Thank you.”

He chuckled. “Not at all. Your first lesson in swordsmanship will be?—”

“Stab them with the sharp end,” Harper blurted. Anything to rid herself of this feeling.

He shrugged. “Well, I wasn’t going to say that, but I suppose that is as good a first rule as any.” He grinned. This close, his charming personality was overwhelming and she could not help but be attracted to him. Pushing down the swoop in her stomach, she mentally chastised herself. He’s a criminal, you fool, charming or not. She stared at Brand’s back as they followed him and Erika. Ragnar, at his own trundling pace, followed a distance down the path.

Harper’s eyes traveled over Brand’s broad, muscled shoulders, then the length of his sweeping, eagle-like wings—anything to distract herself. They were huge, and she had an inkling of curiousness to see what they looked like fully spread. Imposing, she was sure.

“Don’t worry about those two.” Aedon leaned closer to whisper. She jumped as his hand brushed hers. “They’re not the best with strangers. They have good cause to be wary, but when you get to know them, well, they’re as protective and loyal as anyone I’ve ever met. You just have to bear with them. It’ll take a while to earn their trust.”

“What is he?” Harper whispered back.

Aedon eyed Brand. “He’s an Aerian.” At her blank expression, he elaborated. “A winged warrior of the skies.”

She shook her head slightly, even further nonplussed.

Brand turned at the noise, eyes narrowed, and Erika tutted at Aedon. “Are you going to chat all day? We have a crucial mission. Head down. Feet forward.”

Aedon bowed his head in mock contriteness, but he slid Harper a wink, which seemed to be his cue for mischief.

She bit her lip. “Where are we going?”

Brand and Erika whipped around, both fixing him in a glare as Aedon opened his mouth. He frowned. “What? There’s no sense keeping her in the dark. What secret do we have to hide?”

“It’s just none of her business,” Erika snarled, and Harper’s steps faltered at her open hostility.

“She’s with us now. Perhaps she can help,” Aedon said stubbornly. All trace of his mischief vanished, and the look he gave Harper was full of determination. “In fact, I know she can.” He lifted his chin and glared at Erika, as if daring her to disagree.

Harper looked between the two of them. She had no idea how she was supposed to help, but she wasn’t about to step between the two of them. Not when he fought her corner. To Harper’s surprise, even though Erika’s mouth was set in a thin line and her disapproval was clear, she relented. “Fine. Only the particulars. No more.”

Brand continued walking without a word. Erika huffed and stalked after him.

“What was that about?” Ragnar asked as he caught up.

“They’re being difficult, as per usual,” called Aedon after their retreating backs. Brand raised his hand in an obscene gesture. “Rude!” Brand made the gesture again. Aedon tutted, but his customary carefree twinkle had returned.

“So, where are you going?” Harper asked.

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