Page 97 of A Thieving Curse

Raelyn looped her arm around Alex’s neck and laid her cheek on his chest. She lost track of time as they sat there while she tried not to think of Tristan and Gareth or leaving. She wanted to enjoy this moment, to lock it into her memory so she could cherish it forever. He rested his chin on her head. One of the others came out of the cave a couple times, then went back inside without saying a word.

Thank you,Raelyn thought.Let us have all the time we can get.

The afternoon wore on and the sun edged toward the peak of Mount Klainar behind them. Shadows always came early to the eastern slope of the mountain. Still, they sat together. They had shifted so her back was against his chest. His hands rested on her middle, with hers atop his. She leaned her head back and watched a sparrow dart past.I wish I could fly with him one last time.But she feared if they took to the sky, they wouldn’t come back.

Alex went rigid and sniffed the air. Fear snaked into the pit of her stomach. She sat up straighter. “What’s wrong?”

“They’re here,” he growled. “Close.”

33

“ALREADY?” RAELYN SCANNED the forest in a panic. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely men approaching.”

She scrambled to her feet. Alexander stood more reluctantly. “We shouldn’t have waited so long,” she said, running a trembling hand over her mussed hair.

Alex smiled ruefully. “I’m thankful for every moment.”

As nice as that was, they didn’t have time for sentiment. She should have made him leave long ago. “Get the others. I’ll try to—”

Something whirred past her. Alex roared as an arrow sliced through his wing, leaving a jagged hole. His irises lit up. Smoke poured between his teeth as his chest heaved.

Raelyn’s blood chilled. “Alex!” She pressed her hands against his chest, trying to get his attention. “Stay in control. You have to leavenow!”

He inhaled slowly. His eyes went dark, but he didn’t move.

“Alex, please!”

“Alex?” She spun around at the sound of Tristan’s cold voice.

Tristan stepped out of the trees with his sword in hand. An archer stalked forward on his left, another arrow nocked. Her mouth went dry.

Gareth emerged on Tristan’s other side, sword drawn. His narrowed gaze slid from her to Alex.

“Your Highness, Gareth.” Raelyn faltered. “You don’t need to—”

“Flames.” Tristan stared past her at Alex. “It’s…actually you, isn’t it?”

Alex startled. “Tristan? You remember me?”

“I remember a boy with black hair and monstrous features like yours.” Tristan’s brow pinched. “My father killed you.”

Alex snarled. “I escaped before he could finish what he started when—” He made that strangled sound.

“When Henry cursed him,” Raelyn finished, glaring at the prince.

Tristan huffed. “Come here, princess.” His tone permitted no argument, but she didn’t budge. “Move away from the monster.”

Alex growled unhelpfully.

Raelyn backed against Alex’s chest. “He’s not a monster—”

“He looks like a monster,” Gareth said warily. “Raelyn, please.” He held his hand out toward her.

“Williams,” Tristan barked. The archer drew his bow.

“No!” Raelyn screeched and held her arms out to her sides. As if that would do anything. “He’s your cousin!”

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