Page 138 of Kingdoms of Night

“You’re right. There’s an opening just around the corner,” Idalno called back, her voice rapidly fading as she hurried away.

He drew in a long, shaky breath. This was confusing. After taking a moment to collect himself, he followed after her.

She’d already put a fair bit of distance between them. He quickened his pace to catch up with her, but his heart still raced from that kiss, making him pant. He wanted to kiss her more. And more. So much more.

But of course she’d left. Why wouldn’t she? She didn’t want this. Especially not with her history. Not that he could blame her. Men were often unpleasant and tedious. There were some exceptions. But on the whole? Well, he didn’t like most of them either. Or most people, for that matter.

And he’d heard that list of what she wanted in a man. He didn’t fit it, not really, except for being honest. And if there was one thing he was honest about, it was about when he was a poor fit for someone. He deserved to be alone, and she deserved to be with someone so much better.

He slowed as he exited the cave, blinking. The sun was setting, and the sky above had become a mass of blue violet and red gold, the clouds tossing and twisting in intricate designs as night reached for them. Grass softened the ground, ornamented with great clusters of lavender flowers. Enormous, thick-trunked weeping willows with white flowers stretched out over the path. Petals blew free, and the wind itself carried the most pleasant scent.

His head spun, just from the richness of that scent and its sleepy undertones. If he hadn’t been thinking of Idalno, he could’ve just sat there and breathed it in and let his thoughts drift anywhere they chose. It was as if he’d stepped into an entirely different world.

Idalno must have felt it too, because she slowed as well, swaying to the side. Her arms swept out as if to catch her balance.

“I need to think,” she called back to him. “I just—I just need a moment.”

Blinking, he halted. A moment? Of course. Of course she wanted time away from him. Space.

He wandered a few steps farther and then stared off into the hazy horizon.

How long he stood there, he wasn’t sure. Each breath took him back to Idalno. Each pulse of his heated blood. Each throb of his pounding heart. Time seemed to lose its meaning as he meandered through his loose connection of thoughts and feelings.

Life hadn’t been kind to her. It was one thing to know someone like him was good for nothing—that he had no purpose, no reason for existence except the chance that came from two fertile adults engaging in sex and conceiving him. But Idalno, she was smart. Determined. Gifted. Even if he wasn’t able to put it into words, it was obvious she was special. She hadn’t been made to feel that way, or even to feel seen at all.

She’d thanked him for what he’d done, but it paled in comparison between the two of them. If no one had made her feel seen, feel as special as she really was, then someone should. He should.

No, he wanted to.

His throat tightened. Maybe she didn’t want anything more, but by the gods, he wanted to make her feel good. He wanted to make her scream with pleasure.

Hawthorn and Buttercup nuzzled one another.We need to go, Hawthorn said.As in just us. Not you.

Yes, yes. Better than running, Buttercup giggled. She nipped at Hawthorn’s ear.

We’ll scout ahead. Find food. Meet you later.

Much later.Buttercup tossed her head back and then bounded away.

You’ll be safe. Don’t follow the lights at night. And if you start walking, get to the path and stay on it. Beasts won’t attack when you’re on the real path.

How will you find us?Feron asked, more amused than annoyed at the wolves’ eagerness to get away by themselves.We won’t rest long.

You should rest. Enjoy the night. The perfume of the darkness. The seduction of the night. It’s a low moon. All quiet.

You’re drunk, Buttercup.

Drunk on love, my darling! Come! Chase me through the fens and meadows. Run with me, my beloved.

A minute, dearest of loves. Then I’ll—

Feron shook his head and held up his hand.I don’t want the details.

Hawthorn yipped. It sounded almost like a laugh.Don’t worry about finding us. We’ll find you. No matter where.

As long as he stays in this world. Buttercup wagged her tail and thrust her snout against Hawthorn’s cheek.Now run with me!

The two wolves bounded away. Feron sighed and turned his back to them. At least someone was having a good time.

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