Page 22 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Renya nodded, understanding flooding her features.

Releasing her, Grayden turned his attention to the ground, searching for any signs of their previous passage. “These tracks,” he mused, indicating faint indentations in the snow, “they might be from before, when you...when you left.” The pain in his voice was palpable, the memory of their separation still raw.

Renya shuddered, overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions the site evoked. Grayden, ever attentive, removed his cloak and draped it over her shoulders before intertwining his fingers with hers.

“Never again,” he vowed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Nothing will part us, sweet Renya. Not Cressida, not magic, not the very fabric of our worlds.”

As Grayden helped Renya remount Damion, he noticed a subtle change in her demeanor. She paused, staring at her hands with a mixture of wonder and confusion.

“Renya? What's wrong?” Grayden asked, concern etching his features.

“I'm not sure,” she murmured, her forehead wrinkling in concentration. “It feels...different.”

Grayden watched intently, his eyes scanning for any sign of her magic manifesting. He saw no visible change, but there was an undeniable shift in the air around them, a subtle warmth that seemed to come from Renya herself.

“Your magic,” he breathed, more sensing than seeing the change. “It's awakening.”

Renya nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “I can feel it,” she whispered. “It's like...it's a part of me, but also something more.”

Grayden watched in awe, his voice low and reverent. “This is extraordinary, Renya. Even without seeing it, I can sense the power within you.”

As they prepared to continue their journey, Grayden couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern. Renya's newfound abilities opened up a world of possibilities, but they also brought new challenges and responsibilities. He drew her close, offering silent support and strength.

“We'll face this together,” he assured her, voicing his thoughts. “Every step of the way.”

With a nod, Renya settled back against him as Damion resumed their journey. As they rode, Grayden remained acutely aware of the subtle changes in Renya, the barely perceptible hum of magic that now seemed to surround her. He knew that helping her master this power would be crucial in the challenges that lay ahead, not just for them, but for all the lands threatened by the Shadow Queen's darkness.

As Damion found his rhythm once more, Grayden felt Renya relax against him, her breathing evening out as she drifted off to sleep. He held her securely, his mind racing with plans and possibilities, all while remaining vigilant for any signs of danger.

When Renya next stirred, twilight had fallen. The forest around them had transformed, icicles hanging from branches like crystal chandeliers, catching and refracting the moonlight in a dazzling display.

“Are we staying here for the night?” Renya asked, eyeing their surroundings with a mixture of wonder and apprehension.

Grayden shook his head, reaching into the saddlebag for provisions. “It's not wise to remain exposed,” he explained, handing her a nutrient-rich travel cake. “Cressida will be searching for you, and the Snow Lands are the obvious place to start. Our best hope is that she's preoccupied with the unexpected turn of events—your newfound powers have likely thrown her plans into disarray.”

They rode on through the night, the only sounds the rhythmic beat of Damion's hooves against the snow and the occasional musical chime of falling icicles. The closer they drew to the lodge, the more alert Grayden became, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for any sign of threat.

As the first hints of dawn began to paint the sky, the familiar silhouette of the lodge came into view. Grayden felt a surge of relief at the sight of the snow-laden turrets, his posture relaxing ever so slightly.

They entered the village just as the first stirrings of life began to animate the streets. A baker, bleary-eyed but determined, nodded a greeting as they passed. Grayden guided Damion to the lodge's courtyard, where two young stable hands awaited them.

“Please,” Grayden instructed the boys in a low voice, “keep our arrival quiet for now.”

The older of the two nodded solemnly, leading the exhausted Damion away with his younger companion in tow.

“No grand announcement of your return?” Renya teased, a hint of her usual spirit returning now that they were safely home.

“Absolutely not,” Grayden said, guiding her along a small stone corridor rather than the large front door. He gave Renya an intense look, desire coursing through him. “We're sneaking in through the back passageway. The last few days have been torture. I'm going to do what I've wanted to do from nearly the moment I laid eyes on you. I'm spending the entire morning inside of you, and you, my Little Fawn, will be too sore to even think about walking away from my bed.”

Chapter Fourteen

Renya was both excited and nervous about Grayden’s proclamation. His words sent a wave of longing through her, and she could feel the warmth and moisture between her legs. She had never heard something so erotic in her life. Grayden was always so formal and proper towards her, but hearing him speak of his desire for her so frankly stirred some kind of primitive longing within her. She didn’t have any qualms or reservations about sex; she just hadn’t found the right person yet and none of her relationships seemed to last long enough before getting to that point. But with Grayden, she was sure in a way she never was before.

While her fear mounted, so did desire.

He pulled her into a doorway and up a stone staircase. When they reached the top, Grayden pushed open another door and entered the second floor corridor outside of his room. The door closed behind them, and Renya noticed it was practically seamless against the wood paneling.

Grayden could see her puzzlement over the sudden appearance and disappearance of the door. “Guard passages,” he whispered, practically dragging her towards his bedchamber, as if her pace was too slow. He pulled a bit too hard and she fell into his chest, and he kissed her deeply as he reached for the doorknob behind him and twisted it. Hands grabbing at her, they fell into the room together.

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