Page 33 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“I mean it, Renya,” Selenia continued, her tone mock-serious. “You'll want to look stylish too. Queen Kalora is gorgeous. You wouldn't want my brother's eyes to wander, would you?” She could barely keep a straight face as the words tumbled out.

“I can't ever imagine that happening,” Renya replied softly, her heart constricting in her chest. She hadn't really considered the full implications of being fate-bound to Grayden until that moment. It meant there would truly be no one else for either of them, ever. The weight of that commitment, far from frightening her, filled her with a sense of purpose.

Her desire to help Grayden restore balance to their world intensified, burning like a flame in her chest. She wanted everyone to have the chance to find their fated mate, to experience the profound connection she shared with Grayden. In that moment, Renya realized that she wasn't just in this world to be with Grayden. She was here to save it.

Selenia, ever perceptive, seemed to sense the shift in Renya's demeanor. “You look serious,” she observed, pausing in her packing frenzy.

“I am,” Renya confirmed, resolve coursing through her entire body until it consumed her. She stood straighter, her voice filled with determination as she declared, “I'm going to restore this world.”

Selenia's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and amusement. “Good for you,” she said, her tone supportive despite her light-hearted words. “But let's finish packing first.”

As Renya moved to help Selenia sort through the chaos of her belongings, she felt a sense of purpose settling over her like a mantle. The journey ahead would be challenging, fraught with danger and uncertainty. But with Grayden by her side and her newfound family supporting her, Renya knew she was ready to face whatever lay ahead. The mark on her wrist tingled, a constant reminder of the love and strength she carried with her. Whatever trials awaited them in the Twilight Kingdom and beyond, Renya was prepared to meet them head-on, determined to fulfill her destiny and bring hope back to this magical world she now called home.

Chapter Nineteen

Renya's bones ached with a deep, penetrating chill as she shifted uncomfortably atop Frost's back. The excitement of horseback riding had long since faded, replaced by a weary resignation. She found herself longing for the warmth and security of Grayden's presence behind her, but necessity had placed her on this dull, plodding mare that struggled to keep pace with the others.

Her eyes drifted to Grayden, who rode beside her. She observed his vigilant gaze as it scanned the horizon before inevitably returning to her. It was a pattern she'd come to recognize: a sweeping assessment of their surroundings, then back to Renya, with occasional glances towards Selenia. The intensity of his attention both warmed and unsettled her.

“Are you faring okay, Little Fawn?” Grayden's voice cut through the whistling wind, his emerald eyes piercing through her as if he could read her very thoughts.

Renya shifted again, wincing slightly. “I'm okay...just sore everywhere.” The words had barely left her lips before she caught the smug grin spreading across Grayden's face. He winked playfully, pursing his lips in a way that made her heart skip a beat.

“Don't worry, we'll stop soon,” he assured her, his eyes flicking to the sun's position. “It'll be dark within the hour.”

As if on cue, Selenia's mount trotted up beside them, her riding cloak billowing dramatically behind her. “I'm hungry,” she announced, fixing Grayden with a pointed look.

Grayden sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness in his voice. “You always are. There looks to be a clearing up ahead. We'll stop there for the night.”

The group made their way to the clearing, relief washing over Renya as Grayden helped her dismount. Her legs felt like jelly, and she was grateful for his steady support. As they began unpacking, Dimitri finally caught up with them. Renya felt a wave of gratitude for the healer's presence. While she had managed to stitch up Grayden after the tygre attack, the thought of having to tend to any more serious injuries made her stomach churn. Now that Grayden was her mate, the idea of causing him even the slightest pain was almost unbearable.

Selenia approached, her fiery hair whipping in the wind as she pushed back her hood. Renya handed her a waterskin, which the younger woman accepted eagerly. After a large gulp, Selenia's face contorted in disgust. “Bleh! That's just water!”

Renya couldn't help but chuckle. “What did you think it was?”

“To be honest, I was hoping for some fireale,” Selenia admitted, handing the waterskin back with a dramatic sigh.

As they made their way through the snow to help with the tents, Selenia's sharp eyes took in the sleeping arrangements. “There's only two tents?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and suspicion. “How is that going to work?”

Grayden's response was swift and matter-of-fact. “Simple. I'm going to share with Dimitri, and you'll share with Renya.”

Selenia's relief was palpable. “Okay, as long as I don't have to share with you,” she quipped, eyeing Grayden. “Or worse, you and Renya together...”

Grayden's annoyance was clear in his clipped tone. “I can control myself and so can Renya.”

“Sure, whatever,” Selenia retorted, grabbing her sleeping roll and disappearing into the first tent.

Renya turned to Grayden, unable to hide her disappointment. “We're sleeping separately?”

A hint of a smile played at the corners of Grayden's mouth. “You're the one who wanted her to come with us.”

Dinner was a subdued affair, the group's exhaustion tangible in the quiet that settled over them. Renya and Grayden sat side by side, their knees touching throughout the meal, a small comfort in the face of their impending separation.

Saying goodnight at the tent flap proved more difficult than Renya had anticipated. The bond between them seemed to pull tighter, making the prospect of parting, even for a few hours, almost painful. They lingered in the frigid air, neither wanting to be the first to break away.

“It won't be for that long, Little Fawn,” Grayden murmured, his hand coming up to gently stroke her cheek. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her that had nothing to do with the cold. “As soon as we get to the mountain camp, I'll make it well worth the wait.” He pulled her in for a tender kiss, both reverent and gentle, before reluctantly releasing her. Renya could feel his eyes on her as she crawled into the tent beside his sister.

Sleep proved elusive for Renya. She tossed and turned, her body aching from the cold and the absence of Grayden's comforting warmth. She hadn't realized how quickly she'd grown accustomed to the inferno of heat his body produced. Shivering beneath the pile of furs, she strained her ears for any sound from outside the tent. Without Grayden by her side, a creeping anxiety took hold, making every rustle of wind sound like a potential threat.

---