Page 85 of Restored

I’d longed to feel this way, read about it in books, but that didn’t prepare me for how all-consuming it truly is. Feeling anything besides guilt and sadness seems almost inappropriate after the way I’d failed yesterday. I wonder absently if Holt had ever been in love.

Thinking back to how young he’d been, he’d likely never had the opportunity, and the thought makes me hate myself more.

I look around the room, drinking in my surroundings. Before I force myself to leave, I want to commit it to memory. Every picture, every decoration, every fabric, each a small tell into who Ledger is, and I want to know everything.

He rolls over in the bed, spurring my feet to the door. I give his sleeping frame one last look before slipping out. The chill of the stone floors soaks into the soles of my feet as I pad to my room. I nearly make it to the door when I run into Archie.

My heart turns over as we stop a few feet from each other. He hesitates before closing the gap between us and enveloping me in his arms. My eyes well as I squeeze him back. “I’m sorry, Arch.” It comes out as a whisper.

“Lay, don’t be sorry. Promise me you won’t blame yourself for what happened yesterday.”

“What are they going to do with his body?”

“He will have an honorable burial. What family he does have will be taken care of. He was brave, overconfident, fierce, and so fucking stubborn,” he says, and I swallow the raw noise that works its way up my throat.

“I don’t understand; why were the wolves and the Kerolu in the city?” So many questions filter through my brain.

“The King is requesting all our presence in the throne room. Why don’t we get you dressed and head there, I’m sure we will find some answers.”

Archie sits on my bed, his elbows on his knees. He runs his fingers through his blonde hair, his usual lightnessmissing. I toss on random clothes, stealing nervous glances at him.

I go to grab my hairbrush when I see the small, white shell the Maladra gifted me sitting on the counter. The shell must have been placed here before my clothes were laundered.

I pick it up, studying the intricate details before sliding it into my pocket. The weight of it brings me comfort. I run the brush through my hair, plopping down next to Archie and tying on my boots. We sit in silence. His fingers thread through my own, and I let my head fall to his shoulder.

We soak in what comfort we can from each other. I am utterly drained, and the dark bags under Archie’s eyes tell me he must be just as exhausted.

He rises, pulling me to the door with him. “You ready?”

Mia givesme a sad smile as we enter and squeezes my hand as I pass her. I take a seat at the table next to Archie and brace myself for what is to come.

Orion appears, and my breath catches as Ledger follows him into the room. His eyes find me immediately, his body visibly relaxing.

He takes the seat next to me, and I get a whiff of his heady scent. It’s an effort to keep my body rooted where it is. I am already yearning for his touch and the familiar warmth of him.

I grip the seat of the chair, letting my nails dig into the lush fabric. King Callum enters followed by Humphrey, and we all rise, bowing our heads.

“You may sit.” He takes his own seat at the headof the table.

“I’ve called you all here to talk of the grievous acts that ensued yesterday. We lost fourteen honorable, innocent people. That number would have been much higher had it not been for all of your bravery.”

“I want to personally thank you, Layla. It is my belief you not only fought yesterday but saved many lives. Westray is indebted to you.” Everyone around the table nods, placing their hands on their chests and bowing their heads.

“Thank you, Your Grace.” I fumble for my words, shocked by the show of respect. It wasn’t until now I realized how protective I am of Westray, and how desperately I want to stay. I have truly come to care for everyone around this table.

Ledger’s fingers brush the back of my hand. I meet his gaze, and the way he’s looking at me makes my heart ache.

“I can’t seem to make sense of why this may have occurred. We’ve had an agreement with Grimwood for many years, we are up to date on our payments to them. They should have been keeping all creatures away from our borders. I’m of the mind this was some kind of calculated attack, an act of retribution. Could it have anything to do with Layla being here?”

The color drains from my face, my heart ratcheting in my chest.

The room is silent for a moment too long before Ledger speaks. “It could have been an attack from Bellehaven. Itook Layla without permission, and they sent a warning of retaliation if I did not return her.”

“Ledger.” Callum says his name and rubs at his eyes as he forms a response. “By bringing her here you have put all of Westray at risk. She must be returned.” Callum looks at me and then at his son, his cheeks flushing in anger.

“I agree, Your Grace,” Humphrey says from next to the King.

“I will not make that choice for her,” Ledger declares, staring defiantly up at his father.

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