Page 61 of When Storms Ruin

“Thank you, Isaac. But in truth, it was nothing.”

“I understand,” he replied with a wink.

Isaac had been a father figure to Nik, and this conversation felt awfully fatherly as well. Isaac was a good man, and I found myself secretly hoping somethingwasgoing on between him and Liss.

But things had changed since Zion came back, leading me to think there was a love triangle going on between the three of them.

I gave him a playful shove before moving towards the door to join the others. “Thank you, Isaac.”

“Anything for you, My Queen.”

Puck, Tess, and Nik were waiting for me outside the compound and, despite my protests of not wanting to be stuck looking like a stranger for the next few hours, we all drank glamours for the walk back.

The night had descended upon Prins and the streets were dark and filled with people and creatures alike lurking through the shadows. I didn’t expect to run into any Araneoch in the city center, but as we walked towards Dragon’s Hollow, we needed to be vigilant that Donika was near.

Puck and Tess walked hand in hand ahead of us, leaving Nik and I several yards behind. I was worried that he might bring up what had happened earlier, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk about it. I had been caught up in the heat of the moment, his hands had been on me, and the position…it had brought back a few memories.

That’s all.

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye before clearing his throat. “That was pretty impressive back there, with Warrick.”

I took a deep breath, relieved he hadn’t decided to bring it up. Maybe he was feeling the same way I had, and he had only been caught up in the moment. There was no reason to believe it was anything more than that on his part, either. Maybe he didn’t even feel that way about me anymore. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and gave him a lopsided grin.

“Well, I did have a good magic teacher.”

“Agreatmagic teacher,” he corrected with a grin. “I knew it would be as easy as breathing for you if youpracticed. I know you are upset about not being able to use your storm magic, but I promise that doesn’t make you weak. Look at what you did back there…you are stronger than you know, even without having to tap into that side of your magic.”

“And when I pull on too much power and gas out?” I asked, raising my brow at him.

We turned towards Dragon’s Hollow and the streets grew darker and emptier. The lights weren’t turned on outside the shops on this side of town, the people already having turned in for the night. The only sound was our hushed voices and the soft clip of our boots against the cobblestone street.

“That hasn’t happened yet, so let’s not think about it.”

“That’s a great way to think about it. We will cross that bridge when we come to it…so let’s never come to it. Simply don’t pass out.”

“Exactly.” He grinned, playfully nudging me in the side. “Just don’t pass out.”

“I’ll try my best,” I replied.

“Did you know those two were back together?” he asked, nodding towards Puck and Tess ahead of us.

I swallowed hard. “Yes. I assume you didn’t?”

He shook his head. “Puck and I…we haven’t exactly talked…about any of that.”

A blush heated my cheeks and I was thankful for the dark cover of night. There was no way Nik would be able to see the flush under the dim light of the moon.

I wondered if he would tell Puck about today, or if they hadn’t spoken about it because it didn’t mean anything tohim anymore. Maybe his protectiveness in the infirmary was simply protection of the heir to the throne, to the true queen.

Maybe there was nothing romantic about it.

I laughed, but the sound was hollow in my own ears. I hoped it was convincing enough as my mind ran away with my thoughts. As we reached the door to the townhouse, Puck and Tess stopped for a quick kiss in front of the stone steps.

A sudden chill ran down my spine, unsettling me. I glanced behind me, but the street was dark and empty. Why did it feel as if someone had been watching us?

I broke away, the sound of Nik’s voice calling after me as I turned around the side of the building. Something was drawing me in that direction, and I couldn’t explain what.

I felt a tug, like a physical pull that I couldn’t push back against even if I tried. I felt eyes on me, and when I turned the corner of the townhouse, the sight before me sent a shiver through me that threatened to freeze me in place, despite the warm spring air.

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