Page 61 of Where Darkness Falls

It’s also the reason I pick a random room key and storm up the steps, my cadre trailing behind me.

Tiernan would want her to be secure.

It’s also why I gently lay her on the bedding, and command Virgil and Riordan to sit with her, while Laisren and I retreat.

Tiernan’s prize must be well-rested.

That has to be the reason.

It can be the only reason.

It can’t be because the sight of her in tears drives me to feel murderous tendencies for the one that triggered her.

It’s not because watching her body tremble from her grief propels me toward her, hoping to comfort her.

It’s definitely not the reason I allow my third and fourth commanders to sit with her, knowing she feels more comfortable around them.

It’s absolutely not because her guilt mirrors my own for things I can’t control.

That would be absurd.

No, it’s my duty to keep her safe on this journey from anything I deem as a threat—which currently includes the clerk that has attempted to maneuver around me for the last half hour.

“I don’t care if you’re the High General or not, I need to be in there when she wakes up,” the Malvorian bloke demands.

“No,” I reply, my voice lethal. “You’re the reason she collapsed in the first place.”

“It wasn’t my intention. I’m just shocked to see her in suchinterestingcompany,” he retorts.

My shadows slowly dance along my skin.

“It’s all my fault,”her voice echoes across my mind.

She blames herself for a tragedy that she didn’t choose, and he has the audacity to force it out of her?

How dare this Gawain character make her feel this way?

Everything in me wants to shred him apart.

“I’m sure she will come find you when she’s ready to speak with you,” Lairsren says, cutting in.

“I have the right to know what happened to Cara…myfiancé,” yells Gawain.

Does he want to die tonight?

The absolute pair on this one.

“Your only right is to the knowledge Maeva deems necessary abouthersister,” I seethe. “You won’t force it out of her as you did in the lobby. Laisren is right. She’ll come find you whenshe’sready—not when you decide it’s relevant.”

His ticking features are pugnacious, as if debating whether taking a swing at me would be worth it.

I really hope that he does.

My ability has been itching for a fight ever since I left the Palace of Nightmares. Before he decides to use that measly little fist of his, the door behind us swings open.

We turn to find a rather solemn Maeva, her eyes roaming between the three of us.

“Are you feeling well, Maeva?” Laisren asks.

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