Page 68 of Touched

We move quickly, so it only takes a short while to reach the edge of Laric. The wards shimmer in the varying hues of the rainbow. Cyrus stares through to the other side with a peculiar look on his face.

“It’s about time,” Trevor says as he unabashedly stares back. The sentry stationed at this point, a childhood friend of my father, nods at Cyrus before looking me over and lightly inclining his head toward me.

He won’t tell. His friendship with my father is a close one.

Cyrus halts quickly, grabbing my arm as he looks down at Trevor. “This is the lovely troll?” His brow furrows as he asks. His tone shows he’s not really asking a question.

Smiling up at him, I chuckle. The Fae and the troll take measure of each other as I pull from Cyrus’s grasp. “Yes. Hi, Trevor. Trevor, Cyrus. Cyrus, Trevor.” I look at Trevor and wait until he meets my gaze. I feel my brow rise as I say, “I had to say goodbye to my parents. But… why are you here? I don’t recall us having a meeting time. Did I just forget?”

I didn’t forget anything.

Trevor shakes his head. “No. We didn’t,” he deadpans. “Callum’s grandmother wanted to ensure you were able to leave Laric. She knew you’d want to go to Callum. I came to be sure that happened.”

“Well, troll, you put my sister and my family in danger by announcing your arrival,” Cyrus quips.

“You mean Oberon?” He glances at the sentry, waving off Cyrus’s words. “We go way back. He won’t say anything to your queen… or your Elders.”

They do?

Cyrus’s brow rises before it softens, but he still has a slight frown upon his handsome face.

Rolling my eyes, I grab my pack from his hand. He took it from me to carry when we left the house. Concern fills my head as I ask, “Is Callum safe, Trevor?”

Trevor’s head jerks with a nod. “Of course. But we must make haste.”

Oh, thank heavens.

Now, I just need to cloak myself once more like I did last night, and I should be able to pass undetected.

No one knows I left… So, it should be just as simple.

But they do know… because someone saw me. At the port. With Callum.

Oh, hells.

I can still use the same spell…

Right?

“I can get through the wards. At least, I think I can, unless they changed the spell… again.” I bite my lip, nerves suddenly filling my entire body.

What if I can’t get through?

Trevor shakes his head in exasperation. “No, not these wards. The wards surrounding the Barataria Preserve. Only those of Callum’s bloodline can safely cross. But you’re his Kindred, so you should be able to as well. As a safeguard though, I’m here. I can get you through.”

Oh, right.

We Zinged. So, does that bloodline now include me?

“I see.” I gnaw on my lip, biting it so hard, I feel it pull. “Okay, I suppose we should get going. The longer we’re here, the greater the chances of being caught. We can discuss everything once we’re free of Laric.”

Trevor grunts and turns toward the trees past the wards. He grumbles, “Yes, we need to hustle. You’re safe within the wards of Laric, and you’ll be safe in the Preserve, but out here… we’re sitting ducks. Well, you are.”

Oh, hells. He’s right. We need to move.

Nodding sharply, I wrap my pack around my waist, then place the large part of my bag just under my wings. Grabbing Cyrus’s hand, I take one last look at the way the moon lights up his green eyes. “I’ll miss you, brother.”

After a quick embrace, I utter the spell from before and pray I make my way through.

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