Page 6 of Song of the Heart Scale
I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms. “Then tell me, Cat. What'syourplan? Are you truly considering marrying that bastard?”
The growl in my voice surprised even me. Cat flinched, then her eyes softened with understanding. She sighed deeply, her breath warm against my chest.
“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe… maybe going home is my best option.”
My heart twisted painfully at her words and confusion tightened my throat. “Home?”
She looked up suddenly, her eyes bright with excitement. “Myhome.Myworld. Maybe you should come with me.”
I stared at her in shock, unable to form words. “What?”
She grabbed my arm eagerly, her eyes sparkling. “Think about it, Damien. You'd love it there! Cars—those are like carriages without horses. Movies—imagine stories that comealive before your eyes, but in pictures and sound. There are things called amusement parks—rides that spin and soar, like flying. And the food—pizza, burgers, ice cream…” She groaned in delight.
Her animated descriptions filled me with a strange mix of wonder and apprehension. “You truly think I would fit into your world?”
She grinned mischievously, her voice teasing. “You'd definitely stand out, but you'd adapt. Plus, no Thorne, no politics, no constant threats. You could be free.”
I hesitated, torn between curiosity and duty. The image she painted was tempting, but could I truly abandon the only world I’d ever known for a life I couldn't fully comprehend?
Cat noticed my hesitation and squeezed my arm reassuringly. “Just consider it, okay? Something to think about.”
I sighed and pulled her closer to me, relishing the warmth of her body pressed against mine. “I'll think about it,” I promised, my heart torn between the known and the unknown.
“Good.” Her head rested against my chest. “Because whatever happens, Damien, we're running out of time to make a decision.”
I knew she was right, but I had no idea how to get us out of this situation.
“As illuminating as this discussion is,” I murmured against her ear, “you've attracted quite enough attention tonight. I think it's time we left this garden party before someone notices the future Crown Princess consorting with the infamous Shadow Prince.”
Cat's eyes slightly widened. “But I was just getting to the good part… I can’t leave my strippers!”
I frowned. “You can tell me all about these strippers on the way, but we have to go,” I said firmly, taking her hand andguiding her deeper into the shadows beneath the trees. “Can you walk?”
“Of course I can walk!” she huffed indignantly, then immediately stumbled.
I caught her around the waist and secured her against my side. “You were saying?” I smirked down at her.
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I'm a little tipsy. But I'm sobering up. Dragon's Breath is apparently stronger than I expected.” She leaned into me, her warm body fitting perfectly against mine.
“Let's get you back to your room,” I whispered, scanning the garden for the safest path. The revelry continued unabated; the staff was far too engrossed in their festivities to notice our departure.
I pulled Cat into the darkest shadows, our footsteps silent against the soft earth. Moving through shadows was my specialty—it had earned me my moniker, after all. With her pressed against me, I easily navigated between the trees and kept far away from the lantern light.
“You're good at this,” she murmured, her breath warm against my neck. “Like a ghost.”
“Not a ghost,” I softly corrected. “Just someone who learned early that darkness offers protection.”
We skirted the perimeter of the garden, keeping to the tree line. Cat's steps grew steadier as we walked and her body grew less wobbly with each passing minute. The cool night air was working its magic, clearing her mind even as her proximity to me sent my thoughts scattering.
“The servants' entrance,” I whispered as we approached the Ryder residence. “No guards are posted there tonight due tosomeone’sactivities…”
She chuckled.
We slipped through the darkened doorway and entered a narrow corridor used by the kitchen staff. The halls weremercifully empty, as everyone was either asleep or they were enjoying the garden festivities. I guided Cat through a labyrinth of passageways, my hand never leaving the small of her back.
“How do you know the layout of this place so well?” she asked, her voice hushed but curious.
I gave her a sidelong glance, my lips quirking. “You think this is my first time sneaking into the Ryder residence?”
