Page 74 of Unbound By Shadows
“Good morning,” she drawled, leaning a hip against the doorframe.
His expression was tense, but when his gaze flickered down over her body, it softened. "Good morning," he murmured. Then he leaned forward, as if he were about to kiss her, then abruptly straightened, seeming to think better of it. “We need to leave to take advantage of the sunlight. There could still be vampires around.”
Selene smoothed her hair. “Yes, of course. Do I have time to wash up?”
“If you do so quickly. We’ll be outside.”
“Okay. I’ll be down soon.”
He nodded and walked away without another word, leaving Selene a little unnerved by his sudden businesslike tone. As she hurried to the bathroom, she wondered why he hadn’t rejoined her in bed last night. Were Brunie and Eldridge all right, or had something gone wrong? After what they had shared last night, she wished he would have just come in to wake her, preferably with a kiss…
Her body flushed, remembering the feel of his hands on her body and the heat of his mouth on her skin. Last night had been more intense than their kiss in the kitchen, even though she was certain he had been holding back. Did he regret what they had done? Or worse, was there something about her that had put him off? Her mother’s voice rang in her ear as she pulled on her jeans, asking if she was exfoliating regularly or doing enough cardio. She pushed it aside.
She was not going to fall back into old habits. That was old Ordinary Selene territory, she chided herself. Aurelian Selene took her joy where she found it. She didn’t tie herself in knots wondering what other people thought or entertain useless feelings like regret.
What happens in Aurelia stays in Aurelia.Or, more precisely, what Aurelian Selene does is her own business. She was tired of existing in the land of what-if worries and why-didn’t-I regrets. What if she just lived in the present?
After packing her things, Selene found everyone in the front yard. The air seemed charged with a feeling she couldn’t name. Sam’s head was bent and Eldridge stared up at the sky. Brunie was grooming her feathers. The screen door snapped shut behind Selene as she came outside.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said.
“Samael insisted you should go as soon as the sun rose, and I can’t say I blame him. How do you feel this morning?” Brunie asked.
“No lasting damage. Is everything all right with you both?”
“We’re fine,” Brunie said. “I’ve packed you a breakfast.”
“More like breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and dinner,” Eldridge said, pointing at the bulging switch pouch hanging from Sam’s shoulder.
A gust of wind ruffled Selene’s hair, causing Brunie to motion to the sky. “My Harpy senses tell me a storm’s coming, but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow or the next day. It’s going to be a big one. You and Sam will need to make preparations.”
“Thanks for the heads-up. I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” Selene said. “Are you sure everything is okay?”
“We’re just sorry to see you both go,” Eldridge said. “And that your visit had to end the way it has. We would have liked to show you more of Snowmelt and the wonders of our world before you return home.”
Then Brunie was in front of Selene, extending her arms. “I guess it’s that time then,” she said before pulling her into a tight hug. “Safe travels, lovely girl. Farewell.”
Selene hugged her back. “It’s been wonderful to meet you both. I can’t thank you enough for last night.”
Brunie peered at her with her owl-like eyes. She cocked her head and made a little coo before patting Selene’s cheek affectionately. The gesture was sincere, so heartfelt it made Selene’s chest constrict. How often had she craved a simple touch like that from her father? Or wished her mother would look at her in a way that made her feltseen, instead of assessed? She wished they could stay longer, but Sam seemed anxious to go.
Stepping away from Selene, Brunie moved toward Sam then gestured for him to bend down. Playfully tugging on a lock of his hair, she said, “I have a strange feeling that it will be a long time before you visit again. Take care of yourself, demon. And your Selene. We’ll always be here for you.” Her hug for him was strong but brief as if she couldn’t bear to stretch their goodbye out further. Sam mumbled something Selene couldn’t make out.
Next, Eldridge approached, and Sam knelt to the ground. Puttingboth palms on Sam’s shoulders, Eldridge said, “I’m proud of you, lad. I know you will make me proud too. You’ve always done the right thing when given a choice.” Then the Goblyn hugged him.
“Thank you for… everything,” Sam whispered as he gently held the Goblyn.
“Ah, come now, we’ll see you again soon, eh?”
Abruptly Sam pulled away and stood. He ran a hand through his hair in that way Selene knew meant he was struggling to control his emotions. “Brunie’s right, it may not be for a long time.”
Eldridge looked suspicious, but he didn't push further. Turning to Selene with arms extended, he said, "You'll take care of our lad, won't you? Don't let him frighten you with that temper of his."
Selene bent to meet his embrace. "That temper saved my life last night."
“I suppose it did,” Eldridge chuckled, then squeezed her hard. “Be careful. But also be bold, and be brave, my girl.”
“I will,” Selene said, squeezing back. When they broke apart, she looked up at Sam, but he had already turned away. Taking one last look at Azuresong Pastures, Selene waved goodbye.
