Page 37 of Realm of Nightmares
When she opened her mouth to object, he spoke over her, his words cemented as law. “The city is no longer safe. There hasn’t been an attack like this in years.” He pinned her with a knowing stare, one that caused her stomach to twist into awful knots of trepidation. “Not until you.”
“Oh.” The last thing she wanted to do was to cause another attack. “I see.”
“If you need anything from the library, I’ll have it fetched for you.” He nodded once and a current of magic ebbed along the edge of the room, an indication of the tidal wave that would follow if she didn’t heed his command. “For now, you remain here. If you leave, you are to be accompanied at all times. No exceptions.”
“I understand.” It killed her, but she was in no position to cross the god of death. Not when she’d yet to find a way back to the Four Courts. At present, it was in her best interest to appease him.
Aed bid them a good night, then left, and Maeve secretly hoped he would scold Laurel for her bitchy attitude.
Maeve shifted in the bed, lying back on the pillows. Every muscle and joint ached. It would take at least a day, if not longer, before she fully recovered.
Rowan stood up from his chair. “You should probably get some rest.”
She said nothing.
Whenever she looked at him, she could think only of the illusion, about the beginning and ending of the Dawnbringer and the Nightweaver. He knew it was the two of them, and he’d hidden it from her. Whether to spare her feelings or his own, she couldn’t be sure. But she wouldn’t easily forget the way he’d shoved her out onto those stone steps. Even now, all she could see was the flash of anger reflected in the lavender of his eyes.
In that moment, he’d loathed her.
“I’ll find one of the empty rooms and stay for the night, in case you need anything.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants and a swath of dark hair fell into his face, covering one eye. “I won’t leave you.”
“You always say that.” Maeve couldn’t bring herself to look at him anymore. She folded her hands in her lap, lightly tracing the shimmering lines from where the healer had sewn her finger back together.
She knew he stood there, watching her, and when she finally dared to spare him a glance, shadows hardened the lines of his face. It was an echo of remorse. Maybe even hurt.
She didn’t know.She didn’t care.
Without another word, he left her.Alone, she couldn’t shake the feeling of trepidation that settled around her shoulders.Maeve had lost part of herself in that alley, and she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to get it back.
ChapterTwelve
Tiernan had lost all focus.
Niahvess had calmed, but the storm within him continued to rage. The journey to Maghmell would be treacherous, but he had no other choice.
He reclined in his seat on the terracotta balcony, the large oak table before him spread with warm scones, pots of berry jam, fresh fruit, and slices of seasoned meat. Delicious scents filled the air, coupled with the briny breeze off the coast, and his stomach growled. But his appetite evaded him, so he opted for coffee instead.
Whiskey would’ve been a better option, yet given the early morning hour, he wanted to keep a level head.
Gloomy skies stretched for as far as the eye could see and the continuous lack of sunshine had taken its toll on the Summer Court. Citizens of Niahvess remained indoors now, the vibrancy of the city hidden away as the imminent threat of doom dampened their moods.
Ceridwen sat to his left, teacup in hand, stirring the brewing contents with a spoon. The light tinkling sound was like chiming bells. Lir was to his right, more silent than ever. The commander sat with his arms crossed, the sleeves of his shirt rolled, revealing the bright blue, wavy Strand cresting around his upper arm. It seemed to glow against the deep umber of his skin, a blinding reminder of his vow to Tiernan to protect Maeve from everything and everyone. His bearing grew colder, more resigned, with each passing day.
Merrick sat opposite of him, idly stabbing at a piece of meat with a knife, while Brynn repeatedly tossed an apple into the air, then caught it before taking a bite.
Tiernan had debated most of the previous evening on how best to approach the subject of Maghmell. The task itself would be a strenuous undertaking, and he was fully prepared to receive backlash from all of them. But time was of the essence, and he decided to be straightforward on the matter.
He looked over at his twin. “I must return to Maghmell.”
“Tiernan, no.” Ceridwen’s eyes reflected the fear he harbored in the deepest part of his heart. The teacup rattled in her grasp, the hand she used to stir it trembling slightly. “It’s too dangerous.”
She shook her head, the ribbons of cobalt in her hair twining with the strands of gold. “You remember what happened the last time you made that trip.”
Of course he remembered, it was impossible to forget.
He’d almost died.
“I must agree with the High Princess, my lord.” Lir’s gaze trailed off over the balcony, to the Lismore Marin and beyond. To where the Spring Court lay cloaked in a heavy mist of dark magic and obscurity. “It’s a risk we cannot take.”
