Page 98 of The Curse of Indy Moore
NothingchangedabouttheMisty Woodlands save my memories of a once haven turned nightmare. Mr. Hawthorne and I stood side by side, peering into the glade of growing shadow. The sun lowered to crest upon the horizon, warning of my final change.
Mr. Hawthorne reached toward the forest. His hand met an invisible force that zapped him. He retreated to hide the smoking fingertips against his chest.
I took his hand. “Are you alright?”
His fingers curled against mine. They were so warm and shocked me in an entirely different manner.
“I fear I cannot go with you. She suspects you are coming and has defended herself. It’s more an annoyance, though if I tried more than that, she would do far worse.” Maintaining our hold, he stepped closer, or maybe I moved toward him. “I am sorry you must face her alone, but you are capableof this.”
“I know,” I said, and I believed it.
He heard it in my voice based on his proud smile that warmed me more than words could.
They warned me of this, that Carline could protect herself strongly enough to prevent anyone from joining me. I hoped they were thinking of the worst case scenario. However, I knew I could do this without him.
We shared a glance toward the horizon, where the sun descended further. I didn’t doubt that once I walked into the woodlands, Carline would ensure I found her with ease, but I had to get going before I lost my opportunity.
Heaving a breath, I faced the forest. He interlocked our fingers, bringing me back to his alluring eyes that were too green to belong to anyone.
“Indy, I…” He clenched his eyes shut as Slate flew overhead, mirroring our fears with his insistent cawing. “I should tell you…”
“You called me Indy,” I interrupted.
His eyes widened, and his grip tightened. “A lapse of judgement. I apologize.”
“You can call me Indy. I would like you to.” Especially when he said my name like that, hardly a whisper uttered from his lips.
“Indy,” he repeated with that imperfect smile. “I am sorry.”
“For what?”
The back of my hand touched his chest. I hadn’t realized how close we were until his breath hit my cheeks. I wasn’t sure if I felt his heart racing against my skin or if it was my own pulse, thrumming through me so viciously I could hardly hear anything else.
“Perhaps I should have listened to the sovereign and given your case to an experienced demonologist. They may have had this settled by now, and you wouldn’t have to… You wouldn’t be going in there alone.”
He looked at my lips when I spoke, and it was maddening. “You brought in Professor Kumir, who by all accounts is the best option. I don’t know what has gotten into you, but it is so odd to hear you dejected. I can’t believe I have to admit that I prefer your usual confidence.”
“As do I, but it is the truth, and should anything go wrong, it is entirely my fault.” Mr. Hawthorne scowled when Slate descended on his shoulder to peck at his hair.
“This is Carline’s fault entirely. Regardless of what happens, please know that I’m grateful for everything you and the others have done.”
“Grateful,” he scoffed. The frown lines upon his typically calm features deepened. He swatted Slate off his shoulder when the crow cawed again. “You must put some level of blame on me. I promised to handle the situation and haven’t lived up to those promises.”
Consciously or not, he rubbed the back of my hand, and I returned the gesture. “We don’t know that yet.”
He pursed his lips. “I am trying to get you to scold me for even a moment. Why is that so difficult for you?”
“I dislike the idea of doing anything simply because you want me to. It goes against my nature.”
His smile made my toes curl. When he spoke, his voice rang low and soothing, “I guess it does, though I find that far too endearing about you.” He brought my hand to his lips. I gasped at the soft brush of his mouth, shivering as I felt him breathe me in deeply. “Promise to come back to me perfectly well.”
“Specifically to you?”
His lips never left my hand, lingering there so his words heated my skin. “Entirely to me.”
“I promise, Rooke.”
His eyes searched mine, and I wondered what he saw. “I like the way you say my name.”
