Page 41 of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats
“Because they’ve never encountered anything like this before,” he answered. “Because your parents’ bloodlines are unknown to them. Because you’re equal parts fae and mortal, and that makes you a mystery.”
An unexpected laugh rippled through her chest. “Looks like I won’t be sleeping tonight.” The faint roll of thunder floated through the room. Her eyes glistened. “And now the storm is gone. I should have gone outside when I had the chance.”
He studied her uncertainly, wondering what a passing storm had to do with anything. The despair in her eyes overwhelmed him. “I can make it rain for you.”
She looked away, as if embarrassed. “No, it wouldn’t be the same. It’s the miracle of catching the moment.”
He was desperate to do anything for her. “What about swimming? You wanted to do that last night. I can take you. And I know a secret place where it always rains.”
“A secret place?” She shook her head. “It’s late, Tyghan. It’s not important—”
He turned her to face him. “I want to, Bri. Please, let me give you swimming and rain and the night of peace you wanted. Let me take you there.”
CHAPTER 32
Sloshy mud sucked at their boots, and the forest smelled like rain. The pungent scent of drenched pine and the lusty breath of warm, wet earth rose up to meet them. Other than putting on boots, they hadn’t bothered to change. Bristol was still in her thin gown, the hem now spattered with mud, and Tyghan still bare-chested. He said clothes were not important because they wouldn’t be running into anyone where they were going, and now, walking along this dark path, she believed him.
She wondered at his impulsive offer. It seemed maybe he needed this as much as she did. A rare brokenness lined his face when he told her about the markings. In the midst of his mountain of other problems, he was worried about her. But his concern also made her breath catch. How bad was it? Yes, maybe they both needed time to think. Walking this steep, dark trail with him was the reprieve she craved.
The rain had stopped, and there were no other sounds besides water searching for a river to fill or a root to nourish—no bird songs, no rustling animals. They had veered off the path that led to Thistle Lookout, and it made Bristol feel like she had stepped into a new world and left behind the worries of the old one. Her shoulders relaxed, and her breaths deepened into a smooth, unconscious rhythm—until they reached a forested cliff and Tyghan told her how they would proceed with the rest of their journey.
“A nightjump? Have you lost your mind?”
“Two nightjumps, actually. It’s the only way. That’s why this place is a secret.”
“Then it can remain a secret. The last time I nightjumped, I couldn’t breathe.”
He circled his arms around her, pulling her hips snug against his. “The last time you weren’t with me. This time you’ll breathe, I promise.”
“Two nightjumps?”
“Trust me, Bri.” And he lowered his mouth to hers.
She felt her weight drop away, her feet no longer anchored to the earth. She was a feather on a current, turning in the air with him, his arms secure around her. Warmth enveloped her like a balmy storm. He was her storm. His tongue gently skimmed her teeth, his breaths becoming her own. He tasted of cloves and ale, and she breathed in deeply, feeling the spiciness roll through her mouth, her lungs, even through her veins, every part of her growing lighter. She breathed him in, and it was like they were their own planet spinning through a galaxy, the stars parting as they swept past. And then, too soon, she felt her feet touching a firm surface again. Their mouths parted, and he smiled. “Nightjump one is done. Can you handle one more?”
She cupped his face and brought his mouth to hers in answer.
The second time they landed, she heard the quiet rush of rain, and when the moon peeked out from the clouds, she saw they were at the bottom of a deep gorge. Above them, a waterfall emptied into a small lake.
“This way,” Tyghan said, taking her hand. He led her across a mossy shore to the thin edge of the waterfall, and then they stepped down, knee-deep in water, and waded through the cascading falls before rising again on the other side. It was pitch-black, but Tyghan roused a flame in his palm, and the walls and water around them came alive. They were in a large sandy cave behind the waterfall. Water dripping from the ceiling reflected the flame and turned the cave into a sparkling sky.
“It’s not exactly rain, but—”
“It’s perfection.” Bristol quickly yanked off her wet boots and dug her toes into the golden sand, circling the cave in childlike awe. The remnant of a mostly burned log in the back of the cave was evidence that Tyghan had been here before. With a gentle flick of one hand, the fire in his palm flew to the log and set it aflame, making even more light sparkle around her. She stared, mesmerized by the backside of the waterfall. “How on earth did you ever find this place?”
He smiled. “It was an accident, actually, one that cost me a few bruises and an impressive knot on the head.”
“Thatisimpressive. We all know how hardheaded you are.”
“Says the pot to the kettle?”
“Maybe so.” She laughed. “When did this amazing discovery happen?”
He shrugged. “It was a long time ago. I was only seven.”
She was impressed all over again, wondering how a small child could find such a distant place. “Tell me more.”
His expression turned somber as he walked along the back of the cave, gathering up dried branches for the fire, and she knew she was entering tender territory. “It was the day of my father’s funeral,” he said.
