Page 189 of The Spider Queen
But then I looked at Thane, his strong features caressed by the glowing afternoon light, and I realized, I wasn’t just fighting to prevent the end of the world. I was fighting to ensure there wasn’t an end tomyworld.
You’re it for me.
He reached his hand out. I took it and laced my fingers with his. I brought our clasped hands to my heart—and the boiling, volcanic rage that had been brewing beneath the surface ready to be unleashed—disappeared like breath on a cold morning.
Even with half a heart, I can still love you the way you deserve.
Thane closed his eyes and bowed his head like in prayer. I knew what he hoped for. It was the same thing I wanted.
A life—however it looked…
With him.
Chapter 26
On the second evening, before the sun had set entirely, Virbius pulled aside the thick brush and gestured. “There it is.”
I huddled next to his side and peered out across the great expanse of…nothing. Just endless sand dunes. Even the rays of light hitting the sand weren’t beautiful.
“Talk about a barren wasteland,” I muttered.
Thane moved to stand behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Pretty much, yeah.”
“There’s a rugged splendor to it. Don’t you think?” Virbius added.
“You won’t even cross the desert with us,” I said with a wry laugh.
Virbius grinned. “I can appreciate it from afar.”
I reached out for his hand. “Thank you for getting us here.”
“It was an honor, lady.” He bowed.
I felt Thane’s eye roll through our connection and bit my lip to stop myself from bursting into laughter.
“If you have no more need of me,” Virbius said. “I’ll take my leave. Be well, be safe, and more importantly, may you succeed.”
With one final bow, Virbius darted away through the forest, out of sight. I didn’t even hear his footsteps.
“And then it was just the two of them—and the fate of the entire world rested on their very slim shoulders,” I murmured.
“My shoulders are broad.”
I looked up at him and grinned.
“What?”
“I’m still always so surprised when you make a joke. You were so dark when we met.”
“I was a spider, plagued with near insanity. You’d be dark too.”
I squeezed his hand that rested on my shoulder. “Should we continue on?”
“In a few hours.” He gently turned me so we faced one another and then leaned down to kiss me. “We haven’t been alone in days.”
“We haven’t bathed in days, either,” I pointed out. “And I don’t see a lake around here…”
Thane nuzzled the skin behind my ear. “You smell…like a woodland creature.”
