Page 25 of Of Kings and Thieves

I squeezed my eyes shut, a traitorous tear slipping free to trail down my temple. After all we’d endured, how could parting be the right choice?

“I know you can’t do that,” I whispered at last. “There isn’t enough time, and I’ve already cost you precious days.”

“Then… Killian. He can take you home, get your family somewhere safe, and then come back to me.”

“Is that even possible?”

“He walked the Darkrift to get you here, he can take you home using the same method.”

Unease filled my chest at the thought, knowing what I now knew about the Darkrift and the cost of walking in it. “Only if he wants to.”

The tension eased from Col’s frame, relief and gratitude infusing his voice. “He will. We’ll talk to him in the morning.” He kissed me softly, sweetly, then tucked my head beneath his chin.

I closed my eyes and listened to the strong, steady beat of Col’s heart, clinging to these last moments we had together. However brief, I would carry the memory of this time with Col forever—even if I never made it back to him.

CHAPTER SIX

Two days later, the morning mist clung to the grass as I made my way to the high mountain meadow where we’d left the horses. My heart was heavy, knowing I’d soon leave Col behind again.

When I stepped from the trees, the scents of grass and horse greeted me. Col was saddling his horse, movements brisk and efficient. Our eyes met as I approached, a silent exchange passing between us, filled with sorrow.

Col secured the saddle’s cinch before coming to me. Without a word, he pulled me into his embrace. I breathed deep, wanting to remember his scent.

“I don’t want to leave you,” I whispered.

“I know.” His arms tightened around me. “I’ll see you again, once your family is safe.”

I pulled back to search his face. “You’re riding for Iron Deep today.”

“I’ll be safe, for now at least.” His gaze softened. “We’ll find each other again.”

My throat tightened as I nodded. We were to meet in two weeks at Ravenfell Pass if I could make arrangements for my family. Killian would take me through the Darkrift, though he’d been reluctant. We’d gone over the plan countless times, but the odds of reuniting felt slimmer by the day.

Col cupped my face, brushing his thumbs over my cheeks.”Stay safe,” he said, voice rough with emotion. “Promise me.”

“Only if you do the same.”

He rewarded me with a sad smile and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes against the burning tears. When he pulled back, I opened them to find him watching me.

“It’s time,” he said gently.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. Col mounted his horse, which pranced in anticipation. Magnus arrived, and by the time the big man had swung into his own saddle, Killian had joined us.

Col took my hand and squeezed it. “Until next time, my little siren.”

He released me and took my mare’s reins from Magnus. They were taking our horses since the Darkrift was no place for them.

I stood motionless as Col and Magnus rode west out of the meadow. The ache in my chest grew with each stride taking Col farther away.

Finally, I took a deep, steadying breath and looked at Killian. He stood nearby, giving me privacy.

“I’m ready,” I said, voice stronger than I felt.

Killian nodded and moved to stand before me. “The journey through the Darkrift will be taxing. I can put you in a deep sleep if you wish, to ease the passage.”

I shook my head. “No. I want to be awake.”

“As you wish.” He studied me for a moment. “You must keep your eyes closed at all times, no matter what you hear. Understand?”

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