Page 506 of Once Upon a Fable

A purging.

A fresh start.

A steadying of my world, ready for me to step from the darkness and claim it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

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DAWN BROKE.

Sunrise dragged my tired eyes from staring at the gray driveway of the hotel to squinting against the majesty of tangerine splashes, golden spears, and delicate glittery pinks. The horizon had never looked so pure and full of possibilities as the sun stretched awake, all while the sky kept a dark ceiling on the world.

The stars had gone. The moon had slipped away. A new day had begun and still Kas had not returned.

I stood, groaning at the pain in my lower back from sitting hunched on the curb all night. I hadn’t moved since Tony left. Something inside me refused to leave. Icouldn’tleave without Kas. I didn’t know if he knew my address or how to get home. I didn’t want to run the risk of him appearing and having no one to welcome him back.

If he even has the awareness to retrace his steps.

I’d given him till morning.

I didn’t want to involve the police or search parties until I was absolutely sure he couldn’t find his way back to me.

But...that time was quickly drawing to a close.

Please, Kas...where are you?

Pressing my hands into my lower back, I stretched and dropped my eyes from the sunrise.

My heart stopped.

I blinked.

And then, I was running.

Barefoot and bedraggled in my silver-lavender dress, I sprinted across the parking lot to the edge where concrete met tree line.

“Kas!”

He held up his hand, stopping my speed as he clicked his fingers and a dirty, dangerous-looking mutt appeared from the trees. He studied my face as the dog went directly to Kas’s heel, sat like a military guard, and glowered at me with its teeth bared.

I slammed to a stop.

Kas came toward me, his shirt covered in green stains, his trousers shorter on one leg than the other. I frowned, glancing at his outstretched arms and the piece of pant leg wrapped around his forearm, glistening darkly with blood.

“Oh, my God. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He gathered me in his arms. He smelled sour and earthy, dirty, and exhausted, but I buried my face in his neck and clung to him.

“I’m so unbelievably sorry, Gemma.”

Tears dripped down my cheeks, soaking into his skin. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

God, it felt good to be back in his arms. To finally breathe again. To know he was safe.

I crushed him extra hard with thankfulness.

“I didn’t mean to be so long.” He hugged me back, his arms so strong and his pressure so powerful my bones protested. “I’m so sorry for making you worry.”