Page 38 of Fallen Nocturne

“I can walk safely to my own house.” I offer him a small smile. “Go. Your warriors will be waiting.”

He inclines his head. “I will send word about the palace quarters.”

“I hope you do.”

For one reckless moment, I think he might reach for my hand. Instead, he rests his palm briefly against Coral’s neck. She gives a low, unhappy rumble but does not pull away.

“Rest today,” he tells her. “We will find something else for you to master.”

Then he leaves, his red hair bright among the grey stone buildings until the crowd swallows him.

I watch the place where he disappears for a moment too long.

Coral nudges my shoulder, reminding me that she is still beside me. I stroke her snout and continue toward home while Aelfric and Garrett fall into place several paces behind us. Neither asks about Landon, though their silence says enough.

We are crossing the palace square when Coral suddenly lifts her head. Her grief seems forgotten as she sniffs the air, then gives an excited chirp.

“What is it?”

She pulls ahead, leading me around a row of stone pillars toward the fountain at the center of the square. I follow, expecting that she has smelled food or found another object she intends to swallow.

Then I see a familiar figure standing beside the water.

I stop.

Blaire.

For an instant, I think I must be mistaken. She went all the way to Astefar searching for a way to save me. My friend would have offered anything, no matter what it cost her. Fortunately, Rainer found Landon and brought him to my bedside before Blaire could make any bargain. The moment Landon touched me, the mate bond snapped into place and saved my life. I am grateful Rainer managed to send word before Blaire did something reckless, like bargaining with whatever creature dwells in the forest. Blaire replied that she was safe and would be home soon.

I simply did not expect soon to mean today.

Now she is standing beside the fountain, and relief rushes through me so fiercely that my knees nearly weaken.

But then I notice who she’s standing with.

The vampire, Arescaine.

My breath catches. The dangerous creature my uncle inexplicably invited into our home stands mere feet from my best friend, close enough to strike.

I should call out to Blaire and warn her. But something makes me hesitate.

They’re talking in low voices. Blaire’s posture is tense, her arms crossed. Arescaine leans toward her slightly, speaking with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. Whatever he is telling her, it is serious. Important enough that Blaire does not interrupt him.

I shift behind one of the stone pillars, trying to get closer without being seen. If I can just hear what—

“Rhianelle.”

Blaire’s voice cuts through the air, clear and knowing.

Of course she knows I am here. Blaire has the ability to read minds. Hiding behind a pillar is useless when she can hear every thought racing through my head.

I step out from behind the pillar, heat flooding my cheeks at being caught spying. But all embarrassment vanishes when Blaire closes the distance between us in three quick strides and pulls me into a crushing embrace.

“You’re back,” I breathe against her shoulder, my arms wrapping around her tightly. “Gods, Blaire, I was so worried—”

“I’m fine.” Her voice is muffled against my hair. She holds me a moment longer than usual. I feel her shoulders tremble slightly before she pulls back.

I search her face. There are shadows under her eyes that weren’t there before, and a tightness around her mouth.