Chapter 237 TEIGEN LXI
His breath slowed. The tremble in his hands eased. The sparks faded.
He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. The storm in them had quieted.
“No one has ever seen me like this,” he said. “Not as a weapon. Only you.”
“Then let me be the one,” she said.
He leaned his forehead against hers. Some of the weight left him.
“For the first time,” he whispered, “I feel like I can stop running.”
“Then stop,” she said. “Stay.”
He pulled her into his arms. She held him just as tightly.
They lay down together, the rough blanket pulled over them. The storm raged outside, but inside there was only the quiet of their breathing.
Ryker watched her, her hair spread across the pillow, her face soft in the dim light.
“Your fire does not frighten me,” she said. “It is part of you. And I love you.”
He stilled. “You love me?”
She nodded, her cheeks warm. “Yes.”
He kissed her then, gentle and slow. When they parted, he rested his head against hers. “Then tonight, I will rest.”
He closed his eyes, holding her close.
For the first time in his life, the fire within him was still.
The small room smelled of damp wood and straw, yet to Elara it felt warmer than any hall she had known. She lay close to Ryker, his arm wrapped around her, his hand resting lightly at her waist even in sleep.
She lifted her head and watched him in the dim light of the candle. His face was calm for once, his brow no longer tight with worry. His breathing was slow and steady, and it eased something deep inside her. Her hair spread across his chest, catching the soft glow. He shifted slightly, his hand brushing her side, drawing her closer without waking.
“Ryker,” she whispered.
He made a low sound and pressed his lips to her hair. “You should be sleeping.”
“I cannot.” Her fingers moved gently against his skin. “When I close my eyes, I see them. My father. Sawyer. The soldiers.”
His arm tightened around her. “You are here with me. They are far from you"
“You always say that.”
“Because it is true.” He opened his eyes, the faint light catching in them. “And if they come, they will go through me first.”
She touched his face. “Do not say that.”
“It is the truth.” He kissed her wrist. “You are all I have.”
Silence settled again, broken only by the rain tapping against the shutters. She leaned forward and kissed him, soft and slow. He returned it just the same.
“If this could be our life,” she whispered, resting her forehead to his, “just this… I would be content.”
“It could be,” he said. “One day.”
She wanted to believe him. She rested against him, her eyes growing heavy.
Then she heard it.
A sound below. Faint at first, then clearer.
Boots.
She lifted her head. “Ryker.”
He was already awake. He held up a hand, listening. More than one pair. Many. The steps moved through the inn, then onto the stairs.
Her heart began to race. “No…”
Ryker rose quickly, reaching for his gloves and pulling them on. His hands shook. “Stay behind me,” he said.
The steps stopped outside their door. A heavy blow struck the wood.
Then another, the door burst open.
Elara screamed. Ryker stepped in front of her as torchlight filled the room. Sawyer stood in the doorway. His eyes fell on them, on Elara in the bed, on Ryker at her side. For a moment he did not speak.
Then his face twisted with anger. “You dare,” he said, his voice thick with fury, “to touch her?”
Ryker stood firm. “Leave.”
Sawyer did not even look at him. He turned to his men. “Take him.”
The soldiers rushed forward.
Elara cried out as Ryker pushed her back onto the bed. He struck one man, then another, but they came at him from all sides. Blows rained down. Boots, fists, steel.
Sawyer stepped inside, watching. “You shame yourself,” he said, his gaze fixed on Elara. “You would lie with him?”
“I love him,” she cried.
The words struck him hard. His anger deepened.
“Take him down,” he ordered.
The guards forced Ryker to his knees. Blood ran from his mouth, but his eyes still burned.
Sawyer grabbed Elara and pulled her close. “You belong to me,” he said.
She struggled against him. “Never.”
Ryker spat blood at his feet. “She was never yours.”
Sawyer’s face darkened. He struck Elara across the face. She cried out and fell back, her hair falling loose around her.
Ryker roared and fought against the men holding him. “I will kill you!”
Sawyer seized Elara again, forcing her to face him. “You will learn,” he said. “You will obey.”
“I would rather die,” she said through tears.
Sawyer’s grip tightened, but he only turned away. “Drag him out,” he said.
The guards hauled Ryker to his feet. He stumbled, bloodied, but still standing.
“Elara,” he called, his voice breaking. “Hold on. I will come for you.”
She reached for him, crying his name, but Sawyer pulled her back.
“You will not,” Sawyer said coldly. “She is mine now.”
They dragged Ryker from the room. Elara’s cries filled the air as the last of their safety slipped away. The chamber was quiet except for Elara’s uneven breathing. She lay curled on the cold stone floor, her auburn hair spread around her like fire gone dim. Her skin was pale, her cheeks marked with dried tears.
She had not eaten in two days. At the door, a guard placed a tray into Augustine’s hands. Bread, cheese, and a small bowl of stew. Not enough for a lady, but too much for a prisoner.
“Be quick,” one guard said. “Set it down and leave. No talking.”
Augustine lowered her gaze and nodded. She stepped inside.
The room was cold and dim. A single torch burned weakly on the wall. She placed the tray on a small table near the cot.
She wanted to go to Elara. To brush the hair from her face. To tell her she was not alone.
But she did not move.
The guards waited at the door.
Augustine looked at the girl she had raised. She remembered holding her as a child. Teaching her letters. Brushing her long hair before bed.
Now she could do nothing. She turned and left. The door shut behind her with a heavy sound.
…
The smell of food reached Elara first.
She stirred slowly, her body weak. Hunger twisted inside her. She rolled onto her back and looked toward the table.
The tray was there.
Her stomach growled, loud in the quiet room.
Then fear struck her.
Who had been here?
Her breath quickened. Had Sawyer stood over her while she slept
She pushed herself up too fast, her legs shaking. “No,” she whispered.
She looked at the door. Locked. Empty room. Still her heart would not slow.
She made her way to the table and stared at the food. Then she thought of Ryker.