King In The Making (Throne of Thorns #1)

Chapter 23 - Glowing River

Chapter 23

"A penny for your thoughts?" Thalia poked Rafail's cheek as she plopped down beside him. It was early evening and the moon shone brightly in the darkening sky. Keenan had suggested they had a barbeque night before they left for their missions. He had already told the betas about the true identity of Raf and Aaron and Abby had agreed to go after the woman without hesitation. Now, all of them were laughing around a bonfire they had lit in the garden behind the packhouse.

"My thoughts aren't that cheap," Rafail teased her before taking her hand on his. It was insane how light he felt every time he touched her - like he no longer carried all the world in his shoulders.

"Two pennies?" Thalia suggested with a chuckle.

"I'm thinking about you," Rafail tapped her nose and enjoyed the blood rush on her cheeks.

"What about me?" Thalia whispered as he pulled her on his lap.

"That you're cute," Raf kissed her warm cheek.

"No, you," Thalia pouted and leaned back on his chest. "Why aren't you sitting with the others?" She asked after some moments as she stared at the flickering flames escaping the bonfire.

"I don't know," Raf admitted with a low voice. "I guess I just don't feel like socializing right now."

"Are you okay?" Thalia turned her head back to look at him with worry.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Raf smiled at her. Thalia stared at him for some seconds before getting up from his lap and extending her hand to him.

"Come with me, please?" She smiled warmly at him. "Dec, we'll be back!" She shouted after Raf took her hand.

"That rhymed!" Aaron exclaimed before going back to the conversation he was having with Roi. Thalia didn't reply as she led Raf down a path.

"Where are we going?" Rafail asked her with curiosity.

"You'll see," Thalia replied and took a quick look at him before turning her attention back to the trail she was following. The forest grew thicker as they walked further inside it.

"Are you planning to kill me?" Raf teased as he followed her effortlessly.

"Yes, Raf," Thalia rolled her eyes. "I'll kill you and then make a perfume out of your scent."

"That sounded too creepy," Raf said with a bit of wariness.

"It's the whole plot of a book."

"I'm not sure I want to know what books you read anymore."

"Only the good ones," Thalia clicked her tongue.

"Clearly."

"We're here," Thalia turned on her heel, making Raf stumble as he tried not to hurt her with his weight.

"Geez, a warning would be great, babe," Raf said when he managed to balance himself.

"Close your eyes," Thalia ignored him.

"You're really turning me into a scent, aren't you?" Raf raised a brow but closed his eyes anyway.

"No, I'd rather smell fresh pine and mint. I don't think it'd smell all that good bottled up," Thalia snorted as she took his hand and led him carefully towards the place. "Don't peek."

Rafail nodded in reply and kept his eyes closed, not wanting to spoil her surprise. He could hear the sound of water crashing on the sides of the shore and rolling stones under its force. The scent of maple trees filled the evening air and the melodious song of the cicadas played hide-and-seek with the silence that had engulfed the surrounding forest.