Weight of the World

Chapter Thirty-Two

—Tregaar—

The dawn kissed her skin, making Rhenna burrow further into her pillow, her body stretching slightly as she was momentarily woken from her slumber. She couldn't remember the last time she had been this comfortable, the mattress soft and feathery beneath her, the silk sheets incredibly soft against her bare skin, and the pillow allowing her to sink in until every ache, pain, and worry faded away into a distant dream she couldn't recall. So comfortable and warm, she felt a pleasant weight along her side, pressing her down into the mattress. It surrounded her, making her feel safe and secure. Rhenna nuzzled into her pillow, a soft smile on her face.

She couldn't remember being this happy.

With another slight shift, she sought to get closer to that encompassing warmth, to fall into it perhaps so that she would never have to leave it. But as she did so, Rhenna felt something hard pressing against the curve of her backside. With a start, her eyes flew open, and she pushed herself up to find the source of the warmth lounging in the bed beside her. Raler grinned at her, his eyebrows lifting suggestively.

"Why stop now? We were just gettin' to the good part, sweet girl."

Rhenna ripped the covers off them, quickly inspecting them both. Raler was missing a shirt, but otherwise, they were both clothed enough to ensure her that nothing had happened between them. Exhaustion had claimed her as soon as he had brought her back to his room, and she couldn't remember anything after she had hit the bed. As she looked up, she noticed the hurt look flashing in Raler's eyes as he turned away and stood up.

"Ouch, sweet girl, didn't know you thought of me as that type of guy."

Rhenna winced. "No, it's not..."

"Save it," he shook his head and reached for his discarded shirt. "I know what you were thinkin'. I ain't ever gonna touch you until you're beggin' for it, sweet girl. And if you're not gonna beg for it, then there ain't much point in stayin' in bed. Come on. We got a little bit before I gotta go take care of somethin'. I can, at least, get you some breakfast and introduce you to the others."

Rhenna nodded, trying to flatten out the stray pieces of hair that had escaped the confines of her braids and ponytail during the night. Her clothes were rumpled, and she imagined she looked like quite a mess as she followed Raler from his room and out into the suite.

The events of the previous night came flooding back and Rhenna felt a shiver run through her. Facing Ardan. Saving Vera. Being alone with Regis. It all hit her at once how close to death she had actually been the night before. Even now, she couldn't understand why Regis had let her go. But there was no use dwelling on it. He had let her escape Ardan, but she was now his prisoner within Light Tower. If she wanted to survive any longer, she would need to find her own way out of here. And for now, that involved letting Raler introduce her to the Silencers lingering about the penthouse suite.

He led her out into the living area, which had been darkened and empty when they arrived late last night. Now, however, there were several figures milling about, a few in the kitchen, two lounging on the plush couches, and one sitting outside on a wide, open balcony. Raler led her toward the kitchen, shoving the familiar looking woman aside, sliding her over the counter she sat on to reach for two muffins that had been hidden behind her.

"What the fuck?" Tallis frowned at him, a bowl of something held her in hands. Milk dripped off her spoon, her eyes sharp and accusatory, but Raler ignored her as he handed Rhenna one of the muffins. "Wait. I know her. That's one of the bitches that brought the tunnel down on me."