Hearts of Wrath and Ruin | Throne of Glass | Fenrys

Chapter 12

It seemed like their luck was running out.

Fenrys woke up from the best sleep he had in a while, just to hear that Rowan had already checked the accounts. The sword was gone.

"Fuck." Ramiel swore as her nephew delivered the news. They had gathered in Aelin's study to discuss their next moves. But it seemed like there wasn't much to talk about, since the sword was in Adarlan.

"Can't someone else go to Rifthold?" Rowan's voice was hopeful as he looked at his aunt. He just got her back and now, she wanted to leave again. Fenrys couldn't blame him for that hope, even though he knew Ramiel had already made her decision. And once she did that, there was no talking her out of it.

"No. I'm going." Ramiel replied sternly, before her eyes met her nephew's gaze and her features sotfened. "I'm sorry Rowan. But this is too important."

"Dorian doesn't even know you. What if he doesn't believe you? What if he sends you away?" It seemed like Rowan was hell-bent on convincing Ramiel to stay in Orynth. It was a futile effort and Fenrys knew that, so he cleared his throat and spoke up.

"I'll go with her." Saying that, he knew he was digging his own grave. Especially given the glare that Rowan sent him. But he didn't back out, instead holding the male's gaze.

"Are you sure?" Aelin interupted their staring contest. He looked at his Queen, just in time to see her puzzled expression, before she masked it a moment later and sent him a smile. "You just got back."

"I'm sure. Back in Doranelle, I made a promise that I would help find that sword. I intend to keep my word." He made sure that his voice conveyed his determination. It was true that he wanted to make good on his promise. But he also didn't want to let Ramiel go to Rifthold by herself. He knew that she was a great fighter, even better than him, but something about sending her there alone didn't sit well with him. He probably should've thought this through, but it didn't matter.

Not since he woke up this morning to the scent of lemon verbena and honey, still coating his sheets, even though it's owner was long gone.

He knew he shouldn't think about her like this. Just yesterday they agreed to be friends. Not to mention, she was Rowan's aunt, for gods' sake.

But he couldn't help it. Not after she came to his room in the middle of the night, barefoot, just to apologize to him. And that damned robe. It was the first time he saw her so... unguarded. No armour, no weapons, no shadows. Just her. It had taken him by surprise so much back then, he had almost forgot about his anger.

And now, he couldn't get it out of his head. Even when she was sitting right in front of him, her skin-tight leathers back in place, all clean and shiny. Her blades were already strapped across her back and a small pack dangled from her shoulder. It seemed like she was expecting this turn of events, after all.

"Then it's settled." Aelin's tone was final as she spoke up, effectively cutting off Rowan's reasoning. His friend just sighed, giving up on trying to change the minds of the two most stubborn females in this kingdom. Hell, maybe in all of Erilea.

Just like that, the meeting was over, and an hour later Fenrys was once again leaving Orynth. Only this time, he wasn't dreading the road ahead. Not when Ramiel was walking at his side, already beginning another one of her stories.

It was way past midday when they finally decided to stop in a sunny clearing and eat something. They have been keeping a fast pace and, if everything went smooth, they should reach Rifthold in ten days.

"Hey, I don't think I've ever asked you before- what's your other form?" Ramiel asked, while they were finishing their meal. Since that conversation last night, it was like some kind of a wall went down between them. She was much more open with him and even though it was surprising, he liked the change.