The Stableboy's shadow (BL)

Chapter 14

For a moment, the only sounds in the tent were the short, surprised breaths of the three people facing Riley—and the one he held Through the sliver of shadow he'd left in Percevin, the shadowmaster perceived himself, like a mirrored echo. A flashback struck: that night at the inn, when he'd done the same thing to the thug harassing people. Fear, terror, and something else warred for control over the boy. Fight, flight, or freeze.

He froze.

"Untie him," Riley ordered, calm but firm.

He gestured to the other two men to free Percy as his shadows finished forming his body, then scattered like nothing had happened. At their leader's sharp nod, they stepped forward and undid Percevin's bindings. The boy immediately brought his hands forward, rubbing his wrists, eyeing the four figures before him with guarded caution. Then his gaze fell on Riley—and the thief's smirk widened into a smile at the confusion he saw there.

The drop-dead gorgeous, androgynous body pressed against Riley relaxed. They tilted their head backward against the thief's shoulder, baring their throat with a slow, teasing smile.

"You're always one for theatrics," Riley said, flattening his blade against their throat. "Your timing is always impeccable. I should've known it was you."

Riley lowered the dagger, letting them step away and turn to face him. Their dark skin caught the light beautifully, and the gleam in their brown eyes made their smile even brighter. The moment he saw their face, they pulled him into a tight hug, nuzzling into his neck just like they always did. As soon as he responded, the embrace turned into a bone-crushing bear hug. All the air rushed from his lungs, and he winced at the jolt of pain.

"Hey, easy," he breathed. "Just got out of a pretty tight situash."

"So I've seen," they said, stepping back and placing their hands on the thief's shoulders, giving him a once-over. "The bitch did a good job with the potions. Again. Now, who's your pretty boy?"

They both turned to face Percy, who was just getting on his feet. His face flushed instantly under the burning gaze of Riley's friend. With a flick of their hand, the other two men made slipped out the tent.

"This is Percevin," Riley introduced. "Percevin, meet my oldest friend, Aneimis, the Looter Caln."

"Sorry about all of... that." Mis said, gesturing around the leftover bindings on the ground. "M'not one to take chances."

Percevin only frowned, his gaze flicking between his travel companion and the radiant half-elf beside him.

"How d'ya find yourself stuck with one like him?" the Caln asked, knowing Riley would never willingly travel with company. "No offense," they added, glancing at Percevin.

"Long story," Riley sighed.

Aneimis chuckled, rolling their eyes. They strolled to the tent flap and paused, glancing back at the unlikely pair with that familiar twinkle of mischief.

"And ya know I prepared a fuckin' feast!"

They swept the flap aside with a dramatic bow. Riley shook his head with a chuckle of exasperation—though his heart was leaping. After years, he couldn't believe he was here. Couldn't process that he wasn't dreaming. That his friend was indeed in front of him.

Riley gestured for Percevin to follow. The boy looked hesitant, confusion still written across his face, but stepped forward anyway. He followed Riley out of the medical tent, so close his chest nearly brushed the thief's shoulder. As they passed, Aneimis grinned up at him and straightened, letting the flap fall shut behind them.