RISING SHADOWS (Shadows Book 2)

Chapter 32

"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever," Fawn said to me quietly.

We were sitting together on the sofa in the living room, the scent of chamomile and rosemary filling the air as Callan assisted Arden with the potion in the nearby kitchen. Our cottage garden provided most of the necessary ingredients, including chamomile flowers, poppy seeds which danced with specks of gold, and fragrant mugwort that still thrived under Arden's care. But for a few elusive items, we had to make a quick trip down to the Catacombs.The precious liquid was kept under lock and key in my office cupboard, safeguarded like a treasure. We also collected a bottle of spring water from a hidden stream and snipped sprigs of valerian root from our store cupboard - all vital components.

"I know what you mean," I said. Fawn and I had seen little of each other in recent weeks, not including my brief imprisonment with the Iron Moon. I made a point of glancing towards the kitchen where I could just make out part of Callan. "Looks like you've been preoccupied." I gave her a wry smile.

Her long, black eyelashes fluttered down grazing her cheeks. "He came to me one day on my way home and he just looked so lost and alone. Broken. I had to help him. I felt terrible, all that tiptoeing around, sneaking my dad's clothes that didn't fit, and food that was never enough to fill him. Lying to everyone. I wanted to tell you so much, but then I felt guilty as if I'd betrayed you by helping the man that tried to kill you."

I reached out and gently took Fawn's hand in mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "No guilt here. You did what you thought was right. And I understand why you kept it from me. I haven't exactly been the most present High Witch - or friend." I waited before tagging on an observation I'd made. "Callan seems very attentive."

"He's just grateful because I helped him, that's all. There's nothing going on. I wouldn't do that to you."

"I just said he was attentive."

I would have sworn the corners of her mouth threatened to crawl into a smile. "What about you? When we saw you and Rafe at Ravenshold, you seemed close."

Butterfly wings beat fiercely in my stomach. "I stayed with him last night," I said, keeping my voice as low as possible.

Her brown eyes widened. "When you say stayed, do you mean stayed or stayed-stayed."

I laughed at that which I think gave her the answer she wanted.

"By the Goddess," her voice rushed out. "I have so many questions."

A sudden, heavy knock on the door cut her off, much to my relief. I wasn't sure just how comfortable I was answering questions about Rafe, not even Fawn's questions. I leapt to my feet, startled by the sound, while Fawn's delicate giggles filled the room. Our minds were in perfect sync, both understanding who I wished was on the other side of that door.

"Isn't it interesting how eager you are to answer the door today?" Arden's voice boomed from the kitchen. Callan muttered something low to him, which I couldn't hear.

"Hush!"

Throwing open the door, I felt a rush of air leave my lungs as if a physical force had hit me. Rafe stood there, devastatingly beautiful. His dark hair was tousled, hazel eyes bright as they reflected the light from inside the cottage.

"Riley," he said softly.

"Hi," I said, barely able to get my words out. I wasn't sure how I'd feel seeing him again after the night we'd shared. Whether I would be struck down with embarrassment or crippling insecurities. But it was neither, excitement fluttered in my chest, the memories of last night still lingering, hauntingly beautiful. All I wanted to do was fall into his arms and forget about everything else.