Hiraeth

Chapter Seven

The night air was crisp and full of mystery as Sage rode on the same horse with Beckett, the rhythmic motion of the galloping steed blending with the sounds of the forest. The moon hung high in the sky, casting silvery beams that danced across the ground, illuminating their path. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and uncertainty; she had stepped into uncharted territory, leaving behind the familiar safety of Kade's protective presence.

Beckett's arms were loosely wrapped around her, his presence impossible to ignore. "So, are you enjoying your little adventure?" he asked, leaning in close enough that his voice sent a thrill down her spine.

Sage shot him a sideways look over her shoulder. "You mean the one where I just left my best friend in a very awkward situation? Yeah, it's a blast," she said, her tone playful but underlined with a tremor of doubt.

"Aw, come on. Kade will get over it," Beckett replied, his voice smooth and unconcerned. "He's a knight, after all. Trained to deal with far worse than a little romantic rivalry." He leaned in even closer, lowering his voice with a mischievous edge. "Besides, he's the one who always plays it safe. You deserve to break free."

"Is that your plan? To lure me away from him?" Sage challenged, raising an eyebrow. "Just so I can find out if you're really as charming as you think?"

"Maybe," Beckett replied, the smirk never leaving his lips. "But I can assure you, I'm much more than just charming. Life with me is one big adventure waiting to happen."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "And I'm just supposed to follow you into this 'big adventure'? No questions asked?"

"Questions are overrated. Sometimes, you just have to jump in with both feet and see where the tide takes you." His voice grew more serious. "You want freedom, don't you? This is your chance to explore the world beyond your family's expectations. I promise, it won't be boring."

Sage hesitated, her mind drifting back to the familiar comforts of her life-her family, her duties, Kade's watchful care. But the excitement of the unknown tugged at her, promising a thrill she had never experienced before.

"Okay," she said finally, a hint of curiosity creeping into her voice. "What do you have in mind?"

Beckett's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Just trust me. I know a place where we can escape, just for a while."

The horse's steady pace continued as they rode deeper into the forest. The sounds of nature enveloped them-the rustle of leaves, the distant call of an owl, the soft thud of hooves on the earth. After some time, the trees began to thin, and a clearing opened up ahead, bathed in moonlight.

"This is it," Beckett said, guiding the horse to a stop. "Welcome to my secret hideaway."

Sage slid off the horse, breath catching as she took in the sight. A small, shimmering lake lay nestled among the trees, its surface reflecting the stars. The air here felt different-charged with energy and the possibility of something new.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, stepping closer to the water's edge.

"Just wait until you see it at sunset," Beckett said, joining her. Without hesitation, he kicked off his boots and waded into the cool water. "Come on in, it's refreshing."

Sage gave him a skeptical look but couldn't resist the invitation. With a quick laugh, she kicked off her shoes and dipped her toes into the water, shivering as the cold hit her skin. "Oh, that's freezing!"

Beckett laughed, watching her with a grin. "You'll get used to it," he teased, splashing water at her playfully.

"Are you trying to give me hypothermia?" she joked back, her playful side surfacing as she splashed him in return. The cold water sent a shock through her, but the laughter between them warmed the air.