Instead, I see my panther, standing in our path before The Lost, his black tail curling and swishing like a whip. A low growl moves through the forest, and the silky black hairs on his nape stand on end. The Lost, now that I can see him, is painted in dark splotches from head to toe. Though I can’t properly see his face through all the paint, I’d swear he’s as pale as my once-dead mother’s ghost. The panther lets out another growl, this time stepping forward in advance.
The Lost shakes his head, as if awoken from a trance, moving to step backward and off the path. He sneaks a look in our direction, and another low growl fills the woods, this time growing to a quick, high pitch.
“I didn’t mean any harm,” the man all but shouts, trying to appease the approaching cat. “I didn’t realize—I didn’t know.”
His words seem to soothe the panther as his crouch straightens up and his bared teeth are swallowed up by his dark gums. Satisfied the cat isn’t going to jump on his back, the man turns on his heel, barreling through the woods at a speed that even Aras can admire. He doesn’t risk a glance back.
Slowly, the panther turns his head, taking the two of us in as we lay in a twisted heap of legs and arms. Startled by his gaze, Aras jolts to his feet, knocking me on my rear in his haste. The shock of it sends a hot pain up my back, and I bite my tongue to keep from lashing out. I groan, slowly pushing myself onto my feet. Aras looks back, pure shock, awe, and something else I can’t quite place written on his face. His olive skin turns a soft shade of pink.
Embarrassment?
I catch an ugly snort as it rises in my chest, resulting in a very disastrous choke. Aras’ eyes dart back to the panther, who is now watching us with what I imagine to be an almost amused expression. There is a look of humor, yet understanding in his brilliant blue eyes, and I can’t help but wonder at the overwhelming sense of belonging it sends pumping through my heart.
Aras clears his throat, and my shoulders jump, all eyes now turned in his direction. “We are grateful for the assistance, sir.” He stumbles over his words. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to her. You have my word.”
This time when the snort threatens, I do nothing to stop it, seriously hoping I didn’t just witness Aras addressing my panther as sir. Different shades of blue fly to my face, and I’m startled to find they both portray the same feeling from within. A fierce protectiveness, coated with a shiny layer of care. But not just care, I think.
Something more.
My eyes slam shut at the ridiculous thought, effectively blocking out the blue and welcoming the nonthreatening black. Of course they both care for me. It’s obvious, in their different ways, that they both need me to make it to Orien. It explains their protectiveness. But something more? Well, that can only boil down to a complicated friendship. While I wholeheartedly open myself to the love of my black cat, I can only snicker at the thought of Aras feeling anything close to that. A begrudged care, maybe, but nothing else. Obviously, it must have just been the light.
I sneak a peek through my lashes to find that the attention is thankfully no longer focused on me. Instead, the two seem to be in an intense and downright uncomfortable staring showdown. My eyes break away, and I busy myself with rounding up our supplies that flew across the ground in our fall. My movements call an end to their game, and Aras moves to help me shoulder my pack, as if he is always this gentlemanly with all of our chores. I eye him warily, waiting for him to tug my hair or make some comment about my helpless abilities, but he only meets my look with a brief, dimpled smile and a pat on the back.
So much for my guide and his annoyingly predictable behavior.
Breaking away from Aras, I move forward down the path in the trees, sinking to my knees a few paces away from the panther. He watches me for a moment before slowly making his way closer to my side. When he gets within reach, my hand pushes out, winding soft fingers down his silky fur. He settles, and then it is only me, him, and the whisper of his gentle purr within this haunted wood.
“Thank you,” I say, needing him to hear the words I’ve held since the very first dream. “You’ve helped me so much, and I’ve needed you. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for your kindness, but one day, somehow, I will.”
His warm eyes close at my words, and I marvel at the feel of this powerful beast as he breathes beneath my touch. All too soon, his eyes open again as he moves out of my grasp, my hand left hanging in the air. Giving us both a final glance, he trots off in the direction of Orien, until he is just a shadow among the black wood. I don’t realize I’m still staring until Aras sidles up to my side, my dirt-dusted apple held out in his hand. The corners of my lips turn up as I take the apple and wipe it across my unraveling tunic. Aras looks down at me with a rueful expression. Before he can take off on me again, I take the opportunity to playfully nudge his shoulder with my own.
“Told you I was having interesting dreams,” I say.
Thirty-One
The rest of our run is uneventful, if you don’t count the near hacking of my breaths. Though I know within my heart that Reeve has to have woken up by now—even Papa’s concoctions were never that good—I’m no longer overcome with worry.
My panther is still near. I can feel him.
I’m not sure of the hold he has on this forest, but I know that right now, it’s the only thing keeping us safe. Aras must feel uncharacteristically at ease, too, because his pace comes to a welcoming crawl, and he shoots a charismatic smile over his shoulder. It’s either that or the coming dark that causes me to narrowly miss slamming my face into an awaiting tree.
Aras’ smile turns sinful.
“I must say, I don’t know how, but I still tend to overestimate your gracefulness.” He pauses, catching my eyes for good measure. “Though as far as I can tell, it’s the only flaw I have.”
“One flaw among many,” I murmur. Although disturbingly, I can’t seem to recall any offhand.
“What was that?” he asks, rounding up to my side with the same ease as my black cat.
“Oh, nothing,” I say, as if I weren’t just stewing over the depths of his greatness. “I was just wondering as to what put you in such a relaxed, talkative mood is all. Seeing as you haven’t slowed down long enough for me to catch my breath.”
And despite my loathsome behavior at the mere sight of his half-charmed wiles, my words ring with truth. Before we left Reeve’s camp, Aras said we could make it to Orien’s border within a day if we ran, and though it feels like a painful week has passed, I know we haven’t yet reached our goal. In fact, I have no idea where we are.
“Oh, come on, Bravest. I don’t have to be looking at you to tell you need a break. At this point, it’s either you or the trees, and quite frankly, I like the trees too much to see them battered from continuous run-ins with you.”
I fight the bristle that his words bring, instead tilting my chin up in challenge. “And where, clever Aras, do you suggest I find rest? Should I lean up against that tree and wait for Reeve and his men to kill me, or should I climb a trunk and hope for the best when they chop it down?”
“Neither,” he says, that perfect, ugly smile spreading from cheek to cheek. “We’ll rest at a safe house I know. Perfect for the likes of you and me.”
His words bring me to a halt, and I don’t even fight to hide the confusion that heavily lines my brow. Safe house? As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing safe within these woods. I’m not about to stop when we’re clearly this close to Orien’s border.
“But aren’t we almost there?” I question, hoping he doesn’t mistake my confusion for fear, though truthfully, it may be a little of both.
He shrugs his shoulders, for the first time looking away and not meeting my eyes. A quiver of unease runs the length of my spine. “I may have misjudged the time it would take for us to reach the border. If we don’t rest now, we’ll run through the night and still not make it there by first light.”
“But you said it would only take a full day if we ran,” I say,
fighting the shriek that threatens to rise in my voice.
He looks at me then, a flash of pity brightening his blue eyes. “I said that’s what it usually takes me.”
It takes a moment for his meaning to register, and when it does, my pale skin flashes red. This time, it’s not from embarrassment. It’s from anger. “Just what exactly do you expect from me?” I demand. “I’ve run for days, heard whispers from a black panther, found out that my father is some sort of lunatic mage, discovered I’ve inherited his beastly power, and stabbed someone with a knife. So I’m terribly sorry if my out-of-shape legs can’t keep up with your pace, but I’ve been a little preoccupied!”
“You’re not out of shape, Bravest!” he all but shouts, raking a rough hand through his sweaty hair. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met, so don’t let me hear you speak like that again!” Clear regret sounds in his voice, though from his previous pity or my obvious anger, I’m not sure. “I just meant that I’m used to moving on my own. It’s easier when I only have to look out for myself. Me, I’d push until I broke. You, I’d never hurt.”
The pressure in my steamed cheeks lowers, and my racing heart slows. Of course it would be easier for him to move on his own. I understand that perfectly. It’s the danger of not continuing to move that I don’t understand. Reeve is awake, and though we feel safe at the moment, it doesn’t mean we should stop.
“What about Reeve, Aras? He’s not likely to rest during the night.”
Aras shuffles his boots in the dirt and puffs out a tense breath of air, so thick that I imagine I can see it floating in the widening space between us. “You’re right. He won’t sleep, though I don’t think he’d be willing to cross your panther just yet either. I know he won’t. Not as long as the cat is near.”
“So he is here,” I whisper to myself, though now I think I’d feel his presence anywhere.
“And he’ll continue to be so until we’re out of these woods. He’s the one leading us to the house. Apparently, even cats can sense when their charges need rest.”
“You’re sure we’ll be safe? Reeve will give up? Just like that?” I ask, begging him to look up at me from under those hooded eyes.
For a long moment, silence fills the heavy air, and I’m not only worried he won’t answer, but I’m also scared of the words he’ll say if he does. Finally, his eyes rise to meet my own, no longer shaded, but full of unyielding confidence. Truth.
“With news of the panther, he already has. Trust me on this, Bravest. Trust us both.”
The raw intensity of his stare calms my pulse, but it’s the both that causes me to stop and seriously consider his claim. Though stopping anywhere in these woods is the last thing that I want to do, if it’s what the panther wants, then as backward as it sounds, who am I to disagree?
I take a deep breath and hope I’m making the right choice. “Alright, Aras, I’ll go to this safe house, but it is with the full understanding that you just might be the end of me.”
A smile lights his face, whether from my compliance or my words, I haven’t a clue. “Oh, Bravest, I think you’ve known all along that I’ve always been your beginning.”
My eyes dart away, and I lightly push him forward with my hand on his back because it would be such a shame to come all this way, only for him to see that he’s right.
ↄ
My fingertips buzz in high alert, and I’m fighting a losing battle against my fear.
Clench. Wiggle.
Clench. Wiggle.
The small motion is all I can do to keep my fingers from lighting an uncontrollable flame. Though for once my fear doesn’t stem from Reeve, but from the safe house itself. Or rather, who I’ll meet when I arrive. As Aras has assured me over and over throughout this unfortunately short walk to our new destination, the safe house is a place for newly inducted members of the woods. While not fully considered a part of The Lost just yet, the people here are on their way to becoming one, whether they like it or not. Full of anger and still riding the adrenaline rush of a failed uprising and banishment, this is just the place to lie low for a while and adjust to whatever the future may bring. Aras says most people who stay here are either in denial or illegally passing through, though there are few like Aras who can accomplish that feat. It’s his favorite place in these woods, he says, and I think that’s what may worry me the most.
In fact, I’m just about to turn and run in the other direction when a large, two-story house comes into view. Its dark wood situated in between a rare break in the snarling trees—someone might not know it was there unless they were looking for it. Though not a soul lingers outside, it’s clear the inside holds a different story. From even yards away, voices and laughter fill the cool air.
My heart pounds at the sound.
“Skies above, Bravest!” Aras barks, his tall form cutting before me, blocking the looming house from view. “You’ve always been pale, but now you just look like death.”
I let out a giggle, which to my dismay ends up sounding more like a whimper. Funny how death seems to be the least of my worries at this point.
“Bravest!” he tries again. “Look at me.” He touches a cool hand to my cheek, only to jump back as if I’ve bit him. “You’re burning up again! Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well?”
I start to ask when I’ve ever felt well since we’ve started this journey, but decide to hold my tongue instead. Now would be as good a time as any to tell him I sometimes feel a crushing burn that makes me think I’m about to light my being on fire, but there’s a fragile look in his eye that stops me. Aras, it seems, is not the only one who’s having second thoughts.
“I’m fine,” I say, shooing his hand away. “I’m just nervous is all.” I come to a stop, turning to scan the trees and hoping to catch a glimpse of black. “Are you sure this is what he wants?”
Aras doesn’t have to ask who he is. He simply nods over my shoulder toward the path we just took. My head spins, worried he’ll be gone before I can look, but thankfully, I’m met with a gratifying peace as I spot his form lying down and resting amongst the trees. It seems Aras was right.
For once.
“You see,” he whispers close to my burning cheek. “It’s just as we planned. We’ll be safe here, and I can guarantee he won’t be going anywhere until we leave at first light.”
I nod my tired head, not daring a glance away from the panther as he watches us with those intelligent eyes from his spot in the trees. It’s not until I feel a gentle hand in the crook of my arm that I turn away and allow Aras to lead me toward the home’s entrance. Up close, the place is just as uninviting as it seemed from afar. Its wooden porch looks to be almost sunken in places, a board missing from its steps, and I absently wonder if all its guests must pass the navigation of death before they are allowed inside. Aras, of course, seems not to notice anything amiss, bounding up the rotten steps and pulling my arm as if I’m some reluctant child.
Which, obviously, I am.
Aras’ fist pops up to knock on the surprisingly sturdy door, but stops midway, falling back to his side. When he turns to look at me, his expression reeks of apology, and I can’t fight the sudden shudder that runs through my core. “It may be a little—loud for your taste, but I think you’ll like it once you give it a chance.”
I roll my eyes, considering how I can barely hear his words over the raucous laughter that crawls through every crevice of the dark, wooded walls. “Seeing as we’ll only be here for the night, I don’t think I’m much obliged to like anything,” I say, hoping that if he can’t make out all of my words, he can at least read them in my glare.
Aras’ eyes shine with amusement, and he reaches for my clenched hand. “Bravest, there’s something you should—”
As if on cue, there’s a loud pop, and the door behind him yanks open. I fight not to jump out of my skin as a tall, blonde woman plows through the entryway and literally plunges into Aras’ startled arms. I step back, almost reaching for my dagger as my ha
nd tingles from the sudden loss of his touch. The woman, who by the looks of her isn’t much older than Aras, tilts her perfectly coiffed head back, allowing her eyes to roam over Aras’ chest in such a way that my insides begin to squirm. When her honeyed gaze carefully darts over in my direction, I hope that my own eyes aren’t as bulging as they seem.
I also hope I’m only imagining the dagger I’m holding to her throat.
“Aras, dear,” she coos, “you’ve brought a guest.”
Her words, while as delicate as tea poured in elegant cups on a warm day, are at complete odds with the steely cover of her glare. Taking advantage of Aras’ shielded view, I sneak a quick smile over his tense shoulder, causing her fingers to dig deeper into Aras’ neck. I’d feel sorry for him, but something tells me he’s earned this all too well. Pure arrogance blooms in my chest, and I take a step forward, moving as if to place my hand on his otherwise entangled arm. The woman’s perfect jaw turns sharp as a blade, and I stop my arm halfway, teasing her with its intent.
Perhaps I should try to sneak a kiss.
Aras lets out what I assume is a muffled greeting. Much of his face is taken up with her curling hair and the artful puffs of her lilac dress as he begins to untangle himself from the most exuberant welcome I’ve ever seen in my life. When his eyes finally flit back to my own, I look away, bracing myself along the precarious railing as I prepare to take in the smugness that only this type of reunion can bring.
I’ve been a fool, apparently, and I should have asked Aras about this girl when I had the chance. This was what he was trying to tell me before the door flew open and he was accosted within an inch of his life. Now I’m just embarrassed. Forcing a casual smile to my face, I finally glance up, the surprise not hidden across my cheeks at what I see.
Aras now stands inches before me, his handsome, scruffy face laden with unveiled pain and worry. His eyes dart to my forced smile, and a deep sadness clouds his vision. As if it were second nature, he pulls my taut fingers from the rail and cradles them softly within his own. Without another glance in my direction, he turns to the now-baffled and heated woman before us.
Look to the Stars (The Orien Trilogy Book 1) Page 22
