Draven opened his eyes and reached his hand out. I latched onto it as all the mud stopped spinning and dropped down with a splat. Before it could encase me again, Draven reeled me forward and straight into his chest.
We were both breathing heavy, rain soaking us. We should’ve moved, gotten under cover or to safety, but I couldn’t make myself budge. Draven’s arms were wrapped around me, safe and protective—not something I’d felt in a long time. I rested my head against his chest, and I felt his chin perch on the top of my head. I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, just me and him, the world fading away. It was the same feeling I’d had kissing him in the closet.
“We should get back,” he finally said, and disappointment swept through me as he stepped away, nudging his head in the direction of his manor.
We walked to his home in silence, his hand clutching mine the entire way.
Twenty-Nine
ELSPETH
The fire in the hearth crackled, and I relaxed back into the cushioned couch as I sipped on tea and nibbled on some crackers one of the servants had brought. As soon as we’d gotten back, Draven called the housemaid to get me dry and into new clothes. After I’d stopped shivering, I visited Adelaide. Elm had been by her side reading a book while she slept, so I let them be, telling him to let me know as soon as she awoke.
I took another sip of my tea, the flavors of cinnamon and orange mingling on my tongue. These tea leaves must’ve been from the local tea shop, Steeped in Love. I hadn’t had a chance to visit yet, but I’d heard they sold some of the best tea in the Witchlands.
I inhaled deeply, drawing my knees up to my chest.
“You look like you’re dry now,” Draven said from the doorway.
“I am. I loathe the cold,” I said. “So the fire is welcome.”
I twisted around in my seat as Draven entered the room in a soft pair of brown trousers and a simple linen shirt, the neckline opened so I could see his chest and the thick dark hair that covered it.
I stood, and his gaze dipped as he stared at my legs.
Witch’s tits. I’d forgotten what I was wearing. The only thing thehousemaid could find was an older overly large tunic that hung down just above my knees.
Draven swallowed thickly, and my cheeks heated.
“It was the only thing available,” I explained.
“Yes.” His gaze darkened. “Of course.”
I dropped back onto the couch, and Draven came to sit next to me. He leaned forward and grabbed a teacup off the small table. He lifted the kettle and poured the orange-colored water into it. Steam rose in the air, curling between us.
“Thank you for saving me,” I said as he sat back. “I would still be stuck in that mud if it weren’t for you.”
He didn’t meet my gaze, staring into the fire. “You’re welcome.” He took a sip of his tea. “How did you learn to throw a punch like that?” The corner of his lips tipped up ever so slightly.
I rolled my eyes. “I have three sisters.”
He quirked a brow. “And you punch them regularly?”
“Not them.” His gaze turned rueful, and I snorted. “Anyone who might hurt them.”
“That’s a story I’d like to hear,” he said. “And we have time.” He gestured out the window, the sky black, the rain still pouring down.
I shifted to face him and tucked a leg underneath me. “It was someone pursuing Auggie.”
“One of your younger sisters?” Draven asked.
I nodded. “Auggie is flirtatious, impulsive. She has a tendency to invite trouble. We were staying outside the village of Sunhaven, selling potions, when I realized that Auggie had been missing for hours. I’d seen her in town earlier, flirting with some boy, and I’d told her to be back at camp for dinner.” I still remembered the panic that seized me when I realized Auggie hadn’t returned to camp.
Draven stared at me with that intense gaze of his as he listened.
“I immediately ran back to town, searching everywhere for Auggie, when I heard a scream.”
Draven stiffened.
