“Where are they and how do I find them?”
“They will find you,” she replies. “They are drawn to her light, just as you were.”
Instantly, my thoughts turn to Aris. He has a familiar—Fin—and he has the same dreams of the queen that I do.
“Can you tell me anything else about them?” I beg, hoping she can give us a lead.
She gives me a pitying look. “I’m sorry. That is all I sensed.”
“It’s all right. It’s more than we knew before. Thank you.”
She nods and then retrieves two towels from a linen closet in the hallway. “Here. You may use these.”
I take them from her and turn back toward the bedroom, but her small hand on my forearm stops me abruptly. “There is something you must know.”
“What is it?”
“The Queen is the key to saving both our worlds. Whatever happens, she must be protected. Do you understand?”
“I would give my life to keep her safe.”
She gives me a pained look. “Your life is an easy thing to give. But your heart is another matter entirely.”
“I will do whatever it takes,” I vow. “No matter the cost to myself.”
She meets my eyes evenly. “Remember this when the time comes.”
I give her a wary look. “What are you not telling me?”
She releases her grip on my arm. “I cannot tell you the things which you must discover for yourself. I am only allowed to give you warning.”
“Warning? About what?” Frustration burns through me. “I’m tired of half-truths and riddles. Tell me what I need to know to protect her now. Please.”
“It is not for me to tell. I vow that I do not withhold things from you without reason. It is part of the prophecy that you discover the answers for yourself.”
Her lavender eyes stare up at me full of resolve, and it is easy to see she will not give me any more information.
After a moment, she dips her chin in a subtle bow and then turns back toward the living room.
When I return to the bedroom, I’m back to where I was before. With far more questions than answers.
Kyra is still sitting on the bed staring at the opposite wall with a faraway look on her face. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for her. She only just discovered Astra and now… all of this.
She lifts her gaze to me. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were already regaining more of your memories?”
I clench my jaw as I sit down beside her. “The things I’m remembering…” I pause, uncertain how to continue. How do I tell her that I remember loving her? That I remember holding her in my arms? And that I know somehow I am responsible for her dying? “I was worried they might upset you.”
She takes my hands, her blue eyes searching mine. “All we have here is each other. And yes, it’s all a bit… overwhelming, but I’m not fragile, Cael, if that’s what you think. I can handle things. I don’t want any secrets between us, all right?”
I nod.
She gives me a faint smile. “How about we get cleaned up first and then we talk?”
I dread having to tell her about my memories, but I know that I must. She has asked that we not hold anything back from each other. “All right.”
Chapter 13
Cael
She moves behind the room divider, and I hear the soft rustle of her clothing as she undresses. She drapes it over the screen, and I swallow thickly. My every sense is completely attuned to her as I imagine her nude form behind the partition. A light rippling sound of water a moment later tells me she’s in the tub.
“Cael?” she calls out. “Are you still there?”
“Yes.” My voice is rough, even to my own ears. I clear my throat. “Do you need something?”
“No. I just… wanted to make sure you were still there.”
“I am.” I want to assure her that I will always be here. I pledged my life to her in the past and I will gladly do so again. But instead of saying this, I remain silent, uncertain if it is something she would wish to hear.
She bathes quickly and comes out wearing a long sleeping gown so threadbare, it hides almost nothing of her body. My gaze travels down her form, over the sensuous curve of her breasts and the gentle flare of her hips before I force myself to avert my eyes.
Before she has a chance to notice the obvious effect she is having upon me while she stands there in such little clothing, I move past her and quickly peel off my clothes and jump into the tub. Thankfully, the water is still warm.
I’m tempted to take my time, but I know she wishes to talk before we fall asleep. With a heavy sigh, I get out of the water and wrap a towel loosely around my hips. When I step around the partition, I cannot help but notice how Kyra’s face flushes a charming shade of red as her gaze travels over my body.
As soon as she notices my eyes upon her, she looks away.
She hands me my clothes and I move back behind the partition. Quickly, I change into soft knit pants and a shirt almost as threadbare as Kyra’s. When I come out from behind the screen, a smile tugs at my lips when I realize she’s placed a pillow and blanket on the floor for me in a makeshift bed of sorts.
“Thank you,” I tell her as I take my place on the floor.
She looks over the edge of the bed at me. “You’re sure you don’t want the bed?”
I grin. “What kind of gentleman would take the bed and make his companion sleep on the floor?”
She laughs. “You have a point.” Her expression sobers. “Have you remembered anything else?”
“I spoke with Talina. She said we are supposed
