My stomach flips and churns with anxiety. We have just said goodbye to Marin. She tried once more to talk me into going back to Ardarra. I felt guilty telling her that I couldn’t obey her wishes. She wants me safe, but I know more than that she wants Rune safe. And Rune is walking towards danger because of me. We walk hand in hand towards the southern border of Baedra. There are no Fae around, the sun is still up. It’s hot. It’s blinding. But that’s not the only reason for my sweating. We stop under the shade of a large tree near a stream. It’s delightful. The stark difference in temperature is amazing.
“I promise to look after you, Grace. Nothing will happen to you, like what has happened to you, while you’re under my guard. I’ll die before it does.” Rune places his hands on my waist, s
