Chapter 3 Shadows Between Us

Elaria's POV

Run! My whole body screamed it, but my legs felt like they were glued to the spot. I was breathing super hard and fast, and my heart felt like it was trying to punch its way out of my chest. The darkness around us was getting thicker, closing in, like it was trying to crush us. Something was close by—something old, something watching us. I could feel it in my bones.

Rowan stood next to me, his knife catching the little bit of light that was around, but we both knew a knife wasn't going to do much against whatever was hiding in the trees. The lake behind us? Still as glass, like it was holding its breath too. Creepy.

I turned to Rowan and grabbed his arm. We gotta get out of here. Now!

His eyes were sharp as could be, checking out the woods. I could feel his muscles get tighter as I held his arm. He didn't say anything at first. He felt it too—the feeling like you're being watched, the force trying to squish us.

Then, a whisper blew through the air, thin as smoke, but with this nasty, rotten edge to it. My inner wolf was going nuts, wanting to take over, run away, or fight. Rowan moved closer to me. His warmth kept the freezing chill surrounding us at bay.

And then it moved.

Something like a shadow slipped between the trees, all blurry, like it couldn't decide if it wanted to be there or not. I gasped and grabbed Rowan's wrist tighter.

Elaria, he mumbled, his breath warm on my ear. Don't even twitch.

I did what he said, frozen. The air around us got still as could be, but it felt like it was buzzing. A gust of wind howled, carrying the smell of wet dirt and something way too sweet, like something rotting.

The shadow thing stopped just inside the edge of the trees. Even though it didn't have eyes, I could feel it staring right at me, like it was looking through me!

Rowan moved a bit, getting ready for anything. He turned his head a little, touching his forehead to mine. That quick touch calmed me down, like he was silently promising we'd get out of this. I let out a shaky breath and grabbed his shirt, needing to feel something real.

When I say, he whispered.

I nodded.

The wind screamed, and then the thing jumped.

Rowan pulled me backward just as the thing swiped at where I was standing a second before. We landed hard, and Rowan rolled on top of me, covering me with his body.

My heart was going crazy. I could feel his weight on me, and I could smell him—woodsmoke, leather, and this smell that was just him. He put his hand on my face, turning me to look at him. His touch was strong, making me feel better.

Stay focused, Elaria, he said, his voice rough. We're getting through this together.

Everything felt stretched out, like something you would pull taffy. I felt a fire start up deep inside me.

I started to say something, but the creature attacked again. Rowan got ready, but then everything changed. The world seemed to wobble.

Then everything was quiet.

The shadow was gone.

But we weren't by ourselves.

Something else was moving at the edge of the clearing.

And then, a voice, smooth and dangerous:

The queen is home at last.

I felt cold all the way down my spine.

Rowan gripped his knife tighter, but I put my hand over his, shaking my head. Another fight wasn't going to do any good against something we didn't understand.

The person walked out of the darkness. The fire showed pale skin and sharp eyes that looked like they were having a good time, or maybe just plain mean. I couldn't decide.

I swallowed. Who are you?

The stranger smiled slowly.

Your past. Your future. And how it all ends for you.

I felt like those words stuck to me like ice! I didn't even notice Rowan move closer to protect me. The air felt thick.

Say it again.

That voice was different. Deeper. Rougher. I realized it was Rowan talking. He was holding my wrist, not too tight, but enough. Like an anchor.

I looked up at him, thinking he'd be smirking. But he looked serious, searching my eyes like crazy.

My heart started beating faster. Say what?

He squeezed my wrist a little tighter. Say that you don't want me around.

I could feel something between us. He was pushing me—testing me. The fire behind us made our shadows dance on the walls. He was waiting for my next move.

I should shut this down. Tell him I didn't care. That I was too busy.

But I didn't.

Because I would be lying.

Let go, Rowan, I whispered.

He didn't move for a second. Then, slowly, he let go of my hand, his fingers brushing my skin. I felt cold where he had been touching me.

He looked right into my eyes. You waited too long.

I moved back, needing some space. You went too far.

He looked at me for a long time. Maybe. But you didn't stop me.

I hated him for saying that.

Someone knocked hard on the door, breaking the mood. I turned, my heart still beating fast.

Come in, I called, sounding calmer than I felt.

Aldric walked in, looking worried. There's been another attack.

Rowan stood up straight, his body getting tense again. Whatever was between us before disappeared, replaced by a cold focus.

Where? I asked.

Aldric looked grim. Closer this time. Just past the river.

We all got quiet. The enemy was getting bold.

Rowan let out a breath. Then we need to move.

I nodded, putting everything else aside. Whatever that thing between me and Rowan was, it had to wait. My kingdom was in danger.

And I wasn't going to let it fall.