284 Jeens

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I just want to reassure the fans of Gahrye that, while you're going to see him struggle for a little while and deal with a lot of angst and self-doubt, just be patient. He's working through some stuff, and the pay-off will be... quite the ride [insert winky emoji here]

*****

GHARYE 

The walk back to their rooms was uncomfortable and Gahrye cursed himself for handling that whole moment so poorly. But perhaps it was for the best. He couldn't let her distract him from his purpose. He'd never mate her if he was dead at Reth's hand. And frankly, if he failed and Elia was lost, he'd never forgive himself anyway.

Kalle told him she needed to get something before they left, so they part in the hall when he first entered the rooms in case Elia was back. He stood for a few moments, looking and listening. But the room was unchanged—the door to her bedroom still closed, and no light under it.