Chapter 90

Riftan's shaky breath played over her nape, and she could sense the bone-gnawing fear coming off him in waves. She clung to his neck as though she were drowning. At that moment, she wanted him more intensely than ever. She could not bear to be parted from him. Sobbing, she rubbed her cheek in his hair before seeking his lips.

Riftan cupped her face with a gloved hand and pushed his tongue into her mouth. Sobs broke out of her between feverish breaths.

Kissing her cheek, Riftan mumbled something gruffly. Though it was much too low for Maxi to catch, she reasoned that he was telling her not to cry. Nodding, she looked past his shoulder at the rising sun. She could hear the knights ordering the soldiers to make haste.

His arms wrapped around her, Riftan muttered, "I must go now."