Then Elex’s eyes caught hers. She still felt a skip in her heart, a warmth under her skin, yet it felt different this time. Confusing, because now, standing between him and Vidal, she could still feel Vidal’s kisses on her mouth, his hands on her bare skin, all over me…

She didn’t know how she felt. Not anymore.

“Zofi. What are you doing here?” Elex asked. “Is everything all right?”

She hauled herself onto the wooden platform beside him. “I’m fine” was all she managed to get out before Elex wrapped his arms around her, pulled her into the tight, crushing embrace she’d always loved—the kind that always used to make her feel safe, secure, home.

He smelled the same. Like electricity after a storm. But holding him, she didn’t feel that relaxation, that release anymore. She felt taut as a bowstring.

She wriggled out of his arms. “What about you?” she said. “I would’ve thought you’d still be on the run.”

Elex looked stung when she backed away, but only for a moment. “I don’t know how you managed it, Zofi.” He grinned. “But a pardon came through, clearing me of all charges. I got word of it in the town where I was camped out just a couple days ago.”

She forced a smile. “The crown owed me a favor.” Mostly true.

At least one good thing came of her exile. Elex was free now. But he must have read the conflict on her face, because his smile flickered. Faded.

“It was the least I could do, after everything,” Zofi added.

“But if you’re here, then…”

“It’s a long story.” She did need to talk to Elex, but not now. First she had work to do. “It’ll be better told around a campfire with a strong beverage. Have you seen my mother?”

“Top platform.” He pointed. “You’ll see her tent. Watch the ladders, they’re rickety.”

Already a week had passed since she left Kolonya City. Father would only have a few days left. If Mother knew of a cure, Zofi had to send it immediately. After that, she’d have all the time in the world.

After that, whatever happened back in Kolonya had nothing to do with her anymore. That fact hurt more than she expected.

She glanced over her shoulder. “Vidal. My mother has something I’ll need to send to the Keep as fast as possible.” Her gaze drifted to the horn at his waist. “Do you think you might be able to make use of your, ah, pet?”

He followed her eye. “Is it a written message, or something larger?”

“Written.”

He nodded. “Should be doable. Find me whenever you’re ready.”