“That’s going to be a problem,” she says. I shrug.

“We’ll deal with it later. Let’s bring him into Laurel’s room so no one sees him.”

Fionn hauls Carex over his shoulder, then stalks to the door. The metal lock clicks open and Fionn prowls in, barely breaking his stride. As I walk into her room, I realize for the first time that she doesn’t have guards. Has never had guards here. It should have occurred to me before.

The room is empty, but I’m overwhelmed by her scent—it nearly knocks me to my knees. Even though I’ve been here before, the realized mating bond heightens every sense. I see evidence of her life spread corner to corner—empty mugs, half eaten pastries, discarded clothing, discarded correspondence. Dust and crumbs and litter. The space is so lived in, and woven throughout every inch of the room is that intoxicating smell. I let myself drown in it, my body tingling as I take in deep inhales.

Silene’s movements near the bar cart bring me out of my haze. She quickly retrieves the bottle of concentrated thayar, pours herself a measure of the liquid, then downs it. She unrolls the map and focuses on the spot I identified, looking at me for confirmation that she has it right. I nod.

“Ready?” she asks. Fionn and I take her hands for the third time that day, and we aerstep away.

The cavern is much larger than it looked on the map. I illuminate the space by pulling light in from the opening several paces behind us and amplifying it. I don’t see Laurel, but I can feel my pulsing magical center practically jump out of my chest when I look to the north.

“You should go back,” I tell Silene and Fionn. “Thank you for getting me here.”

They exchange a look. “No, we won’t leave you,” Silene says resolutely. “She might not be here. You’ll be stuck in this frigid cave with no way back.”

“She’s here, I know it. Please. I need to do this alone,” I implore. “If I’m not back in two hours, come for me. I’ll make sure I’m in this same spot.” They both look uneasy.

“Thorne,” Fionn protests, but I interrupt.

“Please,” I whisper. I look them both in the eyes, pleading with unspoken words.

“Okay,” Silene whispers, tears gathering in her eyes at the intensity of the last half hour.

“Take this dagger,” Fionn says as he hands me the blade. “It will make it easier for me to track you if you aren’t here.” I nod.

“We’re coming back in exactly two hours,” Silene promises. I take her hands in mine and squeeze. She wipes her eyes, then takes Fionn’s hand. They disappear, and the cavern is eerily silent. Turning north, I let the tugging in my chest lead me toward my mate.