Starkeeper of the Fractured Crown

At his look, my words trailed off.

I frowned and looked back towards the boys. Dick.

Trick chuckled. “I still have something else to show you.”

Before I could comprehend his words, we Jumped into the cottage.

I stumbled a bit, falling into him slightly as the world righted itself. “Warning next time,” I said, jerking my hand away only to slow when I saw what he had left on the table.

My lips parted as I took in the brand new winter coats, gloves, boots, and hats that were set perfectly across the table.

I released a breath and walked up to them, picking up the coat that was so clearly Mark’s. “You got him this?” It wasn’t used. There were no holes or marks or tears. It was completely brand new. Straight from the store.

“I checked the city,” he explained, joining my side. “In the last couple of weeks, nobody has been selling winter clothes except for the wealthier shops. I know you’re a thief, but stealing from a wealthy shop now? You would have been caught.”

I knew that. It was something I had been trying to figure out since the day Mark and I had moved in. Most of what I had been doing in the city lately was watching those shops, trying to find a way to sneak in and out without being caught, but the guards were on high alert now. It never would have worked.

I set the coat down, eyes filling, and before I could stop myself, I turned and stepped into his arms. I hadneverfelt so grateful in all my life.

Trick was tall. I had to stand up on my tiptoes to wrap my arms around his neck, but when he wrapped his arms around me, it didn’t make me feel shrunken, it made me feel safe.

His arms slid around my waist with ease, pulling me against him, my body melting into every piece of him. Hardened from centuries of training to be this deadly weapon. A man capable of slaughtering anyone he wanted and all I felt was safe.

Petrichor flooded my nose as I tilted my head down, feeling his heart beat against my ribs, his breath moving my hair. I felt something inside of me just…melt. I felt light, like the butterflies in my stomach were lifting me up, up, up.

His arms tightened, his head dipping into the crook of my neck. It wasn’t a teasing gesture. I didn’t think he was trying to start anything, but part of me did wonder how long it had been since he had been hugged.

For me? Besides Mark, the last time I had hugged someone my own height, my own age, had been Ket the day he had left.

I wanted to stay here forever. I really did. Because I felt safe. I felt wanted. I felt…

I didn’t want to leave.

“Kyra?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, wanting that to have not happened, but at Trick’s slight squeeze, I knew it was time.

With an almost silent breath, I forced myself back, my cheeks burning hot as I turned right to the door,finding Cole and Mark standing in the doorway.

Mark was beaming, which made me even more embarrassed.

Cole was watching Trick with an unreadable expression. “Letak is out there.”

“Is he your new boyfriend?” Mark basically shouted to the world.

My eyes widened, humiliation flooding through me. “Let’s go see Letak. Out,” I ordered, rushing over to them without looking back. “Out, go.”

Cole’s eyes flicked from me to Trick and back. “Be careful,” he warned me on my way out. It wasn’t bitter or out of malice, just the advice of a friend.

“He’s right,”that rational voice whispered.“Don’t forget what Mom told you.”

I shook the thoughts away and focused on Mark.

“Uncle Trick,” Mark tested out. “Sounds cool.”

Gods above, I would never hear the end of this. “Ready to meet Letak?”

“You like him,” Mark teased as my eyes lifted to the edge of the woods, Letak peeking out from behind the trees, watching carefully.