Chapter 80

Ryker

Three days passedbefore the storm ended, and I reluctantly left Ellery's bed. Her mother would be back soon, and it was time for me to return to my father's castle, even if I preferred to stay with her.

She was getting dressed to check on the damages the manor might have sustained from the storm when I kissed her goodbye, told her I'd be back soon, went downstairs, and slipped out the door. When I whistled for Xanthus, he emerged from the woods and trotted to me.

I couldn't stop smiling as I rode back to my father's monstrosity, something that usually made me want to do anything but smile. I could still smell and taste Ellery, still feel her body moving against mine, and I missed it.

We'd just parted, and I missed her. I'd never experienced such a thing before, never imagined I would, but I couldn't deny this sense of loss inside me was because I wanted to return to her.

I was aware of the many obstacles that stood in our way… my father, for one, and our inability to leave this realm, for another, but I didn't care. I'd do whatever it took to keep her safe and with me.

If that was love, then so be it.

My father's castle came into view when I crested the top of another hill. Some of my happiness deflated, but not all of it.

I rode through the outer gates and into the bailey, where I dismounted Xanthus, patted his neck, and watched him trot back out of the castle and toward the fields. I envied his freedom before I turned and strode toward the castle's large, double wooden doors.

They opened before I reached them, and the servant on the other side bowed low to me. "Welcome back, milord."

"Thank you."

Although, nothing was welcoming about this place. I stalked down the hall toward the stairs leading to my rooms above. Before I got to them, my father emerged from his solar.

"Where the fuck have you been?" he demanded.

I didn't bother to stop as I strode past him. "In case you didn't notice, Father, there was a magnetic storm."

"You stop walking when I'm talking to you!" he roared.

I took five more steps before pausing to look at him over my shoulder. "What do you want?"

"Where have you been going, and what have you been doing?"

"Don't worry, Father, I haven't left the realm."

His expression became one I recognized from when he used to beat me as a child. At one point, it would have made me quiver. Now, I fisted my hands because if he came at me, I'd beat him until nothing remained.

I doubted any of the servants would try to pull me off him. All of them had felt the sting of his whip too.

When he didn't move, I turned toward the stairs again. I wouldn't be here if I didn't need clothes and money.

"You have a duty to this land and me!" my father yelled after me.

"I don't owe you shit."

I didn't look back at him as I ascended toward my room. I knew he was infuriated, but I didn't care.