Chapter 6

T his might actually work, I think to myself, as I slowly make my way back to Grayson's rooms. It's complete madness and he's risking too much. But he's right, this could work. After Tor told me his plan, he left, asking me to step out of the shield and not look back. I'm not sure how he's been getting in and out of the castle, but I don't want to know. The less I know, the better. All I know is that he's gone, and the pull in my chest feels like it's…stretched, getting weaker the further he travels. He mentioned that he'd been drawn to me, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he can feel a pull like I do. I should have asked him. Next time I see him, I'll ask, I promise, as I make my way through the castle.

It's quiet, far quieter than it would usually be, and I think I know the reason as I round a corner. Two priests, dressed in their black robes are walking towards me, their faces set into frowns as they see me.

"What is your business here?" the one on the right demands. I don't recognise either of them, but they don't look kind, in fact, the one on the left is practically sneering at me. It's completely at odds to the gentle, loving nature of our Goddess. Sure, the Great Mother can be wrathful, but she loves her followers like they're her children.

"I'm just heading back to my rooms," I reply with a frown, wondering why they're questioning me. We are in the residential part of the castle, it should be obvious where I'm going.

The blow to my stomach takes me by surprise and I bend over, the air knocked from my lungs. Pain flashes through me and I instinctively prostate myself onto the floor, my body kicking into survival mode, remembering my days as a slave.

"Pay your respects to the priest," the priest on the left, the one who hit me, hisses. This one enjoys violence, I can hear it in his voice.

"I'm sorry, priest," I gasp out, keeping as still as I can on the floor.

"This one knows how to apologise properly. On her knees like she should be." Disgust runs through me as he speaks and my anger flares to life, hot and fast, capable of burning us all. Thankfully, the sound of another pair of footsteps reaches us, and I feel a flash of magic—a magician.

Please be someone I know. There are other castle magicians I've not yet met, older ones who spend most of their time studying. Don't let it be Pierre, I plead quickly, amending my previous statement, only imagining his expression of quiet delight.

"Clarissa?"

Wilson. Relief floods through my system as I hear the familiar voice. Thank the Mother . His magic pulses again, and the priests are suddenly blasted back a couple of feet, falling to the ground. I watch in shock, my mouth open as the priests lie on the ground, unmoving for a couple of seconds. I hear one of them groan but can't see anymore as Wilson runs over and kneels in front of me, brushing his hand over my hair and cupping my cheek. Moving his hands to my shoulders, he helps me stand, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"How dare you harm a priest," one of them rasps, and as we turn to face them, I see the pure hatred in his eyes as he glares at Wilson.

"You harmed a woman who is Goddess blessed," my friend growls, and I can feel his magic swirling around him with his anger. I've never seen Wilson like this before. He takes a step in front of me, as if to protect me from the priests. I'm worried he's about to go into euisa, so I place a hand on the small of his back.

"Wilson, I'm okay. Let's go," I say quietly. I'm concerned they're going to try and pick a fight with us, so I just want to get away from these two as soon as possible.

"The king will hear about this," the mouthy one snarls as they hurry past us, and even as they leave, I can feel their eyes still boring into my back.

"Are you okay?" Wilson asks, as he starts to lead me towards Grayson's rooms. Seeing my nod, he shakes his head and glances over his shoulder as if he expects the priests to be following us. "Maybe it would be best if you don't walk around on your own for now," he suggests, and I quickly nod my head in agreement.

I'm still in shock over what happened, it was so unprovoked. As a slave, I learned to expect pain and violence all the time, but as Clarissa I discovered I had some protection from random acts of violence. Not anymore, at least not while the priests are in control and patrolling the castle. I don't even know why they were in this part of the palace anyway. A thought suddenly occurs to me and my blood runs cold.

Were they waiting there for me? I shake my head, No, that can't be right, they wouldn't have known when I was going to return to Grayson's rooms. Wilson throws me a questioning smile, which I just return, shaking my head again. I won't share my suspicions with anyone until I have more to go on than just a feeling.

Worry gnaws at me and I look up at him. "Will you get into trouble for attacking the priests?"

He glances at me quickly before looking away and shrugging, but I don't miss his concern before he is able to hide it.

"I doubt it, and if I do, Grayson will help me. He won't let anything happen to me, especially because I was protecting you." He flashes me a bright smile and I chuckle slightly, but inside I'm still uneasy about his flippant attitude. If priests were attacking ladies in the corridors, what's to stop them from trying to get him punished for humiliating them?

We turn the last corner and finally reach Grayson's rooms, and I enter with Wilson close behind me.

"I've told you already. I'm not leaving!" Grayson's frustrated voice reaches us from the living room, and Wilson and I frown at each other. Following the voices, we enter the room and see the three visiting higher magicians sitting on the couches while Grayson is up and pacing.

"It's the only way, Grayson. You need to think beyond the girl!" Pierre growls, his gaze shooting to me as we stand in the doorway. His eyes narrow and he shakes his head in exasperation. "Oh, perfect," he mutters, and the others follow his gaze.

"Clarissa, now isn't—" Whatever he was going to say cuts off as he looks at us and notices Wilson's arm around my waist. I don't know what he sees on my face, but concern overtakes his frustration. "What's wrong?"

"The priests attacked Clarissa," Wilson answers, and I shoot him a dirty look as the room fills with exclamations, their voices all merging into one as they speak over each other, barraging me with questions. Grayson is the first to reach my side, with Merrin and Ellis not far behind, concern lining their features. Surprise, surprise, Pierre doesn't move from his seat. Frustration rises within me. They didn't need to know priests had stopped me, it serves no purpose other than upsetting Grayson. Two can play at that game.

"Wilson attacked the priests," I declare, trying to take some of the heat off me. Pierre rolls his eyes from the other side of the room, and Merrin mutters something under his breath as he shakes his head, pulling the younger magician aside.

"That was probably not a very sensible thing to do," he scolds with a frown.

"I was protecting her!" he argues defensively, his expression one of total disbelief. Pierre suddenly laughs from his seat, clapping slowly as he leans forward when everyone turns to face him. With a tilt of his head, he studies me, as if waiting for me to do something. When nothing happens, he looks to the men in the room, his eyes going from one to the next.

"What is it about this woman that has people doing stupid things for her?" His tone is light, disbelieving, but I can see the simmering anger in his eyes.

"Pierre…" Ellis warns, his expression serious as he shakes his head slightly. I get the feeling this has been brought up before. My suspicions are confirmed when Grayson freezes, fury burning in his gaze.

"Get out." I've never heard Grayson's voice so icy before. In fact, he sounds like a different person, not the kind, compassionate magician I know.

"What?" Pierre doesn't move, simply raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "You invited me here, remember?"

"I said, get out. Now," he orders, his voice hard before he turns his back completely on his fellow magician and faces me. He reaches my side, his voice suddenly much softer when he questions, "Are you okay? What happened?"

"Grayson…" His expression tells me not to argue, so I just shake my head, trying to ignore Pierre as he stalks past me. I feel like we might be burning our bridges, and I make a note to talk to Grayson about this later, but I know now is not the time. Not while he is so worked up and in front of his peers.

"Fine. I was walking back and two priests asked me what I was doing. I told them I was returning to my rooms and they decided I wasn't paying them enough respect, so one of them punched me in the stomach. I fell to the ground, shocked, and that's when Wilson found me." I keep my explanation simple and as brief as possible, wanting to get this over with. Glancing around the room, I see the other magicians are just as furious as Grayson appears to be, and I take a small step back. None of them seem to notice, too caught up in their rage.

"You should've seen the looks on their faces, they were getting off on her pain. It was disgusting," Wilson spits, and I re-evaluate my friend. I thought he was softer than the ‘regular' magician, but I'm starting to realise he's powerful in a different way that has nothing to do with the strength of his magic. He is fiercely protective of his friends. "They're lucky I just knocked them off their feet and didn't put any more power behind my attack."

"Wilson," Merrin interjects, placing his hand on my friend's shoulder. "We need to speak with Clarissa. Thank you for escorting her back, would you mind leaving us?" he asks politely. His signature, soft smile is in place, but I get the impression Wilson doesn't have a choice in this.

Wilson looks quickly at me, his expression uncharacteristically serious, but when I give him a small smile and he sees I'm okay, he bows his head to the higher magician. "Of course, High Mage." As he leaves, I swear I hear Merrin whisper, "Good job," to the younger magician, but when I glance over in surprise, his face gives nothing away.

Once he's left, the room is silent. Grayson is by the windows, leaning against the little alcove with a sullen look on his face. The older magician, and leader of thegroup, apparently, takes a step towards me, smiling kindly.

"Clarissa, how are you feeling after this morning?"

"I'm fine," I answer instinctively, but at a look from Merrin, I realise that's not going to cut it. He wants a more detailed answer than that, and I see the other two are listening closely as well. "It was a bit of a shock. All those poor children…" I trail off and look away. I'm about to tell them about Tor and the plan we came up with, but I realise I don't know these two that well and I don't want to risk Tor.

I'll tell Grayson later , I tell myself, feeling a bit better about holding onto the secret. It had been eating at me. I want, need , Grayson to know, otherwise it feels like going behind his back.

"It's unforgivable," Ellis snaps, and for a moment I think he's reading my thoughts. "We've always discouraged the use of slaves, but the numbers had grown five times the size since the last time I visited the castle," he remarks, and I take a deep, relieved breath. There's a pause and they seem to be waiting for me to say or do something, but I simply wait, not sure what the point of this line of questioning is.

"We've all spoken and decided this has to be stopped. Would you agree?" Merrin asks me, his expression making me think that my answer is really important to him.

"Of course!" Frowning, I look around the room. Why would he be asking me this? Surely he doesn't believe I agree with the slavery of innocent children? He nods as if expecting my reaction and takes another step towards me.

"We need to speak with the other high mages, but we will have to travel there and Grayson needs to come with us." His voice lowers as he speaks, and I feel like he's waiting for my response.

Why would my answer, agreement or otherwise, be so important?

I remember what they'd been saying earlier and nod my agreement. I don't want him to go, but this is so much bigger than me. Grayson is watching me, his expression intense, so much so I have to look away.

"He's refusing to go," Ellis tells me, and I snap my head around to my friend.

"What? Why?" I demand, but when I see his eyes roaming over me, I suddenly realise why. The conversation I overheard when Wilson and I first got back to the room plays out in my head. Grayson is refusing to go. I'm the reason he won't go. Out of some sense of responsibility to take care of me, he's declining to go. A little part of me, that part that pulls me towards him, tells me it's more than that, but I don't have time for fanciful thoughts, so I push them aside.

"If I go, there is nothing to stop the priests from going back on their word and killing you." Grayson finally pushes away from the window and stalks over, and although he's talking to me, he's looking at the other magicians. "Where we are going, to take someone with no magic is a death sentence. You would have to stay here. Alone. That is exactly what they want."

"I don't think that's the goal anymore," I reply, making Grayson pause whatever argument he was about to launch at the other magicians. "Sure, the priests are still a threat, but I don't think they'll be allowed to kill me. Not now at least," I continue, remembering the king's calculating gaze and the feel of Rhydian's eyes on me as Jacob walked me out of the hall. Even thinking about it now makes me shudder, and I reach over and touch my Goddess mark under my cuff for reassurance. Feeling her calming influence, my body begins to release some of the tension I've been carrying.

"What do you mean?" Grayson inquires, folding his arms over his chest.

"The prince is looking for a queen."

Grayson laughs, gesturing towards me. "You think he'd choose you? Come on, Clarissa, he would never choose someone like you."

I feel like I've been physically slapped, that comment stings. He, of all people, knows what I've been through, where I've come from. He was the one to give me a title and a home, and now he's using it against me. I manage to hide my flinch at how much that hurt me and bury the pain down deep, but it only serves to stoke my anger.

"No, I don't think he'd choose me, but I know Jacob has put a target on my back, whether he meant to or not." Trying to keep my voice calm, I narrow my eyes at Grayson. I'm not sure I pull it off. "I've seen the look Rhydian gave me before. I'm his new plaything."

"You really think I'm going to leave you if that piece of—" Grayson's voice rises, but he's cut off as Merrin steps forward and lays a hand on his back.

"Clarissa, would you excuse us please?" he requests kindly, but the magician isn't even looking at me. Ellis sees my conflicted expression, and gives me a smile and a nod, letting me know it's okay to go.

Confused and hurt, I exit and make my way to my bedroom.

I eat my evening meal with Jayne in the kitchen area that Grayson has in his suite. I know all the food comes up from the main castle kitchens, but this little area allows for the preparation of snacks, hot drinks, and small meals. It also means I can eat with Jayne when Grayson isn't around and enjoy spending time with her.

This morning feels like so long ago, like it happened on a completely different day. After I'd been dismissed from the meeting with the magicians, I just spent the time in my room, tracing letters with my fingers from one of the books. I kept being drawn to that one book, it was different than the others and I often found myself with it in my lap. Not that I can read, but sometimes I feel like I recognise some of the letters, like I had learned the basic alphabet before I was a slave.

"Your mind is miles away today." Jayne's amused voice breaks me out of my thoughts. Blinking, I realise I was staring at the glass of water in my hand, so I raise my gaze up to the maid, who is watching me with a knowing smile.

"Sorry, Jayne, that was rude of me," I reply apologetically, putting down my glass and sighing deeply. "Just with everything that happened today…" I trail off, not needing to finish my sentence. Jayne's face goes tight and I can see her emotional turmoil.

"Yes, my thoughts have been on those poor families." Her breath hitches, and for a moment I think she's going to cry. "I fear many people will lose their lives."

"What do you mean?" I ask softly. There's something else she isn't telling me, and I don't know why.

She turns to face me, a fire suddenly appearing in her eyes. "No parent I know would give up one of their children." Her voice is adamant, and although I don't have a child, I have to agree. I would never want to let them out of my sight, let alone allow them to become a slave. It's something I often wondered as a child. Did my parents willingly give me to the kingdom to become a slave, or did something happen? I can't imagine the decision these people are having to make.

"I expect many will try to escape," she continues, her face grim, and my heart sinks. Not because they are trying to get away from the impossible decision, but due to the reality of the situation.

"They will never get past the guards." I wish I could take my words back as soon as I say them. Her face crumples and a sob escapes her.

"I know. My sister has a young child, my niece. I can't bear the thought that she'll be put into slavery."

My heart breaks for her, and I remember my plan with Tor. Biting my lip, I try to decide what to share. I was supposed to talk with Grayson about the plan to see if I could get his help. Tor hadn't wanted me to tell anyone else, but if I got caught, I wanted someone to take over for me, and seeing Jayne like this, I know we're doing the right thing.

Can I trust her? Doubt niggles at me. If the king finds out what I'm planning, death would seem like the kind option once he was through with me.

"Jayne," I call, her attention shifting back to me as she tries to stop her tears. "I have something to tell you, but you have to keep it secret." I lower my voice as I get out of my chair and round the little table to stand at her side. She watches me with a serious expression.

"Of course, you're like family to me."

Her comment nearly knocks me down. I know she's said I'm like a daughter to her before, but this is different. Her keeping this secret could cost Jayne her life, and she's happy to take that gamble. Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my nerves. I feel sick, worrying at what her reaction will be.

"I'm going to help people escape the castle," I say quietly, quickly continuing at her shocked gasp. "Anyone who is threatened and has no other option." I pause briefly, gauging her reaction. "Did you meet Torin from the mountain clans?"

She frowns as she tries to remember, nodding slightly as a confused expression crosses her face. I know she's wondering at the apparent change of topic, and her next comment confirms my suspicions. "Briefly, but how is he related to this?"

"His people have a type of magic, shielding, that allows them to travel unseen. Him and some of his trusted tribesmen are going to be waiting in the Queen's Courtyard every evening by the far fountain. They'll help anyone escape who needs safe passage." I pause to take in her reaction, worried about how she might take this. What I'm saying is treason, and by keeping this a secret, that is a crime she's committing too. "This is only for people who have no other option, we can't risk the king finding out how." There is no way the king wouldn't notice people disappearing, but if we can stop him from figuring out how it's happening, then we should be safe. Reaching out, I take hold of her hand and smile gently. "Your family could be saved."

She stays quiet for a time and just stares at our joined hands. I worry she doesn't believe me or trust me, but after a moment, she lifts her head and meets my gaze. Her expression is sombre.

"Do you trust him?"

I'm not sure what I was expecting her to say, perhaps asking for the logistics, or how I'm going to be involved, but this was not it. It's a fair question though. If she's going to put the lives of her niece and her fellow servants at risk, then she wants to know that Tor is a man of his word. What surprises me is that she cares about my opinion of him, and if I think he's trustworthy, then she will accept that as fact.

I contemplate what she's asking me. Do I trust Tor with the lives of children? The answer comes to me instantly, even though I'm not quite sure where that feeling comes from, but my instincts have never let me down so far.

"Yes," I tell her calmly. I can't explain why and I don't try to, I just let my assurance come through. Removing my hand from hers, I reach across and touch my Goddess mark, something I've recently found helps to calm or reassure me when I need it. The mark starts glowing almost immediately, gently at first, but then it grows, its pulsing purple light filling the room. "I think the Mother agrees too."

My smile is wide as we bathe in the light of our Goddess. Jayne's face has a look of wonder, her eyes wide before they fall back on me. The light starts to fade, and she stands and wraps her arms tightly around me, pulling me into a hug.

"Thank you." Her words are mumbled as she presses her face against my shoulder, clearly overwhelmed, and I understand. Returning her embrace, I simply hold her until she's ready to let go.

"You could go too," I whisper, and she huffs a short laugh as she pulls away. Shaking her head, she reaches up and brushes away the tears she's trying to hide. I pretend I don't see them and take a sip of my drink to give her time to compose herself.

"You and Grayson are my family," she tells me, her smile back in place as she sits down. I'm about to point out that her real family could be escaping, and she might not see them again if she doesn't go, but she adds, "Besides, you'd both fall apart without me here."

I chuckle at that. She's right, I'm not sure what we would do without her. I've gone my whole life without a maid, and now I rely on her so much. Leaning back in my chair, I examine the woman.

I guess we don't rely on her so much because she's a maid, but because she cares for us more like a mother than someone who's being paid to be here, I muse, realising how much I would miss her if she left.

"Wouldn't you miss your family?" I inquire gently, not quite understanding why she wouldn't escape with her blood relatives and stay with us instead—her adopted children.

"I barely know them," she admits, shaking her head with a slight wince of her face. "In fact, I don't have the best relationship with them, but that doesn't mean I don't want them safe. Besides, I already told you, you and Grayson are my family and you need me more." That explains things a bit more, but my eyes sting with unshed tears at her words. I don't trust myself to speak without crying at the moment, so I simply nod, a smile gracing my lips. She watches me with knowing eyes, returning my smile. "Speaking of Grayson, have you spoken with him about this?"

"Spoken to Grayson about what?" the magician queries, as he strolls into the room.

"Nothing," I blurt out as I instantly clam up, partially because I don't want to tell him about this yet, but I'm also still sore from his comments this morning. He gives me a strange look but shakes it off as he goes to get himself a drink. Reaching up to the top cupboard, he pulls out a glass and a bottle of wine. After pouring a large glass, he raises it to his lips and takes a long drink. Realising I'm just sitting here staring at him, I look away, reaching for my own mug of tea.

"Jayne, I need to have a word with Clarissa. Would you mind giving us a minute?"

Jayne shares a look with me, and I know what she's saying—she wants me to tell him. "Of course, Grayson," she says with a smile, before reaching over and touching my arm. "Good night, Clarissa." Her eyes are telling me more than what she said, and I dip my head slightly in agreement.

I'm not quite sure why I'm so worried all of a sudden, I was the one to insist with Torin that I tell Grayson. So why am I feeling so anxious?

What if he thinks it's a bad idea? If he tries to stop you? What would you do then? The thoughts make me pause. Would he do that? If he tries to stop me...I would just have to go behind his back. This is important, it's going to save lives. The notion of lying to him makes me feel sick to my stomach. He's important to me, he trusts me... Well, you won't know until you tell him.

Taking a deep breath, I turn around and see that he's watching me carefully.

"I'm leaving."

His words hit me like a physical blow. I had known this might be a possibility, I had been talking about it only this afternoon, but he had been so adamant that he wasn't going that I thought he would just keep refusing.

"When do you go?" My voice is tight, and I know it sounds like I'm mad at him. I'm not, but I don't know how to express my feelings. He's still watching me, like he's waiting for me to say something in particular.

"I'm not sure. Probably in the morning."

So soon. My chest feels tight, and there are so many things I want to say, but none of them come out.

"How long will you be gone for?"

Why do I sound so formal? Tell him how you feel, tell him you don't want him to go, my inner voice screams at me, that fragile connection between us practically vibrating.

"I don't know. Hopefully not long." He sighs, running a hand through his hair as he watches me. "I don't want to leave you, but the only way to keep you safe is to stop everything that's going on here, and for that, I have to go."

I'm being selfish. I want him to stay because I'll miss him, but he needs to go for the good of the people who live here. His journey will save so many lives in the long run, yet that doesn't stop the tightness in my chest or the fact it's difficult to breathe.

"Okay, well..." My throat constricts and I have to take a sip of my drink before I can continue. "Safe journey."

I can't be here right now. I need to go somewhere quiet so I can sort through my feelings where he's not watching me. Slipping out of my chair, I start to leave without looking at him. I know I'm probably being childish, but if I look at him, I'm not sure what I'll do or say to him. I would hate for our last words before he leaves to be in anger.

"Clarissa, wait."

I freeze like he's thrown a spell at me that stops my movements, but I know he hasn't, I would feel that.

"I didn't want to go, I tried everything to stay. I even tried to convince them to let you come with us, but they refused. It's not safe."

I know what he's thinking, that it's not safe here either, but I understand their reasoning. His earlier comment from this morning plays over in my head, about how it would be a death sentence where they were going without magic. Besides, I would only slow them down. I've never ridden a horse and bringing a carriage would be too slow, this journey needs to be fast.

"I understand," I say as I stare at the door, my back still facing him. I can feel him moving closer, until the heat of his body is radiating against me.

How did I know he was walking towards me? I question. No normal person should know that, but it's like there's a piece of string between us, and as he gets closer, that string gets shortened. I know it has to do with this connection between us, but for some reason, it's much stronger that it usually is. Because he's closer to me? Because I'm upset? I theorise, but all of a sudden, I want to be looking at him. Turning, I glance up so I can see his face.

"This is important, you need to go," I assure him, even giving him a small smile for good measure. I don't want him feeling guilty because I was being selfish. "I'll be fine, don't worry about me."

"That's impossible," he whispers, his intense gaze on my face, and for some reason my cheeks flush. He raises his hand and brushes his fingers gently across my now reddened cheeks. "I'm sorry I was so harsh earlier. I will always worry about you."

"Because the Mother sent you that vision?" I phrase it as a question, but I say it like a statement. The only reason Grayson is in my life is because of the Great Mother. I know that and I've accepted it, but that doesn't help the little sting of pain that follows.

You are an obligation to him, nothing more. The familiar, nagging doubt flits around my head, reminding me of my place.

"No. Maybe at the start, but ever since I met you, got to know you as a person..." He trails off and shakes his head. "I care for you, Clarissa," he tells me, and a little seed of hope, no matter how foolish, blooms in my chest.

"I care for you too, Grayson. You and Jayne are the closest thing I have to family."

"No—I..." He makes a noise of frustration and turns away, pacing the small space in the room. I watch him with confusion. I've never seen him so worked up before. "I know a little of what your life was like before this, and I know there is an age difference between us, so I'm trying not to overwhelm you."

Is he trying to say what I think he is?

"Grayson…"

My voice trails off when I see the determined expression on his face—he's decided something. Striding towards me, he stops a hairsbreadth away from me, our bodies almost touching. Slowly, so I can see what he's doing, he reaches up and cups my cheek again, but this time, he leans down and presses his lips against mine. I freeze for a moment, unsure what to do—this is Grayson! But as the heat from his body reaches me, and his lips slowly start moving against mine, I return his kiss, and my stomach explodes into butterflies. Now that I'm responding to him, he deepens the kiss, wrapping his free hand around my waist so our bodies are pressed together. Desire flares inside me, more than I've ever felt before, and before I realise what I'm doing, I take his bottom lip between my teeth and gently bite down. He groans into my mouth and pulls away, breathing heavily.

"Sorry," I blurt out, sure I've hurt him or that he didn't like it. He just laughs and leans back against the table, running a hand through his hair.

"Never apologise. It should be me saying sorry."

I'm still out of breath myself, but I tilt my head in confusion, not sure why he thinks he needs to apologise.

"I was only going to give you a peck on the lips, I didn't mean to maul you." He laughs again, subtly trying to rearrange himself, but I see him, and I realise he's just as turned on as I am.

"I think I was the one mauling you," I joke, biting my own lip, still worried that I hurt him. He groans and turns away.

"Don't do that, stop biting your lip," he mutters, and I realise he likes it.

Hmm, I'll remember that.

"I'm sorry." He turns around to face me, his face more sombre now. "It wasn't fair of me to do that, not when I'm leaving," he reasons, and that tight feeling enters my chest again. "I just couldn't leave without you knowing how I felt."

"Thank you," I reply lamely. I have no idea how to act in these situations, and I know I've answered wrongly when he grins and takes a step towards me. At least I've not said anything to upset him.

"No, thank you ," he responds, leaning down and brushing a soft kiss against my lips. He pulls away before I have the chance to deepen it and smiles softly down at me. "Good night, Clarissa."

"Good night," I murmur, a daft smile on my face as I turn and walk out of the room. I can feel his eyes on me the whole time, and even when I'm back in my room, I can still feel the ghost of his lips against mine.

That night I sleep soundly, without a single nightmare or dream. It's only when I wake up that I realise I forgot to tell Grayson about my plan with Tor.