Chapter 191: The Wasteland
Reana didn’t know why, but she felt extremely restless as the night drew closer.
She stood on her balcony, looking into the distance, beyond the colorful garden and into the woods. She wished she could see what her delegation was doing.
Maybe she shouldn’t have sent them to the islands. Maybe she should’ve gone herself. At least then she wouldn’t be standing here, heart pounding with a dread she couldn’t name.
The wind brushed past her like a warning, sending chills down her spine, despite wearing a thick cloak. Her fingers tightened on her cloak, drawing it closer as of it could shield her from the unease curling in her chest.
Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her, but before she could blink, he wrapped her into a tight embrace. His hot breath fanned her neck, and subconsciously, she purred, leaning into his familiar warmth like she’d been wanting it.
"You’re worried," Ryder’s calm voice sounded beside her ears.
"I am," she admitted.
Ryder’s arms tightened around her, strong and unyielding. His arms stayed wrapped around her as if he could cage away the creeping unease just by holding her.
"My people said they left the islands in good health..." he said softly, hesitatingly. He rested his chin on her shoulder. "They should be close to home by now."