Shadows of Discovery by Brenda K. Davies

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Lexi wasin the middle of sparring with Brokk when the loud caw of a crow pierced the day. She stopped so abruptly that she never saw Brokk’s next move until he swept her feet out from under her and her ass hit the ground.

Despite having the air knocked out of her and an aching tailbone, she gazed hopefully at the sky as the crow soared toward them. Her hands flattened on the ground, her heart hammered, and her mouth went dry in anticipation.

But there was only one crow, and as it swooped toward Brokk, her hope shriveled. No one from the dark fae realm would write to tell her if Cole died, but they would send a note to Brokk.

And Cole wouldn’t write to Brokk and not her, would he?

He was new to this whole relationship thing; he might not understand she was desperate to hear from him too. She had to believe that was what happened, and it wasn’t a notice of Cole’s death heading toward Brokk.

Or maybe a friend was sending a note to Brokk. Why was she instantly jumping to Cole? Brokk was a dark fae prince; of course, someone from the Gloaming would seek to communicate with him.

Then why was she still unable to breathe? She sucked in a breath as the crow landed on Brokk’s shoulder and released the note into his waiting hands. The bird flew off as another crow swooped out of the trees and soared toward her.

An unexpected sob escaped Lexi as the bird landed on her shoulder. Its beautiful black eyes surveyed her before it dropped the note in her hand and brushed its head against her cheek. The soothing caress caused a tear to slide down her face as she rubbed the bird’s head in unspoken thanks.

It released a small caw before spreading its wings and flying away. Lexi snatched the paper up and almost tore it as she unfolded it. The tears in her eyes caused the words to blur, and she had to blink them into focus.

I’m back. I cannot leave the Gloaming right now. Please join me here.

Love, Cole.

Her tears landed on the paper before she clutched it against her chest and sobbed. All this time, she tried to maintain the faith he would return, but each passing day and every endless night had eroded some of her faith.

And now, he was back, and he wanted her with him.

She didn’t realize Brokk was kneeling at her side until he rested his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll take you now,” he said.

Unable to form words, she simply nodded as joy filled her to the point of bursting. Cole was alive!

She hadn’t realized what an emotional mess these past ten days had made her until she couldn’t suppress her sobs while Brokk helped her rise. When she lifted her eyes to his, he grinned at her.

“You’re a mess,” he said.

Lexi laughed as her tears continued to fall. “I am! But I’m so happy. I have to tell Sahira about this.”

Despite the tears blurring her vision, she ran toward the manor to tell Sahira the good news.