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on it as she fumbled with the clasp of hers. “You don’t have to stay in here if you don’t want. I know how to ward a room now.”
    Dev shared her unease. For months, he’d looked forward to getting her out of the palace and on the road to Boznac. From there, they’d catch a ship to Gravaria, away from Kell, away from these backwards Ranellians, away from those that either wanted to use her or kill her. But now that the time had arrived, he was faced with a whole new set of problems he didn’t count on, including the need to protect her more closely than ever.
    He went to work on building a fire. His pride had been wounded this afternoon, but the sting had worn off enough by now for him to admit it. “I don’t want you to end up like Robb, either.”
    Her brow furrowed. “I’m sorry, Dev. I was angry when I said that—”
    “But you were right.” He stood and rested his hands on her shoulders, taking note how delicate her body seemed. “I let my guard down with him, and he ended up dead because of it. I won’t let that happen with you.”
    Her bottom lip trembled, and something wrenched deep inside his chest. He felt the same way this morning when he watched her disappointment over Kell. If he could shield her from pain, he would do all in his power to do so. Instead, all he could do was pull her into his arms.
    She pressed her cheek against his heart and dug her fingers into his upper back. Her chest billowed with several deep breaths, but that was the only movement she made until she said, “I know.”
    The door opened, and she pulled away, finally removing her cloak as the innkeeper crowded three trenchers on the table. Dev already missed her presence, a subtle reminder of why he didn’t allow himself to get close to her anymore. If he held onto her much longer, he might’ve given into his forbidden desires.
    At least he wouldn’t have to worry about Kell stealing her heart anymore. Sure, she was upset now, but in time, she’d forget about him. To help her along with the process, he said, “I know you wanted to say goodbye to Kell, but you’ll see it’s for the best that he didn’t show up this morning.”
    Her blue eyes flashed. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
    “Let’s forget that he’s a prince and you’re a barmaid. Let’s forget that you’re a witch in a kingdom that forbids magic.” He took his trencher and sat on the floor near the door. “How do you think he would feel about Loku?”
    She avoided his gaze and pretended to be interested in the greasy stew that their host had provided for them. “I really can’t say.”
    “Because you didn’t want to tell him about the voice in your mind, about the fate that awaits all Soulbearers.” Even as he said it, part of him dreaded the day when the insanity would claim her. It was never a question of if, but when.
    “Damn it, Dev.” She shoved her food away and crossed her arms, pouting in a way that confirmed his accusation. “He wouldn’t have believed me anyway.”
    He shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. The point is, he wanted you to stay, and that would’ve only made things worse.”
    “How so?” Her expression softened, and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
    “Even if we ignored last night’s assassination attempt, there’s still the problem of learning to control and contain Loku. The only way for you to learn that is to go to Gravaria where there are mages who specialize in that kind of magic. If you don’t, then it just hastens the process.”
    “And I end up like Robb faster.” She pinched off a piece of bread, dipping it in the stew. “I suppose you’re right.”
    “I’m surprised you came to that conclusion so easily.” He sniffed their dinner. Under the layer of grease, it smelled burned. Even Cinder lapped at it as though he were grimacing from the taste. “I expected you to be more stubborn.”
    She took a bite of her meal and wrinkled her nose. “This is awful.”
    “Perhaps you