The walk back from the training pits was the quietest the grand stone corridors of the Stronghold had been all day. Demetrius and I walked hand in hand, our fingers tightly intertwined. The warmth of his palm against mine was a grounding contrast to the cool evening air filtering through the high arched windows.
Both of our clothes were dusted with sand, but the fierce throb that had been pulsing in my jaw just an hour ago had completely vanished. By the time we left the pits, the dark purple mark had faded into a faint, yellowing bruise that didn't even hurt anymore.
Demetrius squeezed my hand gently, drawing my attention as we ascended the grand staircase toward the royal wing.
"You truly shocked the guards today, Rachel," he said, a low, rumbling chuckle vibrating in his chest. "I do
