Free The Spirit Heir by Kaitlyn Davis Page A

and her thighs began to burn. But she would not slow down. Judging by the fleeting glances through small windows, the view would be something magical to behold.
    A grunt trickled down from above, followed by the scrape of a door.
    She was close.
    One more turn, and Jinji's breath caught.
    Rhen waited, leaning against the frame with a knowing smile, expecting her reaction yet enjoying it all the same. But her eyes glazed past his body, drawn to the scene beyond.
    All of Rayfort waited below them, the homes, the walls, the turquoise sea made richer by the soft colors painted across the sky. Deep midnight faded to lavender, brightened to gold, and then popped to a brilliant magenta silver just above the horizon. Far off mountain peaks were made more visible as they sparkled like fire with reflections of the dying sun.
    Jinji walked to the edge of the small landing, turning her entire body to catch the magnificent view. From here, she could see every inch of the city, from the green trees of the forest behind to the calm waters before her.
    "It's the tallest spire in the castle," Rhen said with a shrug, though a small part of him seemed mesmerized as well. "Mostly it's just used in case of war, so we can see an attack coming from any angle before it strikes. But I've always loved this spot, especially at this time of day."
    He leaned his forearms against the stone, and Jinji walked over next to him, careful not to place her body too close. Yet somehow, not touching made it worse, made her even more aware of their nearness. The small distance ate at the back of her mind, stealing her thoughts until all she could concentrate on was the trickle of heat drifting between their skin.
    All her instincts yearned to sit and curl into a little ball, to fold her knees into her chest and hide. Instead, she leaned over, brushing her shoulder lightly against his arm. Rhen did not move away. So she relaxed against his frame, suddenly calmer than ever.
    "I saw something earlier today, Jin…"
    As the name rolled off his tongue, Jinji shivered. Whereas before, the sound only reminded her of her lies, now that Rhen knew she was a woman, the meaning had changed. Now hearing Jin was like a small promise of their friendship, a secret the two of them shared. Though so much had changed, their connection hadn't, and wouldn’t—she hoped.
    "Was it the shadow?" she asked, almost waiting for the voice to invade her thoughts. But the invisible spirit remained silent.
    Rhen shook his head. "I don't know, but I don't think so. More like a phantom, some sort of soul come back to life." He sighed, long and heavy. "It sounds ridiculous when I say it aloud."
    "You can tell me," she urged. Rhen glanced across the small space, meeting her gaze briefly. His eyes were open, honest—vulnerable in a way he had only been with Jin the boy. But now he was letting Jinji inside, he was trusting her, and this time Jinji promised she would live up to the faith he bestowed.
    "I was talking with Cal," he began, letting the words fall out, telling his story. The gray mist. The journey underneath the castle. The drawings on the wall. The way his body froze at its touch.
    Jinji absorbed everything, passing no judgment, letting him finish. When his shoulders fell and a long breath escaped his lips, she nudged his arm, eliciting a barely there lopsided smile.
    "I believe you," she said, "and I agree, it's not the shadow, it can't be. The shadow tried to kill you, the last thing it would do is expend energy trying to send you a message."
    "That's what I thought too." Subconsciously, Rhen's hand fell to his stomach. Jinji's gaze followed, imagining the scar that cut through his muscles, wondering what memory now raced through his thoughts. "But then, what is it?"
    She shrugged. "Another mystery we must solve together."
    "I'm growing tired of those," Rhen added, eyes dancing as a grin broke out on Jinji's lips.
    "Me too."
    Words passed unspoken between them, memories of their shared