Disguise 108_The Matchmaker

CHAPTER 108 

 Saphira and Niks stepped into their room, the door clicking softly shut behind them. The tray of food they’d brought up was still warm–simple fare, but enough. The scent of roasted vegetables and herbs lingered in the air, grounding her in the present. She moved quietly, her shoulders heavy, the weight of the day settling into her limbs like wet sand. Even her dragon felt subdued, curled somewhere deep inside her chest, quiet but watchful.

 Niks set the tray down on the table by the window, and she followed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she sat. The moonlight spilled across the wood in pale streaks, casting silver shadows over his face. Outside, the forest was still, but inside, the silence between them felt like a balm. No words- just the soft clink of cutlery, the asional nce exchanged between bites. His eyes met hers once, lingering, and her lips curved into a smile that felt like a secret shared.

 He’s tired too, she thought, watching the way his jaw flexed as he chewed, the way his shoulders slumped just slightly. But he’s still holding it toge them. For me.

 She reached for her ss, and her fingers brushed his as he passed the water. The contact was brief, but it sent a ripple through her chest. He gave ser a quiet look, one that held more than words could carry. She returned it, her heart warming despite the tension still coiled beneath her ribs.

 When they finished, she gathered the cutlery, stacking it neatly. The clink of metal was the only sound between them, but it feltpanionable. They moved through their nighttime routine in quiet sync–showering, washing up, brushing teeth side by side. She caught his gaze in the mirror once, and he gave her a faint smile. She reached out and touched his arm, just for a moment, grounding herself in the warmth of his skin.

 Later, beneath the covers, the room dim and hushed, Saphiray facing him. The sheets were cool against her legs, but his presence was steady, anchoring. Niks’s brow was furrowed, his eyes shadowed with something heavier than fatigue.

 “I’m worried,” he said quietly. His voice was rough, like it had scraped against something raw. “About Jed. About everything. I hate being the leader sometimes. The go–to person. Everyone looks to me like I have answers, but inside I’m just as unsure. Just as scared.”

 Saphira’s breath caught. She reached for his hand beneath the nket, threading her fingers through his. His palm was warm, slightly calloused, familiar. “When we’re outside this room,” she said gently, “you have to wear that leader’s face. You have to carry it. But in here?” She shifted closer, her voice soft but steady. “I’ll be yours. You don’t have to carry it alone.”

 His eyes softened, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. She could feel it–the way his guard lowered, just enough for her to see the man beneath the mantle.

 “I’m worried too,” she admitted. “I see it in your eyes–especially when we’re in a group. You hold it all in. But I never want you to feel like you can’t talk to me. I’m here. To listen. To hold you. To be yourfort when you need it,”

 He exhaled slowly, the breath catching slightly. “You’re amazing,” he murmured. “You’re growing into the best mate and leader I ever thought possible.”

 Then he leaned in and kissed her–slow at first, then deeper, more urgent. His hand cupped her cheek, thumb brushing her skin as if grounding himself in her presence. She responded instinctively, her fingers curling into his shirt, her heart thudding with something fierce and steady.

 Whatever tomorrow brings, she thought, we face it together.

 The room was steeped in quiet, the kind that only came in the deep hours of night. Saphiray curled against Niks, her breath slow, her mind finally untethered from the day’s weight. His arm was draped over her waist, steady and warm, anchoring her in sleep.

 Then the shrill buzz of Niks’s phone shattered the silence.

 Niks jolted upright, his hand darting to the nightstand. Saphira’s eyes snapped open, heart thudding as she pushed herself up on one elbow.

 “It’s Jed,” Niks said, voice tight with worry.

 Saphira’s pulse surged. She sat up fully, the nket pooling around her waist. Jed. Finally. Her fingers curled into the sheets, waiting, watching Niks’s face as he answered.

 “What’s happening?” Niks asked, already tense. “Are you all okay?” 

 Saphira leaned closer, trying to catch the voice on the other end, but all she could hear was the low murmur of fed’s reply. Niks’s expression shifted focused, sharp. 

 Where?” he asked eyes narrowing. Did anyone see

 Another pause. His jaw clenched.

 “How many people?” 

 Saphira’s breath caught. Her dragon stirred inside her, alert and restless. Please let them be safe. Please let this be good news.

 Niks hung up, exhaling slowly. The tension in his shoulders eased, just slightly, and Saphira saw it–the subtle shift in his posture, the way his hand rxed around the phone.

 “Are they okay?” she asked, her voice low but urgent.

 He nodded, rubbing a hand over his face. “They’re safe. They were in hiding yesterday, couldn’t answer. Jed said they found Damon, but that’s all he They’re on their way back.”

 Saphira’s chest loosened, but only a little. “And the Mistwood pack?” <ol><li>me. </li></ol>

 Niks’s brow furrowed. “Jed mentioned something strange. Said there seemed to be a divide. He didn’t exin, just said he’d fill us in when he gets here.”

 Saphira reached for him, wrapping her arms around his torso and pressing her cheek to his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath her ear. “I knew they were okay,” she whispered. “But I’ll feel better when they’re home. When I can see them. Touch them.”

 Niks kissed the top of her head, his hand resting gently on her back. “Me too.”

 They shifted beneath the covers again, the tension slowly ebbing. Just as Saphira began to settle, her phone dinged from the nightstand.

 She frowned, reaching for it. Who would message at this hour? 

 The screen lit up with a single message from Amara.

 Ruby’s left her room. 

 Saphira’s breath caught. She sat up again, the warmth of the bed forgotten. Her fingers tightened around the phone.

 What is she up to now.

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Disguise 108