Chapter 39

Avery

When we arrived, Ryker stepped down first and offered his hand. His grip was firm but careful, guiding me from the carriage. His palm lingered at my waist for a heartbeat longer than necessary, as if making sure I was steady before letting go.

The ride had lulled me into a quiet haze. Lately, I’d been tiring more easily—sometimes even feeling a faint dizziness that came without warning.

The