Chapter 261: Lemon Rinds and Broken Memories (1/2)

Rowan touched Wren's face. The mix of vulnerability and frustration he saw there rooted him firmly in the present moment. Something else churned under the surface, too, a thundercloud that hadn't quite taken shape but which made Rowan even more uneasy than he already was.

"I'll wait," he said. "I'm sorry…I'll try harder to keep my promise to you."

Wren released a jagged breath, and closed his eyes. With his next inhalation, the fog of Disorder surrounding Rowan's childhood home dissipated as he drew it into himself, making it easier to breathe. This time instead of giving the energy to Rowan, Wren kept it.

When he opened his eyes again, he'd forced the shadows away, leaving nothing but crimson-streaked amber behind. His back was stiff, and the electricity of the coming storm rolled off his body.

"Rowan, there's poison behind that door. Even I can feel it." Wren's brow furrowed. "The thing in my head likes it."