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“I don’t suppose so There’s only so o”

Declan laughs, a husky sound that I feel echoed through me The white cloud of his breath stains the dark His assessing gaze slides to me “You’re not cold, are you?”

I stuff my fists into the pockets of his jacket, a smooth, suede number which he said is insulated ool “Actually, a bit warm”

He links his ar our fingers together I give his a squeeze “Your large hand makes mine feel child-like”

He snorts, and I feign outrage when I understand the innuendo I elbow him “Scoundrel”

He gives a low laugh

I believe we’re going to the ponds, but I’e, is Hidden Cove He could have co h tide Silly interloper

In the end, we crest the hill before the valley that contains the ponds—three crater lakes off to the right—and Hidden Cove—part of the craggy cliffside on the left—and he looks toward the ponds

“You cohttime?”

“I rarely go out anywhere at night” There are rules for such endeavors, though I don’t say that It doesn’t matter for now

“I found this little spot between the , like it’s a secret That makes me smile

The clouds ht light, I notice his eyes—how they sparkle Hishim this way is a warm rush

“I adore this valley,” I say “It’s so far fro, and it’s lovely how the ponds reflect the starlight”

We start down the slanting trail On each side of it, tall grass bends in the breeze I see the three ponds out before us and the ocean to the left, and I think of another trail, another time, a murrass bowed around us

“Tell ain about the prince and princess…”