Herne paused, searching the shadows. “The entrance to Ananka’s grotto has to be here somewhere,” he said, “and in that grotto we’ll find the answers we need.” “If Ananka is capable of appearing at Saray’s house, then she isn’t confined to one place,” Merin pointed out. “In any case, you won’t find the answers you need in the dark. The moons are lower now, and will set soon.” “Which means we are free until daylight.” Merin saw a flash of white teeth as Herne’s arm slid around her waist. She stiffened, fearing they might be seen. Much as she welcomed his caresses when they were alone, she still could not adjust to demonstrations of affection when others were near. She was relieved when he did not try to kiss her, but instead hurried her through the door and into the alley between the Gathering Hall and Dulan’s house. His arm was still around her waist and he drew her near, his free hand tilting her face upward. Her eyes had not yet grown used to the almost total darkness in the shadow of the wall, so she could not see his face.
