112
Sophie Oak
Chapter Nine
The cold water shook the cobwebs out of Cian Finn’s mind with a
teeth-jarring shock. He took a deep breath and forced himself to go
under. The chill prickled along his skin. He needed to try to think
clearly.
It had been almost impossible lately. The thoughts in his head
would come and go like butterflies flitting in and out. He couldn’t
catch them and keep them. They were too fast. A thought would
come, and Cian would get excited. He would start to follow through
on it, and then he would be standing somewhere wondering exactly
how he had gotten there. Cian didn’t like to talk about his problems
with his brother. Beck had his own problems. He didn’t need to worry
about his little brother’s failing brain, but it was becoming something
he couldn’t hide. Even if he tried to hide it, he would have forgotten
what he was trying to do. It was easier when Beck was around to
ground him. When his brother was in close proximity, Cian was able
to focus for longer periods of time.
Cian broke the surface of the water. There was a momentary
terror. It came with the revelation that he didn’t know where he was.
Cian took a deep breath and banished the fear. It wouldn’t do any
good. It would just make him look like a fool, and then his father
would be angry with him.
He seemed to be swimming.
No. He was bathing, and his father was dead. His father had been
gone a very long time. Uncle Torin had killed him and taken their
throne. He and Beck were outcasts. Yes, he remembered that part. He
wasn’t a child anymore. He was a man. He had to act like one.
Bound