EMBER
Wrapping a robe tightly around myself, I step out of the tent, using a walking stick Bea brought me for support. Even with it, though, my movements are jarred, slow. But the embarrassment is one hundred percent worth it for the feel of cool grass beneath my feet.
It’s early, the morning dew still clinging to the grass as I walk, which brings a smile to my face. Because, for the first time since I came back here, I’m walking—alone. A handful of men offer me a curt nod as I pass, though no one speaks to me.
It’s been three days since I’ve seen Rafferty. Three days since I told him to leave me alone and let me die in peace. And yet, here I am, seeking him out. Though, only so I can watch him from a distance. The need to see him, to confirm the nightmares assaulting my mind each night are not real, is far stronger than my pride.
So, slowly, achingly, I move down the center aisle, passing half a dozen large tents before emerging into a sea of much smaller ones. I keep my eyes out for the one fae I wish to see, though I would be lying if I didn’t eye everything I passed with a half-hearted smile on my face. Seeing this many fae together, a Rebellion to defeat Taranus, gives me hope.
Hope that I might not have to be bonded to the bastard for long.
“Plotting another escape?”
I whirl, coming face-to-face with Fin. He smiles, and I reach forward to wrap my free arm around him. “Fin! I am so happy to see you!”
His arms come around me for a moment before he releases me and steps back. “I am happy to see you, too. Though you did get my ass kicked all the way back here.”
Guilt crushes down on me. “I’m sorry. I really thought what I was doing was best for everyone.”
Fin flashes a smile. “I can appreciate that, but you had to know he’d come for you.”
“I really didn’t think he would,” I reply honestly. “I’m a problem for him.”
Fin arches a brow. “A problem, eh? That’s what he’s told you.”
“Well, no, but every time we’re around each other, he has a harder time controlling himself.”And the same goes for me,I add silently.
Fin stares at me for a moment then throws his head back and barks out a laugh that has the heat rushing to my cheeks out of pure embarrassment. “I assure you, Ember, his lack of control has very, very little to do with you and more to do with him.”
“Not from what I’ve heard.”
Fin’s laughter dies down, and we begin walking, quietly at first, with nothing but the sound of the birds above. “Rafferty is a complicated man,” he says. “But do not allow his hard exterior to fool you long. Beneath that big monstrous chest of his is a beating heart. As difficult as it is to believe that.” He winks.
“I’m really glad that you’re okay,” I say again. “Not knowing if you lived or died—”
“I failed you that day,” he interrupts. “And why I did not come to see you sooner… I’m ashamed. Conary never should have—” He closes his eyes, and when he reopens them, the gold shimmers with tears. “He didn’t harm you, did he?”
“He didn’t get the chance,” I assure him. “A reaper showed up and relieved him of his head.” I snort. “I cannot believe I just said that and didn’t want to throw up. How strange my life has become.”
“A reaper, eh? Quite strange, indeed.”
“A reaper who wants to keep me alive,” I add. “Apparently, he doesn’t understand why he was sent for me because I don’t read like a mere mortal.” Not Sullivan’s words exactly, but I think he’d appreciate my attempt at a joke.
“That is quite an interesting turn of events you suffered through, dear Ember.”
Together, we continue walking, stopping once we reach a bonfire still burning, though the flames are on their last bit of life. Fae sit around it, some talking to each other, some reading, others simply staring into the pit as if the fire is telling them something no one else can hear.
The feeling of not knowing is something I understand well. For me, it’s never knowing when I will draw my last breath. Which attack will be the one that undoes me? For them, it’s not knowing when their world will come crashing down around them. When will Taranus decide enough is enough and unleash the whole of his army on this world?
Ahead, Rafferty materializes beside a man who then removes his hand from the much larger fae’s shoulder. As that man dematerializes again, I’m struck by the sight of Rafferty’s bare chest covered in soot, ash, and smeared with bright red blood.
His gaze meets mine and holds. Warmth spreads through my belly as my heart begins to pound.
“What happened?” I ask Fin.
“They found another pooka nest,” he explains. “Rafferty has made it his mission, it seems, to rid the world of the creatures.”
Because of me.Because they hurt me. Neither Fin nor I say it out loud, but the look he gives me cements that thought. Why would he do that when he’s made it clear—and then it hits me.