And he watched me as if he knew more about me than I ever did.
Holding his rich dark stare, I bunched the furs around my waist and licked my lips again. My bare chest seemed so sickly next to his. My ribs stood out; my pale-earthen colouring faded and lacking. When I dropped my gaze to my nipples, shame filled me.
I’d been found naked and was still naked.
The man kept sitting patiently, like he always did. Ever since I’d been carried here by Niya and her hunting party, I’d woken in a half delirium, half death state and locked eyes with this man.
He’d sat vigil while others fed me, healed me, and bundled me in furs to rest.
He’d stayed as the sun set and the moon shone through the hole in the ceiling, dancing silver with the stone-ringed flames.
Climbing nimbly to his feet, he strode toward the entrance of the lupic. His silhouette etched by sunlight as he called to someone close by. “Hyath, bring what you fashioned for our survivor. She’s no longer on death’s shores.”
I flinched again.
I always did when that word was used.
Death.
If I was to turn my back on it and decide to live, I needed guidance. I needed help to return to the living when so much of me clung to a shadowy, silvery world that seemed desperately like home.
Returning, the man resumed his cross-legged position and smiled. “In case your mind was still in the in-between realm when I last spoke, allow me to remind you.” Clasping his hands on his lap, he said, “We are the Nhil clan. We are peaceful and respectful, but our hunters are as fierce as any warrior. We are happy with our lands and have no intention of invading other kingdoms, unlike some, and we are honoured to be included in the borderlands that make up Quelis.” He cocked his head, sending his long hair and its braids swinging. “Does that word mean anything to you? Are you from Quelis or Lokath? Perhaps you hail from Rivoza or Vetak? Speak, child, and share your tale with me.”
I blinked, waiting for the words he used to taste familiar to my forgottenness. My shoulders slouched when none of them felt right.
After a heavy pause and my usual lack of reply, the man inhaled and continued, “The Nhil people are proud to live in the kingdom of fire. To be Quelis is to belong to the fire element that has shaped our way of life since the beginning. We are blessed with its mercy and worship the messages the flames deliver us.”
Shifting a little, he deepened his tone, “I tell you this so you know whose home you share. Some believe my people are savages who cannot defend our clan, but they’re wrong. We do not seek enemies...” His dark eyes churned with warning. “As long as you treat us with peace and respect, you will always be welcome. You will be a friend instead of a foe.”
I nodded.
It wasn’t the first time I’d heard his speech.
I’d learned in the past few days that the Nhil were a generous, fierce people who laughed and loved but had an underlying dangerousness that was bred from the cradle and harnessed in their way of life.
I knew more about them than I did my own life.
His dark skin gleamed in the gloomy light, watching me closely. “Your silence is full of questions. Care to ask a few of them?”
I gave him a barely-there smile and another shrug.
I couldn’t remember a time when I’d used my voice.
I don’t know what I sound like.
Nodding as if used to my silence, he waved his arm, incorporating the homey shelter. “This lupic is mine, and you are welcome for however long you need. I am fortunate to have my own and not have to share. But I will gladly share with you.” He gave me a tight smile. “I’ve seen you watching me when you pretend to be asleep. I know you’ve seen my communion with the flames.”
Arching an eyebrow, he waited for me to confirm or deny.
I merely held his stare, waiting to understand what he did late at night and why the fire could trance him so.
Shaking his head slightly, he cleared his throat. “If I’m to give up who I am, then your silence must come to an end. I expect your truth in return for mine. Understand?”
I swallowed hard. My heart raced. Fear crawled through me that he wouldn’t accept who I was because I had no idea who that was. But I wanted to know him. I wanted to know his people. I wanted to show how grateful I was that they’d saved me...even if I wasn’t sure I wanted to be saved.
Slowly, I nodded.
I touched my silent throat and bowed my head.
He accepted my promise, and without delay, he said, “I am my clan’s Fire Reader and Spirit Master. A magic inherited by my kin and passed down from blood to blood.” He paused, assessing my reaction.