Page 102 of Of Wind and Terror

Somehow, the Forest was able to fuck with Treyton’s mind.

Make him hear things that didn’t exist.

Do things he would probably never do.

My unease amplifies as I move to my feet and extend a hand for him to take.

“Now that the storm’s stopped, we need to wake the others and get out of here.”

Treyton shakily places his hand in mine, allowing me to pull him to his feet. He wobbles, oddly resembling a newborn calf, before he manages to steady himself.

“Why did you…?” He frowns, as if unsure if he wants to finish that question.

Even still, I can hear it plain as day.

Why did you save me?

I don’t have an answer for that.

Why did I save him? For Kassandra? It isn’t as if she would blame me for his death. And my life would certainly be easier without him in it. One less fae to fight for her affections.

And yet…

I didn’t hesitate to save his damn life, and I have a feeling I’d do it again.

“How much farther do you think we have?” he asks instead, his voice raspy.

“Hopefully not a lot.” Because I don’t think we’ll survive any longer in the Forest.

“Blaze…” Treyton’s soft voice causes me to pause and slowly turn to face him.

He swallows convulsively, a muscle fluttering in his cheek, and rocks back on his heels. I fold my arms over my chest, waiting to hear what he has to say. It only takes him a tick to get his thoughts in order.

“I don’t want you to tell Kassandra about this.”

“I promised her no more secrets,” I snap.

“And I don’t want to keep it a secret.” Anger briefly flares in his eyes before something akin to resignation subdues it. “But it’s not your story to tell. I didn’t… I didn’t want to do it. It was like the magic was forcing me to.” He scrubs a hand down his face with a haggard breath. “I’ll tell her what happened, but later. I don’t want to worry her.”

I hesitate, juggling his words, before deciding that he’s right. This isn’t my secret to tell.

“Okay.” I nod stiffly. “I won’t tell her.”

He noticeably sags in relief. “Thank you?—”

“But you fucking owe me. Not only for keeping this quiet, but also for saving your life.”

One of his eyebrows lifts, some of his usual arrogance returning. “Do you want a reward or something?”

“A medal would be sufficient.”

“And would you like that medal engraved?”

“Good idea. How about…Prince Savior?”

Treyton’s second eyebrow joins the first. “Prince Savior?”

“I saved you, didn’t I? So I’m technically a savior of princes.” I cross my arms over my chest with a smug smirk.

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