Page 46 of The Lost Guard's Healer

When I reach the edge of the trees, I see Galene is there with a glowing light emanating from the bottom of her boots. She is several inches from the ground, standing on the solid light. Her arms are fully shrouded in a golden glow of light. Her long dress gently billows in the wind. My eyebrows rise at the sight of her in the air.

She sees me, and the light instantly vanishes. She drops and scowls at me, though there is a look of shock and embarrassment on her tense face.

“That is very impressive.”

Galene pants softly and catches her breath. “What are you doing here?”

“Morning stroll. How about you?”

She looks around, reminding me of someone trapped and looking for a way out. But she softens a little when she regards me. “I… thought I should learn more about my… ability.”

“Good for you.” I step out from the trees and approach her.

“It is not just channeling light.” She looks at her hands. “If I concentrate enough, I can harden the light. Make it solid. And… it doesn’t just come from my hands.”

I make a show of looking her up and down. “Where else does it come out from?”

Galene rolls her eyes, unimpressed with my humor. “Take a look at this.”

She raises a foot as if she’s showing me her boot. A look of deep concentration crinkles her brow.

A square of golden light appears beneath her foot. Seeing it materialize makes my breath catch in my throat. Galene pushes against the light and rises, as though she is going up a step. Her arms glow, as if the light is emanating from her skin. The light gradually lowers with her weight before it vanishes in a puff. She falters and steadies herself.

“Well, I’m still working on it,” she shrugs.

I’m guessing my presence is making her distracted or nervous, and likely affecting her ability to wield her magic. Something about her arms being fully encased in light nudges at my memory, but I can’t place it.

“I stand by my assessment. Very impressive. What made you decide to practice your magic? I thought you were against it.”

“I never said I was against it. But, I was thinking about the boar attack, and how my magic saved us. If… If I knew more about what I can do, maybe I can help other people. And I can finally stop my father from telling me I should practice more.”

I nod in agreement and step closer. “You have a good heart, Galene.”

Her breathing has increased, I see, like she’s nervous. But I also feel how strong our desire is for each other. How the air burns between us.

“You are a good person,” I say, my voice low. “And you are strong of heart. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you before.”

She holds my gaze, her lips quivering. I can feel my heart being pulled toward her. My lips part as I inch closer, breathing in her warm, intoxicating scent.

Galene’s face shutters and she steps back before we touch. Her eyes burn with anger.

“I don’t know what you’ve been thinking, or feeling,” she growls, “but I want no part of it. You are an Oathlander, Rourk. All Oathlanders sicken me. I could never befriend someone like you.”

The coldness in her voice strikes my heart and freezes me.

“I thought you were leaving. Why are you still here?” she continues.

My chest tightens, making it hard to breathe. It feels like the world has just tilted and I’m having to reorient myself.

“Yes, I am leaving today,” I say hoarsely.

I search her eyes for the truth and see nothing but turmoil and pain in their depths. I know I have to accept her words and her wishes.

“Not all Oathlanders are the same,” I tell her.

“I have seen no evidence against that,” she says, her voice shaky. She faces me challengingly, as though she wants me to argue with her.

“You’re alive, aren’t you?” I ask.

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