Page 32 of Bound By Darkness

Her fingers trembled as she rested them against thecounter. “Nowadays, he comes home covered in blood. Sometimes, it’s others.” She paused. “But most of the time, it’s his. I know what he is doing is dangerous, and why he won’t tell me, but sometimes… sometimes I wish he would.”

Her fingernails dug into the counter as she gazed out the window. “I want him to stay here with me. Losing him too—” Her eyes glistened as she shook her head. “It’s selfish, but it’s what any mother would do.”

My fingers rested on the dough as I looked at the woman before me. The wrinkles around her eyes crinkled. “It’s what any good mother would do.”

Gwen gave a tentative smile before she popped the tray into the makeshift oven, the wood burning below. “They should be done soon. Thank you.”

I nodded as I swung my legs from the stool. I landed with a soft thud.

“Oh, and Thalia?”

“Yes?”

“Go freshen up. You have flour sticking to your face.”

Wiping my cheek, I couldn’t hide the blush from my face. “Thanks.”

Gwen laughed. “Anytime.”

A nice, hot bath called my name at the flour sticking between the folds of my fingers.

Slinging the pack over my shoulder, I glanced at the room one last time. My eyes drifted over the neatly made bed and fresh linens I had folded against the edge of the footboard. Nothing sat out of place except for me as I lingered by the door frame.

I should have been lounging inbed, fast asleep, until golden light streamed into the bedroom and coated the room in its warmth. Instead, I stood awake before first light had risen. It was an atrocity.

With a groan, I adjusted the strap over my shoulder as my thumb traced the stitching Gwen had etched into it.

Spells to keep you safe,she had told me.

I had no clue what they did, but I wouldn’t question such a kind gesture. Mainly someone’s company I had grown fond of these past few days.

My footsteps were heavy as I slowly walked down the stairs. We were headed to Laias, and I had no clue what to expect. Ivan refused to state details no matter how much I prodded and probed.

The final step creaked as I entered the living room. I adjusted the pack as a tug on my shoulder disrupted my gaze at the hearth.

“Daylight’s almost here,” Ivan said. “We need to leave.”

Turning around, my gaze roamed over his clothing. The fighting leathers were different than when I’d first met him. The leather covered his collarbone down to his wrists. It wrapped around his chest, the fabric snug against him.

Along the sleeves, golden swirls twisted and intertwined their way down his arms. The pattern created exquisite, unique shapes that complemented his tanned skin. Even the swirls in his eyes matched the patterns etched into his sleeves.

Glancing at my buttoned-up blue shirt and black pants, I realized I was severely underdressed, and utterly aware of how much this outfit did not suit me as I shifted my eyes to the door.

He cocked his head to the side, but Gwen’s footsteps drew his attention away as his lips pressed together.

“Food rations.” Her hands and arms shook from theweight of the pack. “I also packed the remaining berry tarts,” she said with a wink in my direction.

Ivan grabbed the satchel, hauling it over his head before tugging Gwen in for a hug.

I glanced away. The sight too intimate… too private for me to intrude upon. A hug between a boy and his mother was not something I had the right to witness.

Ivan whispered something to Gwen, her eyes growing wide before returning to their natural state.

“Thalia?” Gwen said softly.

“Yeah? What’s the?—”

Gwen hugged me tight.

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