Page 79 of Bound By Darkness

We had settled in a few hours ago, and a tent had been provided to toss our satchels into. I refused to visit alone. A tent sizable for three should be filled with three, not a lone prince—a fake hero.

Passing the broken fountain spurting well water sporadically, I walked through the thick overhanging flaps to the med tent, the intense smell of moisture and mildew filling my nostrils.

My eyes scanned the busy tent for my companions, medics rotating between survivors. There were at least ten wounded to one healer. An astronomical disadvantage for even the best.

A groan flitted to my ear as I passed a man bleeding from his knee, flesh torn from bone.

My nostrils curled at the intense tang of copper floating from him as a healer rushed over, a needle of black stabbing into the open wound. He’d be dead in no time. Another casualty of war I seemed to be keeping track of alone.

A familiar woman stood near the back, her hair separated into two neat braids.Aline.

I walked casually between citizens and medics until Istumbled upon Fin and Thalia’s resting shapes. If not for the bustling medics, it looked like an offering.

The only assurance neither of them fell into eternal slumber was the rhythmic rise and fall of their chests, each one to their unique tempo.

They wore clean clothes, not a speck of dirt or grime marring their skin. Thalia’s face was clean, the high arches of her cheekbones radiating a light pink hue. A few freckles kissed the bridge of her nose like a slight dusting of cinnamon—beautiful markings I wouldn’t mind tracing with my fingertips or lips.

“She’s going to be alright,” Aline stated, her gaze flicking to me as I reeled my mind to ground itself.

It often seemed to wander to such depraved thoughts when Thalia was around, despite my best intentions. It wasn’t like me to neglect my priorities for a woman. A half-breed who despised every word spoken from my lips, but that fire never seemed to fully fizzle away when she was near.

“She overexerted herself. It will take some time before she wakes.”

“How long?” My eyes flicked to the skilled medic, her hands steady as she glanced at her sleeping figure.

Aline shrugged. “Depends on her.”

I pointed to the med kit resting against a dolly cart, one of the wheels threatening to pop off underneath the weight. “Use something in there to wake her.”

Aline’s eyes widened. “If… if I do that, there’s no telling the repercussions or havoc it’ll wreak on her body without proper rest.”

“If she’s not awake soon, you must prioritize it. Understood?” If she didn’t wake up, would I be able to handle it?

Aline bit her lip, but bobbed her head. “Yes.”

“Thank you,” I said as my hands gripped the iron foot board, metal groaning and shifting underneath the weight of my grip as I glanced at her sleeping figure. “I—I’m sorry for how I acted before. I didn’t?—”

Aline’s eyes softened. “I understand,” she said as hereyes flicked to Thalia.

Clearing my throat, my fingers released from cold metal as I said, “Where do you keep your owls?”

Aline flicked her head out the back of the med tent. “Near the fountain–”

I sent her a quick wave before exiting the tent. My strides were purposeful and quick as I headed for the fountain.

A few people attempted to converse with me, but I ignored them as the familiar marble fountain again sat in the middle of the square.

A young woman stood next to cages of owls, their white coats peppered with splotches of black. “I need an owl.”

The young woman’s eyes narrowed, her hand resting on her jutted hip. “What makes you think you’re special enough to procure an owl? Your title means nothing here. Even if you were friends with the King and Queen, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“It’s urgent.”

The young woman shrugged, brushing a crumb of dirt from her hand. “Wait in line.”

Hand me an owl and speak of this to no one.

The young woman approached the cage as the iron door opened. The owl perched against her hand as she walked back with pad and ink. I hated resorting to tricks, but this was a matter of importance.Sheneeded an update on what had occurred in the forest, and I needed a distraction before I wound up staring at Thalia until she woke up.

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