Page 57 of Visions & Shadows

Raighne surprises me when he leans down and presses his forehead to mine.

I close my eyes, and feeling his breath on my lips, it only makes me more emotional and overwhelmed.

“The minute I felt your pain, I ran to get to you.”

Wait. What?

Pulling a little back, I open my eyes to look at him. “You felt my pain?”

He tilts his head, his eyes drifting over the bruises on my face and neck.

“I feel everything you feel. That’s how I know when you need me. It’s something we have to work on, though. With time, the bond will get stronger.”

I don’t like the idea of him feeling my pain one bit.

Needing to know precisely what this bond entails, I ask, “You feel my pain and emotions?”

He nods. “It comes and goes right now, but when you experience something intensely, it gets through to me.”

Noooo.

Does he know about the stupid crush I have on him?

“What else?” I ask, my tone tense.

He shakes his head. “One thing at a time. You’re dealing with enough as is.”

He can say that again.

Letting out a sigh, I glance around us, then ask, “Which way is the infirmarius?”

“It’s north from here. On the other side of Roark’s camp.” He places his hand on my lower back. “Come, I’ll take you.”

I shake my head. “I can find it. I’m sure you have to get back to your own stuff.”

Ignoring what I said, his hand nudges at my back and he gestures with a jerk of his head for me to start walking.

As we head in the direction of the infirmarius, the aches in my shoulder and chest grow, and it becomes harder to take full breaths.

You already had your ass handed to you today, so suck it up and don’t show Raighne how much pain you’re in.

I focus so much on trying to keep the pain from showing on my face and keeping control of my emotions that sweat starts to bead on my forehead.

God, what a shitty morning.

Chapter 11

Alchera

We’ve walked for a coupleof minutes when Raighne says, “Let me carry you.”

I shake my head. “I’m fine.”

My legs are growing numb, and my body aches, but I’m too stubborn to admit I need help. Everyone thinks I’m weak, and the last thing I need is my guardian carrying me like I’m a damn baby.

A minute or so later, we hear someone call out, “Raighne.”

He stops and turning, a smile spreads over his face, making him look way too hot.

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