Page 75 of To No End

I turned to face my peers, pleading with my eyes for them to trust me, to believe in Nori. No one spoke, and none of themseemed specifically inclined to welcome Nori back into the fold after she had just tried to escape.

If they understood her beliefs, they might have had some semblance of empathy. However, before I could come to her defense, Nori spoke to the entire group.

“You shall have my sword, but you shall never have my chastity. I will walk every enemy dreamscape you ask of me. I will defend you all with my last breath, whether you take me as your family or merely let me stay to protect mine. This is my offer.”

Her conviction was admirable. Part of her words rang true for each of us who were here in place of our siblings, instead of someone else, for someone else. We were here to protect the ones we loved and that they loved, and so on.

“Who will accept these terms?” I asked, directing my plea to the others.

Deafening silence in the hollow valley hung over us for a long time. Nobody moved or spoke. Worry began to set in that perhaps they would reject Nori entirely, that her gift would not be enough, when suddenly Varro stepped forward. The sunlight beamed off his golden skin, his eyes sparkling like cool blue water.

“I accept.”

His earnest words were music to my ears. I could have fallen to my knees and cried as I took a deep, stuttering breath. I felt like I’d been holding it since we arrived back on the landing, and Varro’s alliance was the release I needed.

Gia stepped forward. “Well, I’m not going to disagree with the golden boy here.”

Cairis followed next. “I’m in, but you better stay out of my dreams. I can’t be held accountable for what debauchery you might encounter.” He laughed and Gia rolled her eyes.

There was only one left. Trace. In typical fashion, he stood there, arms folded across his chest defensively, expression riddled with concern. I gave him the same pleading look I had given the group, but now my gaze was solely on him. Why wasn’t he stepping forward for her? For me?

He finally stepped toward the group, and just when I thought he’d remain silent, he added, “If you prove to be reckless again, if you put anyone in this group at risk, I will take care of it myself.”

Saryn smirked in Trace’s direction, nodding in approval. Trace’s words were cold and cruel. A shadow of the black cloak he had warned me I knew nothing about.

Saryn offered a slow clap. “I’m glad we could keep the family together. Let’s hope your little diplomat and her Dreamwalker are worth the accommodation.”

I was utterly drained from the way the day had unfolded. My muscles were sore from chasing Nori. A soak in the waters of Basdie had quickly become the solution I sought. Begrudgingly, I made my way to the bottom of the falls. It was truly ironic how far one had to travel to get to the healing pools. Each step I took put further strain on my already too-tight muscles.

When I finally reached the pool, I heard the sound of quiet singing, a song that felt oddly familiar. I walked farther down the hall toward a different door from the one where Trace and I had met. Leaning my ear against the door, I listened closely, trying to make out more of the song. The words and soft melodies danced through my memories. I closed my eyes, letting them seep into my bones.

A song of the sea; one of many my father would hum to us as a lullaby. He never sang the words, but the tune was undeniably recognizable. The sound was intoxicating, luring me toward it. I found myself reaching for the doorknob, seeking out the source.

The room was another healing pool, but much larger than the one next to it. This one was long and narrow, water snaking its way into a deep cave-like tunnel. The glowing light of the pool barely illuminated the darkness at the end of the tunnel. The song of the sea echoed along the cave walls, resonant, and caused goosebumps to form on my arms. The voice was beautiful and hypnotic, growing louder as a shadowy figure approached from the cavernous opening.

I swallowed a nervous lump in my throat as a glistening wet, shirtless, golden Varro approached, and when he saw me, his singing came to an abrupt end, snapping me out of my haze.

Feeling like I had intruded, I quickly apologized, seeking to make a swift exit. “Ugh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize this pool was taken.” Why did I say that? Of course, I realized someone was in here, the noise is what drew me to it.

“You sure about that?” He smiled teasingly.

I tried to look anywhere but at him. I failed. The water droplets speckled along the lean muscles that corded every inch of his body. His short white curls were dripping and the glowing pools reflected off his bright blue eyes.

“Oh, I had just heard a familiar sound,” I replied, realizing immediately I’d just contradicted myself.

“I thought you didn’t realize this pool was taken?”

It was clear he was not going to let up. Before I could pivot with some other excuse he added, “This pool is larger than some of the others. You’re welcome to join.”

In my head I acknowledged how much larger this pool was than the other, and I tried to hide the embarrassment of why I knew that. I regretted my arrival instantly, knowing I could be elsewhere, healing in solitude.

But now I was here, with someone I didn’t particularly like, and I’d look ridiculous if I entered the pools fully dressed. I began to undress, trying not to trip over my attire. I strippeddown to just my undergarments and tied my hair up to avoid getting it wet.

Varro watched me the entire time, never once turning his gaze away. He may have tried to act unimpressed, but his clenched jaw and slightly raised eyebrow were a tell that I didn’t entirely disgust him.

I entered the waters and made a small gasp as the heat consumed my limbs. He stood there, unmoving, with his hands resting on his hips while he assessed me.

Walking through the pool, the water level hit just above my waist, which meant on Varro—who was much taller than me—I could see the rigid angles of a striking V-shaped muscle hovering above the drawstring of his submerged white trousers. I made my way farther back into the tunnel, taking a seat on the ledge and relaxing into the warmth of the waters, letting them begin their work on my aching muscles and bruises.

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