Page 120 of A Fate so Cruel

She chewed her lip and pulled him forward. Rion’s feet obeyed. His entire body was numb now and it felt like trying to walk after one’s limbs had fallen asleep. He tried to watch the crowd as they went. If they were attacked, he wouldn’t have any choice but to defend himself. And the civilians would be caught in the crossfire.

Each step felt like an eternity. Like his world was spinning through an endless vortex. His stomach rolled again, but Rion held it at bay. Sweat rolled down his face, plastering his hair against his forehead. He wanted to wipe it away but couldn’t lift his hand to do so.

Rion found a corner and he wretched again, spitting out bile. Selina rubbed his back and smiled to those passing by, offering comments about him not being able to control his liquor. Most laughed it off. He ignored them.

Selina grabbed his arm again and he only looked up when she opened a familiar door and ushered him inside. The innkeeper rushed to greet them, but Rion’s sand rose up tocreate a barrier. Selina quickly told the male they were fine, using the same line that Rion had simply drank too much and needed some water and rest.

The male offered to bring some up. Rion had no plans to drink it.

A long, grueling climb up the stairs, then they were in the room. Selina guided him to the bed and Rion let his heavy body fall onto the mattress, his stomach still rolling.

Selina’s feet padded across the rug and wooden floor, the sound rattling through his skull. He tilted his head to watch, anyway. She paused at her pack, holding two vials in her hands.

He wondered if one were something other than medicine. Wondered again if she’d been involved in the whole ordeal.

Gods, he’d been so stupid and careless. He knew better. He knew not to get distracted. Knew Foley and countless others were out to get him, and yet he’d still taken a drink from strangers. Still let his guard fall entirely.

Selina finally turned from her bag and paused when she caught him staring. She crossed the room and he noted her scent, tried to piece together her intentions.

Gods, his head was pounding.

“You need to take this.”

He eyed her again, then the vial. The liquid within carried a greenish hue. “That looks as if it’ll kill me faster.”

“It won’t.” Truth, as far as he could tell.

“I already took the antidote.”

“I saw. But if that’s the only thing you opt to take, then you’re in for a rough couple of days.”

He draped an arm over his eyes, trying to block out the blinding light. “I’ll take my chances.”

“If I wanted to kill you, I would have just left you there.”

“Maybe you don’t think they could have finished the job.”

She opened her mouth and closed it again, then braved stepping into the sand still circling his body. Rion pulled it away from her feet, still concerned it might strike out against his will.

Her voice was gentle when she spoke again. “I promise I’m not trying to kill you. It’ll help with the headache and get the toxin out of your system.”

Rion looked at her, then the vial again before finally holding out his hand. Numbers were etched into the glass. He sat up slowly and she moved to help him, keeping one hand on his shoulder.

He popped the cork and sniffed. It smelled terrible. Rion downed the entire thing and eased back onto the bed, praying he could keep it down.

“Give it about thirty minutes to kick in and you should start feeling better.”

He grunted an answer. She went to the fire. Flint struck steel. The water flipped on, then metal clicked. He turned to find her standing before a small flame, feeding it to life. Every sound was a blasting echo in his skull.

He didn’t realize he’d faded off until she placed a mug on the side table and he jolted. Selina muttered an apology and returned to the fire. Rion glanced out the window. Dusk was settling, which meant he’d been out a lot longer than he’d intended.

He rubbed his temples and sat up slowly. His head, thankfully, had stopped pounding. Rion eyed the mug and though his body shivered, wishing for a warm drink, he didn’t take it.

“There’s more medicine in the tea,” Selina said, eyeing him as he scooted to the edge of the bed. “It’ll make sure the headache won’t come back.”

He hadn’t seen her make it, though she hadn’t tried to slit his throat while he’d slept either.

Rion took the mug in his hands and sipped on the nearly scalding brew.

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