Page 11 of The Sins of Silas

My entire ensemble was nearly all black, from my tight leather pants to my formfitting top held up with two slim straps. My vambraces, couters, and pauldron all matched, and the leather material was flexible and strong. Lastly, I was given a deep navy cloak. My chest was bare, and there was nothing visible except Ryia’s necklace, which rested against my skin.

I couldn’t help but notice how my outfit was made with Otacia’s colors—black and navy. I wondered if that was done on purpose.

The Mages’ attire differed from what was crafted for our human companions. Ours was lighter, as our ability to use protective forcefields and the need to be nimble on our feet was of primary importance.

The humans needed extra cushioning to protect themselves, so their armor was a bit heavier, and the material all matched: all-black, steel plate mail, leather pants, and neutral-colored cloaks. Ayla also packed us some light loungewear, insisting that with the impending heat expected for a summer in Tovagoth, we'd need them.

“I wanted to make the lot of you clothes that wouldn’t draw too much attention, as I know you’re on the run,” Ayla said carefully. “That is why there's a lot of black and silver.”

Silas clenched his jaw but attempted to give Ayla a small smile. “Thank you.”

The Prince had finally made eye contact with me this morning, but his golden gaze had quickly averted.

“I cannot bear your kindness. Do not give it to me.”

I pondered on his words last night and again when I woke up this morning. Did he feel like he deserved my distaste? Or perhaps his feelings for me still lingered a touch…

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Ayla strolling over with a pouch in hand. “How does it fit?” she asked with a warm smile, gesturing to my new outfit.

“Like a glove.” I grinned back. “Thank you.”

Merrick sighed. “It feels so good to be out of those damn prison clothes,” he said, brushing his hands along the fabric of his navy robe. He and Elowen both opted for the lightest of options, though both of them wore fighting leathers underneath, with vambraces that matched mine.

Elowen twirled around in her own burgundy and navy robe, the material tight on her slim waist. “It’s perfect!”

I chuckled at their excitement, taking note of the belts along their hips and the silver thread woven in their outfits. Elowen’s enchanted dagger was secured at her side.

“You look wonderful,” Edmund voiced softly, and Elowen flushed, offering him a bashful smile before resuming her spinning.

Ayla clasped her hands together. “Oh, I’m so glad.” She turned her attention to the Princess of Otacia, who appeared slightly uncomfortable. “How about you, Era? How does yours fit?”

Era gave her a gracious grin. “It fits perfectly.” She wore armor similar to that of the Otacian men, though hers was structured to complement her feminine figure. It was actually quite similar to mine, except instead of leather, it was made of black steel. “I’ve never worn armor before. I feel…strong with it.”

Merrick’s eyes flicked to hers, and when she met his gaze, he gave her a slight smile.

Irritation rose within me…simply because Erabella had a personality I was beginning to like.

I didn’t want to like her.

“We went heavy with yours, just like the other humans. It’ll take some getting used to, but it will provide you more protection.”

Erabella inclined her head. “I appreciate it. Thank you.”

Ayla returned the gesture, then extended her hand toward me, finally handing me the pouch in her hand. I raised a brow.

“Various herbs,” she explained. “Some of the ones I find most useful.”

Elowen stopped her twirling. “Do you have what’s needed for the contraceptive elixir?” she asked.

I nearly choked with laughter when I saw Edmund’s and Hendry’s eyes blow wide and Merrick’s frown deepen. Even Roland seemed surprised the petite healer asked such a thing, but what they didn’t realize was whether Elowen planned to sleep with Edmund mattered not.

“It eliminates the monthly bleed,” I mumbled to them as I secured the pouch to the belt resting on my hips.

An embarrassed grin formed on Edmund’s face as he rubbed the back of his neck, and I noticed a slight flushing of Hendry’s cheeks as he began to find the blades of grass at his feet particularly interesting.

Silas’s only response was a couple of blinks, but Erabella’s mouth popped open. “There is something you can take for that? And it’s…safe?”

I narrowed my eyes, feeling a tinge of annoyance. It wasn’t uncommon for humans to be wary of anything magic-related.

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