Page 80 of The Sins of Silas

She shakily dropped the dagger, then slowly lifted her hands to the porcelain mask. Just as she began pulling it away, she screamed, the mask falling to the ground and shattering as she stumbled off the body.

“No—no, no, no!” she wailed. "Oh, Gods…what did I do!?"

My breathing hitched, my eyes flaring as I took in the body before me.

Igon Natarion.

His solid black eyes were barely open, the same swirling present on his fair skin, the same eerie symbol carved into his forehead. I had thrust my sword into his chest, yet here he was moments ago, walking amongst us.

Lena's face was crumpled as she shook her head back and forth. “I-I killed him! I didn't know…I didn't know…” Her chest was heaving—she was hyperventilating.

“Lena!” I damn near barked, grasping her face with my hands again. Her tearful eyes widened. “You didn't kill him. I did…remember?!”

She choked on a sob, her lip wobbling. “But…but—”

“No. I am the one who ended his life. I am the one responsible, not you.”

“Lena, I need to heal you,” Elowen said faintly, her tone nasally from crying. Her eyes were bright red, tears still slipping free.

Lena shook her head, and I dragged my thumb gently along her cheek, leaning in close to whisper in her ear, “Let her heal you, Flower.”

Lena cried softly, eyes meeting mine for a moment, searching. Then she nodded, wincing as she tried to stand. I was there quickly, lifting her into my arms. She let out a faint whine, her adrenaline fading, the pain becoming more present.

Roland was behind us now, and I felt him stiffen. I didn’t care if it made him upset that I was the one holding her. He was the one drunk, not keeping alert in unknown territory. I would reprimand him later.

As we turned, the crowd, humans and Warlocks alike, began to place three fingers on their chests. A symbol known to the people of Forsmont as respect.

“You can bring her to one of the changing rooms in the back. There are a few beds we use after shifting when we need rest,” Dani expressed, voice shaking. I nodded, and Elowen followed behind me as we walked, the people splitting apart to let us through with ease.

Lena’s eyes were heavy, but still, she gazed up at me as she rested her head on my chest.

“You amazed me out there,” I whispered, not caring that Elowen and Dani were listening. “You are incredibly powerful. But more than that, you are brave. So fucking brave. You did what you had to do to save these people.”

Her lips formed a small smile, and her eyes slowly fluttered shut, her head falling against my chest.

I halted. “Is she okay?!” I panicked, lightly caressing her cheek.

“Yes,” Elowen said gently, touching my arm and motioning forward. “The use of that much magic has left her drained. She just needs rest.”

I clenched my jaw and continued striding forward. My eyes continually darted to her chest, making sure I was seeing it rise and fall. When we reached the changing room, I carefully placed Lena on one of the beds. Elowen quickly rushed over to begin her healing.

“She will be asleep for a while,” Elowen told me, her hands glowing as they trailed up and down her body.

“I don’t mind staying.”

She seemed puzzled as she studied me, and I realized this wasn’t a normal response for a man who, as far as anyone else knew, hardly knew Lena.

“I…just let me know when she’s awake,” I mumbled.

Elowen’s aqua eyes searched mine, and she nodded, resuming her work.

Dani studied me suspiciously, but I ignored her and exited the room. As I made my way down the corridor, I attempted to steady my breathing…attempted to steady my heart.

She jumped in front of me…willing to take that curse in place of me.

That’s twice now. At least the first time, it was her friend. She knew she could stop her with her magic. But these creatures…she was willing to become one of them if it meant saving my life.

I stopped, steadying myself on the tent wall beside me.

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