Page 20 of Desire

He had the grace to look down at the book he’d caught.

“I amtryingto do as I promised and growing very frustrated in the process,” I said. “I thought yielding to your requests was furthering our mutual goals. Clearly, I was wrong. Though I understand that you cannot give me the answers I need, I am losing patience.

“The five men waiting in those woods will not give up and leave. By staying here…by asking for your help, Iwillrisk your well-being regardless of my intent. So, please…stop acting as if we are not in danger and have all the time in the world for me to figure this out.”

“Forgive me, Kellen,” he said quietly, returning the book to me.

Realizing I’d done it again—blaming them for something that I caused—I let out a heavy breath and focused on being calm.

“It is not my place to forgive but yours,” I said. “Forgive me for bringing my troubles to your door. Forgive me for being so ignorant about what I am that I’m a danger to everyone around me. And forgive me for needing to use you to help me reunite with my sister.”

I handed him the cup. “It should be enough for all of you.”

They didn’t stop me from closing the door. I returned to my seat and opened the book. I desperately needed the knowledge stored within those pages.

After I finished it, I selected another from the study, hopeful that it would contain more answers than the first.

The rain stopped. They knocked on the door to deliver meals but otherwise left me alone.

The next morning,I once again dressed in my own clothing. When I opened the door, Darian was standing there, grinning widely.

“Give it a tweak,” he said.

“Pardon?”

“My nose. Look at it.”

I did. The swelling had vanished, as had his blackened eyes.

“It worked?” I asked.

“It did. Eadric can walk without a limp. Liam can see. Brandle is still an ass, but magic can’t fix everything.”

Something had finally gone right. I grinned.

“What would you like to break your fast today?” he asked. “Pastries? Oats? We can do both.”

“Biscuits with honey,” I said.

Some of his joy faded.

“The trackers remain. It would be wise?—”

“You are healed, and they are not. It would be wise to leave for supplies while you can, don’t you agree?”

I’d considered our current circumstances carefully between books the day prior. Once the five men healed, the brothers would have no opportunity to leave for supplies again.

“That does make sense,” Darian said.

“Go speak to the others. Take what supplies you need from the cold storage while I’m out. We should have a stew again for the evening meal.”

I walked to the privy, ignoring the others by the fire. When I emerged, Eadric was waiting.

“What news did they send you to deliver?” I asked, moving to the well.

“We’ll get the honey. Is there anything else?”

“Eggs…cream…whatever else you need for however long you think it will take for me to help you.” I paused washing my hands. “Are you truly in danger each time you leave for supplies?”

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