Page 23 of Desire

“More books on magic,” Darian said. “They’re from a reputable source.”

When I reached for the second bundle, Liam stopped me.

"You can open that one later,” he said.

Trusting there was a reason he didn’t want me to open it, I left it alone.

“The stew should be done,” I said, turning my back on the cottage to stir what Garron and Edmund had made.

Brandle joined me, setting a hand on my shoulder and stealing the ladle.

“Did you learn anything interesting today? Edmund said you didn’t leave the cottage except to use the privy.”

“Everything I’m learning is interesting,” I said. “However, it’s not enough. Nothing has helped me understand how to better control what I can do.”

“You’ve barely begun. Give yourself time.”

“Time is something I have very little to spare.”

“Eadric told us what you said. That you cannot be happy until your sister is safe and free. Is she in danger, Kellen?”

I purposely did not think of Maeve when I nodded. My throat didn’t constrict.

“Is she being held against her will?”

Steadily, I met Brandle’s gaze and did not respond.

“I see.” He glanced at the trees. “The trackers were not sent by her, were they?”

“No. She would never send such men after me. She would give her life to keep me safe. When I left, she was the only remaining protection I had in this world, and I was hers.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

“If I asked who sent the trackers, would you be able to answer me?”

“No.”

“Will not or cannot?” Edmund asked.

“You’re on the right path. However, knowing won’t change what any of us must do. Guard yourselves well. I did not simply bring trouble to your doorstep. Trouble is too simple of a term. Misery. Devastation. Those are more apt. I truly hope that the help I give you makes up for what yet may come.”

Brandle’s hands gripped my arms, and he leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“It will be worth it. We have no doubt of that. Please don’t turn away from helping us in fear of hurting us.”

He knew my mind too well.

“I don’t believe I will be afforded that opportunity. If the seven of you aren’t able to stop me from leaving, the trackers and the beasties surely will.”

CHAPTER FOUR

After dinner,I returned to the cottage to read by the light of the fire. The words began to blur, and I knew I needed to rest.

I glanced at the door, wondering what rest meant now. Did they still want me to sleep near them? If so, why? Was it helpful, or wasn’t it? And if it wasn’t helpful to them, did I still want it?

Unsure, I set my book aside and unrolled a single stuffed mattress.

No one appeared at the door despite the noise I made. I stripped off my boots and covered myself with a blanket as I faced the open door. Would they come? Did I want them to?

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