Page 59 of Desire

Darian helped me stand and guided me to the table. The extra consideration, while endearing, was unnecessary. Not a hint of dizziness remained.

The others left to straighten the mess outside, and Garron remained to assist me with the tea. His continued glances conveyed his lingering worry.

“I am well, Garron. I promise.”

“You didn’t look well. You fainted.”

“I don’t think it was due to what happened in here but what happened out there. I saw Liam’s back.”

“Ah.”

“Will he be all right?”

“He will be after he drinks the tea. Is that why you asked if the tracker was alive? Did you think we would seek revenge for what he and the others did to hurt us?”

I looked up from the candle to meet Garron’s gaze.

“I don’t doubt your intentions, Garron. I doubt my own. You saw what was in this room. I don’t know how I did that. If I hadn’t walked away when I had, I think the glass would have flown at him.”

Garron nodded slowly and looked down at the tea leaves he was grinding into a powder.

“It’s not your intentions you doubt, Snow, but your control. You walked away to spare him and asked about him as soon as you woke. People with evil intentions wouldn’t do that.”

“I would like to believe that, but I was angry, Garron. A part of me wanted to hurt him for what he was trying to do.”

He paused and looked at me.

I held his gaze. “Many men believe a woman’s only worth lies within the ability of her womb.”

He averted his gaze and stared down at the ground tea leaves.

“I don’t keep secrets from my brothers.”

“Yet if you tell them what I’ve said, they will not allow the tracker’s continued existence,” I guessed. “It worries me that I find myself conflicted whether or not to protest that decision. Am I changing, Garron? I thought my control was improving, but you saw the energy born of my anger and fear. Perhaps I am growing more wicked with my abilities.”

“Your fear that you are proves that you aren’t. And I vow the tracker will leave this glade alive. His death will not stain your hands.”

I nodded and focused on my work for several minutes. Once the candle was heating the water, I asked what I was dreading to know.

“What was that? The energy I cast?”

“I’m not certain. It wasn’t like anything I’ve ever witnessed. But I’ve only seen Henry cast, and he only cast when necessary.”

“And you’re sure it disappeared when I fainted?”

He nodded.

“Good. If it happens again, don’t allow me to hurt anyone.”

“I won’t.”

Feeling relieved, I spent the rest of the time silently focusing on the tea. When Garron suggested I speak an additional spellover the finished brew, I opened myself to the well, willing the energy to touch the tea so Liam could heal faster.

“Is it done?” Brandle asked from the door. His hair stood up on end like he’d been running his hands through it.

“It is,” I said. “Garron and I will carry them out.”

“No. Eadric, get over here!” he bellowed, startling me. His gaze held mine. “Stay here with Garron.”

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