Page 39 of Degradation

“Just as you did to me. I only got that much because I surprised you. When you touch another caster’s energy, know that they can touch yours in return, and don’t allow it.

“Come. Try touching my energy again, and know that I will look to see how many of the brothers you’ve bedded.”

Pushing down my mortification, I touched her well once more. This time, I was ready and brushed her energy away from mine. Then, I focused my intent on a single question. How did she know Garron? What was she to the seven brothers?

I felt the branch of that memory—the day the beautiful woman rose to power. I followed it, seeing scared people, listening to a voice read about wrongdoings, and seeing a regal couple being led up a scaffolding.

Distantly, I heard her tell Garron to end it.

A second later, his lips were on mine, and he was kissing me hungrily.

As open as I was, I couldn’t close myself off to his desire for me and the sensations it stirred. The hunger for more consumed me. It crawled under my skin, a need that wouldn’t be silenced. I threaded my fingers in his hair and kissed him back with equal thirst. I drank in his desire, letting it fill me and feed my own.

“That’s interesting,” Pogwid said.

Shocked I’d forgotten our audience, I pulled back with a gasp and stared at Garron. His hand cupped the back of my head, comforting me and giving me an anchor as I struggled to collect myself. He struggled as well, based on the way he set his forehead to mine and closed his eyes.

“I didn’t know it was possible to take energy like that,” Pogwid said.

Flushing scarlet, I backed away from Garron and looked at the women.

“I can’t take his energy,” I said. “He’s safe.”

She chortled. “You don’t even know? His desire, girl. You were consuming it. I never thought of emotions as energy we could take. I’ll need to try that. Not desire, of course. That’s beyond me now. But I have a knack for making people angry. Come back tomorrow.”

Confused and dismissed, I closed myself off and followed Garron out of her workroom. The outer room appeared as it had before I’d opened myself. Filthy and unkempt. Unwelcoming to any guest.

As we left the caster’s home, I had more questions than answers and looked at Garron.

“I’m not certain I like her,” I said.

He laughed lightly.

“Henry felt the same about his mentor. But he vowed I could trust her with our lives, so I do.”

I nodded, and in necessary silence, we returned to our house before dinner as promised.

The door hung straight and opened easily. Embers glowed in the clean hearth, and a new pot hung over them. The tempting smells of rabbit stew filled the air.

Eadric, who was in the kitchen, looked up from setting the table and stepped back.

“What do you think?” he asked.

They’d procured enough tableware for the eight of us and seven logs for stools, which surrounded the repaired table in the now clean kitchen. A kettle and two pitchers waited on the counter.

“Milk,” Eadric said, catching my glance. “Brandle had it delivered.”

“He also arranged for us to work,” Daemon said, coming down the stairs. “Darian and I are to help the woodcutter tomorrow.” His expression turned pleading. “Will you comfort us tonight?”

I snorted. “Work is better than being idle.”

“But we’ll miss you.”

“And I’ll welcome you home enthusiastically when you return.”

A smile lit his face.

“That will make our labors worthwhile.”

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