Page 8 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

“Right now?” Color drains from his face. “You can’t be serious.”

“I know I said I was going to stay a little while, but the more I think about it, the more I just need to leave. We both know Gunnar will stop at nothing until he gets the payment for me. I’m not safe in Skoro. Vog is already on his way to the farm.”

Harek stumbles over his words before spitting out something that makes sense. “You’re actually going somewhere else? Forever?”

“I have no other choice.”

“We’ll take you in. Maybe that’s why Father and I caught the buffalo—to save you.”

I straighten my shoulders. “I don’t want saving.”

He rubs his temples. “At least take some time to think about this. Let yourself mourn your mother. Then you’ll be able to think clearly later.”

“I’ve had plenty of time to gather my thoughts since she fell ill. From that moment, Gunnar had me scooping manure and gathering slop for the animals, which left me nothingbuttime to work everything out. I have to start over fresh. I wish I didn’t have to leave you behind, but I do. I’m sorry. It’s my destiny now. I knew I had to get away before, but now with Vog in the picture, things are more dire than I thought.”

Especially now that I know I have a real father out there somewhere. Even if he outright rejects me, I have to at least find out if he’ll consider taking me in.

Harek leans closer and rests a hand on mine.

An awkward moment passes between us. We both yank our hands away.

“I just mean…” He clears his throat. “My parents and I are more of a family to you than Gunnar ever was.”

Tears prickle at my eyes. “I know, and I appreciate your offer. However, I don’t want to be a burden to your parents. They’ve already been through enough. Besides, I need to do this.”

My best friend stares into my eyes. “You’re keeping something from me.”

I try to deny it, but can’t get out the words.

“Eira.” He holds my gaze.

I swear he stares directly into my soul.

“You’re right, Harek.”

He blinks a few times. “That you’re keeping something from me?”

“Yes. But I can’t tell you what I know. I’m sorry.”

“Well, at least you’re being honest about it. Can you at least saywhyyou can’t tell me?”

My stomach knots. How would I explain it to him without telling him that I’m a halfling? I’d risk everything. He is the one person I’ve always been able to rely on outside of my mother and sisters. I can’t put him in danger. Plus, what if this news was too much for him? If he decided he couldn’t be my friend anymore, I couldn’t take it. Not when I’ve already lost everything else today.

“Eira?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Did Gunnar do something that you didn’t tell me about? I’ll kill him. Nobody’d ever suspect it was me. I’m an archer, you know. I could be in and out before anyone noticed.”

“No.” Guilt stings. He’s willing to kill for me, and here I am doubting he’ll accept me after finding out about my real father.

Except my conflicted feelings aren’t unfounded. Everyone hates halflings. Up until this afternoon before talking to mymother, if I’d crossed paths with one, I’d have run away and never looked back.

“No, he didn’t do anything?” Harek asks. “Or no, you don’t want me to kill him?”

“Both.” Suddenly exhaustion sweeps through me. “But I’ll take you up on your offer to rest here before I figure out my next step.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Let me get you settled.”

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