Page 18 of Destroyer

As they rode, as time slid by in unguessable increments, Ru began to relax. The artifact mirrored her, its rankling insistence muted by distance from the crater’s epicenter. And as its insistence faded, she felt a new sensation coiling up within her — comfort, reassurance.

She knew she should be afraid, wary. She should say something to Fen, to warn him. The last time the strange black stone “spoke” to her with such urgency, she woke up naked and blind.

But now it soothed her, and this was what frightened her.

CHAPTER7

Time passed.

Ru had little concept of how long they had been riding, or in which direction they traveled. But there was plenty to keep her distracted as they went, even with her still-foggy mind and unseeing eyes. She made a point of noticing small details along the way, taking stock of everything she could smell, touch, and hear.

She knew that Fen’s horse was very large, a well-muscled mare. She knew that the mare's saddle was made of the best quality leather, and her mane was brushed and braided, smooth to Ru’s touch. It was clear that Fen took great care of his horse and spared no expense on her upkeep. But there was no sound of bells or tassels on the saddle or bridle, so Ru knew that Fen was also practical.

As they rode, she became increasingly aware of Fen himself. Every once in a while as they rode, the inside of his arm would press against her, holding her steady when he made a sudden turn. And while she was still in a state of what felt like prolonged shock and disbelief, she found her body responding to Fen. His touch was a comfort, a reassurance that was far more solid and acceptable to Ru than the inner voice of the artifact. She allowed herself to relish Fen’s competence, his unassuming strength, his deep voice.

Eventually, Ru’s sight began to return.

The change was so gradual that she hadn’t noticed it at first; she thought she was imagining things. Where before there had been nothing but darkness, she now saw spots of light amongst the shadows. Tiny specks at first, and then they grew larger, seemingly by the minute.

“Fen,” she said. Her voice was faint, almost a croak. They hadn’t spoken much since the beginning of their journey, beyond the odd word here and there. She hadn’t wanted to, and Fen didn’t push. But now… “I can see something. Little clouds of light.”

A slight chuckle rumbled in his chest. “What did I say? Temporary. And perfect timing. We’re nearly to the main road.”

By the time Fen found a perfect spot to camp, built a fire, and helped Ru settle in by the warm flames, she had begun to see complete shapes. Everything was still a blur, but differentiable. She would be able to find her way around on her own in a pinch, but not without a lot of stumbling.

While Ru sat staring at the blur of flames, Fen went in search of more firewood. She was alone then, her thoughts and the artifact her only companions. The stone made her uneasy; it chilled her despite the cloak around her shoulders and the crackling fire. She felt oddly empty, detached. As if the events in the Shattered City had cut her off from the world, isolating her in a bubble of regret.

She cradled the artifact, moved her fingers over its smooth, uneven surface. Her gut roiled and tied itself in knots.

Her thoughts spiraled into darkness as she sat, twisting down shadowed pathways. What mania had brought her to touch it in the first place? The voice of a stone… impossible. Ridiculous. She must be mad, deluded. The strange energies at the crater had warped her mind.

But even as the thought entered her mind, the artifact's pull reminded her of its reality. Bile rose in her throat, and she closed her eyes tightly.

What had truly happened at the dig site? Where had all the tents gone? The researchers? Lady Maryn?

An expression of horror, a cry cut short.

Lady Maryn’s hand, reaching for her. Fear shining in the woman's eyes.

The last thing she remembered, the last action she'd taken — her skin against the stone.

No. Ru didn't want to remember, didn't want to know.

She doubled over where she sat, jaw clenched.Breathe, she told herself.Breathe. But the breaths came too fast, quick, and shallow. As she tried to relax, tried to calm herself, the panic only grew. She felt light-headed, dizzy. Her fingers against the artifact began to stiffen, curling inward like claws.

She felt the artifact in her mind, its comforting voice, but it was useless in the face of her panic.

She had lost control.

Her body wouldn’t listen, her hands were now completely numb, separate from her. White splotches filled her already blurred vision, and she knew she was about to pass out.

Then strong hands grasped her arms, and a voice spoke. His words were soft, steady. “You’re safe. Listen to me, Ruellian. Breathe in. Good. Now breathe out. Very slowly, like this.”

Hot tears fell from her eyes, sudden and with no warning. They wouldn’t stop, and she coughed choking sobs, her breaths coming faster and faster.

“Listen to me,” said Fen. He took her face in his hands, gentle yet firm. “Ruellian, you’re safe. Your sight is returning. I won’t let anything hurt you. Breathe slowly in. There. Now slowly out.”

She breathed in, breathed out again. Her body was shaking violently. But as she listened to Fen’s voice, in tandem with the artifact's soothing presence at the edges of her thoughts, she felt herself relax from the inside out.

---