Page 64 of A Soul to Guide

“Yes,” he said as he looked at the wall – anywhere that wasn’t her. He wasn’t sure why his pulse was still racing, whether it was desire, or just because he felt as though he was out of his depth. “I think it will make it easier for the humans to avoid bumping into you, and you won’t fall into a bathtub again.”

She was quiet for so long, her high-pitched, tearless sob was deafening. Startled by the sound, confused by it, he turned back to find she was clutching the grip section of the cane with both hands and pressing it against her forehead.

“Merikh,” she softly whispered. “Thank you. I used to have one back home, but I couldn’t grab it to bring it with me. Not having one has been difficult.” Her grip on the cane tightened. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

Fuck, I made it worse!

This was too overwhelming for a creature who had never done a nice thing in his entire life, who wasn’t used to receiving such sincere gratitude. He wanted out of this situation, uncomfortable with it in its entirety.

“Hurry up and get ready. I want to leave this city as soon as possible.”

Her smile was odd when she directed her expression at him, seemingly torn between hollowing sadness and happiness.

Merikh headed to the only exit available. “I’ll obtain everything we need while I wait for you.”

“Wh-where are we going?”

“The Veil.”

Her stunning eyes widened in shock and fear. “What? Why?”

“Because I have everything you’ll need at my cave.”

For the first time in years, Merikh was goinghome.

Raewyn loosely held onto the guide rope around Merikh’s waist as he took them to the busy town’s exit. Although the cane he’d given her was a little too long, she’d rather that than it be too short.

The loose ring stone he’d connected to the end spun as she swiped it side to side, and it allowed her to see, in her own way, what was in front of her. She was no longer huddled into his side so she wouldn’t bump into anyone, feeling more at ease in the crowd.

Her cane acted as a visual aid for others, as well as for herself. If someone didn’t see her, it was their fault for not paying attention and being complacent in a crowd.

She only held onto Merikh to be guided in the direction they needed to go.

Holding the leather-bound grip, Raewyn’s heart felt lighter.

She’d always been good at adjusting to her circumstances and making the most of what she had. Still, it was a relief to have this tool.

He even thought to add a securing loop.Currently, her wrist was threaded through it, so if she dropped it, she didn’t lose it on the ground.

Was it as nice to hold or as fancy as the one she’d had back home? No. It didn’t even collapse into a smaller piece so she could tuck it away if she wanted to. Still, it was perfect for its intended use, and the fact he’d been considerate enough to make this for her warmed her heart.

Merikh was currently carrying many bags for her. When he’d left earlier, he obtained a large amount of food, some new clothing, and even some cleaning products.

With the tip of her cane, she felt the ground change. The noise of the city grew more distant until they were buried in the forest.

It was warmer today, still cool to her, but she knew the sun must be bright. A light breeze fluttered her cloak as they walked.

Without warning, Merikh stopped abruptly.

“We’re far away enough now. Pass me your cane,” he demanded.

“Why?” she asked, her brows furrowing deeply as her grip tightened. He’d only just given it to her, and now he wanted it back?

“You’re not going to need it.”

She gave it to him, even though her chest hollowed at doing so. However, that feeling passed within seconds, and she almost squealed when he picked her up.

He secured Raewyn to his side, his big hand spanning her entire thigh. She was seated, her arse pressed firmly across his forearm with his bicep supporting her back, her legs spread around his side.

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