Page 103 of Of Withering Dreams
One step—one second—at a time. The Ancients bestowed the gift of existence upon mortals, so the least I could do was endure. Survive my ember. For living was to survive whatever dream or nightmare drifted across your path.
I could use my jagged edges to carve a new space for this version of myself … in this realm and all the others.
Before dusk,Letti awoke with a groan, her body rolling to one side and curling in on itself. I lit the candles on her nightstand and then rubbed her back. “It’ll be all right. Give yourself a moment. You’re safe.”
She whimpered and sat up, mouth grimacing as she rubbed at her temple. “I … It’s all jumbling around. You weren’t kidding.” She grabbed my hand, crunching her eyes closed for a moment.
“It’ll take some time.”
She shook her head as if trying to dislodge something lingering. “I’ll be all right. Yay for potions!” Her dry chuckle fell to the floor.
On my way to the kitchen, a hurried knock rapped on our front door.
“Gavrel?” I welcomed him in, his sword and a rucksack swaying against the back of his black tunic. It was startling to see him in civilian attire for once.
I blinked a few times before noticing his jaw ticking, his cold eyes surveying. “Where is Gideon?”
“Hello to you,” I griped, lifting my chin. “I have no clue. Why?”
“Good, we’ve got to go. Now.”
My nostrils flared, and I stepped back. “What? No, thanks. Did you find Kaden?”
“He’s missing.” He squeezed his eyes closed for a moment, sucking in a breath and then releasing it before looking at me. “Please, go grab a pack of clothes and your boots. We’ve got to move. I’ll explain as we go.”
I growled but stomped to my room, his heavy steps following. If he was saying we had to leave, there was a good reason for it, but I wouldn’t make it easy on him.
Letti shifted on her bed as we entered. “Hey, Gav. Any luck with Kaden?”
His eyes and voice softened as he looked at her. “Unfortunately, no. But I’ll find him.”
“Letti remembers everything. No need to tiptoe around her.” I held up the remaining two vials, shaking them.
“Bloody void.”
“It was her choice,” I retorted.
He clenched his teeth.
“What’s going on?” Letti asked, sliding onto the floor and standing at the end of my bed.
He scrubbed a hand down the stubble of his jaw, head tilting as he looked at my sister and ignored her question. “You know what? The Vawn sisters’ impulsivity just might work in our favor this time.”
My sister laughed. I huffed, stuffing my leather clothes and dark tunic into my rucksack. I put on my boots, grumbling the entire time. The woolen fabric of my kirtle swished as I tightened the belt. Gavrel’s lips pinched together as I glowered at him, securing my dagger. My talisman and the two vials were safely tucked within the belt satchel.
Letti stifled a laugh, her brows lifted, the corners of her eyes wrinkling. “How can I help?”
Our heads swiveled to the rounded window, its pane still ajar. The rumble of a heated conversation slipped into the room. All three of us crept to the window, Letti and I crouching under the sill and Gavrel hiding to the side. His fingers gently lifted the curtain’s hem as he peered through the gap.
“I’ll ask you only once more. Where is Seryn Vawn?” Irritation and authority lined the female’s voice. They were somewhere near the conservatory, their voices audible but distant.
“As I’ve said, she could be inside or anywhere for all I know. I’ve just returned home myself.” I pictured Father’s lips puckering, his inability to control the situation riling him.
“You’ve done well over the turns, Gideon. It isn’t a lack of gratitude on the Elders’ behalf. We’re just doing what we’re told. That is, we need to bring her in. The less struggle, the better for you and your daughter.” The male’s tone dripped with artful insincerity.
Letti and I held matching expressions of concern and confusion. Gavrel let the curtain fall in place, crouching beside us. His whispered orders were urgent. “Seryn, once the backyard is clear, we run.” He nodded at the window. “Letti, you’ll need to stay here. I’m sorry … It’s too dangerous without ember; you should be safe here. It’ll also be more useful if you stay. Keep an eye on your father, and do not disclose that you remember anything. If Breena or Rhaegar come to the house, pretend you don’t know them in front of Gideon, but get a message to them that we’ve gone to the Perilous Bogs. Rhaegar will find us.”
“What?” I hissed, hearing the shuffling of feet against grass. Letti nodded in agreement, completely trusting what he said.
