Page 74 of A Rift in the House of Bruin

Daybreak was upon us,and Hiraeth awarded our bravery with the most beautiful sunrise I’d ever seen. Rays of brilliant orange filtered through the towering trees, casting a warm, glowing light across the forest floor. The ferns sparkled with morning dew as they danced in the gentle breeze, giving an enchanted appearance to the shadowed ground. Wildlife all around us was waking up, and the ominous owl hoots of the evening hours were slowly shifting to the chatter of songbirds.

“Are we going to make camp soon? I could use a break and maybe something to eat.” I considered using the sprite ash—not because my cancer was weakening me, but because it would give me a needed burst of energy.

“We need to get a bit further. Caldreim River should be just up ahead. We’ll make camp there. The fish are plentiful. We’ll eat well.”

I remembered the cold, rocky waters of Caldreim well. We’d crossed them to ensure our scent couldn’t be tracked while escaping Mathenholm. “Great… more fish.” I scrunched up my nose.

“What’s wrong with fish?”

“Nothing,” I quickly retorted.

“Then why the face?”

“It’s not my favorite. Why does it have to be so… fishy?”

He laughed. “I suppose we can keep an eye out for salmonberries. But you’ll need some protein with all the energy we’re expending.”

“Fine, I’ll eat the fish. Can we please hurry up and find the river? I’m exhausted.”

“Typical female.” He smirked, looking over his shoulder at me. “You all get cranky when you need a nap and a snack.”

“Is that so?”

“Sorry to offend you with the truth. Deepest apologies, My Lady.” He stopped and comically bowed before me. “Do you need me to carry you?”

I giggled at his mockery. “I’m fine, good sir.”

“It’s just a bit further. Promise.”

It was more than an hour before we made it to Caldreim, and then at least another hour after crossing the rushing waters, searching along the riverbank for what Jase deemed a proper spot to make camp. We settled on a vacant den tucked into the side of an enormous boulder. A large evergreen grew at the base, its low-lying branches almost completely obscuring the entrance. The short walk from the forest’s edge to the river made it an ideal location.

“Do you know how to start a fire?” Jase asked.

“Umm, without a lighter?” I already knew his answer.

“A lighter? What’s that?”

I chuckled. “I can try.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. Gather some tinder while I get us some food.”

Jase made his way over to the river’s edge and began to strip. I tried in vain to keep my eyes to myself and focus on the task at hand, but my god, he was a delectable specimen. He waded about waist-deep into the water, stopping for a moment, looking down at the surface intently.

Was he going to catch breakfast with his bare hands?

Before I could ponder any further, he dove beneath the flowing current. A mere moment later, he popped back up—a fucking fish held tightly between his teeth.

“You’ll find more firewood if you actually look for it,” he snarked, making his way back to the river's edge. He dropped the fish on the rocky banks and headed back into the water.

“Touché. Can’t blame a girl for enjoying the view.” I blushed, embarrassed I’d been caught gawking. Sticks, Michaela. You’re looking for sticks.

I foraged through the tree line, easily finding plenty of kindling. With my arms full, I made my way back to our den. I stopped and pulled out the vial of sprite ash.

A tiny dose won’t hurt.

Jase was busy catching fish. He’d be none the wiser. I was exhausted. I just needed a little boost. Popping the top I collected the tiniest bit from the bottom of the cork and smeared it between my breasts, feeling that familiar buzz kick in instantly.

“How goes the hunt for firewood?” Jase startled me, regaining my attention. “I want to get this cooked quickly. The scent will be a huge tell. We need to keep our location hidden.”

---