Page 36 of The Last One
He flushes.No.His eyes drift to a point over my shoulder. “You can let go now.”
“You canalsolet go.” My cheeks burn. “Surrender. You may enjoy it. I won’t tell.”
His gaze, hot and poisoned, snaps to mine. “I’m not joking, Kai.”
What just happened? What made him change like that so quickly?
We stand there, both holding the bucket handle but standing miles apart, eyes locked in a sudden and silent battle of wills. And even though I don’t know much, I do know that we look foolish. Since I’m no fool… “You don’t want my help? Then…” I release the handle, and the bucket drops and lands on his foot, wood bouncing out.
Jadon winces, mutters, “Shit,” and kicks the bucket as though this is all the bucket’s fault. Then he jolts in pain and grabs at his foot.
Impressed, I lift my eyebrows as I watch the pail’s trajectory into the forest. “Did that make you feel better? Hurting yourself to prove something to me?”
He peers at me, his eyes now a foggy blue, then swipes his face with his bandages. “My hand’s notthatmessed up.”
“Okay,” I say, shrugging. “How messed up is it, then?”
“Long story.”
I cross my arms. “I’m not doing anything else right now.”
He shoves his hands beneath his armpits. “I got distracted making a mace. That’s it.”
I squint at that hand. His fingers don’t look swollen, and the redness peeking from beneath that bandage isn’t blood. It looks more like…ink? “And that’s why you’re wearing a bandage?”
He nods and releases a breath.
I try to hear his thoughts, but my parlor trick isn’t working. Did Sybel un-gift me? Was she upset with the way I was using my gift? Is that why she was short with me?
I smile and pitch my head sideways. “Now, was that so difficult? Don’t you feel better?”
He drops his head, then puts his fists on his hips. “Kai, that…was not intended. I’m sorry. Everything’s different with you, and I’m not used to someone really showing concern. Who won’t use my weakness for their gain. I apologize. Okay?”
I consider him for a moment, sense his exhausted sincerity, and nod.
“I came out here to give you this.” He pulls an object wrapped in thick burlap from his apron pocket. He offers me the bundle. “Hope this makes things better for you.”
“What is it?” I unwrap the burlap, only to find layers of cotton swaddling his gift.
“Wanted to make sure it was safe,” he says, his face reddening.
I unwrap the first layer of cotton and unwrap another layer, and then another layer and…
“My pendant!” Lightness sweeps over me, and I let out an “eek.” My smile is so big, it spills over into my heart. Even my headache eases and my eyes hurt less. “Thank you, Jadon, for protecting it with all the…” I motion to the burlap and cotton in the grass. “You have no idea how important this is to me.”
I hold up the amulet. The dark stone floats in the middle of the moth’s thorax. Like it’s waiting. I’m one step closer to understanding who I am.
“And Olivia promises to clean your vest and cloak before returning them,” he says. “Everything should be dry by tomorrow. We don’t want you to feel like a prisoner here, but I’d appreciate it if you finish paying off the rest of what you owe.”
“Sure.” I fasten the pendant around my neck. The clasp is loose, thanks to Olivia snatching it from me, but I’m just happy to have it back. My throat opens, and my breathing deepens, and something rumbles in my gut, like I’ve been born again, and the amulet becomes a part of me, just as much as my heart and my eyes.
Vision crisper, I see that the daystar will soon kiss the horizon and that the sky has turned rose-colored with evening light. Lungs stronger, I inhale air scented with jasmine and woodsmoke, and for a moment, Maford has rejuvenated, its glow no longer that of death.
Jadon stares at me, color rising in his cheeks again, but not because he’s angry, embarrassed, or uncontrolled.
Because he wants me? Because he wants to protect me? Both?
“Kai…” His body heat wraps around me like a blanket.
