Page 72 of Spirit Trials
He gives me a once-over thoughtfully and then nods. “I’ll check in with you in a little bit.”
I turn back to watch the woods. My stomach sours at the utter destruction of it. “Rysden would want you to go back,” Jamik says quietly from right next to me.
“I know.”
“So, why don’t you?”
I turn to him and see his eyes are curious. “Why don’tyougo back?” I ask instead. “For the same reason you won’t go back, I’m not.”
Chapter 37
I eventually get tired of standing and drop down in the grass next to Harper. I run my eyes over both of them for at least the fifth time. They look just as dirty and as exhausted as I do, yet neither of them complain. Terron comes back a few more times, but we decline each time. And then he comes back one last time. “I have to take you back now.”
I look over at the woods.Come on, Rysden.Relief nearly swallows me whole when Shade walks out from the woods with Rysden and several others a few steps behind him. “They’re back,” I point out. I stand up and walk towards them. Well, at first, it’s a walk and then it’s a flat-out run. This time when I reach him, I don’t stop. I throw my arms around him. His arms come around me and hold me tightly. “You’re okay,” I say into his chest.
“I’m fine,” he says in a low voice. After a moment, I pull back and step out of his embrace. He studies my face a moment. “Why didn’t you go back?”
“We wanted to make sure you were okay.” I face the forest. “Is it going to be saved?”
“The water is rushing through now. It will be out soon.” Even as he says the words, I watch as the flames begin to die down. He puts a hand on my back. “We need to get back.”
We join the rest of our group. “Are we ready now?” Terron asks patiently. I nod, and we gather around Eaglon. I take in the majestic gryphon again and reach out and touch his side, and Rysden slides in behind me. As soon as we’re all ready, we flash. It’s just as disorientating as it was the first time.
I take an unsteady step, and Rysden puts a hand on my elbow. “Just give it a minute.” Once I’m steady, he removes his hand.
“Everybody head home and get some rest; we will meet tomorrow to discuss the rest of Trial Two and the plan going forward.”
Almost before Terron’s done speaking, Rysden ushers us over to the horses. “Farrah, you’re with Hector.” He boosts me up, even though I don’t need his help.
“I’ve got to go meet with the leaders. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” His eyes meet mine for just a moment before he strides away.
The ride back to the house is made in silence. When we arrive, the guys send us inside and take care of the horses. “One of you can use my bath, so you don’t have to wait. I’m not ready to bathe yet.” I tell the girls.
“You sure?” Harper asks, but she doesn’t fight me on it. They both look dead on their feet. I sit at the table for a few minutes, but every time the fire cracks, I jump in my seat.
“Why don’t you go take a bath,” Lox says after a little bit.
“I can’t,” I say absently. “The girls are using mine.”
“Use Rysden’s; he’s not here,” Lox says. I’m about ready to argue, but Lox stands up and pulls my chair out with me still in it. “If not for you, do it for us. You stink.”
I stand up. “Fine.” I walk over to the stairs, but suddenly they look daunting.
Jamik walks past and stops when he sees me staring up the stairs. “Do you need help, Farrah?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks, though.” I begin the ascent. By the time I get to the top, I’m beyond exhausted. I make my way down the hallway to Rysden’s room. I see his large tub, and suddenly, I can’t get in the bath quick enough. After filling the tub, I strip and sink into the hot water with a groan. The water eases theache in my muscles, and I stay in there longer than I probably should. Now that my body is beginning to relax, I can barely keep my eyes open. I drag myself out of the tub and run a comb through my hair. I look through Rysden’s wardrobe and pull out the first thing I see—a black soft shirt—and tug it over my head. Thankfully, it’s almost to my knees; I don’t even bother with pants. I want to head back to my room, but I can’t even put one foot in front of the other. Hoping Rysden won’t care, I drop onto his bed. I don’t even pull down the blankets; I’m too exhausted. I simply pull one of his huge furs over me and burrow under it. Sleep drags me under before I even get fully settled.
Sometime later, I pry my eyes open and stare at the ceiling. It takes me a moment to place my surroundings.Rysden’s room.I try to use my hand to rub my eye, but I can’t move it. I turn my head and see Rysden sitting in a chair next to the bed sound asleep. I look down and see that my hand is swallowed up in his. I stare at our hands, unsure what to think about it. I move slightly, and he wakes up. His dark eyes meet mine, and he’s instantly alert. “How are you feeling?” I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. My voice is too hoarse. He drops my hand and grabs a cup of water from off the nightstand and hands it to me, so I can drink.
“Thanks.” My voice is still rough, but at least I can talk. I put the water back on the table. I notice absently that I’m under the blankets now. I glance over at Rysden, who has yet to stop scowling. I’m wondering if it’s permanently etched into his face now.
“A healer should be here today. I haven’t been able to get any to come to the house yet.”
“It’s okay; I’m sure they’re healing way worse injuries from...” my words trail off. I don’t really want to think about everything just yet.
He leans forward and catches my gaze with his. “Who did that, Farrah?” He nods at my neck. His voice is deceptively calm, but I can sense the danger under the surface.
"Just part of the trial,” I say.
