Page 61 of Oaths & Vengeance
Faina sighed. “Half of them will be here in two hours.”
“Half?”
“The rest are traveling through the mountain pass right now to take out the sentries, and they’ll wait until we’ve finished the ones on the groundbefore coming down.” She paused her carving. “Darrow is making sure our attack doesn’t incriminate you in any way.”
How very thoughtful of him.
She went on to detail the plan further. We would use the portal two miles from the village within a forest, which they somehow knew was rarely guarded. It would be easy to sneak a few soldiers, especially with the right magic, to take out the tower at the base of the pass. The two halves could join in the woods near the village without anyone seeing them before that.
I could understand why they’d chosen the location because it was the easiest to attack without anyone figuring out a channeler had helped them. At least, it was great for me, but not so much for the people there. I was helping to destroy their lives.
“Yes, glad I factor into his plans beyond aiding his attack on my people,” I said, bitterly.
Faina stopped carving. “Not the way you expected to spend your birthday?”
I stiffened, unable to read her expression.
“No.” I leaned my head against the tree. “I’m surprised you knew it was today, though it looks like Darrow doesn’t know…or is this his version of a morbid gift?”
She shrugged. “My brother has never been good with birthdays, so I doubt he realizes yours is today. I only knew because he had me look into you after you married, and I’m good with dates.”
“Do you think it would matter if he did know?” I asked.
Why I expected anything from a husband who married me to keep me out of enemy hands and to use my skills was beyond me. Never mind his possessive claims the other night because that didn’t mean he cared. He was like a child who didn’t want to share his toy.
Faina was quiet for a moment. “Darrow is cold but not callous. He would have likely chosen a different day if he’d known.”
“But you didn’t bother to point it out,” I said, annoyed.
“Why should I?” She lifted a brow. “You’re not my friend, nor do I like you, and it’s better you see my brother for who he is now rather than later.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“There’s a curse on all the males of my father’s line. As soon as they come into their magic, they become incapable of love—that includes family. Even their other emotions are dimmed a little.”
Faina paused and sighed. “It has ruined every marriage for them for generations because they are charismatic and possessive despite the curse, and even if warned, their wives always fall for them eventually. Why should I have told him about your birthday when it’s better he doesn’t do anything for you that might make you feel something for him?” She resumed carving the wood. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you, but that secret is my gift to you.”
Her revelation was more than unexpected. “Can the curse be broken?”
“Every curse has a way to break it, but this one isn’t easy, or it would have been done centuries ago,” she said, not looking at me.
“How?” I asked, impatiently.
“It’s not for me to say, but you’re welcome to ask my brother.”
I snorted. “Think he’ll tell me?”
She gave me a scornful look. “It’s doubtful Dare will anytime soon since he doesn’t trust you, and for good reason.”
I decided I’d had enough of talking to Faina and didn’t respond. Even her telling me about Darrow’s curse seemed to have ulterior motives. She couldn’t possibly care about protecting my feelings, so there had to be some other reason. I just didn’t know what that could be.
The time passed in silence until hoofbeats began shaking the ground. Faina and I rose to our feet upon their approach, and she mounted her horse. I saw Darrow in the lead. Bracing myself, I met his gaze as he pulled his mount to a stop. Heat filled his gray eyes as he looked me up and down—a blatant reminder I was naked the last time we met. I stood my ground, refusing to let his hot gaze bother me. At least with my glamour and cloak, he couldn’t see much of the real me.
“Good of you to join us, Aella,” he said, reaching out a hand.
“As if I had a choice.” I let him pull me onto his stallion before him, trying to keep a sliver of distance between my back and his chest.
Darrow leaned close to my right ear. “Too bad you chose to don your clothing this time, as I thoroughly enjoyed the full view yesterday morning.”
