Page 27 of Dawn to Dusk
She sighed and stood with the grace only a goddess can have. “I am proud of you, Esmerey.” Then she faded into glowing light that floated up to the sun.
After a shaky breath, I pulled on my dress and boots. I found Balthazar, in his godkiller form, laying at the top of the hill. His brown eyes were filled with curiosity, but he kept a respectful distance. I gave him a wave but walked deeper into theforest. I listened to Edur and instead of walking the perimeter, I delved into the land. Herth, the forest god, blessed this beautiful territory. Or Balthazar did, same thing.
Edur appeared from around a tree and smiled at me. “Would you like company?”
“Balthazar told you to check on me.”
He nodded.
“You could show me around some more.”
His presence soothed me. His hand intertwined with mine as he showed me around. The sun started to lower, and my nerves agitated me.
I tried to stay focused and not eye the horizon. I needed to learn how to be outside at night. Fearing the night was no longer an option. How could I have a daughter who would be a servant of Bria when her world terrified me?
Edur took a breath, and I could tell he smelled my fear. His face twisted with distaste. “Let’s go back.”
“No.” I dug out my soldier persona and buried my fear deep down into my soul. My job required me to remain outside on more than one occasion, I could do this.
He turned to hold both my hands and guided me. “Don’t hide from me.”
Just like that, my fear scrambled from its hole, up my chest, and out of my throat. “My next child will be a luna witch.”
I wasn’t sure where that came from or how he did that, but there it was, out in the open. He understood. “You are trying to force yourself to get over your fear.” He lifted an eyebrow at me. “Are you pregnant right now?” He already knew the answer, beasts could smell a pregnant woman from a mile away. Hunters who were pregnant were not allowed to work the field for that exact reason.
“No.”
“Are you going to be pregnant tomorrow?”
“No.” A relieved breath whooshed out of me as I understood his point. She said it would be a long time. My child would not be born into this strife.
“You’re still young.” He smiled at me. “Life is constantly changing. Time teaches and molds us. By the time your child comes into existence, you may be a completely different person.”
“Stronger, I hope.” It finally felt like I could breathe. I sucked in greedy gulps as an invisible weight lifted off my chest.
“I’m sure.”
“Maybe someone more adventurous.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “I don’t think I could handle more adventurous.”
“It’s not about you. This is about me.”
His amusement scrunched his face into a teasing expression that made me join in his laughter. He put my hands on his shoulders as he continued to guide me. His hands landed on my hips as if he led me on a dance floor.
My power drained from me and made adrenaline pump through my veins. I closed my eyes, focusing on Edur’s cool skin under my fingertips to ease my desire to flee.
“We’re interrupting something.” He told me with amusement.
Moans and grunts filled the air. “An orgy, I think.”
“Wanna join?”
A laugh bubbled out of me again. “Might be a solid plan. Witches will do almost anything for sex.”
“We’ll help you out, Esmerey. Join us!” An unfamiliar giggly voice yelled out.
“I appreciate the invite.” But we kept walking instead.
