Page 119 of The Dark Mage
“Don’t shut me out again,” he finally said, his voice raw.He swam closer, gripping her chin firmly but tenderly.“I couldn’t bear it.When you blocked me out, it felt like part of me died.The helplessness… it tore me apart.”
“I’m sorry,” Ren’wyn whispered, seeing the vulnerability in his eyes.“I just wanted to protectyou.”
His expression softened, and the corner of his mouth tilted up in a small, sad smile.“I hated it, but I understand.Just, please—try not to do it again?”
Ren’wyn nodded, though she knew she would make the same choice if it meant keeping Faelsafe.
Fael’s powerful arms broke the water’s surface as he swam closer, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes.“You know,” he said, his voice gravelly, “when I think back to that night… you were a goddess.Death given human form.It was terrifying.And incredible.And when you take my power likethat…”
He trailed off as he reached her, pulling her into a rough, searing kiss.Ren’wyn melted into his embrace, her head resting against his chest as the cool current swirled around them.Fael wrapped his arms around her, nestling her onto his legs as they sat in the stream together.
For a long while, they simply held one another, letting the water wash over them.In the quiet, they found a fragile sense of peace, their love a comfort for wounds too deep to heal in a single moment.
They were relieved to ride into camp on the third day, learning that Miguel’s group had arrived a few hours earlier.Leta informed them that the little druid boy was in terrible pain but would live.Without hesitation, Ren’wyn headed straight to where she heard his faint cries, pausing only to grab her supplies.
Sorya’s face was tight with concern as Ren’wyn entered the tent.“I’m not sure what else to do for him,” she whispered, her voice raw with worry.
Ren’wyn nodded, mentally calculating the correct blend of herbs for the empath’s size.She quickly mixed a tea for sedation and pain relief.As if summoned by her thoughts, Fael appeared in the doorway, carrying hot water, clean linen, and a mug.Without a word, he set them down and slipped out of the tent, careful not to startle theboy.
Ren’wyn steeped the herbs in the hot water, the fragrant steam curling into the air.With Sorya’s help, she applied salve to the burns crisscrossing the boy’s small, fragile body.He screamed and thrashed, his magic uncontrolled, and both women fought the fear and pain his power created in them, holding him gently but firmly.
“I know it hurts,” Ren’wyn said softly, fighting the empathic emotions to soothe the boy as she brought the tea to his lips.“But this will help the pain goaway.”
He was brave, drinking the entire mug with only a few drops spilled.Within ten minutes, his small frame relaxed, and he drifted into sleep.
Sorya stayed by the boy’s side, stroking his hair, while Relya, Lia, and Avonlee offered to take shifts.Ren’wyn smiled when Avonlee shooed the men away, her determination unwavering.Esrin’s annoyed expression at being excluded made Ren’wyn laugh even harder.It felt good—sogood—to be back among her friends, surrounded by the camaraderie and warmth of their community.
The healing she and Fael had begun with words and touch seemed to extend outward, mending wounds far beyond theirown.
Lia’s bleeding had finally come, and both she and Avonlee were visibly relieved.After checking in on them, Ren’wyn made her way to the fire, where Fael and Miguel were recounting the events of the lastweek.
Despite the horror and loss, they had done good.They had saved the empath, brought peace to the berserker boy, secured valuable supplies, and ended a cruel band of soldiers.
As she listened, Ren’wyn approached Fael, placing her hands on his broad shoulders.He leaned back instinctively, and she pressed her fingers into his muscles, kneading away the tension there.She smiled at how he relaxed beneath her touch, his smoky scent wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.
“We’ll stay here for a bit longer,” Esrin announced, addressing the group around the fire.“Summer is passing, and it’s time to plan our next big move.The robbery added enough supplies to see us through winter.I’m hopeful we’ll be able to strategize the next stage together.”
As Esrin spoke, Ren’wyn glanced around the circle.She was struck—not for the first time—by how much it meant to be valued equally among her male companions.The realization swelled in her chest, an intense appreciation that nearly overwhelmedher.
Being included in Esrin’s plans and trusted with responsibilities—it was changing her.It was as vital as the equality Fael offered her in their relationship, and her gratitude bubbled up like a spring insideher.
Fael must have felt the shift in her mood because his hands reached up to cover hers on his shoulders.He tilted his head back, his warm eyes meetinghers.
“Anything wrong?”he asked softly.
“No,” she replied with a smile.Her voice was steady, but the emotions stirring within her made her chest feel tight.“No, I’m just realizing things are right foronce.”
When she glanced up, she saw the others had heard her.Esrin was smiling—a rare and genuine expression that made her blink back sudden tears.It was almost too much, and she bent to press a kiss to the top of Fael’shead.
“I think I might finally be able to rest,” she admitted sheepishly, not wanting to seemweak.
“Rest well, little mage,” Zev said gently.
The affectionate nickname made her break into another smile.She gave Fael’s shoulders one last squeeze before heading toward her tent, feeling lighter than she had indays.
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The plan came together after lunch the next day.Relya stayed with the empath, who finally told them his name was Ohn.The group shared a drink before Esrin began.
