Page 34 of The Dark Mage
Fael’s intense words were warm against her hairline.He must have been considering this for a long time, though her involvement was clearly a new addition.Fighting, danger, strength of body and mind—none of these belonged to her.He wouldn’t ask if he knew how insignificant she truly was—how she never managed to do anything right.Better to settle somewhere she could live simply and quietly.
Look how hoping for a simple, safe life turned out,a small voice deep inside her protested.Hiding your magic, a gift that you love with every fiber of your being.Putting all your hope in Esrin to save you.He never came for you, and you were handed off to Erst like a belonging.You almost died running.
But she had survived and chosen a new path.She was chasing freedom for herself, and she would never go back.So many others must want the same, and Fael believed in her enough to ask for herhelp.
“I’m not sure what I can do,” she replied.“I’m not sure what I am yet.At school, I had a place, but I’ve lived so long in hiding that I’m not sure how to be free.I’m not sure I’m worth much atall.”
A heavy silence settled over them as Fael stepped back and studied her.Tilting his head in assessment, he took her hands in his own and gave them a gentle squeeze.
“You are worth far more than you know,” he said confidently.“You are more powerful than I thought.We’ll have to face danger, but I can show you how and defend you when you need it.Help me, Ren’wyn.Help me free our world and the people who so desperately need it.Help me restore magic.”
His words stunned her.No one had believed in her since Peria.Her Masters had believed in her as well, but they lived in Spyre’s safety.Fael’s confidence planted itself inside her, and that quiet voice deep within sang its approval.This would mean choosing her own purpose and goals alongside him.Perhaps…
“I will do what I can,” she agreed breathlessly.“I’ll fight with you, and we’ll right what we can in this world.”
Fael squeezed her hands, his eyes alight.“We’re going to have to do something about money and lodging.I don’t know if we can stay here in Delmor.I’ll look around forwork.”
“And me?”she asked.
“For now,” he replied, “get a little more rest.Tomorrow, we can look for more work or travel into the countryside if necessary.”
He gestured toward the door, and Ren’wyn realized she could use a nap.That lovely little bed in her room called invitingly.Fael reached around her for the doorknob, his hand brushing her hip.She didn’t flinch, but the touch sent a static charge throughher.
When he opened the door, a maid stood on the landing.Her eyes widened as she looked between them, then glanced away, blushing.
“Hmmmm…” Fael muttered, humor lacing his tone.“We might need to do something about that.Don’t want anyone presuming too much about our connection.”
The electricity from his touch lingered, spreading into her stomach.His honesty, his belief in her, and the hope of a future had eased her concerns.Deciding she could play along, she smirked over her shoulder as she sauntered to herroom.
“Or maybe we should distract them with gossip about our bedroom activities so they don’t think about anything else?You could come to my room later, and we could jump on thebed.”
She could have sworn she heard those confident feet stumble ever so slightly.
Fael returned for supper looking exhausted.Ren’wyn hated to see him so tired, but she smiled and sat beside him to eat.She’d napped for an hour, the warm sun on her face chasing away nightmares.Afterward, she had stretched, spent a long time plaiting her hair, and wandered the main square.The smell of fresh bread from the bakery and the sight of colorful dresses in shop windows had lifted her spirits, even though hers was clearly the least expensive version of the style.
Supper was simple—vegetable and chicken soup, rolls, and hard cheese.Summer strawberries were served last, and Ren’wyn sighed with pleasure as she bit into one.Fael watched her savor the ripe, red berries.When she finished, his gaze seemed almost sensual—until he laughed.
“You’re a mess,” he teased, tossing her a napkin.
She answered with pursed lips and an exaggerated eye roll before plastering on the kind of pretty smile born of years of grooming.
“A lady is never a mess,” she retorted, wiping her face clean before breaking into laughter alongsidehim.
“How was your afternoon?”she asked as a server arrived with moresoup.
“Unproductive,” he admitted with a grimace.He hesitated, then added, “I’m afraid there might be no work here for us.”
With a secretive lift of her eyebrows, Ren’wyn dropped a heavy purse onto the table.Fael’s eyes widened with appreciation and curiosity.
“I took my ghost pipes to the apothecary,” she explained, pride lighting her voice.“I gave him four stems, and he paid me fifty gold marks.Though I was surprised he had that much, considering the state of his grubbyshop.”
Fael picked up the bag and weighed it appraisingly.He gave a low whistle of approval.
“Very good, Ren’wyn!”he said, the compliment warming her chest.“Aren’t you the clever businesswoman?I should stay and nap nexttime.”
Ren’wyn felt a familiar uncertainty gnawing at her as she considered her inexperience with finances and planning.She bit herlip.
“Did something happen?”Fael asked, his brows knitting at her expression.
