Page 45 of The Dark Mage
“We’re unusual,” she said.“Perhaps the first of ourkind.”
Fael looked down at their intertwined power—shadow and flame, a living symphony.
He stopped breathing when she whispered in an otherworldly voice, “We belong together—our power, our magic, our spirits.And there are more we mustfind.”
Fael dropped his sword and took her other hand.A breeze rose from the ground and spiraled around them, hot and cold rippling across their exposedskin.
“We belong together,” he agreed.“And we will protect each other.”
When he finished speaking, the breeze died away, the whispers floating with it.Fael released Ren’wyn and picked up his sword.
She stood motionless, stunned by what had happened.
They stared for a moment before Fael returned to his exercises.Ren’wyn watched him in silence through the rest of his pattern, her thoughts turning inward.
Their walk back to the inn was quiet, and they held hands, acknowledging their strange magicalbond.
“We will find them,” Fael said in a low voice as he released her hand at the door of herroom.
“Yes,” Ren’wyn nodded solemnly.“Wewill.”
They passed three more weeks in Delmor, and at some point, Axel let word of their “condition” slip.Ren’wyn began noticing extra helpings at the table, the innkeeper giving her a pointed wink.The maids brought her a free bath, giggling and unsuccessfully trying not to stare at her stomach.
Fael was told, under no circumstances, could he help with the new roof on the butcher’s shop—the butcher muttering about “falling” and “providing adequately with a broken leg.”Fael threw up his hands and happily assisted by gathering and distributing supplies from the ground.
When her bleeding started during the second week, she had a frank and open conversation with Fael, who, surprisingly, was neither squeamish nor embarrassed.They decided to keep up the ruse, and Ren’wyn spent two days in bed with cramping and nausea, Fael bringing her food and tea fromAxel.
By the third day, she returned to the apothecary, well enough to handle the necessary tasks.Axel was sweet, insisting she rest and eat frequently.Fael hovered like a concerned father-to-be until Axel shooed him out, saying he and Ren’wyn had work to do.
They spent the afternoon cleaning glassware from a shipment of different shapes and sizes.Ren’wyn loved how the bottles glittered in the afternoon sun, already picturing the perfect use for eachone.
Axel sent her home early to rest, and Ren’wyn appreciated it—the fatigue from her period still lingering.Fael checked in after returning from the roofing project, and she let him know she’d be down for supper.
The next day, she resumed training, muttering darkly about “womanhood,” which made Fael snicker.He didn’t remind her to take it easy—as though he trusted her to know her limits without being told.Ren’wyn froze, then embraced the independence with fervor, digging deep into herself to learn her own strength.
They talked about how long they could stay before things got complicated and agreed on another month at most.Fael was growing more confident about moving west and south, away from the Capital.
It was two nights later that Ren’wyn woke to strains of silent, discordant music raking across her magic.She broke out in a cold sweat as the creeping sensation she’d felt at the Trisin apothecary weeks ago returned.It crawled over her like shards of glass, pressing her with a horrible stillness.
Fael slipped through her door silently, sword drawn, power crackling in the air as he looked herover.
“Get dressed,” he commanded.“We need torun.”
She nodded and motioned for him to turn around.Stripping down, she pulled on a dark blue dress, pinned up her hair, and tucked her nightclothes into her pack.She had bought a larger bag recently and kept it ready for a moment likethis.
Finally, she pulled a letter from the dresser and slipped it under the apothecary door.Fael had read and approved the message.
DearAxel,
Thank you for the job, but I have to say goodbye.I know you won’t understand, but I wanted to offer a small honesty in return for the work you’ve given me.My name is not Calora, and Tern and I are moving on.We have magic, and we’ve been discovered.I’m sorry for any trouble this may cause you with the shop, and I’m sorry I never told you.We will head into the forest to find safety.Goodbye, and goodluck.
Inside, she slipped anothernote:
Axel,
Burn this note and keep the letter hidden somewhere the imperials will find it when they search the shop, as though you wanted it kept secret.It will help clear your name when they come looking for us.You’re the closest thing I’ve had to a father in a long time, and I hope you find peace and happiness in everyway.
With affection,
