Page 90 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
The red eyes blinked, and it curled back and away.
They had a happy killer who liked to dress up? Who the fuck were these people? “Stay away from the unicorn and me, oryou’ll regret it,” I seethed, using one of the only things that I had left to survive—my mouth.
The foal stamped its hoofs again, but its challenging whinny was softer and more hesitant, as if it didn’t know what to think of this stranger.
My head was still spinning, and my sense of smell wasn’t working, but I bared my teeth at him. “Come one step closer, and I’ll launch myself at your face. I killed all three of your friends.” I hated the way my voice cracked, but I snapped my teeth, the best attempt at defiance I had left.
He placed his hands on his waist, his dark brown eye blazing with delight as he canted his head. “Love to see you try, trouble. I bet if you were in better condition right now, you’d give me a good run. But those weren’t my friends you killed. I’m your rescue. The old one told you I was coming, right?”
Many-Greats? My heart leaped as my eyes widened. I remembered his warning against mentioning him or my Aureline heritage. “The—the auburn-haired old man with gold eyes?” What was Many-Greats’ real name?
He snapped his fingers and pointed. “That’s the one. Smells like lilacs. Bryn Lugh of the Aureline High Council.”
On the AurelineHigh Council? The ones who were making us go through this nightmare? My blood turned hot… well, what was left of it. Still, it was enough to have me trying to twist my right arm free with effort once more. “If he’s on the council, why the hell did I have to go through this?”
He chuckled as he raked his hand through his shaggy red hair. “Can’t say I know the answer to that. Not really my business. Veralt’s the name, and you’re Briar. And I’m here to get you out.”
My rage dimmed as I blinked slowly, my thoughts murky. Veralt? That name was familiar. Where had I heard it? I’d deal with Many-Greats later. He’d probably show up in my bedroomagain some night soon. That was his preferred method of visiting me.
He stooped down and began digging me out of the dirt. “Hey there, trouble. You’re not looking so good. Wake up now. Gonna get you out safe, all doctored up, and on your way home, yeah?”
“Okay.” I winced as his hand grazed one of the cuts.
The unicorn stood there watching, tense, like it was still unsure if it liked the pirate or not.
“Any broken bones?” he asked.
“Maybe. There’s an arrow in my leg.” I bit the inside of my lip as another wave of pain crashed over me. “My cuts won’t stop bleeding.”
“Hey, stay with me. Deep breaths.” He crouched beside me. “We’re going to get you out. You’re gonna be just fine.” He reached into his pocket and removed a silver pendant like the one I’d lost and that he and the assassins wore. He lifted my tangled, matted hair and gently fastened the silver chain around my neck. As soon as he did, that thrum of energy passed through me.
“What’s it doing?” I murmured weakly.
“It’ll slow the bleed-out and boost your healing. Also repels certain kinds of monsters, provides light, and boosts teleportation spells. Very helpful in situations like this.” He lowered my hair. “Now, you brace yourself, and when you’re ready, tell me, and I’ll dig you out. You need to stay conscious if at all possible, so talk to me if you need to.”
The foal circled him, edging closer then edging back.
Veralt stroked the foal’s head with one massive hand and scratched around its horn. “Easy there, sugar. She’s gonna be fine. You’ll see.” He clicked his tongue and then looked at me. His good eye softened as his brow furrowed with heavy lines. “I think you made a friend here. Now, while you’re getting your breath, how about we take care of something else?”
He reached behind himself under the cloak and removed a large waterskin. A leather bag swung along with it, secured by the same strap. He unclipped the waterskin, unfastened it, and pressed it to my lips.
I gasped as he helped me drink the water. The sweet, clean flavor exploded over my tongue and eased the dry ache of my throat. My head pounded relentlessly, but I choked while swallowing greedily.
“There we go. Drink all you want.” He adjusted it so as not to overwhelm me, his hand shifting on the waterskin.
He drew it back after I’d had a few swallows, poured some in the palm of his hand, and offered it to the foal with one hand while he pressed the waterskin back to my lips with the other. I wanted to bless him and thank him and cry all at once.
The foal sniffed his hand and then licked up the water. He repeated this, alternating between giving me and the foal the most delicious water that had ever existed. Once we’d both had enough, he set the waterskin aside and laid out his cloak.
“I can’t guarantee this next part won’t hurt, so bear with me,” he said, kneeling beside me and digging. Bit by bit, he removed the sand and dirt, working my naked body free. Within minutes, he had my torso uncovered.
I tried to cover my breasts with my arms, wincing a little. The cuts on my chest, shoulders, and forearm continued to drip blood. A shudder coursed down my back, screaming that he needed to go away. “This feels wrong.”
He scooped the dirt from along my thigh. “Yeah, fair enough. Can’t say I’m enjoying it either. But if it makes you feel any better, there’s no one for me but Rhielle. She is my fate, my stars, my cosmic force. The only reason I’m here is because of her. You’re, like…her kid sister or something. But I’ll get you covered up here in just a moment.”
I blinked.Rhielle? That’s why I know his name.The way Rhielle had smiled at me before we’d entered this trial now made sense, but how had they managed this? “You’re Rhielle’s Veralt?”
A huge smile spread across his face. “Guilty as charged, happy when with her, and no longer considering regicide ’cause I don’t have to worry about my woman getting snatched away by some prince.” Leaning in closer, he resumed removing the dirt, his touch respectful and swift. “Only reason I didn’t burn this void-doomed palace and competition down is 'cause Rhielle told me we’d find a way to be together and it wasn’t worth anyone getting executed or banished. She said Fate wouldn’t give her to someone else, not when Rhielle had made her own choice. And it's a good thing too. I can't stand the Aurelines, and I'm not much fond of anyone telling me what to do unless they're the love of my life. My conscience and my woman are the only beings that rule me.”
