Page 136 of Cursed Evermore
“Thank you. And see you soon,” I told him.
Sirril bowed and sauntered away. Arielle stepped closer when he walked through the door, her remaining presence a reassurance I never expected to feel.
“Are you still in pain?”
“Not so much. I just feel a little lightheaded and drained.”
“That should hopefully pass by tomorrow.”
“Thanks for the dress.” I glanced at the garment she'd laid at the bottom of the bed. “It's very pretty.”
“It's one of my favorites. I thought you would like it, too.”
“I do.” I nodded.
“Thank goodness we're the same size.” It was a light joke, but I sensed the unease lurking beyond her smile.
I could see she was still trying to be a friend. Through the night, while I drifted in and out of fevered sleep, I heard her healing me with whispered spells and felt her tending to my wounds with gentle hands.
I'd almost thought I'd never see her, or anyone again, but every time I felt her presence it gave me hope. She and Garrick had been with me the whole time until I drifted into solid sleep.
“Thanks for taking care of me last night.”
She flicked her wrist as if to say it was nothing. “Of course. I'm sorry I couldn't stop the Ruskiel before things got that far. I'd never seen one before.”
“Are they rare? I hope they are because I never want to see one again.” The memory of the monstrous witch with her giant tentacles would always make my skin crawl.
Arielle released a heavy sigh and nodded. “Thankfully, they are very rare. Except for Wolfe, none of the other guys have seen one, which makes it even stranger that we encountered one last night.”
My core clenched with unease. Thatwasquite odd. What were the chances of seeing something so rare? Then again, how often did humans sail through the Veil? Wolfe had said Ruskiels were attracted to those with mortal blood the most. Perhaps that increased our chances of seeing one.
Gods, I hoped my humanity wouldn't attract any more unwanted attention. I didn’t have the mental strength to deal with anything else.
“Don't worry,” Arielle spoke quickly, probably seeing the fear flickering in my eyes. “I've heard of all sorts happening in the Tideheart. That was just one of them. We shouldn't have any more encounters like that while we're in Galaythia. Not unless we go looking for trouble, which we won't.”
“That makes me feel a little better. Areyouokay?”
The question surprised her at first, then she seemed touched by it. “I am, thank you for asking.”
“I... would have helped you.” I thought it was important she knew that. “Even if I didn't know how. I would have tried.”
Warmth brightened her face, and she reached forward to rest her hand on my knuckles. “I appreciate that.”
“It would have been the least I could do. I was the one who attracted the creature.”
“Do not blame yourself for that. It's just one of those unfortunate incidents.”
“It certainly was.”
She picked up the tray with the porridge and set it in my lap with care. “Eat and get dressed. Food will make you feel stronger. I'll come back in a little while and we can go over the plans for today.”
“Could you give me an idea of what we'll be doing? I’m a little nervous.” That was putting it lightly.
“Sure. We'll be docking in Galaythia in a few minutes. We'll head to Vyrenth Hollow, Wolfe's home, and basically take things easy for the next two days. I'll be with you the whole time, helping you to restore your magic and your health.”
That sounded doable, almost too good to be true. “So, we're not going to just jump into the tracking spell straightaway?”
“No.” She smirked. “Even Wolfe knows he'd be risking failure if we attempted any sort of spell with you so weak. It's in his best interest that you rest.”
