Page 56 of Fire Touched

I sip my tea. It’s warm and delicious. It tastes light and herb-like, with a smooth, honey aftertaste. ‘That’s why we have to go.’

‘What’s to stop them from killing us?’ Ella whispers.

I stare out at the people as a bunch of kids start kicking a ball around, Melody among them. As the kids play, a man at a stall picks up an instrument, touching his lips to one end of it. He sways back and forth as soft, melodic tones fill the air.

‘There was nothing to stop these people from killing us,’ I point out. ‘It’s a risk we have to take.’

‘Elijah is what stopped them,’ Ella murmurs. ‘I think we should take precautions. Perhaps Elga can help.’

I nod, barely hearing her. This. This is what I want. Most people are doing their own thing, but those who glance our way smile. Melody turns and waves at us a few times, poking the other kids to make them look. I watch as Amy and Scott talk to other people nearby, covertly nodding to us, small smiles on their faces. I can tell they’re saying good things about us. It’s a start.

I turn to Ella. ‘I don’t want to leave these people, and then have them… forget us. Forget what it’s like to have strangers here who only want to be friends.’

Ella’s brows knit. ‘Are you saying some of us should stay behind?’ Hurt colours her voice.

‘No,’ I say firmly, touching her bracelet to remind her. ‘I just… I guess I’m worried all this is just temporary.’

‘And we’ll have to start over if we come back?’ Ella finishes my thoughts.

‘Yeah. I mean, they like us today, because we’re here, and we’re not causing trouble, but what about a week from now, when we’re gone?’

Ella presses her lips together. ‘I don’t have an answer for that. One day at a time.’ She finishes her tea. ‘Now, shall we try to find a bookstall?’ She points at me. ‘Remember our deal? You owe me a book.’

I chuckle, getting to my feet. ‘Oh, don’t think that’s all we’re getting.’ We make our way down the path, pausing at some stalls, smiling. ‘Moira will have our heads if we don’t bring her back a book, too.’

Ella nods. ‘Understandably.’

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Killian

I definitely need a shower before going to talk with Verron. I spent all night and all morning in my little makeshift forge, beating that small piece of metal into something like the shape of Ivy’s chisel, the sun and the heat of the fire making my skin slick.

As I approach the guesthouse via the courtyard, a voice calls, ‘I wasn’t aware you were still staying here.’ I turn to see Moira lounging on one of the couches in the courtyard, in a bikini of all things, with a book in one hand and a cold drink in the other. ‘You know, since I’m betting you didn’t bother to come “home” last night.’ She sits up, setting her book and drink down. ‘After that dance last night, what exactly gave you the idea you should leave Katie high and dry?’

I blink, wiping a trickle of sweat out of my eyes. ‘W—what?’

Elijah comes out of the kitchen holding two plates of what I assume are sandwiches. Ella certainly didn’t make those. ‘Oh, hey. There you are. We were getting worried.’

Dread creeps into my bones. ‘I should have—she expected me to go to bed with her.’ I clench my fists. ‘Shit.’ I turn to head inside.

‘She’s gone,’ Moira calls, her voice sharp. ‘She and Ella went to the town centre. It must have been early this morning. I imagine Katie didn’t have a great sleep. I wonder how long she tried to wait up for you.’

‘Fuck.’ I storm into the house—past Carter, who gives me a wide berth—and up to our room. I push the door open, my heart pounding. I stare at the bed. Our bed. The first one we shared. My heart drops somewhere below my ankles. How could I be so stupid? Of course she thought I would be right home after talking with Verron. A litany of curses runs through my mind.

I lower myself onto the bed, heedless of the muck and sweat, and run my hands through the sheets. They’re cold. I’m sorry, Katherine.

I strip my clothes off, furious at myself for getting caught up in my own head all night. I shower, the heat blasting my skin. I wonder if Katherine showered or bathed. If she heard those voices in her head. I should have been here for her. Why the hell wasn’t I?

I get dressed quickly, forgoing the suit and tie of last night, and opting for jeans and a t-shirt. I race down the stairs and come face to face with Carter. I try to move past him, but he doesn’t budge. ‘Move,’ I snap.

Carter shakes his head. ‘Can I give you some advice, Killian?’

I bite back the scoff that climbs up my throat, reminding myself I’m trying to mend fences, here. Instead, through gritted teeth, I grind out, ‘Sure.’

‘Stop dancing around Katherine. Be direct.’

I narrow my eyes. ‘I am not dancing—okay, there was dancing last night—but I am not dancing around her. What do you mean?’

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