Page 69 of Fire Touched

Ella, an ever-practical young woman, sniffles. ‘We have to stop the bleeding. I wonder if there’s a first aid kit.’

‘Maybe I could go get Elga?’ I offer.

Killian clenches his jaw. ‘I don’t think he has that much time. I can help. Both of you, hold him still.’ I cringe, realising what he’s going to do, even before he hands me his blade. ‘Heat this. Not too much.’

Ella whimpers and holds Carter tightly. He stirs, his eyes fluttering open. His blue gaze lands on me first. ‘Get to safety—’ he breathes.

I squeeze his hand. ‘The guy is locked up. We’re fine.’

Ella brushes blond hair from his face. ‘Thank you for protecting us.’ Her voice is soft, soothing.

‘Hold him still. Carter, close your eyes.’ Killian doesn’t give any further warning before he rips the root out of his shoulder—Carter screams as blood splatters out—and I hand over the heated blade. Killian cauterises both sides of his shoulder, then sets the blade down, out of the way.

Carter’s breathing is ragged, but after a few moments, he opens his eyes to glare, his gaze finding Killian. ‘Ow,’ he says pointedly.

‘Sorry.’ Killian leans back on his heels, wiping blood off on his jeans. ‘I really am sorry. Timmen was after me, and he got you.’ He holds out a hand, and Carter takes it with his uninjured hand, letting himself be helped to sit up.

Carter takes a few more ragged breaths. ‘I had no idea…’ He breathes heavily. ‘… these people were in such pain. He blamed your father. What really happened at that massacre?’

Killian’s face darkens. ‘I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.’

Chapter Thirty-Four

Killian

Before I knock, I close my eyes, steeling myself. This could go badly, but I’m running out of options. The image of Carter’s blood splattering everywhere plays over in my mind. That guy, Timmen, put him, Ella and my mate in danger. He could have killed Carter trying to get to me. I won’t have more blood spilled because of me, or my father. I need answers.

I knock loudly on her door, hoping she won’t turn me into toad or something. Seconds pass. No answer. I frown. Knock again. Minutes pass. My hands, clenched into fists, start to sweat. I step back from the door, looking for a window. Perhaps she’s out.

Early rays of sunlight break through the distant clouds. The storm has passed, leaving Terran bathed in cool hues of brisk pinks and yellows.

I check myself. It’s early morning. Could the old crone be asleep? Even Katherine would find a way to turn me into a toad if I tried to wake her this early.

Rethinking my plan, I start to back away from the witch’s cottage, hoping I haven’t already disturbed her. Turning my back, I start to rethink my strategy when something catches at the edge of my hearing.

I pause, listening. A sniffle. Crying.

I follow the sound into the back garden. Elga sits in an old chair, weeping softly. Shit. What do I do? Back away?

Before I can, without lifting her head, she says, ‘What do you want?’ There’s no bite to her words, only strain.

‘I—I’m sorry. I knocked, but—’ I bite my lip, my gaze travelling over her. ‘Now’s not a good time, I can come back—’

Elga shakes her head. Her hair is roughly tied in a bun, but a good deal of it has escaped, trailing silver locks about her face. She holds a tissue to her nose. ‘You’re here now. Distract me. What is it?’ She waves me over, her arm moving stiffly, as though the simple gesture is exhausting.

‘How long have you been out here?’ I join her in the garden, taking the seat opposite her. ‘It’s barely dawn.’ At this angle, I can see her face clearly. Her eyes are puffy and wet, the tip of her nose red. ‘Elga, what is it?’

I expect her temper or impatience. Instead, she finally tilts her up to meet mine. ‘One day, if you have children, you’ll understand,’ she says quietly. ‘Now, please. What brings you to my doorstep at such an early hour?’

Instead of the questions about the past urging themselves to my lips, I ask, ‘Were you born here in Terran? Have you always been loyal to Earth Pack?’

Elga’s eyes brighten a little, pleasantly caught off guard. ‘Why, yes, I was. Though… that was a different time. Much has changed since my youth. And yes, always loyal to the same pack.’ She wipes away a stray tear, peering closely at me.

‘You probably know better than most about Terran’s history. I know it’s none of my business, and I don’t want to pry…’ My hand fists at my chest, pain radiating from my heart. ‘I think my parents were here that night. I think my mother died in that hall.’ My voice fall softly on the quiet, early morning—the birds still to hear me, the breeze died away, holding its breath.

Elga doesn’t even blink. Instead, she draws out a long, heavy breath. ‘That night hurt many, many people.’

‘Why won’t anyone give me answers?’

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