He said nothing more, just went back to staring at the dying fire, and I quickly climbed the stairs and let myself back into the room.
Shedding my clothes as I walked, I threw them haphazardly around the room before crawling into bed behind Sasori, tucking her close. I breathed in the scent of jasmine from her hair and slowly felt my body unwinding, finally relaxing.
Today was hard. Tomorrow would be even more difficult. Each day from here on out would be a challenge, one that I could only see getting progressively worse.
With those worries in my head and the feel of Sasori pressed against me, I finally fell asleep, only to be plagued by the nightmares of my past.
Chapter 68
Faylinn
The days after the rebels attacked Katiska were a whirlwind of activity. Mages darted about, securing the doors of the manor and escorting guests of importance from one place to the next. Others, I overheard, were stationed throughout the city, enforcing martial law, and a curfew was in effect for all residents. Groups sanctioned by Lord d’Refan were going door-to-door, asking questions of the residents and searching for the rebels. Those who were suspected of rebel activity were placed under guard in the basement of the abandoned temple. Shopkeepers and artisans had to apply to reopen their businesses with a permit, and those who didn’t were subjected to fines so heavy it put them out of business entirely.
I hadn’t seen Ellowyn since she woke from her catatonic state, but I was assured that she was receiving the best and most attentive care. After I woke her with the runes—a few for mental health and acuity, and one to ease emotions—she screamed before promptly passing out. This time in a proper sleep, which eased my worry slightly.
For the most part, I kept to myself in the guest room, sometimes exiting for food, but I really wanted to stay out of the way as best I could. Where awe once stood plainly on the faces of servants when they looked at me, now stood mistrust and a dose of fear. It curdled my stomach to see that change, but it was inevitable.
Bonds, in general, scared people. And these new Bonds? Ones that allowed a Mage and their Vessel to share a life force? That was enough to send any skeptic over the edge.
I blew out my breath as I sat on the couch reading the books Lord d’Refan supplied weeks earlier. Other than the information on the Life Bonds—what I was now calling the new type of Bond—I still hadn’t found anything of use.
I closed the book gently when I heard a slight knock on the door.
“It’s open!” I called. I expected one of the servants to come in and deliver lunch, but my visitor shocked me.
“General d’Alvey, I wasn’t expecting you,” I said as I scrambled to my feet, flattening my hair and dusting crumbs off my tunic. There was a stain of what I thought was jelly from my breakfast on my pants and I hurriedly scrubbed at it, but it wouldn’t budge.
He was dressed as impeccably as ever, even if the black was starting to become predictable, and simply raised one eyebrow, his deep-green eyes boring into me.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, my face growing hot, “I, uh, had breakfast here while I was reading. See! The books Lord d’Refan got me!” I held up the book in question. “And, well, I didn’t think I’d see anyone, much less you, today.” I paused. “That came out . . . wrong. And rude.”
I winced at my babbling.
Fuck, he makes me nervous.
General d’Alvey didn’t say anything for a minute, just continued to stare, and eventually I averted my gaze to my bare feet.
“You will be leaving this afternoon. One of my Mages, Lex d’Talionis, is taking a small group back today, Lord d’Refan and a larger group will follow later once the city is less...volatile.” His voice was clipped, his words matter of fact.
I nodded and pushed an unruly curl out of my face, only for it to flop back down again.
“I could stay and wait for the second group? If Ellowyn needs more help . . .” I trailed off at the severe look on his face.
“It was requested that you leave in the first group.”
“By whom?” My curiosity got the best ofme, again.
“Me.”
I blanched at that, blinking rapidly. I didn’t understand why that hurt so much, that he wanted me gone so badly that he requested I leave with this first group.
I pinched my lips together and nodded, slowly. “Got it. I’ll just . . . pack then. If that’s all?” My tone was cold, but I couldn’t help it.
I was hurt and quite done with his attitude toward me.
He said nothing, just turned on his heel to walk out the door.
Right. Ass.
