I took a deep breath. “This could ruin our whole plan.”
“I’m trying to make sure that doesn't happen.”
“It’s going to be fine. I'm sure you won't be gone too long,” I said, trying to reassure him and myself while a whole other thought took up residence in my mind.
Sebastian noticed my pondering. “What are you thinking?”
“What's going to happen to him? To Edward Fletcher?”
“You know what happens to traitors,” he replied.
“I know, but like, whatspecificallywill happen?” Would they behead him? Hang him? Torture him to death? I didn't like the man for obvious reasons, but we grew up together. And although I was pissed that he sold me out, I still hoped they didn't make him suffer.
“You don't really want to know that, Maeve, trust me.”
“I do?—”
Sebastian shook his head, and his voice was a stern threat not to argue. “No. You don't. And I’m not going to tell you.” He moved closer. “Listen, I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have taken my stress out on you. This isn’t your fault.”
My mouth lowered into a grimace. “It is kind of my fault,though. If it weren’t for my gift from Blythe, there wouldn’t even be a traitor to begin with.”
He took another step towards me. “It is also not your fault that you were gifted.”
“Doesn’t change the fact that I was.” I blew out a breath and looked into his eyes. “Well anyways, I'm sorry, too. I just assumed that you were still upset about?—”
Sebastian held a hand up to stop me, then reduced the space between our bodies. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
He gazed into my face, and the hardness of his expression softened into one of affection. Tension hung over us, soaked with a passion that neither of us could deny.
“Maeve,” he whispered my name, and the deepness of his voice made me shudder with overwhelming desire.
I bit my lip, trying not to act on my need for him. My eyes closed, needing a second of peace to stop myself from doing something rash.
“Yes?” I asked breathily.
“Wearefriends.” He broke our heated tension by denying my claim from earlier, and I blinked to look at him just as he returned to his side of the mat.
Friends.
I couldn't help but wonder if he wasn't being completely honest. Because you didn't look into the eyes of afriendin the way that he just looked into mine.
Chapter
Twenty
Sebastian must have left early the next morning, because Sawyer showed up in his place for combat training. We never had time to figure out a plan before he left, so I would use my magic as little as possible until he got back. I’d keep to the basics while wielding, which should work because Sawyer didn’t know any better.
Combat training left me completely defeated. Sebastian didn't take it easy on me by any means, but Sawyer showed me absolutely no mercy. He threw me on the ground too many times to count. I thought my offensive skills were improving, but maybe I was just learning to predict Sebastian's next move.
I collapsed to the mat, dropping my head between my knees while I tried to catch my breath. “Gods,” I said through labored breathing. “You’re a little too good at this.”
Sawyer huffed a laugh. “I’ve been training since I could walk, Willawood. I better be good at it.” He tossed me my rucksack and I removed my flask from it, finishing it off within seconds.
Sawyer had grown on me, which was good considering he was one of Sebastian's best friends. I sulked at the thought ofhim. He was so distraught yesterday, and I just hoped that he was okay.
“He’ll be fine,” Sawyer said, noticing the melancholy that had consumed me. He offered me his hand and I let him pull me to my feet.
I didn't bother trying to play dumb. “How long does it take to get to Craterra from here?” I asked him, trying to estimate when Sebastian might be back.
