His brow is darker than usual in the torchlight, but a small smile cuts across his lips.
“Piominko has been going through some movements with me and my—” He raises the remainder of his arm. “I would like to practice as a unit again.”
I study his arm carefully. A strong bicep tapers down into his elbow joint that now ends at a blunt end. His swirling tattoo that had stretched down his entire arm abruptly cuts off right at the joint. But the skin is not irritated, no lingering scabs, or reddened scar. It looks good, healthy even.
However, the emotional toil could still be festering.
“Well, it’s only been…”
The lowering of his brow has my words trailing off.
“I need to get back into the groove with the unit.”
I’m worried that if he starts too soon, before he’s ready it will be even more detrimental to his mental health. “But?—”
“Lena. I need this.” His tone is sharp, but his eyes are pleading.
I nod, biting my lip.Am I going to regret this?
I heave a sigh.
Who am I to judge when he’s ready?
“Okay fine. You can meet with us tomorrow. I’ll let everyone know.”
Relief softens his features and relaxes his posture. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell everyone for you.” He steps past me before pausing and grasping my shoulder. “Thank you.”
I stand there long after he’s gone, wondering if I have made the right call. Should I have discussed it further with him? Orwith the group? The weight of the books tightens the muscles of my shoulders and I continue on to my room.
Easing open the door with an elbow, I lower the books carefully onto the desk I had brought in by the windows. Two plush chairs are placed on the other side of them and I’ve taken to lounging or reading there whenever I have the time.
Our bed is turned down. Lachlan’s spare boots rest on the floor on his side, and his towel hangs on the bathroom doorknob. All signs of life here. Warm flames dance in the sconces, elevating the coziness of the room, and peace eases my mind.
This is my sanctuary again.
A knock on the door has me flinching.
“Yes?”
“May I speak with you?” Luna’s voice carries through the door.
Striding back across the room, I pull it open to see her serious, but serene, face waiting intently. She never looks this nice.What is she up to?
“Come in.” I take a step back to allow her into the room.
Luna takes two small steps past the threshold. “I just wanted to give you an update on the forges.” She hands me a parchment with figures drawn up, tallying the amount of swords, arrows, axes, and other battle equipment. “And the training schedules for each district and their attendance records.” Another stack of parchment is placed into my hands. “I would also like to check in with the healers we have on staff. Now that magic has returned, we should utilize their services elsewhere.”
If I’m being honest, I don’t know what the weapons amount or attendance records should look like. I’ll have to pass this along to Lachlan or—Evander. But her last sentence is intriguing.
“Would you like to have a seat?” I gesture to the two chairs.
She shakes her head.
“Very well.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Where should we move the healers?”
She arches a well-manicured brow. “You know of my past, yes?”
“Mhm.” Exhaustion is creeping into my bones, and I’m in no mood for guessing games.
