“I’ve spent most of my life feeling broken, too,” I admitted. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about damage, it’s that it can be healed. Yeah, maybe things won’t ever look the same, and there will always be scars to remind you what happened, but you don’t have to keep bleeding out.”
Marcus didn’t say anything, but he rubbed his hands together, like he was really thinking about what I said.
“Maybe you should take a break,” I suggested.
“Take a break from saving the world?” he asked skeptically. “I’m not sure that’s helpful to anyone.”
“If it helps you, then it’s worth it,” I said. “You can’t be out here saving the world when doing so keeps busting your wounds back open. You need time to heal, Marcus.”
“I can’t just step away,” he insisted. “What will I do with myself? I’ll get bored, and that’ll just make things worse. Everyone else here has a super important job. You’re a prince, Ava’s a princess, Opal’s her lady, Kallie’s a court diplomat, Ez is studying medicine… and what am I doing? Sitting on my ass making art. Like that helps anyone.”
“Art is important,” I insisted. “And it’s not like Ivy, Chancey or Alistair have jobs.”
“Ivy’s keeping a low profile, Alistair’s busy experimenting with his magic, and Chancey doesn’twantany responsibilities. He’s happy to sit on the couch with a beer watching baseball for the rest of his immortal life,” Marcus shot back at me. “But me? I can’t just… bum around. I need something tocreate.But that’s not saving lives. No one’s even bothered to ask if I’m needed. So obviously, I’m not.”
Marcus needed a job here in Ilamanthe. Something that wasn’t as stressful as demigod work, and something where he could put his talents to good use. I was prince, so I was going to have to come up with something.
“I need a court bard,” I said quickly. “Someone needs to sing and entertain the palace. We’ve got to keep spirits up around here.”
“I can’t keep a tune to save my life,” Marcus said glumly. “You know that.”
“So put on plays,” I offered. “I’ll be in the front row on opening night.”
“Maybe…” Marcus mused, but I could already tell he was liking the idea.
Music, art, and theater were Marcus’ healing modalities. Maybe if he spent enough time on his art, it would help him through some of his internal struggles.
“Comeon, Marcus. We need to keep morale up around the palace,” I insisted. “The war really brings people down. Giving them some entertainment could help.”
“I guess you’re right,” Marcus finally said. “You guys have been telling me for a long time I need to work on myself, and now’s the time to actually do that. Plus, I reallycoulduse a break from my powers. It’s too much.”
“That’s good news,” I encouraged.
“But,” he added, and my stomach dropped, “I need to stay away from the team while I get my stuff in order.”
“We still want you around,” I promised.
“It’s not that,” Marcus said. He got to his feet and gave a sigh. “I can’t work out my shit and save the world at the same time. I’ll feel better once I figure myself out, and I need to do that alone. I can’t talk to any of you guys for a while. I need… space.”
The suggestion made me feel uneasy, but I knew protesting would only drive him further into his shell. We needed a healed Marcus if we were going to get anywhere— not a broken one.
“All right,” I finally said as I stood. “If you need anything, my door is always open.”
“I know,” Marcus replied.
I reached out an arm for him, and although he hugged me back, his form remained rigid.
I left the room feeling disheartened. I wasn’t entirely sure Marcus was taking my suggestion seriously. It more or less felt like he was agreeing to work on himself in an attempt to avoidus. Ireallyhoped his time away helped him feel better, because I cared about him, and we all needed him. The team felt broken without him.
And no matter what he thought, we couldn’t win this war without Marcus.
Chapter Eight
AVA-MARIE
Ilamanthe smelled like fresh linens and sunlight. I awoke slowly, enjoying the sound of the birds outside as the curtains blew in the wind. Charlie was asleep on my chest, an arm wrapped protectively around my waist.
Last night was great. We’d messed around in the Sanctuary before we’d moved to the bed. I didn’t want to stop, but I’d been so worn out I’d fallen asleep after he’d blown my mind. Charlie really knew how to push me to my limits.
