EXPOSED AND DISCONNECTED
Arioch
When I opened my eyes, the daylight streaming through my bedchamber windows drove a lance through my skull. Exhaustion was a siren in my soul, desperate to lure me back to sleep. A ravenous demon had taken up residence in my gut and demanded sustenance, forcing me to admit how truly grievous my wounds must have been to leave me so depleted and starving.
Loath as I was to admit it, Ziara could have ended my life. And that one action would have dire consequences for my people. No manor could survive without the magic of a lord or lady.
Determination set my jaw as I hauled myself upright. The simple task was more of a struggle than I cared to admit, but a new purpose drove me. My vision swam, and my stomach roiled as I set my feet on the floor, and I breathed through it.
The wounds on my chest had sealed, but the flesh and tissue were still red and raw, tugging at every movement. Soon, it would heal completely, leaving behind no scars. For now, I simply neededto endure. Gritting my teeth through the pain, I rose from my bed.
The little thief and I would cross blades again, and I had to prepare.
Next time, I would show no mercy.
I conjured a pair of trousers, since bending to manually pull them on seemed inadvisable at best.
Magic coalesced by the window, and a being standing barely over two feet tall appeared. Properly dressed in his self-appointed and unnecessary uniform of a suit and tie, the brownie wrung his hands as he lurched forward with a bow.
“M’lord.” As he stood, his beady eyes took in the angry lines on my chest and widened in shock. “It is true. You were attacked.”
I forced my jaw to relax and unclenched my fists. “I was.”
He frowned. “Please do not trouble yourself to rise. You need your rest, and I have the situation under control.”
If he meant to reassure me, he failed spectacularly. Of all the beings who called my manor home, this diminutive creature inspired annoyance far more often than confidence. Still, after the ruinous events of last night, I braced myself for more disturbing news and mentally followed the path to my húskarl’s mind.
Any trouble?
No, m’lord,Tyrin replied at once.All is well.
Good. I am awake and will patrol the property after I break my fast. You and the others should rest while you can.
I will assign rotations.
Refocusing on Norval, I asked, “What situation?”
The brownie dipped his head. “The daily operations of the manor, of course. The staff is quite unsettled by the disappearance of the ward, but I have informed them they may address their questions and concerns to me while you are indisposed, getting the rest your healing requires.”
“You overstep.”
My admonishment came out as a growl, and Norval took astep back, clutching his hands in front of him. “My apologies, m’lord, I?—”
“I am not so wounded that I would abandon my responsibilities.”
“Of course not. I merely mean to lighten your load during this perilous time.”
Careful not to wince in pain, I straightened. “As you can see, your concern is unnecessary.” I normally humored the brownie, but today, I possessed neither the time nor the energy to indulge his ambitious machinations, so I dismissed him with a wave. “That will be all.”
Disappointment creased his brow, but I ignored him and focused on the parlor where I customarily broke my fast, stepping forward. The manor’s familiar magic condensed around me, extracting me from my chambers and transporting me directly beside the table.
The parlor occupied the southeast corner of the manor, positioned to capture the morning light through colorful stained-glass windows. The subdued lighting of midday meant I had missed the sunrise and the brilliant shades of emerald, ruby, and sapphire usually cast across the informal mahogany table.
Catori was already seated. Her gaze assessed me as I crossed the room and took my seat, trying not to wince at the tug on my healing muscles.
“You are in pain, hatchling.”
“Nothing I cannot handle.”
