Brea sent him a bland stare. “We will wake at first light—”
Evylin and Ethenn both frowned.
“For exercise,” she explained. “Then, when we make our stop each evening, we will get to the real work.”
Thom nodded. “That’s when we normally train.”
Brea gave him an amused look. “You won’t be joining us.”
“What?” Thom and Rafferty said together.
“Warriors need special training with those who challenge them,” Brea said. “If they aren’t constantly challenged, they stagnate. Since Ethenn, Evylin, and I possess the advantage of magic, we can push one another no matter what. As no one else in the camp is a Warrior, no one else is invited to our training.”
“Well, that’s—” Thom cut himself off, grumbling under his breath.
“Who are we supposed to train with, then?” Rafferty asked.
“Relax, Rafferty,” Deckard said. “You’ll train with me. And Hewitt.”
“Eh!” Rafferty said happily as Evylin exclaimed, “What?”
Deckard brushed a comforting hand over her back. “Speaking of,” he said, rising, “Evylin and I need to speak with him. We’ll be back shortly.”
Readily, Evylin hopped up at his side while the rest of the group turned away, and Rafferty immediately began pestering Brea with questions about her life in Schon.
As they walked into the trees, Evylin wove her fingers through his. The sunset peeked through the clouds, filtering through the thick canopy above their head. Though the air had smelled of rain all day, it had yet to fall. Still, the perpetual chill led them to keep their cloaks on their shoulders, though with their hoods down.
“I still can’t believe I get to see him again,” Evylin said, her voice tremulous. “There’s so much to tell him and so little time....”
Knowing she wasn’t referring to the shortness of their evening, Deckard drew her closer to his side. “We’ll make the most of what time we have left,” he promised. “I can’t keep him around at every moment, but I can make him part of most things. I have the strength for that now, especially with the Night Relic.”
“Do you think it’s wise, though?” she asked as if nervous to hear the true answer. “We know now that Night isn’t your first resource, but... Isn’t it still dangerous, connecting with it too much?”
“Despite Auden’s concerns, the use of Night magic does not ensure a descent into madness.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance. “Trust me. I can summon Hewitt without risking my sanity.”
Visibly, Evylin relaxed, and the air around her eased. “He’ll be happy for us,” she said. “And I think he’ll approve of our Bonding, even if it takes some convincing.”
Deckard smiled. “I think you’re right. If nothing else, he’ll be glad to know it makes you happy and keeps you safe.”
She nudged his side. “It keeps you safe too.”
“And it makes me happy,” he agreed. “But Hewitt won’t care about that. He only cares about you.”
“Don’t say that.”
He glanced at her, bemused by the flare of some sharp emotion emanating from her. Thinking it likely from embarrassment, he continued to tease her. “It’s true. He’s told me many times that he doesn’t care what happens so long as you’re taken care of. I’m just the best way to accomplish that.”
Evylin came to an abrupt halt, expression serious. “Don’t say that,” she repeated.
Trying to determine her true feelings, Deckard studied her carefully. “Evylin, it doesn’t bother me,” he said, wondering if she was concerned for him. “He’s your uncle. You two were closer than I’ve been with... Well, with anyone but you. My relationship with Hewitt has always been tied to you—it’s always been about you.”
Evylin pulled away from him. “Why does everything have to be about me?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Everything is always about me,” she said with a huff. “Your relationship with Hewitt. Our future. According to Isla, even Blount is obsessed with me, no matter if he is mentally unstable. Why can’t things ever be about someone else?”
Deckard couldn’t help smiling. “Because we love you.”
