Page 58 of Dragonbound

‘Sereh,’ he called as soon as Emma had left his side. His voice was weaker than he’d have liked. However, Sereh was waiting for him. He’d sensed her impatience while he’d slept throughout much of the last few days. She stamped into view immediately.

‘I don’t like that woman,’ she whispered urgently, kneeling beside him. He pushed some of his furs towards her so that she could sit on them instead of on the cool, black, cavern floor, which he realised was never as cold as he thought it should be. She offered a tight smile and sat cross-legged on the furs, her long legs tucked tight to her body.

‘What’s she doing here?’ Sereh hissed, leaning forwards, reaching for his hand that held the journal. ‘Where did she come from? I don’t believe a word she says. She has more supplies than Rankil’s entire steading. There’s something odd going on.’

Erann glanced over her shoulder to Emma, even as he felt the familiar spark between him and Sereh. Emma motioned going outside. Erann nodded imperceptibly to show he understood.

‘I know it’s all very strange, Sereh, but I can’t help feeling grateful. She does have everything we need. And she’s more than happy to share.’

Sereh glowered, snatching back her hand to fold her arms across her chest. Emma stumbled over some loose rocks at the mouth of the cave, the sound echoing back to them. Sereh rolled her eyes.

He reached out and Sereh relented from her tight stance and examined his palm as she did so. He watched her carefully. She was debating what to say. Whatever it was, he would need to think quickly to offer reassurances and keep her trust. It was difficult to think clearly when she was running her fingers over his hand. It sent delicious shards of warmth along his arm. He could have enjoyed it all day long, but then she pierced him with her sharp blue eyes.

‘So, Erann,’ she began, her voice filled with icy resolve. ‘Any danger of you telling me what’s going on here? I don’t believe you. And I don’t believe Emma either. So you tell me the truth about Emma and what’s happening here, or I’m leaving.’

Erann flinched.

It was a no-nonsense, practical tone that dared him to refuse her. He knew she’d been treating him with fur gloves since his injuries. Now he realised how much she’d been sparing him these past few days.

‘Sereh, I have told you the truth and so has Emma, I believe. What’s all this really about?’

He was hoping he’d sound calm, reasonable. It didn’t work.

‘Do you take me for a fool, Erann Ramonsson?’ Her voice rose. ‘I know you’re lying to me.’

Her anger was building. Erann could already feel everything begin to spiral out of control. He pushed on all the same.

‘Sereh Hagonsdottir,’ he tried for a lightness of tone, ‘explain to me what doesn’t make sense,’ he said softly, using her full name as she’d used his. ‘Help me understand what you think’s happening?’

That caught her off-guard. She lifted her hands, pushing his back under the fur, and sat back, glaring.

‘Where shall I start? Oh yes, I know, with the most obvious. How did you survive that avalanche? There’s not a hope in Valhalla that I’d have been able to find you under all that snow, let alone dig you out. At the time, I was so relieved I didn’t question it. But now? People don’t just survive avalanches, Erann, not when they’re buried so deep.’

Erann took a breath to reply, but she was just getting going.

‘Secondly, how did you survive the night on Vatna Jokull?’ She was ticking things off on her fingers. Gods, she’d thought about this a great deal.

‘Thirdly, who the hell is Emma Flokisdottir, where did she come from and why does she look so familiar?’

‘That’s at least three questions,’ he muttered mutinously.

She shot him a withering look. ‘Fourthly, what’s she been giving you? Because a broken leg should not be healing this fast.’

Erann blinked. Had Emma been giving him something? He thought it was something to do with Skaldi’s influence.

‘Fifthly, who, by the Gods, do you keep talking to when you think no one’s paying attention? Emma’s obviously aware because she pretends to be busy every time you do it.’

Sereh leaned in, blue eyes blazing with super-heated flames, and made him look at her.

‘I need answers, Erann. I deserve answers. I’ve saved your life how many times now? And you still don’t trust me.’ Her voice cracked. ‘If saving your sorry life twice isn’t enough, I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do to earn your trust.’

She stopped and took a shaky breath. Erann wanted to look at her but was afraid of what he’d see. His eyes fell on Arrow instead, who watched them warily.

‘Erann,’ Sereh said quietly. ‘Please, be honest with me. You haven’t been out there for days,’ and here she pointed towards the mouth of the cave. ‘The thaw’s barely started. The Long Night was way too long. And then there’s your secret journal.’ Her hands twisted in her lap, even as he gripped the journal tightly. ‘Something’s not right. You know what I mean. And I think you know what’s wrong. Just tell me. Please, Erann.’

Her pleading tone was worse than the shouting.

Erann bit back the lies and excuses he had ready. She was right. She did deserve better.