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He glances over his shoulder to glare at the men guarding the doorway to the barn.
Even though Yorenzo claimed my illness wouldn’t spread, he and Braham have been keeping a healthy distance from me since we got back to the farm yesterday.
“They’re scared of you,” Ellister explains.
“Exactly. I feel like a leper.”
“Don’t. Fear equals respect in this world.”
He tosses a few more logs on the fire.
With no one here to stoke the flames during our trip, the water stopped boiling. Any Glow that had collected in the pitcher evaporated, but we’re back in business, and with assistance this time.
It’s nice to have the help, even if we are under duress.
Braham is currently chopping wood, while Yorenzo studies his books. The old man has been tirelessly flipping pages as he reads, and he’s taking notes. He’s studying everything he can about the time we’re traveling to, and every fact he soaks up is knowledge on our side.
About every hour, Ellister pours what we’ve produced into the flask while Braham keeps a tight grasp on it. Then it goes back into the brute’s pocket.
Although Ellister told them the Valonite collar would prevent him from using his power no matter what, they haven’t taken their eyes off him or the distiller for even a second. If one of them needs to take a break, the other stays.
Obviously, they don’t trust us. We don’t trust them. Tension is high, and it’s a very uncomfortable situation for everyone.
Speaking of uncomfortable, the pins and needles in my leg are creeping up and spreading fast. When I woke up this morning and tried to get out of bed, I couldn’t put weight on my foot at all. The excruciating sensation has traveled up my thigh, and I need a cane to walk.
Ellister found a sturdy stick for me in the forest, but it doesn’t offer the best support. While it’s thick and can handle my weight, it’s not straight. The twisty, knobby wood doesn’t give me the balance I need.
I lean heavily on it while I watch Ellister check the pipe for frequent dripping.
I can’t remember the last time he slept, and he’s not looking so great. He’s pale, his eyes are bloodshot from exhaustion, and he’s moving sluggishly.
Regardless of his claims of being damn near immortal, I’m worried about him.
I have an increasing feeling of despair, and I’m not sure if it’s coming from the illness or Ellister. His spirits are down. No matter how hard he tries to be upbeat for me, I can tell he’s affected by the constant hurdles we’ve had to face. Every solution we’ve come up with has gone awry.
Valora is an unpredictable place, and I want to go home, where the days are the same. Where the sun rises and sets on a schedule. Where Ellister and I can be together without wizards or spies breathing down our necks.
Nervously chewing my lip, I ask, “How much longer until we’ve got enough?”
“The flask is almost full.” He wipes some sweat from his forehead, then he stokes the flames some more.
“That’s great news. Why don’t you come rest with me for a while?”
“Can’t.” So stubborn and determined.
“You’ve been busting your ass nonstop.”
“And it’s working out in our favor. Someone has to keep the water boiling.”
“Braham can do it,” I loudly volunteer the man, earning a frown from him, but Ellister shakes his head and comes over to me.
He places his hand on the side of my neck, his long fingers spanning up to my scalp as his thumb runs along my jaw. My eyes flutter at the way my body responds so positively to him. My leg is still numb, but the pain is gone.
Under the guise of a loving exchange of sweet nothings between mates, Ellister whispers secrets in my ear. “Braham needs to be watched closely. Yorenzo, too. You have no idea how tempting and addictive this stuff is.”
I give our guards the side-eye. “You think they’d drink it, even after their leader told them not to?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I’m starting to think Envy chose them to accompany us for a reason.”
