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“Yes, I do. I would have left without stopping to think what consequences you would have suffered for my actions until it was too late.” My fingers tighten. “I would have cared, Cassius.… Idocare.”
His face softens with a small smile. He nods, then jerks his head toward the tent. “Go now, little bird. Rest while you can.”
Rising up, I walk toward the thin canvas tent, and stop outside to look over my shoulder. “I’m glad you came, and thankful that you’re helping me keep a level head.”
Without waiting for a reply, I climb inside and lay on my back staring at the dark material that covers me like a starless sky. Listening to the soft snapping and crackling of the fire I try to sleep, but my nerves are wound so tight that even exhausted, I find it impossible.
The sky gradually grows darker.
I sit up when I hear voices outside the tent. The others must have returned. Unable to hear what they are saying, I crawl forward and lift the flap. Lawrence holds out a pack for Cassius. He catches my eye, and I shrink back inside.
Sitting back on my haunches, I wait. Footsteps crunch on dried grass. A cold gust of air sweeps in as the flap is pulled wide. I shiver.
Cassius crouches at the entrance. “It is time to go.” He takes me in. “You didn’t sleep at all, did you?”
I shake my head then take his outstretched hand.
We are riding again before the sun is fully set, skirting tightly around the foothills of the Sunfall mountains. I breathe a sigh of relief as the top of the forest comes into view along the edge of the horizon.
“There are stories and legends about what lurks in these forests,” Cassius murmurs into my ear. “The creatures that are said to inhabit them rival demons. Some say that the local fauna mated with ancient demons and became twisted things that are made of magic and tricks.”
I snort. “That’s nothing more than a children’s story.”
“Are you sure about that, little bird?”
Twisting in the saddle, I swat playfully at his arm. “I’m not a child so you can stop trying to scare me.”
He chuckles, and I face forward again, gaze rolling skyward with a smile.
After a while, I’m too tired to stay awake much longer. My eyes are heavy, and with each blink, it’s a fight to open them again. Despite the warm furred clothes and Cassius’s body heat at my back, the chill of the night creeps into my bones.
I brush a hand along my dagger strapped to my thigh. My thoughts drift to Alaric, wishing he was with me.
The blood in my veins feels sluggish, as if slowly solidifying to rivers of ice. My teeth chatter. I tug the edges of the cloak tighter, pressing back into Cassius and attempt to soak up his warmth.
“Clara?” Cassius says my name, but his voice is muffled.
I sway in the saddle.
Turning my head, I open my mouth to answer. The world shifts with me and doesn’t stop. Icy air rushes past my face as my limbs refuse to cooperate. Cassius reaches out to me from atop the horse.
I land with a hard thud. My head smacks against the ground, and stars explode across my vision.
Chapter Twelve
Clara
I try to move,but I can’t feel my body. The dull throb in my head is the only thing telling me that I’m still alive. The world is nothing more than dark shapes moving against even darker shadows. Faraway voices call my name.
“What’s wrong with her?” Lawrence demands.
My stomach aches with a stinging heat, growing unbearable as it spreads like burning oil through my veins. I try to keep from moving to stop the spinning in my head.
“She’s ice cold,” Cassius’s deep, rich voice says near my head.
“Stupid girl. She should have said something,” Della mumbles, though her words lack their usual sharp edge. “We never should have allowed her to go on this foolish mission.”
Everything hurts. The muscles in my back contract, arching my spine sharply. Then my body seizes.
