Page 42 of The Bones of the Cursed
Pulling him in for a quick hug, I glance around the group, then nod for Hendrix to join us. “Four of the humans will come with me,” I tell Siveral, “but I want Hendrix to stay behind to keep an eye on her and update me whenever necessary.”
Hendrix arrives with a questioning look.
“Keep an eye on her. Shit is only going to get worse. Make sure to watch out for her. Please. I’ll stay near Vrolstead. If you need me, send word to the inn.”
“Of course I will. But when will you be back?”
“Soon, hopefully. I just need some space, and I might as well try to get some answers in the process.”
“If you’re going to Vrolstead, bring me back some of that amazing jerky, will ya?”
I laugh. Leave it to Hendrix to get my mind off things. “Do you ever stop eating?”
He gives me that charming smile he likes to show the ladies. “I’ve been blessed with the body of a God.”
Siveral snorts. “All right, boy, let’s not get carried away.”
“You’re just mad that you can’t keep up with me, Siv. Not atyour age.”
Siveral groans. “Watch it.”
I laugh. “Give it a break, you two. Don’t get into trouble while I’m gone.”
“No promises,” Hendrix and Siveral say in unison. Hendrix punches Siveral and then the two are wrestling like adolescents.
I leave them to it.
I mount Zephyr and he snorts, wondering why his buddy isn’t coming with us. I look at her tent one last time, finally quiet. No sniffles or tears, just deep breathing.
I give Zeph a quick squeeze at his sides and he starts to walk. Each step away from her causes the pain in my chest to grow.
Maybe I’m having a heart attack. At this point I’d welcome it, then I wouldn’t feel this gut-wrenching pain.
By the time the campsite has faded from view, I’m completely numb.
No thoughts.
No feelings.
Just emptiness.
My chest a giant, gaping wound that only she could fill.
18
- ALANIS -
EMOTIONS LAID BARE
Four hundred and seven days I’ve been in the Primal Realm.
Fourteen days since Elion went missing.
Four days since Kailu left.
When I awoke that morning to find him gone, it felt as if the air had been punched from my lungs. I’m not sure what changed or where it all went wrong. One minute we were bickering, flirting, and kissing like teenagers, and the next he was cold and aloof. He pushed me away and then, like a coward, left so he didn’t have to face me.
Probably off to find Malakai’s sister. My mother always said my eavesdropping would only lead to bad things. I guess I finally learned my lesson. Overhearing his and Malakai’s conversation last night shredded what remained of my heart.
