* * *
Ikneel on the ground and stare down at the graves, each one marked by a mound of rocks. Since I cannot offer them a proper burial, this will have to suffice. At the very least, it will protect their bones from animals.
These men had enough suffering in this life. They should not have to endure more of it in death.
My lungs squeeze as I jerk my gaze around, taking note of the area for Quinn. She may want to retrieve her brother’s body someday.
How will I ever tell her what I have done? I rescued her brother, only to allow him to die. Just like the other four men. Just like the House of Silver villagers.
I take a deep breathing, knowing I will need strength and courage to face Quinn…and Hector when I see him again.
And…
I glance up at the sky. Somehow, I will have to renew my faith in the high gods. It’s the only way I am going to continue this new chapter. This new beginning.
The thought follows me as I head north, hoping I run into Hector soon.
ChapterTwenty-Two
The heavy burden of guilt and defeat follows me over the next two days as I wander alone. Nothing is the same without Everly and Tersah.
Everything in me wants to hunt down those Hematites, to make them pay for what they did, but without bloodstone, I cannot even curse a mouse.
My hands are healed now, yet I’m more broken than before. More defeated.
I tighten my fingers into fists, digging my nails into my palms. Jerrod and Red Beard will pay for what they have done.
I will see it done, even if it is the last thing I do!
As the sun makes its gradual descent toward the horizon, the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of warm hues. It paints the sky in a spectrum of gold, amber and orange, each shade blending seamlessly into the next.
I sigh, hating that it’s so beautiful when my chest aches so badly.
Oh, Evie.
I’m so sorry.
The sound of running water lures me to a creek. Overhanging branches from nearby bushes drape gracefully over the water, their leaves occasionally dipping into the stream, creating ripples that travel across the surface.
I pull off Hector’s cloak, lay it on a rock, and dip my fingers into the cold water, splashing it across my face. It’s not enough to cool my frustration with the high gods.
A rumbling shakes the earth beneath me. I jerk to standing as three warriors ride into view wearing black battle marks.
I stare, my mouth agape as the first rider dismounts and stares at me.
He’s Bloodstone.
Thank Olah!
“Hello, Sol. Fishing?” Luc’s haunted green eyes shift to the stream and back to me.
I shove my tangled hair behind my ears. “I could fish if you give me a pole.”
The other two riders remain on their horses as Luc moves closer to me. “You do not know how relieved I am to see you.”
My chest tightens as I take in the man responsible for my kidnapping and bringing me to the Bloodstone. He only wanted me to heal his sister, Leah. And I only wanted to avenge Mother.
“How long has it been?” The words rush out of me, the need to know for sure how much time has passed since I last saw Hector.
