What in Hades?
I spent all morning searching for Everly, and now here she is, drenched in mud.
Her hair hangs in filthy tendrils around her face, and splatters of mud cover her cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin, leaving only her eyes visible. Her surcoat, once a light gray, is now a rag.
I dismount and walk toward her. As I draw near, I catch a whiff of stagnant water and wet earth. Everly shifts from foot to foot, wincing as her mud-filled shoes make squelching noises.
“Cenric, I can explain,” she begins.
I hold up a hand, silencing her. “Later. Let’s get you cleaned up first.”
The guards snap to attention as I turn to them. “Letus in.”
They move back immediately, allowing me to walk beside Everly through the opening.
How did she manage to get herself in such a state? And why come here, of all places?
Some of the warriors stare as we pass by, their eyes widening at the sight of her. One even does a double take before averting his gaze, no doubt fearing my reaction if I catch him gawking for too long.
The events of last night replay in my head like a fever dream. The brawl at the Bottom of the Barrel, our hasty escape, and the sudden attack.
I glance at her, taking in her appearance again. Exhaustion etches deep lines into her face, and she walks with a slight limp.
As we weave between the tents, I decide that the safest place for her right now is here. I’ll find her a position in the camp, something that will keep her close and give her the means to support herself.
“Everly.” I slow my pace to walk beside her. “It’s best if you stay here. We can find you work in the camp.”
Relief flashes across her face as she looks up at me. “Thank you, Cenric.”
Chapter
Ten
EVERLY
It takeseverything in me to not hang my head in shame as I follow Cenric through the Bloodstone camp.
He stops near a tent and guides me inside. The interior catches me off guard with its unexpected spaciousness. My eyes are immediately drawn to a neatly made bed on the far side. Then, to the left, where shelves line the tent wall, packed with a mix of items. Leather-bound books stand in neat rows, their spines bearing titles I can’t quite make out in the low light. Jars of various sizes contain what I assume are herbs and oils, while rolled scrolls are tucked into every available space.
“Wait here,” he says as he disappears through the opening.
I allow my attention to wander to a sturdy wooden desk in the corner, covered in maps and documents. I squint, trying to make out the writing without moving closer.
The tent flap shifts, and Cenric returns, his arms laden with supplies. “I brought some things to help you clean up.”
Is this what swooning feels like? Because I might be swooning.
I clench my fists at my sides, willing myself to maintain some semblance of composure in front of him. The last thing I need is for him to see how much I long to throw myself into his arms.
He sets down a jar of herbs and cloths for washing and drying with. Then, he produces a bundle of clean clothes. “These might be a little big, but they’re dry.”
“Thank you.”
A slight smile pulls at his lips as he nods at me. “I’ll leave you to it.”
“Why? Don’t you find this earth goddess look attractive?” I gesture at my mud-caked body.
He pauses, and in a rare moment for him, his smile widens. “I prefer my goddesses a little less...swamp-like.”
