“Well,” I begin, trying to sound nonchalant while my mind races for a plausible excuse. “It was just your typical evening stroll turned kidnapping.”
He frowns. “Everly…”
Think, you fool. Think!“Would you believe I was swept away by a group of traveling minstrels who mistook me for their long-lost tambourine player?”
Cenric’s expression doesn’t change. Not even a hint of amusement.
I sigh and set down my empty bowl. “I may have accidentally stumbled upon some smelly men discussing things they shouldn’t have been. And they may have decided I knew too much.”
“What kind of unsavory characters?” Cenric asks.
“The kind that don’t appreciate eavesdroppers.” I force a weak smile. “Honestly, it’s all a bit of a blur. I was so scared. I think my mind has blocked out most of it.”
“You’re safe now,” he says. “No one will harm you here.”
Am I safe?
Is my family?
Worry coils around my chest as I reach into the bag at my waist and squeeze my fingers around the fox, desperate for Kassandra’s strength.
There must be a way for me to protect my family and stop Hawke.
But how?
It seems as impossible as climbing to the moon and embracing it.
Or maybe…I just need to learn how to climb to the moon, to conquer it.
Only then will my family be safe.
Chapter
Eleven
CENRIC
I watch Everly’sface carefully as she finishes her tale. Something’s off. Her eyes dart away too quickly. Her fingers fidget with the bag tied to her waist.
She’s hiding something.
But I don’t press. Not yet.
“You should rest,” I say, my voice low and controlled despite the rage simmering beneath my skin.
Those bastards who dared to lay their hands on her will die!
Relief flashes across her face as she nods. “Thank you, Cenric.”
As I lead her back to the tent, my focus narrows to Everly’s uneven steps and the slight tremor in her shoulders.
Who in Hades took her?
We reach the tent, and I hold the flap open for her. “Everything you need should be inside,” I say as she hesitatesat the entrance. “If you require anything else, just call out. There will be guards nearby.”
She turns, her eyes meeting mine for a moment. In that instant, I see a glimmer of something before she masks it. “I appreciate your kindness, Cenric.”
I smile, then step back, letting the tent flap fall closed between us.
