This time Quinn shot me a look of accusation. “How is that even possible? That power was eradicated.”
Master Riss shook his head gravely. “The people were, not the power. But what I do not understand is why it has been used on this poor child—look here boy!” The healer said waving to some invisible thing over Riella’s chest I could not see. “Do you feel this here?”
Quinn pursed his lips as he focused. “I feel it, father.”
“Follow what I do andonlyexactly what I do.”
My hands clenched and unclenched in my lap at the long pause in the room. I exhaled slowly. “Is there anything I can assist with?”
Master Riss did not look up from Riella while he focused. “I do not need anyone threatened or killed right now but thank you,forta. What you need to do for yourself is rest. You have had a trying journey and you look half dead sitting there, not to mention you smell like...” He wrinkled his nose with distaste. “Cat shit.”
I snorted. The healer had confirmed what I had already known. During my trek here, Eshe had deliberately led me through scat dropped in the grasslands to satisfy her petty urge to dominate me.
“Ah Penina, perfect timing as always.” Hummed the master healer.
My head jerked up to see the petite shifter leaning casually against the door frame staring at me with a wide grin on her face. “Told you not to fall for her shit, general.”
My eyes narrowed but a small smile graced my lips. “Indeed, you did say that.”
The Master healer tsked. “Penina, please show Mistress Dark to her rooms to freshen up, then have the cook bring some food up for all of us. I am sure that our shadow faefriendandguestwill want to stay with the child.”
Penina sighed. “Eshe had other orders.” Then she wiggled her brows at me suggestively, her gold piercings glinting in the sunlight.
I grinned darkly. I could only imagine whatthoseorders were.
“I’m sure she did.” The healer responded evenly back, ignoring the two of us. “Please do as I say. This will be a long night for everyone. No need to add even more discomfort to what is already brought upon us. Now be off!” Then he growled low. “Slowly my boy, you must not untangle the ward too quickly! Feel this here, now do exactly what I am doing.”
Sighing, I stood, my dismissal obvious. “Thank you again, Master Riss. Send for me if there are any changes.”
“What the goddess fuck did you do to my creation?” Penina exclaimed, gaping in horror at my desecrated attire
I shrugged. “Went for a run.”
Quinn snorted roughly. “A run? She out sprinted Eshe’s leopard for miles—.”
“Pay attention boy!” Snapped the master healer.
“Sorry father.” Quinn muttered.
Penina practically bounced on her feet with excitement as I approached her. “In that case, let’s get you cleaned up! I have the perfect outfit for you to try!” She gave me a reassuring smile and looped her arm within mine to guide me out of the room. “On my honor, the faeling will be okay. Master Riss is the best healer in The West Isles…in all of Faerie really.”
I glanced back at Riella’s sweet face. “For your sake and the people that live here, you better pray to the goddess that is true, shifter.”
The shifter’s steps faltered. “It’s easy to forget.” She stated simply.
I frowned. “Forget what?”
“How dangerous you really are.” She whispered and then smiled, tucking me in closer. “It's going to be so much fun having you here!”
Chapter 36
Myeyessnappedopen…knowingtwo things immediately.
I was beingwatchedandmy shadows were back.
Checking on Riella who rested peacefully next to me, I watched her tiny chest rise and fall without labor. After a long night of unraveling the wards that prevented her from her true transformation, the master healer had finally declared her free of the Sanguine bonds, but she would need additional healing sleep for a full recovery.
Slowly, I peeled away from my protective curl around her and sat up to shove my long dark hair away from my face to peer into the shrouded darkness where a single moonbeam streamed in hiding whatever was within.
