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I swallowed, focusing on the tactical information. “Point Bethia is rocky and hilly, so there will be good hiding spots. We’ll need to camouflage our living energy, but between your Brand and my necromancy, I think we can manage.”

“I can help,” Ninti added. “I’ll add my power to your disguise.”

Ayla nodded. “Sounds good. As we approach, I’ll continue to guide us.”

I wished I felt more thankful that Ayla had found a way to handle her Brand, but it worried me. “I’ll want to give you another dose of ashflower before we approach.”

“Agreed,” she said pragmatically.

I turned to Vanessa. “How far away are we?”

“Once we enter Gloom, I estimate we’re a couple of hours from land.”

The clock had started ticking. The sooner we found Eleanor, the more ashflower I would have for her.

Gloom filled our horizon.

I remembered when the goddess had first descended, billowing clouds consuming the land, creeping through Issa Neu, Shades chasing us to the beach…

I addressed Ayla. “Let’s start with that dose of ashflower.” I turned to Ninti and Vanessa. “Prepare yourselves. We are about to enter Gloom.”

27 | Their Armor

Ayla

I focused on Zayne’s healing hand. The clammy air hung to my chest, exposed except for my undershirt. Zayne prepared the ashflower while I sat on the bed.

Ninti had opted to stay outside, giving the two of us time alone. I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or thankful.

Zayne avoided my eye contact; I avoided his too. We had unfinished business. Only there was nothing for us to discuss. Not until this was over.

“Let’s just focus on living through this,” I said.

“I was serious about that dance.”

My heart raced, and I urged it to slow. My infatuation for him could consume me, but the Brand wanted me first. I needed all my self-control.

“Later.”

He steadied on the stool, ashflower readied in his hands. His gaze met mine. This time, our contact held.

He mirrored my stark determination. If he felt anything deeper, more conflicting, he didn’t let it show.Good.It would be easier to conceal my feelings if he denied his too.

I glanced at the ashflower. “Let’s do this.”

This time, when he applied the cure, only the heat of our bodies rose between us. I focused on the way my body responded to the ashflower, turning raw wounds into callused scars. I ignored the powerful male healing me; I endured the pain of my denial.

Nevertheless, his cedar and amber scent urged me closer. The pressure of his palm made my heart ache.

When it was over, he seemed as relieved as me. We turned away and sighed. We claimed different sides of the small room to don our armor.

Carefully, I altered my armor, reworking the chest. Now Zayne could access the Brand if necessary. With the countless eyelets and ties to address, we lingered in silence.

I focused on the tactical. Something I could control.

“What are you expecting when we find Eleanor?” I asked. “Last night, we saw what happens when the Brand takes over—the victim’s soul is contained, and they lose control of their body. Will she be the same?”

“I suspect that will be the case,” he agreed. “But there are inconsistencies. If my information is accurate and my memories true, during the Collapse the Brand acted particularly fast. We should be prepared for anything.”