Page 27

Sylvanna

I ’m still weak, even after I drink. There’s nothing magical at all in the peasant blood I imbibed. Ideally I would quench my thirst from another magic user, but of course I couldn’t drink from Alaric—it would bind him to me too tightly.

I cannot say that, of course and he doesn’t ask.

In fact, he barely speaks at all, though I can tell by the set of his jaw he’s upset about something.

We leave the cottage together, with me leaning heavily on his arm.

I’m still weak from walking so close to the Shadowlands.

The boy’s soul had one foot over the boundary and I had to pull him back by sheer will alone.

It wasn’t easy. I feel like I’ve been wandering in the blackest midnight for days, though I know it was only a few minutes I was gone. I don’t remember when I’ve felt so tired and weak.

Well, yes I do—I felt worse than this after Kraven tried to Drain me and I broke our Bond—but not by much. Cheating death is an onerous and tiring business.

As we walk out into the field beyond the cottage, I stumble and nearly fall. Alaric catches me at once.

“Here,” he growls, and swings me up into his arms.

“Alaric! Put me down!” I demand weakly. “I must stand on my own two feet to work the travel gem.”

“We’re not traveling anywhere by magic,” is his gruff reply.

“What? Why not?” I ask.

“Because I saw how it drained you—I nearly lost you in there. You’re not doing any more fucking magic for now,” he growls.

“You have no right to say such things to me!” I tell him. “I am your Mistress—put me down!”

“No.” He starts walking, still holding me in his arms like I’m a baby.

I can’t believe his insolence and disobedience! He’s never been so rebellious before!

“How do you propose we get home if not by magic?” I demand, glaring up at him.

“I’m going to carry you.” His voice is stoic as he strides along, cradling me to his chest with my satchel slung over one broad shoulder.

“What? But you heard what the man said—it’s a half a day’s journey. You can’t carry me all that way!” I protest.

He shoots me a look.

“Fucking watch me, Mistress,” he growls.

And then he just keeps walking.

I guess we’re going home the long way.