Page 110 of The Dark Mage

“I love a good first time,” Miguel quipped with agrin.

Leta rolled her eyes, and Ren’wyn laughed.

“Oh please,” Leta sighed.“What woman would let you be her first?You’re clearly a scoundrel.”

Miguel’s laugh was rich and full, as sweet and rolling as his accent.“Don’t be jealous, Leta,” he purred, earning another eyeroll.

“Luremalan regiments are better guarded than those in Terrepin,” Fael explained.“They know there are more mercenaries here and are more cautious.More night guards, better weaponry, and experienced soldiers.”He turned to Leta.“Does that sound right?”

She nodded.“I only trained in the Capital and ran once I was dispatched, but that sounds right,yes.”

“The crossroads I’m thinking of is here,” Miguel said, pointing to a spot north and east of camp.“They won’t expect us this close to the border with Terrepin.”

Fael leaned back, considering the location, before turning to Esrin.“What do you think?Are you comfortable with the location and timing?”

Esrin studied him thoughtfully.“This is my band, but I value their input.We’re a team first.Miguel, though regularly bored, always plans ahead—a surprising mix of traits,” he added wryly.

Miguel grinned.

“Would you like to take the lead together?”Esrin asked, addressing both Fael and Miguel.

The smallest gust of wind might have knocked Ren’wyn over in that moment.For Esrin to offer this to Fael was a huge gesture of trust.Glancing around, she saw she wasn’t the only one surprised.Leta’s confident smile at Fael reassured her slightly.

“Sounds excellent,” Miguel said.“Come to my tent.We can plan the attack, contingencies, and exit strategies.”

As Fael headed off with Miguel, Ren’wyn turned to Esrin.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

“He had a good vision for it,” Esrin replied with feigned indifference.

But Ren’wyn knew what it had taken for him to offer this, and she was proud of his strength.

Over the next two days, Fael and Miguel worked tirelessly, planning every detail of the attack.They discussed potential complications, escape routes, and contingencies.Ren’wyn watched as Fael absorbed the group’s input, earning their respect with his thoughtful approach.

Esrin observed from the sidelines, hesitant but silently impressed.

Fael was designed to lead.Their companions gravitated toward him naturally, offering ideas and concerns, which he addressed with calm confidence.He drafted plans, discussed strengths and weaknesses, and played devil’s advocate when needed.His gratitude for their honesty and willingness to listen made him a magnetic presence.

Late into the night, Fael stayed up working on the plans.Ren’wyn fell asleep before he returned to their tent.She moved her bedroll next to his the night after, wanting to share the space with him.In the morning, they rose together, and Fael covered her with kisses until she was breathless, rolling from the bed in laughter as she tried to compose herself.He wasn’t much better—splashing himself with cold water to cool down before breakfast.

During the day, Ren’wyn gathered herbs she recognized in the forest, practiced the Passage and defensive maneuvers, and honed her magic.A flicker of pride filled her as she considered her increased strength and control, her sharpened will.She was equally pleased with her skill using her small dagger, knowing she was far more capable of defending herself now than when she had been at school.

On the second afternoon, Fael found her across the stream, trailing smoke and shadow through her fingers as a small pile of greens sat besideher.

“You’re sunburned,” he noted, gently tapping her neck and upper shoulders.“Been out allday?”

“I forgot my scarf for collecting,” she admitted.“It’ll be alright.”

“Show me what you found,” he said, crouching besideher.

She spread the plants out, explaining which parts she’d harvested and how she planned to usethem.

He leaned in and kissed her softly on the forehead.“You’re amazing, Ren’wyn,” he murmured.

She blushed, waving him off.“It’s nothing.”

“You are,” he insisted, running his fingers along her hairline.He took a deep breath in.“And you smell like fresh air, wildflowers, andsoil.”