Page 76 of The Dark Mage

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Fael ran his long, graceful fingers through his dark hair, which had grown wavier in the humid morning air.His hazel eyes lingered on Ren’wyn across the fire at breakfast, as though she were the meal being served.

The way he watched her made her squirm, smile, and blush all atonce.

The last nine days had been torment—stolen kisses in the forest, heated glances across the fire, and the aching desire for privacy, longing for a chance to finally be alone together.

Fael turned to Esrin.

“Ren’wyn and I are going into town today,” he said casually.“We both need new clothes, and she’s running low on some herbs.It can’twait.”

Ren’wyn looked up, surprised—and touched.He’d noticed not only the camp’s dwindling supplies but her personal needs as well.While she could have groaned at the annoyance of being a woman reliant on such things, she was grateful Fael had been so observant.

Esrin waved a hand dismissively.“Go ahead—just be careful.”

As they rose from the circle, Ren’wyn felt Esrin’s eyes trailing after Fael, jealousy burning beneath his feigned nonchalance.

“We might not be back before dark,” Fael added.“Ren’wyn needs to be measured and have her clothes tailored, possibly overnight.We’ll grab a room at theinn.”

Ren’wyn’s face flushed at the implication.

Esrin’s expression didn’t change, though his eyes flicked between them.“That’s fine,” he said lightly.

Fael nodded, then steered Ren’wyn toward her tent to gather her things.

They set off toward town as the morning sun warmed the woods.Fael held her hand tightly, a playful smile curling his lips and growing wider the farther they got fromcamp.

“How are you holding up?”he asked.

“I’m fine,” she replied, exhaling in contentment.“It’s strange being around people again.”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed, his voice dry.“Privacy in camp leaves… something to be desired.”

She tried not to think about all the things she would do to him if they finally had privacy.

The village was about an hour’s hike—half through the woods along a deer trail, half along the main road.Birdsong and the hum of insects filled the morning air, further lightening Ren’wyn’s heart.

“I’m finding the work enjoyable,” she admitted as they walked.“I’m even getting used to having companions.They’re good people.I appreciate their skills, and I hope I’ll eventually call them friends.But… I don’t think they know what to make of Esrin, you, and me.”

Fael huffed a laugh.“No.I don’t think they do.”

After a pause, he continued, “I’m enjoying the work too.I’ve missed having sparring partners.Leta’s an excellent fighter.Miguel isn’t far behind her, and the others are shaping up to be pretty talented.”

“You’re a natural leader,” she said, smiling.

But Fael’s expression darkened.

“I’m not a leader.”

His tone was so final it practically stopped her in her tracks.She didn’t press—today was too good to spoil with uncomfortable topics—but she tucked the thought away for later.

“It’s a warm day,” she said, breathing deeply, trying to shake off the moment.

Fael ran his callused fingers across her knuckles, his smile returning—slow and warm.Her chest squeezed almost painfully in response, and the sun led them on as she fought not to skip with how bubbly she remained in his company.

Their first stop was the apothecary.

Fael admitted he’d noticed her running low on a particular herb when he saw her mixing her tea for cramps last month.He even blushed as he confessed he knew her period would start nextweek.