Page 87 of The Dark Mage

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At breakfast, Sorya handed Ren’wyn a plate and offered a seat between herself and Relya.Sitting between the twins always felt unique; their intertwined druidic powers created a comforting duality.Sorya’s power had the solid, grounding presence of a mountain, leaning into earth, while Relya’s was fluid and dynamic, favoring water.It was pleasantly like sitting on a beach, waves lapping at her feet, each one touching back and forth.She wondered how they endured being apart—if they felt the absence of each other like a missinglimb.

Esrin was the last to join the circle, his plate piled with fresh mangoes and rice cooked with chicken.Avonlee, as usual, was absent.Esrin filled a second plate and carried it to her tent before returning for his own.Ren’wyn’s thoughts lingered on the quiet young woman, wondering what burden she carried and how she could be helped.

Esrin cleared his throat, drawing attention.“I think it’s time we moved,” he said, his tone resolute.“We’ve been here long enough without any headway in finding more allies.Three weeks is plenty.Staying risks discovery, and we’ve done what we can to provide for our people.The routes left to attack imperials are limited, and any further action here could draw suspicion.”

He glanced around the circle.“I suggest we head south, traveling in three groups along different routes.That way, one or more of the groups can resupply from a passing regiment.What does everyone think?”

“What about our usual approach?A scouting party first,” Wilenrut suggested, rubbing his stubbly chin.“Three scouts, one for each route.If they encounter trouble, they return to camp, and we adjust.”

Esrin nodded.“The usual plan it is.Miguel, Leta, and Fael should scout ahead.Leta knows how to find a good campsite, and we can meet her in Lipo if all goeswell.”

Approval rippled through the group in nods and quiet conversation.

“Who travels together, then?”Alen asked.

“At least one mage and one fighter per group,” Esrin suggested.“Alen, Irik, and Wilenrut in separate teams.Sorya, Relya, and I will each lead a group.Avonlee, Lia, and Ren’wyn are left.Wilenrut and Relya, will you take Avonlee?She trusts you.Ren’wyn, you are welcome to join Irik and me.”

Ren’wyn blinked, surprised by the suggestion and unable to disguise her distrust.

“I think that’s a good idea,” Fael interjected before she could respond.

Her head whipped in his direction, disbelief mounting into a churning anger.

“Ren’wyn is unfamiliar with the territory,” Fael continued, “and you know where we’re headed, Esrin.She’d benefit from your experience.”

Fisting her hands in her skirts, Ren’wyn fought the building rage as her pounding pulse drowned out all other sound.She stood, her appetite gone, unable to look atFael.

“Thank you both for deciding for me,” she hissed.“It’s been so long since I’ve had such devoted parents.Esrin, I’ll travel with your group if you think I’d be most useful there.Perhaps I can reassess before we leave and switch groups if someone gets sick or injured?If that’s not too inconvenient for everyone else’s expectations?”

Even as the last sarcastic words left her lips, she saw fear blossom in her companions’ eyes.Glancing down, she found webs of ice on her skirts, and the shadows of the dead lurked restlessly between the tents.Esrin leaned away, his jaw clenched.

Satisfied that she had made her point, she tossed her plate into the wash bucket with a sharp, satisfying clatter.Then, she stalked to her tent, whipping it open and rushing inside.

Safely hidden beneath the canvas, she massaged her temples, frustration burning under herribs.

What has gotten into me?

She had always followed along with others without fuss.She kept the peace, remained easygoing.This outburst wasn’t like her, and the visible fear in her companions’ eyes made her stomach twist with regret.

She should apologize.Make amends.Work harder to control her temper.Nothing was gained from an outburst.

But that stupid, small internal voice told her she was lying to herself.

Why shouldn’t you get a say?Why shouldn’t you decide what youwant?

The flap rustled, and Fael stepped inside, looking sheepish.

“I’m so sorry,” he said in a rush, stepping toward her hesitantly.“I’m an ass.An overprotective ass.You are more than capable of making your own decisions, and I trust you.I never should have acted like I knew best—especially in front of the others.”

Stunned to silence, Ren’wyn stared at him, her anger floating away in the face of his apology.

“Can you forgive me?”he asked, searching herface.

A smile tugged at her lips.She took his hand, squeezing it lightly.He relaxed visibly at the touch, relief softening hisbrow.

Vair’s cruelty had been her standard for how men responded to confrontation.Men got angry.Men hit.Fael’s kindness was unexpected—and beautiful.