Page 37 of To Scale the Emerald Mountain

My breath is still heavy when we make it back into the house. I go to sit on my new favorite couch before he stops me. “Don’t.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re filthy. That’s a nice couch. You should go get cleaned up. I’ll make us dinner.” Locane tells me as he goes through the door into the kitchen. I scowl at the closing door when he disappears behind it.

My steps rush up the stairs, and I slam the bedroom door closed when I get there. My eye catches on my reflection in the vanity. Locane was right, I am filthy. I smile to myself and then make quick work of getting my things ready to bathe.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Coming downstairs thirty minutes later, I find dinner ready and freshly plated. Locane made some kind of noodle dish with a pale sauce and blackened chicken.

“Wow, that was fast. And it smells delicious.”

I take a seat and quickly take a bite, completely famished after too little food and too much exertion, both physically and mentally. “Where do you have all of these ingredients?”

“There’s a hidden icebox in the pantry. I had someone restock shortly before we got here.”

“How did you communicate that to someone?”

Locane gives me that sarcastic smile of his and says, “Magic.”

I roll my eyes. “I thought you said no one ever comes here?” I tamp the worry in my stomach, at this point believing he wouldn’t purposely put me, or himself, at risk.

“They don’t, not unless invited.” His answer is simple but reassuring and the tension building in my shoulders relaxes.

“Who do you invite here?”

Locane rubs his temples wearily. “You always have so many pointless questions.”

“They are not pointless questions, Locane.” He takes a bite, purposely chewing on one side with a grimace. “How are youeating with a broken tooth?” I ask him, not really concerned with how painful it might be.

“Hunger is currently outweighing the pain. I’ll have to yank it out after I’m finished, thanks to you.” Locane looks at me expectantly.

I laugh. “You are even more insane than I already thought you were if you are seriously expecting an apology. You deserved it.” He shrugs and continues eating. I take another few bites, chewing slowly while watching him.

“Why are you staring at me?” Locane asks.

“These gems, why do you want them? Do you think you can somehow use them to reinvigorate the land?” I ask curiously.

I’d wondered about this last night when he abruptly left me downstairs alone after unloading on me. The information was not enough—yet somehow too much at once. I watch him quizzically as he sets down his utensil, wipes his mouth, and clears his throat.

“Yes, something like that.”

“How will you use them? They can be wielded somehow?”

“Yes, they can be wielded, producing great power.”

“How are they wielded?” I ask.

“Very carefully.”

Frowning at his non answer, I shake my head again before continuing. “I read through the journal you left out for me last night.”

“And?” Impatience coats the word.

“And I thought it was very interesting. Especially the binding you chose to try to hide it. I, for one, would be interested to learn about misinterpreted Quinndohsi phrases and their actual meaning.” My lips are tilted with an amused smile as I grab our empty plates and walk towards the kitchen door.

Locane’s lip curls with distaste. “Of course, you would.”