My onlookers crowded round me and watched as I stood. Stretching my arms out, I confirmed them what the harpy had achieved. “They’re gone,” I mentioned, crying tears of pleasure.
I regarded on the harpy, who was smiling warmly. “Thanks.”
She nodded after which pointed at my ankles.
Figuring out the ache that was coming—and realizing it might cease comparatively shortly—made it simpler to face. I laid down on the cot and took a deep breath. Cyrus took my hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
I attempted to smile up at him, however my consideration was targeted on Ladon. He stood behind his brother, seen over Cyrus’s shoulder. His head drooped, and he swallowed onerous. I wished to carry his hand. I wished him beside me.
The harpy rolled my pants to disclose my ankles after which proceeded to unfold the salve over these tattoos, too. I squeezed my eyes shut as the fireplace set in, gritting my enamel and counting upwards. I knew the ache had an finish. I simply wanted to make it by way of.
When it had handed, I regarded down at my ft. The identical faint white scars that have been on my wrists now marred my ankles, too. I didn’t anticipate to ever overlook my expertise in Murvort, however now I’d have a continuing reminder.
Ladon took my place on the cot, and to my shock, he allowed the harpy to cowl his wrists and ankles within the salve. He dealt with the ache higher than I had the primary time. The one indicators of struggling he confirmed have been the ripple of his jaw as he floor his enamel and the white knuckles gripping the sting of the cot.
“Your magic?” Cyrus inquired.
I felt the tingle instantly and was shocked by how simply all of it got here again to me. A gust of wind rippled by way of the curtain separating us from the remainder of the tent and I sighed with aid because it blew by way of my hair.
Ladon displayed a equally easy demonstration of his magic, molding a lump of clay right into a ball and catching it in his proper hand. He tossed it to Cyrus, who snatched it out of the air.
“Implausible. Why don’t the 2 of you get some relaxation. Perhaps some meals too. You’re wanting a bit of skinny and I’m positive you’re each exhausted and hungry. What else can we get you?”
An precise meal and a few sleep sounded wonderful, however Ladon spoke first. “What concerning the battle? I need to see Xavier and speak about our subsequent steps. I’ll want replacements for my weapons.”
“Decelerate, Ladon. You’ve been lacking for months. You don’t want to leap again into issues so shortly.”
“Sure, I do. For one, it’s my job and two…I simply…want this.”
I may hear the phrases he wasn’t saying as a result of I felt them myself. I wished some reassurance that my life nonetheless existed outdoors of Murvort. That after all the pieces we’d been by way of, I used to be nonetheless me.
Cyrus appeared to listen to the unstated plea as nicely as a result of he studied Ladon with cautious consideration. “You’re positive you’re okay?”
“Sure.”
“Alright. I’ll take you to Xavier’s tent. However I’m having somebody carry meals. I gained’t take no for a solution.”
Ladon nodded. “Thanks.”
I accompanied Cyrus and Ladon to a separate tent that had been arrange for technique conferences. They droned on for what felt like hours till I may now not maintain my eyes open.
“Why don’t you head again to my tent, Emilie. Hudson can take you there.”
It was unattainable not to have a look at Ladon after Cyrus’s suggestion that I keep the night time in his tent. Ladon pointedly saved his eyes fixated on the map masking a sturdy wood desk. I felt slighted, however what was he presupposed to do? Counsel I stick with him as an alternative? I might’ve mentioned sure.
“Okay,” I instructed Cyrus. “I’ll see you quickly.”
Hudson led me to the most important tent within the camp, and after I stepped inside, I discovered a small blue fireplace contained within the heart. A magical making of Cyrus’s, I thought. Overwhelmed with heat and weariness, I took off the sneakers I’d borrowed from the healer and sat on the sting of the mattress.
I rested my head on the agency pillow, but it surely smelled all unsuitable. I wrapped my arms round my physique, wishing they have been another person’s. Exterior the tent, I may nonetheless hear troopers transferring and chattering. It was tough to sleep, having been saved in silence for therefore lengthy.
I wasn’t positive how lengthy I’d been tossing and turning when the flap of the tent opened and Cyrus got here in. I began to take a seat, however he held up a hand.
“Don’t stand up. I didn’t imply to disturb you. I’m shocked you’re nonetheless awake.”
“I used to be having a tough time falling asleep,” I admitted.
He unclasped the buckles on his coat and pulled it off, setting it apart on prime of a chair. He regarded as uncomfortable as I felt, operating a hand over the scruff on his chin.
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