“I doubt it. Pierus wouldn’t risk tainting his relationship with your abbess. The power in my blood is paramount to Under’s survival, but the blood of virgin mortals is equally necessary. Your faith strengthens this realm. It is something the fair folk lack.”
The reassurance settles me. Their safety means more to me than my own. “Then we have the advantage. We have time to plan our escape.”
I expect enthusiastic agreement. In the end, I receive lukewarm resolve. “Maybe we should reconsider.”
“What?” By the Father, he’s serious. “Why would you say that?” And after everything?
He gazes out longingly, trees blanketing the ground from sight. “Although your friends will be safe in Mother Mabel’s company, I cannot say the same for you. Pierus could kill you and blame it on an unfortunate accident. I would not put it past him. If we return to Miles Cross, he will probably let you go, provided that you leave in the abbess’ company.”
“What about you?”
“Unlike you, I cannot walk free so easily.” It is grim, his smile. “I will face the consequences of my actions.”
“You would still be bound to Pierus,” I argue. “That is no life.”
“I am aware of what awaits me.” The words seethe, too cold for comfort, and I stiffen against him. “If I do not return and complete the ritual, I will waste away to nothing. What is a mind without a body to do its bidding? I would rather not subject myself to that torment.”
“You are agod,” I state. “Are you telling me there’s not a single person who could help you cure the paralysis?”
Zephyrus lifts a hand. Together, we watch short bursts of air weave around his fingertips, silver thread in the darkness. “Two people come to mind, but I have seen neither in centuries.”
Two prospects. It’s a start. “How are we to find them?”
With a sigh, he drops his hand. “The first is my brother Notus. Unfortunately, I’ll likely succumb to the venom before we reach his realm.”
A handful of days if we are lucky. And we’ve already wasted the night. “How far is it?”
“Difficult to say. We would need to venture beneath one of the mountains to the south. One of the four original entrances into Under lies there. It will lead us to Notus.”
“These entrances. Does each lead to one of your brothers’ realms?”
“They once did, yes. But as far as I know, my brothers remain unaware of their existence.”
I nod in understanding. “What of the second contact?”
“His name is Yakim. He’s a poison dealer in the wilds of Under. It’s possible he’ll have an antidote, something that could slow the venom until we reached my brother’s realm.”
The tips of his fingers drift up my side, a slow, indulgent touch that draws warmth to my cheeks. “How do we find him?” I ask, a bit breathlessly.
“Oh, I know where to find him. The problem is whether he would agree to meet with me.”
I wait until Zephyrus’ gaze returns to mine. His attention is heady in a way I’ve never experienced before. I don’t shy from it. I welcome its touch. “Let me guess,” I say, with a sigh of exasperation. “You wronged this person in some way.”
“He and I had a falling out long ago. I’m not sure if he would remember.” Then he tilts his head, considering his words. “Actually, there’s a good chance he will.”
I will not question the why and how. Obstacles have never stopped the West Wind before. If nothing else, I have confidence in his ability to manipulate a situation, place his pawns where they are most beneficial.
“If Yakim is our only means of reaching your brother’s realm in time,” I say, “I think we should find him. What have we got to lose?”
“For you? Everything.”
And here marks the struggle, the desire to remain tight-lipped, invulnerable, and the compulsion to bare all. “Zephyrus,” I say, with all the compassion I possess. “I have lost more in my life than I care to admit. I will not lose you, too.”
He turns to me then, sweeping his palm over my cheek. He does not speak, but what need have I for words when all is clear in his eyes? It means something that I care for him. It means more than he lets on, I believe. Whether or not Zephyrus reveals what lies in his heart, I know this to be true: I am seen in all ways, and perhaps, if I dare to consider it, loved.
Catching his hand in mine, I lower it onto my lap. “Where can we find Yakim?”
He hesitates. “It’s not safe, Brielle, not for a mortal. It’s best if I go alone.”
