“I think it did.” I try to sound optimistic. It’d be stronger if I had some kind of spirit binding to also weave into the spell. But I know of no spirit that would help me with this goal. “There’s one way to find out for sure.”
“Let’s hope it does work, because the hardest part is ahead.” Each word is heavier than the last, her expression more severe.
“What is it?” My stomach tightens, making me slightly nauseous. What could possibly be harder?
“Being alone with him tonight.” She catches my worried gaze with one of her own. “It is likely that he will make you remove your cloak…and that he will suggest that things don’t stop there.”
A scarlet heat rises in me, fueled by panic. I quickly grab the thread, choosing red like my cape, yellow like the star I just stitched, and black to ground me. I braid them together, humming again as I do. When I’m finished, I grab my larger hunting knife to tear through all the threads at once. Then, I hold the strand out to Aurora.
“Tie it around my wrist.” I thrust out my hand. “It’s a small thing so he might not know what it is. It won’t offer as much protection as my cape but?—”
“It’s something for while the cape is off,” she says with a nod of approval, fastening it around my wrist. Her eyes fall to the blade. “May I see it?”
“What?” I follow her focus. “Oh, this?” Without a moment’s hesitation, I hand her the knife. It’s a simple blade, unadorned, not special in any way, but she twists it, watching the light flash off the flat as though it is a relic.
“I’ve never been able to hold a weapon before…” she murmurs.
“Because Conri is rightfully afraid you would attack him?”
“Yes. Though, as in most things, his paranoia isn’t rooted in reality. So long as I am kept within the barriers of the lykin’s plains, my oath holds and I can’t harm the wolf king,” she says solemnly. “Still… May I keep it?”
“Sure.” I hand her the leather sheathe, which she returns the blade to and slips into her boot. It seems an odd request for a woman who’s magically bound to not bring harm to the one person she’d no doubt want to…but I imagine after being captive and helpless for so long, even the imagining of being able to fight back is an indulgent fantasy.
“Thank you.”
“You’ve helped me so much, it’s the least I can do.” Besides, I have another blade in the sewing kit. Smaller, but still effective.“What else can I do to fend off his charm? I won’t allow myself to succumb to it again; I will not give in.”
“Keep your cape on for as long as possible. Seek out my magic through this. Let it ground you.” Her fingertips touch the hastily made bracelet. “And, if you can…you should try to find your own satisfaction before he can elicit the need.”
That suggestion is back. My cheeks are surely blazing now. “Could you…step outside?”
Aurora purses her lips. “I don’t think I could without suspicion. But I have an idea.”
“What?” I’m ready to take any suggestion, any advice that might help. I will not betray Aurora again by giving into Conri.
“Evander,” she calls to the entrance of the tent.
Oh, old gods…anything but that.
CHAPTER 14
The lykin ducksinto the tent. He has a single, dark eyebrow quirked slightly with a questioning expression. His attention darts between us but I can’t keep his gaze.
This can’t be happening. Aurora can’t honestly be suggesting what I think she is…
“Evander, can you find Faelyn a quiet tent where she won’t be disturbed for…” Aurora looks to me expectantly.
“Ten minutes—no, five, five should be fine.” I’m fairly certain I’m going to melt, puddling onto the floor with embarrassment.
There is no shame in personal pleasure, I insist to myself. It is a normal, understandable need; I have no reason to hang my head. Even if I personally wouldn’t usually talk about it so brazenly with others. Especially not people I still hardly know…
“Somewhere she won’t be disturbed for five minutes?” Aurora finishes her question.
“I can probably manage that,” Evander says uncertainly. His eyes dart between us. I purse my lips, not about to offer any additional explanation. “Conri is still held up meeting with the alpha of this pack. He should be distracted for a good while yet.”
“Good. But don’t do it too early. She should have her time as close to when you return her to Conri as possible.”
The furrow of Evander’s brow deepens. He is clearly confused by this request and I can’t decide if I want to laugh or decide that I need to go for a long, long walk far away from here, right now.
