He frowned. “I need to go on a supply run this week.”
“I can bring food from the kitchen.”
“You know there are other supplies we require. Supplies that you cannot be caught stealing as they would point to our possible location.”
The desert required some unique items, that was true enough. But a supply run? We’d intended to do one before I’d entered Tiers, but with training and planning and entering the game, doing so had fallen by the wayside. “When?”
“Before the next round.”
The next round when I might not come back after. I nodded. “Yes, then I can come for part of the day.”
And I’d come back earlier. Or several times in the day. “Just for a day?”
“A day and a night.”
The night would be fine. Adeuto slept like a brick. And he was just old enough to make this possible. Still, I didn’t want to ask so much of my son’s bravery. A whole day alone was no smallthing. “You know who is looking?”For you.I tried to keep my tone light and casual for my son’s sake.
Grandfather grunted. “I do.”
Carmine’s mother could not be underestimated.
I carried the bundle in my arms outside. “Adeuto…”
Where to start?
Gray eyes peered up into my own, so utterly trusting of me that I nearly broke down there and then. “Grandfather’s going for the day. I’ll be okay, Mama.”
“You will be okay,” I said firmly. “You are brave.”
He nodded. “Even when I’m not brave, some tasks must be done.”
The floating quality to his voice was not entirely his.
“Our ancestors lend us wisdom when we need it most.”
My son smiled. “Ancestors are my friends.”
Guilt twanged in my stomach. They were his only friends, just as they’d been my friends as a child—but I’d had Tempest too. I wasn’t doing enough for my son. Trapping him out in the desert without others. How would he learn all that was needed to survive?
The weight of not being and doing enough as a mother was crushing.
“They were my friends too,” I said softly.
“I’m like you.” He beamed.
I considered all the disorders that I hadn’t officially been diagnosed with. “You’re better than me, darling. Much better. Mama will try to come back more times when Grandfather is away. He will leave food out for you—it needs to last all day.” I’d bring more food from the fortress as well. “You must stay inside, my love. All day until I’m here, do you understand? I know it’s hard, but that is very, very important.”
Adeuto nodded solemnly. “I hear you, Mama. I’ll stay inside.”
I kissed his forehead, then held him close. “How about a game before I leave?”
14
My jaw cracked on a yawn.
Gratia cocked a brow my way, not otherwise pausing in conversation with a few lesser crimsons. I was meant to be feigning interest.
I shook my head, then leaned closer to the group. The three women leaned away, except for Gratia.Oops.Making friends, which I had never done, was going to be my potential downfall in this place. These people couldn’t be won over with a bloodthirsty display, either, so I had to figure out whatwouldwin them over because clearly entering their personal space was unwelcome.
