“I’m sorry. This kind of separation must have been very difficult for you both.”
I am very anxious for a time when I can be at her side again.
“When you are able, you’re welcome here, for however long she wants to stay.”
Do you anticipate her wanting to leave?
“I am mindful of all possibilities. It is not guaranteed that she will either recognize or accept the bond, and once she is no longer in danger, she may choose to live a life elsewhere.”
Ramsey tilted her head.My mistress has stumbled into very unusual circumstances yet again, it seems.
I bit my tongue, though I was dreadfully curious about what else the hound’sagainimplied. That was twice she’d mentioned something from Phin’s past that was almost certainly both very important to understanding who my mate was and so personal it was closely guarded.
“My brothers and I, as well as the stone kin, are already looking into several mysterious disappearances. All couples that the respective councils forbade to be together. All parents of unique, magically talented children. It is too much of a coincidence for none of the cases to be related. There may even be some resources in Hell willing to assist in checking on suspicious activity, old doorways, things like that.”
That is very helpful. I will return as soon as I can. I promised her I would, and I meant it. I’m ready to be done wandering, being away this long was never the plan. Especially not after …She sneezed, as though allergic to whatever had happened in the past.I need to be with Phin. Too many times, she has been left alone.
“She never will be again, if I can help it.” It was a vow, and hung on the air between us, though not with the extra sparks that had come along with the one I made with Father Morton in the old language. “Are Phin’s parents still alive, Ramsey?”
I believe so. I think I would know if my former mistress died, due to our connection. I am tied to Phin now, but some link to Terra will always remain. That knowledge and a faint draw to wherever she is has kept me hopeful that I might find her all these years.Her head swiveled the direction of the bedrooms.I’m going to go rest. You should as well.
“I will as soon as I’m done,” I agreed, though there were no minutes or even hours I could assign to when that might be.
The hellhound disappeared from my sight, and I resumed my tour of the doorways, thoughts consumed by possibilities and an acceptance that visiting my brother’s collegium was in my very near future.
Chapter 17
Phin
The pain, particularly the aching throb behind my eyes, was the first thing I became aware of as I woke.
“Oh, saints.” Even whispering hurt.
I turned on my side to find the window lit brightly enough it was probably midmorning. Squinting, I groped for the glass of water Tap had so kindly left on my bedside table. Propping myself up on my elbow, I drank slowly, hopeful not to upset my stomach. Once I was sure the water wasn’t coming back up, I reached for the vial of pain reliever and drank it as well, willing it to work swiftly.
“Ramsey?” I called, worried I’d missed getting to see her again before she left. “Are you still here?”
After a moment, her head appeared over the end of the bed.I’m here, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?
“Terrible. I just wanted to be sure you hadn’t already gone.” Every word stabbed at me, the headache more vicious than any I’d ever had excepting one.
I stayed to keep an eye on you. If you’re not one to drink, stone kin homebrew is a bold way to start, mistress.She was making fun of me, and I deserved it.
“I just needed my mind to be quiet. I knew that would help.”
Ramsey whined.I understand, mistress. And I am equally confused and sorry your mother didn’t tell you the truth. I don’t know why that was kept from you. But as your demon said, it changes nothing.
“He’s notmydemon,” I scoffed, carefully moving my body the rest of the way upright, and letting the waves of nausea pass before trying to get all the way to my feet.
Ramsey cocked her head to the side.If you say so.
Her words itched at my brain, but I couldn’t think well enough to worry about them at the moment. The memory of getting up to leave the little cabin and tripping over my own feet on the way out the door rose up. “Oh saints. I was so drunk he had to carry me home, wasn’t I? I think I even laughed about it.” I buried my face in my hands. The memory of his warm fingers threaded through mine made me groan into my palms. I’d even held his hand. And for how long? Hours? And then I kissed his cheek.
If it’s any consolation, he seemed completely unbothered by that development.
“It’s not.” Mortification set in. I’d made a fool of myself in front of himandhis family.
Do you need help? I can get the Watchman, and we can see if he feels any differently today.
