“You,” Vale said.
The void was still in her head. Ivy tried to push it away, suddenly terrified. If it knew what she’d done, it would tell Vale. He would devour her whole for it, and she couldn’t blame him. This void was strange and dangerous, but it shouldn’t be poisoned.
She hugged her knees. But before she could beg for mercy, Vale continued.
“You would not know,” he said. “My void would not let you stay if you did something to hurt it. Your mortals, however… Did they mention a plan?”
Ivy stared up at him. The wilderness void was still in her head; she could feel it drifting around her skull. It had toknow. Why not tell him?
“No,” she said when the void didn’t do anything to alert him. “Just the trade. Me for the weapons.”
Vale said nothing for several long moments. Then he turned, stepping back into the river. With his back toward her, he said, “They must truly believe in their fight to give you up.”
Ivy watched him climb further into the river, stunned. His tone was gruff, but his words were so much more than she wouldexpect from a monster she had done nothing but inconvenience from the moment she arrived.
Vale bent down, scooping a handful of water and emptying it over his antlers. It ran down his body in a way that was so distracting, it made Ivy worry the pollen was starting again.
“Come,” he said impatiently. “You still need to wash.”
Seven
Despite her protests, Vale cleaned the mortal thoroughly before letting her leave the river.
“It is the most efficient way,” he insisted as she climbed back onto the riverbank, her legs as shaky as a root-deer sproutling.
Ivy nodded, her cheeks still flushed. “Sure! Um, thank you.”
She bent down to gather her dress, which was drying on the riverbank. The grass bent to brush her fingers as she did, and she yelped. It quickly turned into a delighted giggle as the grass wound around her little finger and squeezed.
Vale cocked his head at her. He refused to be charmed by this infuriating mortal. But he would bet that there were not many who would giggle so often in response to the wilderness void’s antics. She was coping with her new situation well, even if she kept getting into trouble.
Ivy’s dress settled into place over her damp body. She plucked at it, making a face as it settled against her wet breasts.
Vale allowed himself a moment to watch the fabric seal around her firm nipples. Then he averted his gaze and followed her onto the riverbank, scooping her easily into his arms.
Ivy shrieked. It was much quieter than he expected. He ignored it, walking back into the forest. The trees parted for him, and he tried to be grateful rather than annoyed.
“Where are we going?” Ivy asked.
“My nest.”
“What?” Ivy struggled against his grip, which was so useless he wondered why she was bothering. “Why? You said you were only doingthatso I could work!”
“We will work soon,” Vale assured her. “Until then, rest. I have something to attend to.”
“Yourest,” Ivy protested.
Vale looked down at her. If he was not exhausted, he thought he might be amused. This little mortal, speaking back to him like she had any power over him.
“I mean…” Ivy bit her lip. “Sorry. You said you were tired.”
“I have been weary for a long time,” he replied. “And I will only get worse now the void has been poisoned.”
The last trees parted to reveal his nest. He lowered her into it, pushing her back down when she tried to sit up. Her skin was drier than it should be, much like his own, which was dry as soon as he stepped out of the river to retrieve his robe. So was her dress. And her hair, which fluffed around her in a way that was almost sweet.
“But—” Ivy began.
“Rest,” he commanded. “I will be back soon.”
