Magnus chokes on his coffee. Rosie and Damien are in stitches, laughing as Damien pounds Magnus on the back.
I sit back and take a bite out of a chocolate éclair. Chocolate makes everything better.
Once Magnus is no longer trying to inhale his caffeine, Damien embellishes, “What I mean is we’re going to start going through some self-defence.”
I purse my lips, considering his offer. I’ve always wanted to take self-defence classes. But before I can accept, Magnus interjects, “Or – she may want to join me. I have more treasures to go through today, little enigma. Would you like to learn more of the magics of the realms?”
Another tempting offer. I loved learning about the Fae Realm yesterday. And learning about more magic can only help me.
Rosie chirps beside me, “Men are so silly when they get competitive. I’m going to be making medicines today and working in the garden. Feel free to stop by any time. To visit any of us.” She gives a pointed look to the men at the last bit.
The conversation continues amiably, and from the teasing that goes on between the three of them, I can’t help but feel comfortable despite having only met the trio. It’s mainly because their dynamic reminds me so much of Sarah, Conner and Isaac.
After breakfast, Rosie tags along with me to my room to change my bandage. I follow her into my bathroom, assuming she wants some water when I notice the changes.
The mirror has been replaced, the shower now holds bottles and soaps, towels are piled high on a shelf, and there is a toothbrush in a cup by the sink.
I gape.
Rosie beams at my surprise. “I’m sorry we didn’t get you these sooner. I realized last night that you will probably be needing some extra things. So, Magnus and I raided most of the supply closets in the castle to find you everything we could. I also left some extra pants for you and a couple of shirts. We can’t leave the grounds just yet since Sin put us on a bit of a lockdown, but we wanted to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.”
I might cry.
Scratch that, I shed a tear – or ten.
Rosie squeezes my hand gently, promising that she’ll change my bandage after I’ve showered.
Once I’m alone again, I waste no time stripping. I don’t want to think about the grime coating my body. I haven’t been able to bathe since I was showering in my apartment the day after I woke Leon.
The thought has me trying to pinpoint where it all went wrong. Leon was the perfect gentleman when I first woke him. He was kind and considerate. But the moment I started talking about breaking our bond, it’s like something in his head snapped, and the man I’d barely gotten to know was gone. After that, I became acquainted with his contempt, possessiveness, and rage.
A chill spreads through me, and I turn the water temperature up higher to try and burn it away.
But no amount of heat can stop the guilt that eats away at me.
I was the problem. I was the one who didn’t accept the bond, and it drove him crazy. If I had just trusted him, trusted in the Fates, things might be different. Leon might not have snapped.
My stomach starts to ache, and the dark thoughts only start to spiral faster.
I’ve never done enough, never acted fast enough. Because of me, people get hurt. First Jackson, then Leon, and soon, my friends back home, when they realize I’m missing.
I’ve always been the problem.
I feel like I might buckle under the weight of the haze that presses in on me, and I keep trying to shove the dark thoughts back into the boxes in my head where they belong.
It isn’t working.
So, instead, I hurry through the rest of my shower. Not because the water doesn’t feel heavenly but because I need another distraction to pull me out of my head.
I don’t like it in here anymore.
Chapter 7
Rule seven:Ensure the Destroyer hates you at all times.
It’s been three days since I woke up in Morgana’s castle, and contrary to my typical introvert tendencies, I’ve been doing my absolute best never to be alone. Usually, I would have books or television to disassociate from my dark thoughts, but no such luck here. So, instead, I’ve become a shadow to Rosie, Magnus and Damien.
Luckily for me, the trio have welcomed my company at every opportunity. We’ve pretty well settled into a routine. In the mornings, Damien comes to get me for a run. We do a few laps before eating breakfast with the others. After breakfast, I help Magnus sort through his magical inventory. And by help, I mean listening to all his knowledge of the other realms and the different kinds of magic. We hang out until lunch, and then Rosieand I go to the garden to gather plants for her different medicinal potions.
