"Only when you're upset." Her eyes narrowed. "Are you upset?"
Blast.
Having mentioned the effect his emotions had on his abilities a few days ago, he now realized his foolish mistake.
She folded her arms and raised her brows at his hesitation. "All right. Spit it out, Eramus.Somethinghas you upset. I demand to know what it is."
Eramus chewed his cheek. If she wasn't so adorable when chiding him, perhaps he could have resisted her command, but one look from her could convince him to do anything. "Ordin ended my apprenticeship. Your uncle threatened to burn the mill if he didn't comply."
Evree's eye twitched. Eramus placed his hands on her shoulders. "Listen, I need you to go home. Just for today, I need some time to practice without you here. Please."
Evree growled. "When I tell my father about this—"
"No! You mustn't tell anyone!"
"Rotten apples, I'm not! He can't do this. I won't stand by…" She spun around, her hands clenched as she marched with determination towards the village.
Eramus darted in front of her and placed his hands on her upper arms, blocking her progress. "Evree, you can't go back!"
She scowled. "I thought you wanted me to go back?"
He groaned. "Yes, but not like this!"
"This isn't fair. He can't treat you this way!"
Eramus moved his hands to her cheeks without thinking. Her green eyes went wide, and she gasped. "We will figure this out," he whispered. "I promise. But not today. I will endure Arnan's attempts to intimidate me, but I refuse to put us in jeopardy."
"Us?" she mumbled.
He nodded. His gaze fell to her lips, and his pulse quickened. Her lavender scent drew him in, inching his face closer to hers. Evree leaned forward.
"My timing is clearly not the best."
Morzaun's deep voice froze Eramus before their lips could touch. Poor timing, indeed.
Evree pulled away, her narrowed eyes looking Morzaun over with suspicion. "Who are you?"
Morzaun smirked. "A friend."
Evree tucked herself behind Eramus, her trembling fingers clasping his arm. Eramus placed his hand over hers. "He's here to help with my magic, to teach me better control."
She looked up at him with concern. "You know him?"
Eramus rubbed the back of his neck. "Well…sort of."
Her brows drew together, and her nose scrunched. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Perhaps I should introduce myself to your friend," said Morzaun. He stepped closer and stretched his hand towards her. Evree flinched. Eramus couldn’t blame her for being apprehensive, and the man’s dark attire did nothing to help. Black fabric covered nearly every inch of his body, and he wore a chest plate as though he waited for battle.
“My name is Morzaun,” he said, his hand hovering at Eramus’s side.
Evree hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Her voice was so soft, it was almost inaudible. "Evree."
Morzaun bowed and then backed away. "A pleasure." He turned his focus to Eramus, and his lips pulled upwards on one side. "Shall we get started?"
Eramus glanced down at Evree. Her gaze remained fixed on the man who was still practically a stranger. He didn't want her to stay, not when he didn't fully trust Morzaun or his own power. "Evree, please go back to the village. I will see you tomorrow."
He earned his second scowl for the day. "Absolutely not. I'm staying."
