Dyna’s aggravation prickled on his skin. Their silence had offended her. He wanted to disagree to ease the sting, but it would be a lie. She left her village with no experience, or training, or even a proper plan. She was soft, clumsy, easily breakable, and yes, occasionally reckless.
She tightly clutched the book. “I don’t wish to be that way any longer.”
“Very well,” Cassiel said.
Dyna’s emerald gaze snapped to him, her surprise hammering through the bond.
“The most lethal Watchers of the Four Celestial Realms are women,” he said, removing a knife from his boot.
Her eyes locked on the handle of black opal and widened with recognition. “That’s …”
It was the knife she had admired in the Corron market, one of a pair. Its twin tucked in his other boot was constructed with a handle of white opal. He had always intended them for her. Cassiel offered the knife to Dyna, but when she reached for it, Zev snatched it away.
“No weapons.”
“But—”
“No, Dyna.” He stood. “Magic is enough.”
She visibly wilted like a small flower trampled on the road, squashed before having a chance to bloom. Cassiel glared at Zev, but his eyes flashed yellow in warning. He stalked away to the forest, and his tall frame vanished into the bushes.
“What did I tell you?” a sharp voice hissed. Lucenna stood outside of her tent with her arms crossed. “If you want to learn, then learn. Don’t askmenfor permission.”
Dyna bit her lip, toeing the ground. “He means well.”
Lucenna snorted. “Anyone who would force their will upon you doesn’t mean well.”
“Your opinion is irrelevant in this matter,” Cassiel said stridently in defense. “Zev only cares for her safety.”
Lucenna completely ignored him. “Lord Norrlen, I imagine you have no qualms with teaching her how to use a bow?”
Rawn smiled at Dyna kindly and nodded. “With pleasure, I shall endeavor to do so forthwith.”
A small smile returned to her lips. “I haven’t troubled you with my request, Lord Norrlen?”
“It is no trouble at all, my lady.”
“Good, now that’s settled.” Lucenna clapped once. “I hear you will also join me at the fjord. That gives me more time to properly plan now that the advantage is greater. It will require both of our power to succeed.” She nodded to Dyna. “I’ll need three days to prepare you. Now come along. Your first lesson begins now.”
Dyna readily followed her to the creek in the distance.
“Well, I best go in search of the proper materials to fletch a dozen new arrows for Lady Dyna,” Rawn said as he put out the fire. “Though, I am hesitant to go against Zev’s wishes.”
“Never mind that. I will speak with him.” Cassiel stood and went into the woods.
The quiet trees clustered close together, a mix of pine, oak, and ash. Most of the branches hung bare. A carpet of yellow leaves layered the ground, preventing any tracks, but he soon found Zev in a small clearing. He stood there, staring blankly at the knife.
The leaves crunched underfoot as Cassiel approached. “Zev?”
He whirled around with a snarl. “I’ll not argue about this with you.”
“I thought the role of sullen, intolerable arse fell to me,” Cassiel said dully. “Care to explain why your manner has been more feral as of late?”
Zev grimaced, and Cassiel immediately regretted his thoughtless words. He had shortly forgotten about Zev’s struggle with the Madness.
“Do you hear the whispers?” he brought himself to ask.
“Always.” The faint confession faded into the forest.
