“What are you even looking for?” Kelan wondered.
“I can’t stay in the keep forever,” I informed him. “I’m looking for a room or an inn in Erzan while I get back on my feet. I need to find work and then start saving for the cottage rebuild.”
“Millie,” he said, shaking his head, his wings rustling in protest. “TheKyzairereallywon’t be happy about this.”
I ignored what he’d said about Kythel and limped forward toward the notice board. There had always been one on every travel port I’d come across, though they’d usually been projections. The Erzan board had actual parchment nailed to it with handwritten scribbles.
“I’ll find a way back to the keep,” I promised him. I knew this put him in an awkward position, considering he was one of the only keepers assigned to the north wing—Kythel’s private wing. “I don’t know how long it will take.”
“You think Iwantto get murdered by theKyzaire?” Kelan grumbled. “No, I’m not leaving your side.”
“Suit yourself,” I said, shrugging a shoulder.
It would still be another week until my father’s and Ruaala’s soul gems were finished. The shrine master had told me they were “settling,” though even after his lengthy explanation about the three realms and the nourishment of the souls, I wasn’t quite sure what that meant. He’d assured me everything about the process had gone smoothly, which had been the one blip of good news I’d had this entire week.
It had only been two days since the cottage had burned down. But I’d decided that I wouldn’t dwell on it, that I wouldn’t be angry about it. Well…more than was healthy. I had a healthy dose of anger, but I also realized that my anger didn’tchangeanything. It had happened. The only way forward was to move on. And I’d decided that I wouldn’t be at peace until I restored the cottage entirely, though it would be a long process. It would mean that I’d likely need to stay in Erzos—within viewing distance of Kythel’s keep—for longer than I’d anticipated, for longer than would be comfortable.
On the notice board, I noticed one advertisement for extended stay rooms at the Erzan Inn, which was the one closest to the South Road construction, the cheapest rate per night and further discounted if I paid a month in advance.
Probably because of the construction,I realized, imagining waking up to the sounds of machinery and the cutting of rocks. But I didn’t have a choice. I was right back where I’d started, saving every credit I could for the cottage, being frugal and obsessive over every little thing I bought.
Though, thanks to Kythel, at least Ihavemy father this time around,I couldn’t help but think.
For that, I would forever be grateful. No matter how much it hurt to look at Kythel, no matter how much it hurt to be near him. And since the fire, he’d been a constant presence at my side.
Being in Erzan this morning, away from the keep, away from Kythel, it felt like I could finally get my head on straight.
“Erzan Inn it is,” I declared softly, catching Kelan’s frown when he peered at that particular advertisement.
“No one in their right mind would stay there longer than necessary,” he protested.
“Then it’s a good thing I’m not in my right mind,” I said, shooting him a self-deprecating smile as I turned and hobbled across the square, heading toward the road that would lead south. I’d pay the month in advance, I decided. I’d pay it today, and I could have Kelan bring my trunk and the meager amount of clothing I had left. I could be away from the keep tonight.
Away from Kythel,I added.
The thought brought a small thud of dismay and grief. Because even though Kythel had made his decision about us, it wasn’t as if my ridiculous heart had gotten the message.
I had just stepped away from the cobblestone square when I heard, “Millie?”
Stiffening, I turned. Grace stood there, dressed in a beautiful emerald-green dress that hugged the curves of her waist and flared out over her generous hips. A basket was hanging from her arm, filled to the brim with brightly colored wildflowers and a bundled parcel tied in silky red ribbon. She looked as beautiful as ever, her cheeks flushed a healthy pink, her eyes bright. She looked happy.
“Oh gods, it is you!” she exclaimed, beaming, coming forward. “I’ve been trying to find you, but I was told that you’d left RaanaDyaanand…Millie? What’s happened to you?”
She finally took in the wrapping I still had covering both my arms. The molten metal from Ruaala’s door during the fire would likely leave rivers of scars down my flesh. The healer thought to keep them moisturized with burn paste and bandaged for as long as possible. My hands and feet and legs were healing well enough, however, spurred on by Kythel’s blood and venom, which he’d added to the burn paste whenever the bandages had needed to be changed.
I couldn’t forget that Grace had betrayed my trust. She’d showed my father’s letters to Lesana.Laughedabout them. I’d thought we’d been friends.
Kelan stepped between us when Grace approached, and she looked taken aback for the first time, peering at him in bewilderment.
“Millie?” she asked.
“Kelan, it’s okay,” I said, touching the bone of one of his wings, and he stepped away. Even though I wanted to, I couldn’t find it in me to ignore her completely. I greeted, “Grace. How have you been?”
She blinked. “That’s the greeting I get after over a month of not seeing you?”
My temper snapped, but I kept my expression neutral. “No, it’s the greeting you get after betraying my trust.”
“I’ll…” Kelan trailed off before saying, “wait over there.”
