“Do not speak to me of soulmates again. Ever,” Savine growled out and turned his back to Kyla. After what felt like an eternity, he sighed out the breath he held in. He reached up and ran his hands through the scruff of his beard. Kyla was beyond words. His rage was so similar to what she’d felt from their father all those years ago. But she didn’t dare tell her brother that.
“Call for me when Garnel is awake. I need to make battle plans with him. We will meet the loyalists near the pass, cut them off, and push them back for the winter. Avery will ride with the army, and they will see her with their own eyes. I will cut down anyone who dares take her from me.” Savine walked toward the door and had his hand on the handle as Kyla protested.
“Garnel won’t be ready for a battle before spring! Neither will Avery!” Her protest would make no difference. Savine already decided.
“Get him ready. We will meet the loyalists within a week,” Savine said as he slammed the door on his way out.
Chapter thirty
Avery
Avery walked down the stairs of the medical center in a light pink dress that accented her sun-kissed skin and blonde waves. Little yellow flowers covered the dress, and it was made of a breezy fabric that exposed her arms. It fit a bit tight in the chest, making her breasts stick out more than she would prefer, but it hugged her small waist before expanding down her hips and stopping just above her calves. She felt feminine and fresh in the new dress.
While in the washroom, Avery had washed her hair and studied her forehead, looking for the Goddess mark. It had shocked her to see it on her forehead. When Savine claimed that she was his gift and marked by the Goddess, she had been so angry with him and hadn’t believed that there was anything more than the scar from hitting her head on the quartz during the bear attack. Seeing it with her own eyes was a shock that she didn’t need to see again. Nobody needed to see the crown of five stars across her hairline.Thatwould just draw even more unnecessary attention to her.
Avery walked down to the main floor, where Savine rested on a couch. His beard was trimmed and neat and his hair was pulled back into a bun. He wore brown pants and a linen shirt that accented his muscular arms and chest. On his hip was a belt of knives, and his sword lay nearby. Avery touched his shoulder and motioned for him to scoot over as she sat beside him on the couch.
“You look lovely,” Savine said as he shifted himself into a sitting position. His voice came out harsher, more restrained than normal.
“Thank you. I was pleasantly surprised that there are showers here,” Avery replied.
“Why wouldn’t we have showers?” Savine asked with a serious expression on his face.
“You know, fantasy world. No modern conveniences. You don’t have processed food, so who knows what else your world is lacking?”
Savine laughed at her response before growing serious. “I went to see Garnel. I heard all that you did to save him. You saved my friend again, and for that, I am indebted to you.”
“You’ve saved me twice, so we’re not even yet!” Avery said.
“No. I’m happy to save you anytime you need rescuing,” Savine said. “Now that you’re here, though, I have someone I want you to meet, and I would like to show you where you will stay in Bayberry.” Savine stood up and offered Avery his hand. She took it, his large hand enfolding around hers. That electric, warm connection flowed through their fingertips and up the length of Avery’s arm. Why hadn’t they talked about what this could mean in more detail?
“What, we’re not going to keep sharing a tent?”
“No, we aren’t. We’ll both stay in our own bedrooms,” Savine said with a wink. “Why? Are you disappointed?”
“I’ve grown used to your old man snores, of course. It’s like white noise.” Avery playfully tapped her side into his.
“More human lies, I presume? I don’t snore. Should we get you a glass of wine, Avery?”
Avery grinned. “No need. I’m being as truthful as you fae are.”
Together, they left the cozy waiting room and walked into the warm sunshine.
“I’d like you to meet the leaders of Bayberry. Riggins and Po Meadows. They sent a message that they would like you to stay with them. I will stay with them as well. Riggins and Po seem particularly interested in introducing you to their adopted daughter, Susan.”
Avery felt relaxed and at peace as she walked the friendly streets filled with children laughing and birds singing. Could they just stay here indefinitely? Avery pictured herself leaning into her whole witchy vibe. She could learn how to make healing salves and potions under Hyacinth. Maybe she’d even put twigs and vines in her hair and walk around barefoot.
While she was lost in this daydream, Savine looked more tense than usual. His face wore a scowl, and he seemed to avoid her gaze, even though his hand rested on hers.
“Is anything wrong, Savine?” Avery asked as they walked along a market street, teeming with fresh produce and warm bread.
Savine didn’t respond for a while. Not until they turned down a side street, free from the crowds going about their business.
“I received some news that will draw us out of Bayberry. I will explain more later. For now, I want us to be united as we meet with the Bayberry leaders,” Savine said as he pulled his hand back from hers.
“United? Is this about whatever you’re planning to use me for?” Avery asked, possibly too loud.
Savine shot her a look that chilled her flesh. “Do not speak of that outdoors. Don’t mention it to Riggins and Po or any Bayberries. Do you understand?”
