“I think that’s it,” Elyssa said, pointing to fenced-in buildings at the bottom of the small hill they were currently walking on.
As they drew closer to the edge of the hill, Lora could see the distant shapes of people milling around. She was relieved the tracker appeared to have brought them to the right place. At least this mission wasn’t a waste of time.
“Let’s go this way,” Eyden suggested. They moved into the cover of trees, overlooking the scene before them.
Lora was breathless, not from the walk, but the fear that was slowly creeping into the forefront of her mind. Suddenly, the sun didn’t feel warm anymore. All she felt was the icy feeling of worry touching her skin, her heart.
Eyden stopped, taking in the scenery below more closely behind the coverage of a tree. Lora knew this look too well. He was assessing their situation, trying to figure out how to proceed. She envied his ability to stay calm. Then again, he must be used to this. Her heart sank thinking of what Eyden had to live through growing up. She wished she could help them find the future they’d craved all their life. But all Lora could do was help them now, here.
“I think the main entrance is on the left. We should go there,” Eyden said to Lora before turning to his sister. He caught Elyssa’s gaze, eyes shining with determination. “El, take Jaspen and try to find a good vantage point up here. Once we have your friends and we’re close enough, come help us. If anything goes wrong, run. Don’t rush in to help. I got this, okay? We’ll meet you back at the cave to regroup if we split up.”
Elyssa quietly stared at her brother. Lora could tell she was itching to tell him off. Probably to yell at him for suggesting to leave them behind.
Jaspen broke the silence. The leader of the rebel camp looked even more annoyed than usual. “If there’s a chance to save the witch, we’ll take it. I’m not taking orders from you, fae.”
Eyden sighed. “You want my help? That’s how I’m willing to help.”
Sensing another fight, Elyssa stepped between them. “Let’s play it by ear, okay?”
“Promise me you’ll stay out of this if it gets too dangerous,” Eyden said.
Elyssa considered his words, eyes drifting between her brother and Jaspen. “I’m not going to sit by, that’s against my nature, but I’ll try my best.”
Eyden was quiet for a moment. Then he moved forward, pulling Elyssa into a hug. The gesture surprised Lora. She wasn’t used to this Eyden, this affectionate side of him. Before she could dwell on it, Eyden stepped away, took off his backpack, and handed it to a less-than-pleased Jaspen.
Turning to Lora, he asked, “Ready?”
Lora gave Elyssa her own backpack and smoothed down her white strappy shirt. She had changed before taking off this morning. Eyden had told her they needed to look like they could afford to buy what they came for, so he had gotten them new clothes before they’d taken off for Rubien. Over the soft material of her shirt, she wore an elegant royal blue jacket, the same colour as her trousers. She still wore her black ankle boots even in the heat. It gave her some solace, knowing she’d be able to run.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Lora replied. She met Elyssa’s hazel eyes that were filled with quiet encouragement. Lora forced a small smile. With a final nod, Elyssa turned her back on them and walked off, Jaspen in tow. Lora felt a weight settle on her shoulders. This was all up to her and Eyden. Lora barely knew how to fit in with the fae. If anyone was going to mess up this mission, it’d be her.
“Hey,” Eyden said, his voice soothing. He had moved closer and was searching her eyes. “It’s going to be okay.” He smiled and it lit up his eyes. “Maybe.” His grin could outshine the sun, even the insanely bright one in Rubien.
Lora couldn’t help but smile back, but it didn’t quite reach her own eyes. She could tell Eyden noticed, but she turned to the buildings below. “Let’s do this. No point in waiting.”
She took a step forward but Eyden lightly touched her arm, making her twist around. He bent down, retrieving a small, sheathed knife from his boot. “Take this. Just in case.” Eyden held the blade out to her.
She stared at the weapon. Fear told her to take it, but common sense made her say, “I wouldn’t even know how to use it. You can do more damage with it.”
“I have two more. Take it.Please?”
The plea got under skin, forcing her to seek out his eyes. As confident as he acted, she could see a shimmer of fear. Lora grabbed the knife, then glanced at herself, unsure where she should hide it.
“Hide it under your shirt,” Eyden said.
Lora lifted the white fabric and slipped the knife under the band of her trousers. The leather sheath felt cold against her skin.
“A little further down so you won’t lose it.” Eyden’s hand moved forward, stopping an inch from her skin as if he realised he couldn’t presume to touch her.
When Lora didn’t object, he reached forward. The back of his hand brushed her lower stomach, sending shivers through her. He only adjusted the knife, but Lora’s thoughts had gone blank. Her breath caught as his fingers slipped under her trousers, stilling for a few seconds before pulling the fabric up an inch, trapping the knife.
His hand left her skin, leaving her colder than before. Yanking her shirt in place, she cleared her throat. “I hope I won’t stab myself.”
“Most likely you won’t even need it. But I could teach you sometime if you’d like.”
“Did you teach Elyssa?”
“Yes. I got her weapons from the black market. It was her favourite thing to do when she lived with me.” A faint smile broke across Eyden’s face. “She wanted to learn it all. Knives, bow and arrow, sword. In the end, she’d rather throw a good punch, though.”
