Beside me, Tiernan is flat on his back and shirtless. Citrus with a familiar hint of marjoram drifts from him. Even with all the options of soap, he stuck with what he’s known. His beard has been trimmed, with only stubble remaining. I smile and consider rousing him, but he’s sleeping so soundly, his chest steadily rising and falling. The magelightflickers to life, shining faintly. The blood is gone from Tiernan’s abdomen, and there’s barely a sign of the stab wound.
My heart stutters when I drag my eyes up to a small circular scar on his chest—from the arrow he took for Carys, I assume—and the jagged scar that starts at his clavicle and climbs up the side of his neck. I swallow thickly and I roll onto my side so that I’m staring at the window.
The bed shifts, and Tiernan’s arm snakes around my waist. I want to say something to him, but my mind is too exhausted. He pulls me closer, and his chin settles over my shoulder. “Sleep,” he says gently into my mind.
It doesn’t take any convincing at all. Soon, I drift off into a deep slumber.
I expected to sleep better than I have in a long time, but instead, I’m jarred awake by images flashing rapidly through my mind. Decaying flowers and dying greenery, fissures in the earth, ice spider-webbing across the land, and dripping icicles… in the middle of the summer. Fear holds on to me as I wake to a lingering presence that’s both strange and familiar.
My limbs are heavy and sore as I roll onto my side to find that I’m alone. Sitting up stiffly, I wait for my head to settle before slowly getting out of bed. I stop by the bathing chamber and wash my face and mouth before heading into the main room. My stomach is a bundle of nerves about seeing the children’s home Dayfyd mentioned—I’m afraid that I won’t be able to handle it.
Tiernan in the kitchen is a welcome sight. He’s pouring hot water into one of two mugs on the counter when I enter. A streamof sunlight filters in through the window over the counters. Tiernan turns to me with an equally radiant smile. “Good morning. I’ve made you some tea. Ava already came by with freshly baked bread and some more clean clothing.”
I lift my brows. “Wow. She really is efficient.”
“Yes, and slightly intimidating.” Tiernan leaves the cups on the counter and walks toward me. “How did you sleep?”
I shrug. “Not very well, but the bed was comfortable. You?”
“Same. We’re probably still on edge from our travels.” He smiles and gently places his fingers beneath my chin, tilting my face up to his. “But I think I’ve lost the ability to function like a normal human being in your presence during waking hours.”
I wrinkle my nose at him. “What do you mean?”
He lowers his hand, but I keep my face angled toward his. “Every time I look at you, I have a strong desire to taste your lips.”
My cheeks flush. “So, what’s stopping you, Tiernan Kilkenny?” I can feel the hitch in my voice, and the amused spark on Tiernan’s face verifies it. I lace my fingers behind his neck and his arms wrap around my waist. Our lips meet, and the kiss is slow and leisurely, as if we could stop time. He pulls my hips to his, and I melt into him, desire igniting deep in my belly. My lips part, and just as his tongue touches mine, he withdraws.
My head is still reeling as I glance up at him, confused. “Why did you?—?”
His head turns toward the kitchen entrance, and I follow his stare to Chiyo. She stands with her hands on her hips, smirking. Finally, she signs, “Well, good morning.”
Tiernan lowers his forehead to mine, and laughter vibrates through him. He pulls back and straightens up, reluctantly releasing me from his grip. “We ought to put a bell on this one,” he says to me.
I smirk and glance from him to Chiyo, who says, “Or keep your affections in the privacy of the bedroom? Just putting that out there.”
A laugh is on my lips as I turn away without a clue about what the siblings say next. I grab a knife to start carving into the golden crust of the sourdough loaf on the counter. The knife breaks through the crust with a satisfying crunch that I feel through the handle, and my mouth waters expectantly.
While my mind whirls, I cut several slices. I don’t know what this thing is between Tiernan and me. We haven’t had the chance to discuss anything, and I have no clue how to let him know that I am completely new to this world of attraction. He knows I’ve never been in a relationship, but I’m not sure if he knows just how inexperienced I truly am. Doubt and nervous energy fill me.
The weight of Tiernan’s hand settles on my shoulder. I glance back at him and there’s a question on his face. “Chiyo’s gone,” he signs. “You’re giving off some very intense feelings. Everything alright?”
I slide the knife aside and turn so my back is against the counter. “I’m just… A lot has happened, and I don’t quite know what to make of… us.”
He smiles slowly. “Me neither. But, for now, we don’t have to rush into anything or figure it all out. I have self-control. Knight’s oath.” He places one hand over his chest and raises the other.
I roll my eyes fondly at him. “We better eat and get ready for the day. Did Ava give any updates on Alys?”
“No, but I assume no news is good news. You’re right though. Let’s get going.”
We all eat and dress in our fresh daytime clothing. Not long after, Dayfyd meets us outside. He smiles a bit shakily. My lips curve up in response. “Welcome to the Verge in the daytime,” he signs.
The Verge is unlike any place I’ve been before. A bog runs through the land with dense fog rolling over the shallow, murky surfaceand the surrounding banks. There are small houses and other buildings scattered, and there are lush forests and majestic grassy mountains all around. A damp scent clings to the humid air, like the earth after a downpour.
The sun shines brightly, and there are peopleeverywhere. Children run around freely, their faces gleeful. People of all ages, backgrounds, appearances, and abilities interact with each other. For a while, I stand there, absorbing our surroundings. A group of people converse in signed language a small distance away and my heart leaps.
A young man walks with a carved stick in each hand. His footsteps are unsteady, but the smile on his face is so genuine. He approaches a young woman with startingly white hair and alabaster skin who wears a hat over her head and long sleeves despite the warm weather. She tiptoes to peck him on the lips, and they continue their journey. A couple pushes a child just a little younger than Taig in a pram and my heart flips.
Taig. Oh, how he would thrive here. I force air into my chest and turn my attention back to Dayfyd. “How’s Alys?”
