“Yes.” He pauses, looking at Larkin. “And the creatures that hurt you.”
I sit up slightly. “Larkin said we couldn’t fight that thing.”
He glances at Larkin again. “He was right to say that. It could have been much worse if you had tried to.”
Larkin stands and approaches where I rest in Silas’s arms. His tall frame is slightly slumped, and his white hair appears dull. Silas watches him closely, and I can feel the anger radiatingfrom his body. It doesn’t take long for me to realize that Larkin likely informed Silas about everything, driven by fear, shame, and a hint of trepidation.
“I’m so sorry.” Larkin hangs his head. “So much of this is my fault.”
I shake my head. “Larkin, it’s not your fault Barlowe died.”
His expression turns to shock.
I attempt to sit up, and Silas helps me. My left arm hangs limply beside me, but it’s gradually healing. I look around and see a few ritual items alongside the Rigils Larkin drew. I notice blood trickling from his hand, and I realize that he cut himself to strengthen the ritual to save me.
“It’s Thatcher’s fault that my brother is dead, not yours.” I pause, still struggling to speak loudly. “I want you to know that. You thought you were helping a friend, and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t have done the same.”
Larkin lowers his head and crouches next to where I sit. “I’m sorry, Briar. I wasn’t lying when I said I would do whatever I can to protect you for the rest of my life.”
I nod and say, "Thank you.”
“You’re still on my shit list, Spiridon,” Silas cuts in.
I turn my attention to Silas. “Leave him alone."
Silas casts a sly grin my way, with a wink.
“Did I die?” I cut my eyes at both of them.
“Almost,” Larkin says. “You stopped breathing for a minute.”
“Try five,” Silas barks.
“That’s about the time he shifted here.”
I sit up higher this time and try to get to my feet. I stumble a little, and Silas is there to catch me. I stand on shaky legs, but at least I’m upright. My clothes are drenched in dark blood, my hair is tangled, and a chill courses through my body. My shirt barely clings to my shoulder, and Silas removes his, wrapping it around me.
“There’s something else,” Larkin says, his mouth forming a thin line.
“What?”
Silas wraps his arm around my waist to keep me upright. “Your tattoo is gone. The creature’s claw went straight through it, slicing the ink in half.” He glances at my back. “Hopefully a bit will still protect you, but you are going to have one insane scar, my love."
“I figured it was gone,” I admit.
Larkin angles his head. “What do you mean?”
“When I…passed out,” I start.
“You mean died?” Larkin cuts in.
“Semantics,” Silas snaps.
“Yes, when I died, I heard Rohhit again.” I pause, waiting for their reactions. “He’s alive, Silas. He’s still in his body.”
Silas rubs his hand through his hair.
“He can hear Carobon. Carobon is working with Calia and Nolan to rebuild Cammon. The ship is heading to Andorwood to destroy the Archives. Whatever’s in there is important, and we have to get there first.”
