After landing in Silas’s room, both of us take a moment to catch our breath. Moving such a distance would wear anyone out, especially after what we just experienced. A large, roaring fire lights the room, and the familiar dark space comes into focus.
Before I know it, Silas is there, leading me to the vintage furniture beside the warm flames and Maines.
I sit, and Maines rushes over, throwing her arms around my neck. I wince at the pain shooting through my upper back.
“Oh Gods, I’m sorry.” Maines pulls away. “Please, can I look?”
I offer her my left shoulder. “Go ahead.”
Maines pulls down Silas’s large shirt, assessing the injury. She makes a few hushed noises, thinking to herself before speaking. “Who healed this?”
Larkin raises his hand, joining us around the sitting area. “That would be me.”
“It’s truly horrible,” Maines hisses.
Larkin huffs.
“It will leave bad scars, but I believe I can help minimize them, so you won't be mangled for your whole life. But...” she adds. “You saved her life, Larkin, and for that, I’ll forgive you for your foolishness.”
He dips his head. “Thanks. I think.”
Maines covers me up again and settles back into the couch. Oak sits across from us with a grin on his face while Silas throws a fresh shirt over his head and occupies the other chair.
“It looks like we have a lot to catch up on,” Oak says, glancing at Larkin. “Come on, Spiridon. Join us.”
Larkin remains planted in his spot.
“You don’t have to act like you’re in trouble forever.”
I scoot over, letting Larkin sit next to me on the long couch and giving his back a gentle pat. The crackling fire swiftly fills the space with popping sounds that startle me each time. They chat among themselves as I keep a close eye on the door.
“Has Yara been here?” I ask, waiting for a response. “She should have been here by now.”
Silas, Maines, and Oak exchange glances, deciding who among them will answer me.
“What?” I demand, and nerves immediately flood my core.
Silas leans forward. “No one has seen or heard from Yara, yet.”
Chapter 26
Istand, making the others around me jump.
“She wouldn’t just not show up,” I snap.
“Maybe she’s running late. We can wait a little longer.” Maines grabs my hand, trying to pull me back down. “Who knows what Malachi has her up to?”
I jerk my hand away. “No, she wouldn’t. You didn’t speak to her; none of you did.”
“Did she tell you what time she would be arriving?” Silas asks.
“No. Just that she would be with your father, and when he fell asleep, she’d be here.”
“Then we’re all set. It’s not even 10 P.M., so there’s no way he’s asleep right now,” Silas assures me. “We can wait a little longer."
He’s right. It’s still early, and I’m just rushing because I’m nervous. I sit back down and feel the others staring at me.
Oak clears his throat and strikes up a conversation with Silas. Maines settles closer to the fire, closing her eyes to prepare for the long night, while Larkin tips his head against the back of the couch next to me.
