Fool.
I needed to remember who I was—who I was supposed to be.
But she’s not what I thought she was. Not whathethinks she is.
12
CARWYNN
HUMAN REALM—AGE 13
Little huffsof hot breath warmed my skin. Small fingers traced the gash on my neck.
My throat—he’d slashed it. That skeletal phantom, thatDevil, had sliced me open, leaving me for dead.
The memory of death sent an ice-prickling jolt up my spine, but the pain was gone.How was it gone?
I took my first deep breath.
My eyes were too heavy, too numb to open. So I focused on listening, holding onto that sliver of consciousness.
Footsteps. I hear footsteps.
They were distant but getting closer.Running.
A small, child-like whimper rang through my ears as warm hands stroked my hair.
“You found her! Sacred souls . . . you found her!”A man’s low, shaky voice called out. “Thank Amora, thank the Celestial Gates!” he added in a mumbling rasp.
The ground crunched, someone kneeling to my side. Large warm hands cupped my cheek.
“I’m so sorry,ma cherie.”His voice strained. “I’m here now.You’re safe. I’m going to keep you safe.” It was a wavering promise, more to himself than me.
Who? What—?My brain slowed.
Secure arms wrapped under my knees and behind my back, lifting.
Sensation trickled back into my body. I twitched my fingers.
I cracked my eyes open.
The sky looked like scoops of sorbet floating with whipped cream clouds. The sun began to rise. The coolest air of the day brushed my cheek. It made me miss autumn, miss some feeling I longed to call home.
I shifted my eyes to the stranger carrying me.
The man had a kind, yet familiar face. I couldn’t put my finger on it . . . but it reminded me of sitting cozily in front of a fireplace. The comfort of being home, not having to think beyond four walls.
Blond hair swept in the wind. Face slightly worn, yet handsome.
“W-What happened?”I asked, throat sore and gravelly.
Robin’s egg-blue eyes looked down at me, softening.
“You were attacked—by the Skell King’s men.”
A warm smile greeted me, then he pointed his chin behind me.
“Lucky for you, this little Cherub was able to track you down in time.”
