“You can’t just leave not in that state… can you?” His head tilted as he eyed her with faint disbelief.
“Watch me,” Sorcha snapped, brushing past them.
Blood trickled faintly behind her as she walked out the door, ignoring the burning ache in her side. She madeher way home without stopping, though much of the journey passed in a blur of sound and movement. Her thoughts spun endlessly, replaying everything Cat had revealed and everything Kyron hadn’t. The weight of what lay ahead pressed down on her, and the looming reality of Samhain keeping her focused. When she reached her home, she threw the door open and slammed it shut behind her, leaning her entire body against it as she slid to the floor. Her head thudded back against the wood, her eyes slipping closed. She wasn’t sure how long she stayed like, lost in the storm of her mind until she stirred, rubbing at her temples and blinking at the dim light of the room.
The hearth was cold, the embers long dead.
Outside, the sun was sinking low, casting warm streaks of orange and red through the windows. She groaned, her muscles aching as she shifted against the door.
Gods, how long did I just sit here? My head is killing me.
Using the door to push herself to her feet, she winced as the pain in her side flared again.
This is going to leave one ugly scar.
She glanced down at the faint traces of blood seeping through her bandages and caught the stench of sweat clinging to her skin.
Manannán’s breath, I need a bath. What else could possibly—
The door slammed into the back of her head, cutting her thoughts short as she stumbled forward, cursing loudly.
“What in DAMNATION, Cat?!” she snarled, spinning to glare at the feline as he casually strolled inside.
Cat stopped mid stride, wrinkling his nose in exaggerated disgust. “Have you thought to bathe, dear? You smell horrid.”
Sorcha opened her mouth to retort, but her side throbbed, cutting her off as fresh blood seeped through the bandages. She groaned and pressed a hand against it, muttering under her breath.
I don’t have time for this. I need to fix this wound first then I’ll deal with everything else.
Moving to her vanity, she unwrapped the bandages carefully and used her runes to cleanse and patch the wound as best as she could. The magic numbed the pain slightly, enough to give her some relief, but she still needed to clean herself properly. Grabbing fresh clothes, she headed toward the bath. The first sting of the hot water meeting her raw skin made her gasp, but the pain ebbed as she sank deeper into the tub. Finally, for the first time all day, the tension in her shoulders began to ease. She let out a soft sigh, leaning her head back against the rim of the tub, closing her eyes.
“MEEOOW”
Her eyes snapped open to find Cat perched smugly on the edge of the tub.
“Cat, for the love of—what are you doing in here?”
“Checking on you,” Cat replied, his voice innocent, but the smirk tugging at his lips said otherwise.
“Cat. Privacy,” as she pointed to the door.
“Privacy?” Cat said, cocking his head. “I’m not looking at your body! By the Gods Woman, I’m concerned about your mental state.”
Sorcha groaned, sinking further into the water until it lapped at her chin.Of all the creatures to be cursed with…She resisted the urge to scream and instead fixed him with a death glare. “Please. Get. Out.”
Cat sat there, unmoving, his tail swishing. “Is this better?” he asked, turning to face the door but remaining firmly planted on the tub’s edge. “This is just ridiculous, you know?”
Her face burned red, equal parts mortified and enraged. “NOW, CAT!” she yelled, pointing furiously at the door.
With an exaggerated sigh, Cat hopped down and padded toward the door. The door closed behind him and Sorcha exhaled deeply, her hands coming up to rub her face. For a brief, blissful moment, the silence returned, and she let herself sink deeper into the warmth of the water. In this moment things felt normal, even if it was only amoment, she was grateful for it. As she emerged from the tub, sleep beckoned her, as terrifying as sleep felt. She looked to Cat “Will you stay with me tonight?”
Cat whispered, “Always, Sorcha.” He padded over to her bed and waited for her to finish dressing before settling in beside her. “Goodnight, Sorcha,” he murmured softly.
Chapter 53
The Moment Ruined
Sorcha’s eyelashes fluttered as she blinked awake, the morning light prying her from the restless, dreadful sleep she’d endured. She had spent the night tossing and turning, the ache in her side a constant reminder of her injury.Groaning softly, she turned her head and spotted Cat, still curled up and sleeping soundly.
