Page 81 of Ravenrose

“Stubborn. So godsdamned stubborn,” he mumbles, studying me. His gray eyes are unreadable once again.

I make a face at him, attempting to push myself up and out of his lap. The world tilts and my hands shoot out, catching myself as the earth wobbles beneath me.

“Take it easy,” he warns, and I’m suddenly all too aware of his hand at my side, steadying me. “We’re done for the day. We’ll make camp here.”

“But—” I grit out, my voice barely audible despite the water; my throat is still a raging inferno. “But it’s only midday.” I can’t have been out for that long. My eyes lift to the bright blue sky above for confirmation.

He pauses, his eyes darkening as they pierce through my own. “Let me rephrase: We’ll make camp here. You’re done for the day.”

My cheeks flame hotter than they already are. I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t ask to be dragged through the woods relentlessly against my will, but still, somehow, I feel less than for not being able to keep up.

“Okay,” I mutter softly. I’m in no position to argue.

Ayer unhooks a new water satchel from his belt and sets it down in front of me. I stare at it before looking back at him.

“Drink all of that,” he orders. His tone level, his expression giving away nothing of his thoughts as he points to it.

“At what cost?” I whisper, peering up at him. Because with him, there’s always a cost.

A muscle flexes in his jaw. “Just drink it.” And then he’s gone.

Something twists uncomfortably in my chest.

He saved me.

It feels wrong to admit it, but he did. Ayer could just as easily have dragged my body behind his horse for the rest of the day, or even just left me behind to die.

But he didn’t.

He hates me. I know he hates me, so I know this isn’t born from pity or just the nonexistent goodness inside that black heart of his.

No.

He has his own reasons. They can’t very well dangle me in front of my brothers or father if I’m dead, can they?

I clear my throat. Even after the water, it still feels as though knives are stabbing me from the inside.

“Rowan,” I half mumble. My words are so soft, so quiet I’m not sure he can even hear them until he stops dead in his tracks—going utterly still.

Slowly, he turns around.

I pick up the canteen he left for me on the ground, popping off the lid. He didn’t ask this time—or demand. And maybe that’s why I’m telling him as I take another long drink of water. “My name is Rowan.”

My eyes lift to his, and for a moment, we just… stare. He gives a curt nod before stalking off to deliver his orders to his men.

A white flag waves between us. A temporary peace offering.

How long will it last?

Hopefully long enough for me to work out how to set the man on fire.

I hold on to that thought, finishing the small satchel of water and attempting to rise just before everything goes black.

Chapter 38

AYER

She’s been unconscious for hours.