Chapter 18

  Nyssa perched silently in the dense branches of an ancient oak tree, her breaths shallow and controlled. She had spent the past four hours weaving through the forest, her every movement calculated to ensure she remained undetected. Now, concealed by a thick canopy of leaves, she gazed down at her target.

  Below, Fiora strolled along the dirt path, her sharp eyes scanning her surroundings. Nyssa smirked, shifting her weight onto a sturdier branch before nimbly leaping to another tree, positioning herself for the perfect shot. With steady hands, she drew her bow from her back and selected an arrow from her quiver, its tip glowing faintly with a soft green hue.

  She took aim, her focus narrowing to the arrow's glowing point. A deep breath steadied her grip, and with a soft exhale, she released. The arrow shot forward in a brilliant green streak, cutting through the air like lightning.

  Fiora froze mid-step. Sensing danger, she twisted, her fist flying up in a blur. The arrow met her strike and shattered on impact, splinters and green sparks exploding into the air like a miniature firework.

  “Not bad, Nyssa. You’ve definitely improved,” Fiora called, her tone casual, as if swatting enchanted arrows from the air were an everyday occurrence. “I guess it’s time to go find Rendrick, huh?”

  Fiora turned and began walking down the path, her strides confident and steady. Nyssa leapt down from her perch, landing gracefully on the ground, and fell into step beside her.

  “How did you know I was there?” Nyssa asked, her curiosity evident.

  Fiora smirked without breaking stride. “I heard the faint twang of your bowstring. Then I saw something glowing and heading my way, so I punched it. Simple.”

  Nyssa’s jaw dropped. “You just… punched it?” Her tone was equal parts awe and disbelief. “Do you even realize what you just did? That arrow wasn’t ordinary—it was enchanted. And you smashed it into sawdust!”

  Fiora shrugged, her expression smug. “Aetherguard,” she said matter-of-factly.

  Nyssa frowned. “But Aetherguard only works on metal—like my arrowheads.”

  “Exactly,” Fiora replied. “It has to be metal for the magic to work. But I’ve been experimenting. Turns out I don’t always need a blade for Aetherguard to work.”

  Nyssa tilted her head, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

  Fiora stopped, pulling off her glove. She extended her hand, revealing reinforced knuckles made of gleaming metal embedded into the fabric. She rapped her knuckles against a nearby tree, producing a metallic clink. “I had these made for my gloves. Infused with magic, they act as an extension of Aetherguard. Combine that with my strength, and…” She threw a few quick jabs into the air, the movements sharp and precise. “My punches become incredibly destructive.”

  Nyssa folded her arms, her brow raised. “So, let me get this straight. You took enchanted gloves, combined them with Aetherguard, and decided punching was the best use for it?”

  “Exactly,” Fiora replied, beaming with pride. “Why waste time drawing a blade when I can just punch my problems into oblivion?”

  Nyssa shook her head, half-impressed and half-annoyed. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

  Fiora grinned. “Maybe. But it works.”

  As they turned the corner, their conversation halted at the sight of Rendrick sprawled on the ground ahead, tied up and immobilized. An arrow jutted awkwardly from his back.

  “Well, did you enjoy your nap?” Fiora jeered, placing her hands on her hips.

  Rendrick glared at her, then shifted his gaze to Nyssa. “What took you so long? Can you untie me and pull this cursed arrow out of my armor?”

  Nyssa smirked and crouched down. Retrieving a dagger from her boot, she carefully sliced through the ropes binding him. Once he was free, she yanked the arrow from the dense layers of leather covering his back.

  “Well, maybe if you weren’t such an easy target, you wouldn’t have to sit here all day while I hunted Fiora down,” Nyssa teased, twirling the arrow between her fingers.

  Rendrick pulled himself to his feet, brushing dirt from his trousers. “Yeah, yeah. I might not be sneaky, but at least I can bench press both of you without breaking a sweat.”

  Over the past three years since Eldric’s departure, the trio had thrown themselves into rigorous training at the old grounds deep in the forest. Their days were spent honing their skills under the ever-watchful eyes of Alicia and Morrigan, who occupied themselves with Valifield’s affairs. In that time, Rendrick had grown into a six-foot-tall colossus of raw strength, easily outmatching Fiora and Nyssa in raw physicality.

  “Strength isn’t everything,” Nyssa shot back with a smirk, but Rendrick ignored her, rolling his shoulders to shake off the stiffness from his captivity.

  “Well, I’m off to practice on my own,” Fiora announced abruptly. She turned on her heel and disappeared down the path before either of them could respond.

  Fiora slowed as she reached a shaded clearing, the dappled sunlight filtering weakly through the dense canopy above. She pulled her sword from its sheath, the blade catching the faint light and gleaming like a shard of ice. She tightened her grip on the hilt and closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath.

  Focusing every ounce of her willpower, she directed her energy toward the tip of her blade. A piercing blue glow began to creep along the edge of the sword, spreading like liquid fire until the entire blade pulsed with radiant energy.

  A small, satisfied smirk spread across her face. With a fluid motion, she swung the sword, the glowing blade cutting cleanly through several tall patches of grass with barely a whisper of resistance.

  Her gaze wandered to a crooked tree trunk ahead, its bark gnarled and twisted as if shaped by unseen hands. Something about it seemed to challenge her, daring her to strike. Fiora adjusted her stance, planting her feet firmly. With a confident breath, she raised her sword and cocked her shoulders back.

  She surged forward, channeling her strength into a single, decisive swing, the glowing blade arcing toward the tree with fatal precision.

  A sharp, unnatural sound in the distance shattered Fiora’s focus. The magical glow around her blade flickered for a split second before retreating entirely, vanishing as if it had never been there. Her sword crashed against the tree trunk with a dull clang, bouncing off harmlessly. The jarring impact sent shockwaves up her arm, leaving her fingers tingling.

  “Dammit!” she roared, her frustration echoing through the clearing. She glared at the stubborn blade as though it had betrayed her. At this rate, I’m never going to master Aetherguard.

  Exasperated, she hurled the sword to the ground. It landed with a dull thud, the grass cushioning its fall. She ran a hand through her hair, sweat glistening on her brow. “Man, I thought I had more than that in me,” she muttered, her voice laced with fatigue.

  A faint crunching sound ahead snapped her out of her thoughts. She froze, her instincts kicking in. Her sharp gaze swept the clearing. “Nyssa? Is that you?” she called out, her voice cautious.

  No answer.

  Her heart quickened. She inhaled deeply, willing herself to stay calm. “Come on. We’re done for the day,” she said, her voice louder this time.

  Silence.

  Fiora’s pulse thundered in her ears as she crouched, reaching for her sword. Before her fingers could curl around the hilt, a sudden force clamped around her neck, wrenching her backward with terrifying strength. She lost her footing and slammed to the ground on her back, the air rushing out of her lungs in a gasp.

  Paralyzed by the shock, Fiora’s ears rang as a low, menacing cackle rose above her. Her blurry vision cleared just in time to see a hulking figure tower over her. Clad in heavy leather armor, he pressed his boot down against her neck, pinning her to the ground. His cruel grin widened as he drew his sword.

  “Looks like we found her,” the man said, his voice gravelly and triumphant.

  The rustle of movement surrounded her as more figures emerged from the shadows, each one clad in the same dark leather armor. The group encircled her, their weapons gleaming in the fading light.

  Fiora’s fiery gaze locked on the leader. “Who are you?” she demanded, her voice strained as she struggled against the boot crushing her windpipe.

  The hulking man leaned down, his smirk darkening. “We have orders to deliver you to Ashley,” he growled, “dead or alive.”

  Fiora’s eyes darted toward her discarded sword, barely visible in the grass. Her fingers twitched instinctively, itching to reclaim it.

  The man’s sharp eyes caught the subtle movement. He delivered a swift, brutal stomp to her gut, forcing a choked gasp from her lips. “No, no. You won’t be getting your sword, little girl,” he sneered.

  Coughing, Fiora glared up at him, defiance flaring in her eyes. “So, you dogs waited me out all day until I was worn down before striking? Cowards,” she spat, her voice filled with venom.

  The men erupted into laughter. “Smart, wasn’t it?” a voice to her left jeered mockingly.

  “No, it makes you nothing more than a pack of cowards,” Fiora growls, her voice rasping under the pressure of the man’s boot. She claws at his leg, trying to push him off, but a sharp, punishing blow to the back of her head cuts her attempt short.

  “Fine,” she sneers through clenched teeth, her rage boiling over. “Have it your way.”

  With a deep breath, Fiora closes her eyes and focuses every ounce of remaining strength into her right fist. A cold, numbing sensation courses down her arm as her muscles tighten and her energy condenses into a single, decisive point.

  Her fingers curl into a rock-solid fist, and with a ferocious cry, she slams her knuckles into the man’s fibula. The sickening crack of bone echoes through the clearing, followed by his bloodcurdling scream. His ankle gives way, and he collapses in a heap, releasing her from his crushing hold.

  Fiora rolls away and scrambles to her feet, her fingers closing around the hilt of her sword. She rises, her stance fierce and unwavering. The remaining men stand frozen, their mouths agape at the display of brute force.

  Glancing down, Fiora catches the faint, reassuring green glow of her pendant beneath her shirt. Eldric’s still alive. The thought ignites a twisted grin on her face. “Now you’re all going to die!” she hisses, her voice dripping with venom.

  Before she can make her move, a sharp kick lands behind her knee, sending her crashing to the ground. Pain lances through her leg as her body folds awkwardly.

  “Not before you, little girl,” one of the men snarls, stepping in front of her. His sword gleams as he raises it high above her face, poised to deliver the final blow.

  Miles away...

  Eldric strides purposefully down the snow-covered mountain, his black cloak billowing in the icy wind. He pauses at the enigmatic black rock, its surface smooth and unnerving. His eyes narrow as he reads the new inscription carved into its surface: Fiora’s death.

  A chill washes over him, but it’s not from the cold. Behind him, a petite woman dressed entirely in black waits silently, her expression unreadable. Eldric glances down at the ring on his finger, his breath catching as he notices a jagged crack snaking down its center.

  “Looks like Seppel was right,” he mutters grimly, his jaw tightening. “Can you take me there?” He turns to face his companion, desperation flickering in his eyes.

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  The woman nods, though her expression remains uncertain. “These events are already in motion,” she warns, her voice low. “We must hurry, but the journey won’t be easy.”

  “I know you can do it,” Eldric replies firmly.

  She gives him a solemn nod and steps closer, placing her right hand on his shoulder. In an instant, a brilliant flash engulfs them both, and they vanish into the ether.

  Back in the clearing...

  Fiora lies on the ground, her body battered and her strength waning. Her gaze locks on the sword above her, its sharpened edge gleaming menacingly in the light. Helpless, she closes her eyes and braces herself for the inevitable.

  What a pathetic way to die.

  A sudden, searing flash of light pierces the darkness, followed by the resounding clang of clashing steel. Startled, Fiora’s eyes fly open.

  Standing over her is a muscular man cloaked in thick black fabric, his sword locked in a furious clash against her would-be executioner’s blade. His presence radiates an unmistakable strength, and despite her disoriented state, Fiora feels a glimmer of hope.

  “Who…?” she murmurs, her voice weak but laced with awe.

  The blade in Eldric’s grip deflects Fiora’s would-be killer with a force that sends a resounding clang echoing through the clearing.

  “Oh no, you don’t,” Eldric growls, his voice low and dangerous.

  Fiora’s eyes widen as recognition floods her. “Eldric!” she cries, her voice a mixture of relief and disbelief.

  With a powerful shove, Eldric forces the man’s sword aside, breaking his stance. Seizing the moment, he drives his own blade into the man’s gut with swift precision. The soldier crumples to the ground, lifeless.

  The remaining soldiers hesitate, their confidence shaken as they watch Eldric pull his sword free with a deadly calm. They exchange uneasy glances, none daring to be the next to step forward.

  Eldric pulls back his hood, revealing his disheveled hair, slicked with sweat and plastered to his forehead. His piercing blue eyes meet Fiora’s, and a wide, familiar grin spreads across his face.

  “Miss me?” he asks, his voice carrying an unmistakable warmth.

  Fiora stares at him, utterly speechless. In the three years since she’d last seen him, Eldric’s transformation is undeniable. His frame is broader, his features sharper, and his presence exudes a quiet but commanding power. Beneath the chiseled jawline and confident stance, the boy she once knew is all but gone, replaced by a man forged through trials she couldn’t begin to imagine.

  Eldric extends a calloused hand toward her. Fiora hesitates for only a moment before grasping it. His grip is firm and steady as he pulls her to her feet.

  “Did I hit my head?” she asks breathlessly, still staring at him in disbelief. “How on earth did you get here?”

  Before Eldric can answer, Fiora’s gaze shifts beyond him. Standing a few paces back is a young woman clad in sleek black clothing, her posture relaxed but alert. She watches Eldric with unwavering focus, her presence radiating an air of quiet intensity.

  Fiora’s chest tightens as she takes in the woman’s appearance. Shoulder-length red hair frames a youthful face with striking brown eyes, and there’s something unsettlingly familiar about her.

  “No, you didn’t hit your head,” Eldric reassures her, stepping aside to draw her attention back to him. “I’m really here.”

  He turns his back to Fiora, his expression hardening as he faces the remaining soldiers. Without a word, he reaches behind his back, drawing a second blade. Its gleaming edge catches the fading light, sending a cold glint through the clearing.

  Eldric takes a step forward, his movements deliberate and menacing. Then, glancing back over his shoulder, he adds with a wry grin, “But we can discuss all of this later.”

  The soldiers’ grips tighten on their weapons, but none of them dare to charge.

  What happens next is a whirlwind that Fiora can barely comprehend. Eldric moves with an otherworldly speed, his dual swords carving through the air with deadly precision. He weaves between the soldiers like a shadow, his glowing blades leaving streaks of blue light in their wake. His movements are so fluid, so perfectly executed, that it’s as if he’s performing a deadly dance choreographed by the gods themselves.

  “Impossible,” Fiora mutters, her voice barely audible over the clash of steel.

  Her eyes dart to the mysterious woman, who stands on the sidelines, her gaze never leaving Eldric. There’s an intense focus in her expression, her lips moving in silence. A bead of sweat glides down the bridge of her nose, evidence of the strain she’s under.

  Fiora squints, trying to make sense of the woman’s silent commands. She watches her lips form a word: “Shot.” Confused, Fiora shifts her focus back to Eldric just in time to see one of the soldiers lunge at him, sword poised for a killing blow.

  She gasps and starts to shout a warning, but the blade glances off Eldric’s black cloak as though it had struck solid steel. The weapon recoils, bending unnaturally, and the attacker stumbles back in shock.

  “Impossible,” Fiora whispers again, shaking her head.

  Eldric glances over his shoulder at the girl and gives her a small nod. Then, with an almost casual grace, he sidesteps a flurry of five simultaneous attacks. His swords glow brighter as he sweeps them in a single, fluid motion, cutting down all five assailants in one devastating strike.

  Only two soldiers remain. They hesitate, exchanging panicked glances as Eldric slowly turns to face them. With deliberate movements, he shrugs off his black cloak, revealing the full extent of his transformation.

  Beneath the cloak, his well-toned body is clad in tight leather armor that emphasizes every powerful muscle. His presence is magnetic, exuding a commanding aura that makes even Fiora’s breath catch in her throat.

  Eldric raises his swords, holding them parallel to the ground, and steps forward with a deadly calm. The two remaining men, trembling, decide to charge in a final act of desperation.

  With perfect timing, Eldric sweeps his blades upward in a brilliant arc, slicing their weapons clean in half. The shattered steel clatters to the ground as the men stumble back, disarmed and terrified. Eldric doesn’t hesitate. His movements are swift and merciless as he finishes them off with precision strikes.

  The clearing falls silent, save for the sound of Eldric’s heavy breathing. He turns just in time to see the girl collapse to her knees, her strength clearly spent.

  “Reiko!” he shouts, his voice tinged with panic. He sheathes his swords in one fluid motion and sprints to her side, catching her just before she hits the ground.

  “Well, we made it,” Reiko murmurs, her voice faint but steady.

  “Thanks to you,” Eldric replies, forcing a reassuring smile despite the worry in his eyes. “Are you all right?”

  “Just peachy,” she sighs, her eyes fluttering shut. “I think... I’ll rest here for a bit.”

  Reiko goes limp in his arms, her breathing steady but shallow. Eldric adjusts his grip, cradling her carefully, and looks back at Fiora, his expression a mixture of exhaustion and determination.

  “Fiora!” a voice calls out urgently, echoing through the clearing. The sound of frantic footsteps grows louder until Alicia bursts around the corner. She skids to a halt, her sharp gaze darting around the carnage of fallen soldiers. Her eyes land on Fiora first, then shift to Eldric. A broad smile begins to spread across her face, but it vanishes as quickly as it appears when she notices the unconscious woman cradled in Eldric’s arms.

  “What happened here?” Alicia demands, her voice laced with concern.

  “There’s no time for explanations,” Eldric replies, his tone tight with urgency. He adjusts Reiko in his arms, her limp form barely stirring. “We need to get her to the cabin where she can be treated. It’s not safe here. Let’s go!”

  Without waiting for a response, Eldric starts off toward the woods, his steps quick but careful as he cradles Reiko protectively. Fiora, Alicia, and the others fall in line behind him, their faces shadowed with concern.

  As they near the cabin, a familiar voice rings out from the front yard. “Eldric?” Nyssa asks, her tone a mixture of shock and disbelief. She and Rendrick are crouched by a small fire pit, working to coax flames from the kindling.

  Eldric doesn’t pause. “We need to get her inside,” he calls out, his breath ragged.

  Alicia pushes ahead to yank the door open, holding it wide as Eldric carries Reiko into the dimly lit interior. He lays her gently on a makeshift cot and collapses to the floor beside her, his chest heaving as he tries to catch his breath.

  “Who is this, and what happened to her?” Alicia asks, kneeling beside Reiko. She carefully presses two fingers to the woman’s neck, checking for a pulse. Her brow furrows in concentration, but the moment her fingertips meet Reiko’s skin, her eyes widen in shock.

  “She’s... she’s a wizard,” Alicia says, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “What?” Fiora, Nyssa, and Rendrick exclaim in unison, their disbelief palpable.

  “Yes, she is,” Eldric replies, sitting up slowly. “Her name is Reiko. She brought me here from Dracnesse Mountain.”

  “She brought you here? How?” Fiora asks, her tone sharp with curiosity.

  Eldric shakes his head. “I don’t pretend to understand magic,” he admits, glancing down at Reiko’s pale face. “All I know is that one moment we were there, and the next, we were here. It was like... a flash of light, and then everything changed.”

  He leans back, resting his weight on his arms, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. “Good thing, too,” he continues, his voice softening. “It looks like we arrived just in time.”

  The room falls silent as everyone stares at the mysterious wizard lying unconscious before them. The flickering light of the fire outside casts moving shadows across the walls, heightening the tension that hangs heavy in the air.

  “We need to focus,” Alicia says finally, breaking the quiet. She stands and begins issuing instructions. “Nyssa, get some water boiling. Rendrick, find more blankets. Fiora, help Eldric. We need to get her stabilized before anything else.”

  As the group springs into action, Fiora glances at Eldric. He looks back at her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips despite his obvious fatigue.

  “Miss me?” he asks, his voice carrying a hint of playful warmth.

  Fiora hesitates, her heart tightening in her chest. Then she nods, the corner of her mouth twitching upward in a faint smile. “You have no idea.”

  Alicia continues tending to Reiko, carefully adjusting the blanket wrapped around the young woman as she shivers. “This is the youngest wizard I have ever seen,” Alicia murmurs, almost to herself. “She can’t be older than twenty.” Her gaze shifts to Eldric, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. “You mean to tell me you just found her while you were off training?”

  “No, not exactly,” Eldric replies with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. “She was... introduced to me.” He slowly rises to his feet, his movements stiff from exhaustion. “Look, I’ll answer all your questions later. Right now, I need a bath and some food. That pond of ours should do wonders for me.”

  To everyone’s surprise, Reiko stirs, her eyelids fluttering open. Slowly, she sits up, still pale but determined. “I’ll join you,” she says, her voice faint as she struggles to her feet. She stumbles slightly, and Eldric instinctively reaches out to steady her. She takes his hand, leaning on him for support, and the two begin making their way to the door.

  As the door swings shut behind them, Fiora and Nyssa exchange wide-eyed glances before bolting to their feet. “You two are going together?!” they shout in unison, racing out after them.

  “Why not?” Eldric calls back without so much as turning around.

  “As long as we don’t look at each other, there shouldn’t be a problem,” Reiko adds nonchalantly.

  Nyssa and Fiora freeze, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. After a moment of silent fuming, they both scoff and stomp back into the hut.

  Fiora glares at Alicia, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “What just happened?” she demands.

  “What just happened,” Rendrick interjects with a teasing grin, “is that Eldric is one lucky man.”

  Alicia chuckles softly, but Fiora and Nyssa turn their sharp glares on Rendrick, their gazes like daggers.

  “That’s it!” Fiora exclaims, jumping to her feet. “I’m joining them too!” Without waiting for a response, she storms out of the cabin, slamming the door behind her.

  Alicia and Rendrick exchange amused looks before turning to Nyssa. Her face reddens, and she stammers, “I am not going out there!” She folds her arms defiantly, but the blush betrays her discomfort.

  Fiora treads down the familiar path leading to the pond, her steps quiet but purposeful. When she reaches the edge of the clearing, she crouches behind a thick bush. Carefully, she parts the branches, peering through to get a clear view of the pond.

  In the moonlight, Eldric and Reiko stand waist-deep in the water, their backs turned to one another. The soft blue glow of the Lunaflare flowers blooming around the pond’s edge bathes the scene in an ethereal light. Eldric dips his hands into the water, splashing his face before running his fingers through his damp, messy hair. His shoulders, broad and strong, glisten in the glow.

  Reiko, on the other side, scoops a handful of water and pours it over her face. She tilts her head back, letting out a deep sigh of relief. Her red hair clings to her back, the vibrant strands gleaming faintly in the luminescence. The scene is oddly peaceful, almost surreal.

  Fiora clenches her fists, her emotions a whirlwind of anger, jealousy, and confusion. She crouches lower behind the bush, her heart pounding as she watches silently.

  Shifting her gaze toward Eldric, Fiora feels a pang of disappointment as all she can see is his back. The water, more than waist-deep, conceals most of his body, leaving only a portion of his muscular shoulders and upper torso visible. What truly catches her attention, however, are the scars that crisscross his skin—some faded and ancient, others fresh and raw. Each mark seems to tell a story, a silent testament to the trials he has faced in his absence.

  Curiosity gets the better of her as she leans forward to get a closer look. The branch beneath her hand snaps with a loud crack, and Fiora loses her balance, tumbling through the bush with a startled cry. Reiko, startled by the sudden noise, turns around and stifles a laugh as she watches Fiora’s graceless fall.

  “If you’re going to sneak around, you might as well join us, Fiora,” Eldric says without turning around, his tone calm but amused. “Just head over with Reiko.”

  Embarrassed beyond words, Fiora nods stiffly. She undresses quickly, avoiding eye contact with both of them, and slides into the water, keeping a careful distance from Eldric. The icy chill of the pond sends a shiver up her spine, but it also calms her flustered nerves. Reiko chuckles softly but says nothing, focusing on rinsing her hair as Fiora adjusts to the water.

  The three of them remain in the pond for ten minutes, the silence broken only by the occasional splash of water. Eldric seems lost in thought, his face expressionless, while Reiko hums a quiet tune, seemingly unbothered by Fiora’s presence. Fiora, meanwhile, can’t stop glancing at Eldric’s scars, her mind racing with questions she knows she won’t get answers to—at least not yet.

  When they finally return to the hut, Nyssa greets them eagerly. “So, how did you get back here?” she asks, practically bouncing on her toes.

  Eldric raises a hand, cutting her off before she can say more. “First, food,” he says flatly. “I’m starving.”

  Nyssa opens her mouth to protest, but Eldric shakes his head, his expression firm. “Food first,” he repeats.

  Alicia, sensing the tension, steps in. “Morrigan is in Valifield right now, gathering supplies. She should be back any minute with supper.”

  As if on cue, the door to the hut swings open, and Morrigan marches in, carrying a large sack slung over one shoulder. She sets it down with a thud and glances at the newcomers. “Oh. Hi,” she says, her tone indifferent as she takes in Eldric and Reiko. “Dinner will be ready shortly. Just take a seat, and I’ll serve you.”

  Eldric nods appreciatively and moves to the center of the hut, Reiko following close behind. He sits cross-legged on the floor, and Reiko settles in beside him. Fiora watches them with narrowed eyes, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Nyssa catches her expression and nudges her playfully, but Fiora doesn’t react.

  Minutes later, Morrigan returns with five plates of steaming food. The aroma of roasted meat fills the small hut, and Eldric wastes no time digging in. The others follow his lead, eating in silence. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken questions, but everyone seems to accept that Eldric won’t talk until he’s had his fill.

  When the last plate is emptied, Morrigan gathers the dishes and steps outside to clean them. Reiko lets out a massive yawn, stretching before lying down on the floor. To everyone’s surprise—and Fiora’s horror—she rests her head on Eldric’s lap. Within moments, her breathing evens out, and she falls asleep. Eldric absentmindedly begins to play with her hair, his fingers twirling the strands in slow, lazy motions.

  Alicia notices the sharp blush of rage spreading across Fiora’s face and clears her throat. “So,” Eldric begins, breaking the heavy silence as if unaware of the tension in the room. He glances at Alicia, his expression calm. “Let’s start with you.”