Disciple of War Disciple of War (Art of the Adept #4) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,186

the other one. William!” Her voice was fading away. “Somebody! I need help!”

Chapter 51

The warm darkness was disturbed by a dim light that kept intruding on his awareness. Opening his eyes, Will saw a lamp burning nearby. That seemed strange, since for some reason he’d assumed that there wouldn’t be lamps in the afterlife. Looking around, he saw Selene beside him, her eyes open, watching him.

“I thought paradise would be different,” he said, offering his opinion. Glancing around, he saw that he wasn’t in a cot. Selene had gathered a collection of blankets and pillows from the gods knew where and constructed a somewhat decadent sleeping mound for the two of them. In fact, after a second glance, Will was pretty sure it wasn’t even his original tent, which was probably a good thing, considering all the blood that had been spilled in his.

“Are you disappointed?” asked Selene.

“No. This is better. Am I dreaming, or did I die?”

She gave him a stern look. “You’re alive for now, but that may change after I’ve heard the rest of the story from you.”

He remembered his old friend the rock and realized he had a lot of explaining to do. Then he wondered how long he’d been unconscious. How much did they tell her? “Do I get a kiss first?”

She seemed to consider the question carefully before eventually leaning over and meeting his lips. The kiss that ensued sent a delightful ache through his lips, to his heart, and then it continued on, sparking a fresh warmth in other places.

A sudden pain brought him back to his senses as Selene pulled on the hair at the back of his neck. “Ow!”

Her voice sounded dangerous as she asked, “Where’s Laina?”

“Well, about that—ow! Don’t pinch me!”

Selene’s eyes had narrowed. “She’s not supposed to be in Klendon. She’s supposed to be here, making sure you don’t get murdered.”

So, she’s had enough time to ask them some questions, thought Will. Damn.

“Where’s Mark Nerrow?” she demanded.

Will yelped, “Ow!” She had pinched him before he could answer.

“You decided to prioritize his safety over your own? Didn’t you?”

He clenched his jaw. “He’s my father.”

“Imagine how he feels then,” snapped Selene. “What you keep forgetting is just how much you mean to the rest of us—what you mean to me. I know just how badly you want to protect your family and friends, but we feel the same way. Sending away everyone who wants to help you isn’t smart.”

“I’ve been careful,” Will lied.

Selene’s eyes widened slightly, expressing shock. “Really? You’ve been careful? Is that why you decided to hold the gate open at Klendon all by your lonesome?”

Oh shit. How long had he been asleep? Will’s eyes roamed the room, scanning for weapons she might be tempted to use—or possible escape routes.

“What about your brilliant plan to take Maldon by blowing up the city gate—while you were standing next to it? Is that your definition of careful?” Her hand came up, and she caught his chin before turning his face back toward hers. “Stop looking for a way out of this. Tiny and Janice are outside, along with Barrentine’s company and several other mean-looking sorcerers. You aren’t going anywhere.”

Will let his body go slack, and he slumped to the floor. Staring up at the ceiling, he replied, “It sounds like you’ve heard a lot already. How long was I asleep?”

“Most of the day. The sun went down a couple of hours ago.”

“Did you hear about Eric?” he asked quietly.

He could hear a quick intake of breath. “No. I hadn’t heard.” Her hand snaked across and found his beneath the blankets. “I’m sorry. Want to tell me about it?”

“Not really,” he answered sullenly, but then he began talking anyway. His chest ached as he spoke, even though his wounds were fully healed. He kept the tale short, but it led to a dozen other things Selene should probably hear about. Will started with the first and worst revelation. “I killed Felix Lustral a few days ago—before I had even learned about Eric.”

“There was good reason to suspect him—” she began.

Will cut her off. “He was innocent. Bug brought me one of his notebooks right before trying to kill me. That’s part of the reason I was so distracted.”

A new growl emerged from Selene’s throat. “I wish I could kill him again.”

He draped his forearm across his eyes. “I’m pretty sure he was coerced. It sounded like someone was using his family against him.”

“I don’t care,” said Selene, practically spitting from the intensity