Fires of Ruin (War and Deceit #3) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,96
not when they’ve been so welcoming.
Eventually, we manage to leave. Vaeril’s hand rests on my lower back as we walk, the only thing keeping me going, as if his very touch gives me strength.
“I much prefer these parties,” Naril comments, and as I glance over my shoulder, I see he’s managed to grab another plate of food, his eyes locked onto his stash with glee. Smiling, I shake my head before turning forward.
“You can go back if you want, you don’t have to leave on my account,” I call, my voice light as a teasing smile spreads across my lips. “I saw that you looked pretty comfortable with one of the elves by the food table.” He can’t see my smile, but the playful note in my voice is obvious, and his snort tells me he’s heard it.
“I’ll probably go back once you’re settled,” he replies casually, before falling silent. I assume he’s eating something from his stolen stash, but he clears his throat, catching my attention. “I meant what I said, I’ll help you.”
The seriousness in his tone makes me stop, and from the cursing behind me, I know he must have nearly walked into me, but I spin to face him, my expression just as serious. Vaeril stands just to the side and out of the way, so Naril and I are face to face. My eyes rove over him, and he seems to realise now isn’t the time for jokes, as he just waits for my assessment. My wrist tingles in a sign from the goddess, and I know I can fully trust Naril. If it came down to it, he would protect me with his life. The thought scares me, but it isn’t something I have time to worry about now. Instead, I simply nod.
“I know,” I respond, and both him and Vaeril seem to let out relieved breaths. What did they think was going to happen? That I would banish Naril back to Galandell and refuse his help? Needing to break the tension, I smile as I turn around and start the trek back to my room. “I am capable of putting myself to bed though, you don’t have to miss out,” I say over my shoulder, hearing them discussing something behind me.
“It’s okay, she’s safe with me,” Vaeril tells his friend. “I’ll stay the night in her room to make sure she’s safe.”
I raise my eyebrows at his statement, but I don’t stop walking. Oh, he will, will he? My thoughts spin, and Naril obviously has the same idea because he makes a chortling sound.
“Oh, the old ‘I need to make sure she’s safe.’ Got it,” Naril teases, and I hear a low growling sound, followed by a muffled thud.
“Naril…” I call as I turn to see what’s going on, only to trail off. Naril appears forlorn as he stares over the edge of the platform, his hands now empty. Glancing over the rail, I see his smashed plate and the food scattered all over the ground. Vaeril is smirking, his arms crossed as he watches Naril mourn his lost food, and I realise what’s happened.
“Look what he did!” Naril accuses, pointing at Vaeril, who wears a pleased expression.
“You deserved it,” I retort, making Vaeril laugh as he walks over to me. “Go back and enjoy the party. The dancing was only just starting.” I turn to leave. At this point, I don’t care what he does with his time, whether that’s to mourn his lost food or return to the party, but when I glance over my shoulder, I see he’s gone.
Vaeril and I walk the rest of the way back to my room in silence, but it’s comfortable and I don’t feel the need to fill it, so instead, I just enjoy his company. Reaching the little house built into the tree, I push open the door and make my way through the living room and straight to the bedroom. I intend to just sink into the large bed, but I come to a stop as something on the bedding catches my eye.
“Oh.” My voice is soft as I take a few steps to get a closer look. At first glance, it appears to be a pile of junk, but on inspection, I realise they are little trinkets—a shiny stone, a stick carved into a flower, dried grasses woven together. I pick them up one by one, examining them, running my fingers over them, and admiring the craftsmanship on the tiny items.