Of Thorn and Thread (Daughters of Eville #4) - Chanda Hahn Page 0,53

here? You need to go after him,” Delphine screeched, and I was inclined to agree.

Devin looked up at me and gave me a wink. “He’s a big boy. He can handle himself.”

“Against a dark sorcerer? Please, Devin,” I pleaded.

Devin heard the worry in my voice. “Okay, I’ll go. You stay here and don’t worry.”

“I’ll be right back.”

He followed Delphine out into the hall, and I sat in the study alone, taking in the warm, cozy interior while I waited.

It was hours later when Devin and Liam returned on horseback without a prisoner in tow. I heard the servants rushing to help them, and Liam’s voice just outside the door to the study.

“She’s asleep,” the house-elf whispered.

The handle moved, the door opened, then it shut and closed with a click. Liam’s footsteps faded away.

Chapter Fifteen

A loud thud roused me from my unnaturally deep sleep, and I rubbed my palms over my eyes. It was strange to sleep without having other people’s thoughts merging into my dreams. It was oddly peaceful and unnerving. I had a kink in my neck from sleeping on the chaise. I stretched, reached toward the ceiling. Rolling my shoulders, I wandered over to the window that overlooked the courtyard and stables. My hand, despite the severity of the burn, only ached. I would need fresh bandages, more aloe, and pain reliever poultice, but for now the pain was tolerable.

The white lace curtain obscured my view, and I pulled it aside to see most of the troops had their horses saddled and were ready to leave. They were loading more barrels and food onto their supply wagon, and it was that noise that woke me. Devin had already mounted, his face forlorn as he cast a solemn look toward my window.

The door creaked open, and the soft steps on the carpet alerted me to a visitor. Even without my magic, I knew who it was. I could sense Liam.

“Are you okay?” I turned and studied him from head to toe, searching for signs that he had encountered trouble.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry, I couldn’t find him,” Liam said.

“I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” I looked out the window. “I overslept,” I said.

“I told the servants not to disturb you.”

“Why?” I asked, heartbroken, still not turning around.

Liam came closer, stopping inches behind me. So close I could breathe in his scent. “I wanted you to rest so you can recover.”

I turned around, ready to spill my heart out to him about the kiss with Devin and how it meant nothing, but his stony look stopped me. He clenched his jaw, his brows furrowed, and I saw the dark circles under his eyes. I hesitated, unsure of the reception I would receive. This didn’t seem like the same Liam.

Liam gently grasped my shoulders. “I’m sorry that I failed to protect you a second time. It won’t happen again.” His voice was full of regret. His hands dropped from my shoulders and he stepped away.

I stared up at him with wide eyes. “What do you mean?” I cast a glance out the window, through the lace, and came to the heartbreaking conclusion. “You’re . . . leaving me behind.”

“Yes, it’s for your own good. I was wrong to ask you to come.”

“You don’t get to decide what’s for my own good,” I breathed, holding my temper in check.

“I’m the commander, and I say what goes.”

“I won’t stay here. I still want to help. I will make my own way to the front lines to fight anyway I know how.”

“Aura,” Liam warned. “I’ve lost enough men trying to tackle the blight, and now you’re even more of a liability.”

“I’m not a liability.”

“You are. Last night proves it. I can’t bring an unarmed woman to fight the blight. It will be too dangerous.”

“I wasn’t defenseless. I fought him off using the staff—without magic—but I can get better.” I finally found a spring of hope in my dire situation. “Maybe Devin could teach me to fight with it?”

Liam’s hands balled into fists. “Is that what you want? Devin?”

“Yes, I just said—”

Liam’s shoulders dropped the slightest. “As you wish.” He turned and marched out of the room.

“Where are you going?” I asked, quickening my pace to keep up with him.

“If you want to come, we’re leaving right now. If you can’t handle my pace, then maybe you should reconsider the offer to stay here,” he said.

“But I haven’t even had breakfast.” I slowed when I smelled the fresh ham in the dining room, and I debated