Unbound, page 20
Alannah had her back against the wall and Odhran stalked closer. Too close. She swallowed. “You don’t need to make anything of me. It would be better if you didn’t think of me at all.”
He placed his hands on either side of her head. “I’ve tried. To no avail. Trust me, I do not want to think of you, Alannah. I’ve never had much use for those kinds of thoughts.”
She swallowed. “Those kinds?”
“Perhaps if I give in, sate my curiosity, then I won’t think of you at all.”
“I don’t think—”
“Would you allow me to bed you, Alannah? It could benefit us both.”
The request took a moment to register. Why would…and why would he think…what the fuck? “You—”
“I could rid myself of you in my thoughts and you would be rid of me in turn.”
She gaped at him, still processing what he said. Did this make sense to him? Truly? Her blood grew hot—boiling even—and her heart pounded in her ears. “Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be more vile…more disgusting, you—”
He kissed her. A hand cupped her face, thumb grazing her cheekbones. The other pushed her hair over her shoulder. Despite his quick action, the kiss was surprisingly gentle as if he was unsure of what he was doing. She wouldn’t have expected that from him, but it still pissed her off.
The smack echoed in between the houses. She had never hit someone before. And she didn’t like how it felt.
Odhran stepped back. His cheek pink. The outline of her hand faint against his pale skin. The look on his face…she didn’t think she had ever seen him look devastated before. Or vulnerable. And it didn’t last. As quickly as it had slipped, the mask was back and he looked at her with cool indifference.
“I’m sorry—”
“Why? You said you found me vile, I should’ve believed you.”
“Do you really expect me to think anything else of you? After what you’ve done, how could I?”
He frowned. “I hardly think a few pranks could warrant—”
Her laugh was abrupt. Sharp. Short-lived. “Pranks! Destroying my mother’s flowers was in no way a prank.”
“They were just flowers.”
She felt the fire under her skin again. “They were all that remained of her. But of course, I shouldn’t expect someone like you to understand.”
“What does that mean?”
“Someone as cruel and as heartless as his own mother. Someone who has no idea what it’s like to lose everything.” She took a step forward and he took a step back. “Do you have any idea what it was like to wake up in the morning and try to find a reason to go on only to find nothing? To be alone. Unseen. Unknown.”
“Alannah—”
She took another step and this time she trapped him. His back against the wooden siding. “Have you any idea what it was like to watch my mother waste away. To watch her draw a breath and never exhale again. To strip her and clean her and use all of my strength to carry her to edge and to wake up to her gone because I wasn’t even allowed to bury her. I smelled her on my clothes and heard her voice in my head and the only comfort I had were those damn flowers.”
“I’m sorry, I—”
She laughed. “You’re sorry? Those words mean nothing coming from you.” She shook her head. “Your mother punished the entirety of my family because she was hurt. She made sure we would always be alone. She laid down her curse—her justice—and I’m sure she laughed as she laughed at me in her court. You are cut from the same cloth and I’m supposed to believe you’re sorry?”
“I didn’t know—"
“I was being punished enough. And because I dared to save a person from death you thought I deserved more punishment and pain,” she whispered. “Not knowing doesn’t excuse you, Odhran. It doesn’t mean you can be horrible and cruel and you were. You are.”
He stood silent. Frozen. The mask slowly slipping away once more, but she had no interest in seeing what lived underneath. She had seen enough. Alannah stepped back. This was not the night she had envisioned. Ruined by her blunder and then by him. She should not have stayed. It was a mistake. This was a mistake. Alannah turned her back to him.
He drew in a shaky breath. “Alannah—"
She paused and looked over her shoulder. “Selanna was wrong. There is nothing redeemable about you.”
The sharp intake of breath almost made her pause. Perhaps it her words had surprised him. Or maybe she had even finally said something that hurt him. Although she doubted mere words would be able to reach him.
Alannah didn’t want to go back to the celebration. She wanted to sleep. To hasten the morning so she could leave. She turned to the right to enter Riona’s house and stopped at the sight of someone sitting in a rocking chair beside the door. It wasn’t Elliot, much to her relief. Makenna was sitting there with a bottle of spiced wine in her lap and a cloth bundle.
“Some people can be real asses,” Makenna said, standing up.
“Were you waiting for me?” Alannah asked.
Makenna shrugged. “Perhaps.” She gestured for Alannah to follow her inside.
The door closed behind them, muffling the sounds of the celebration. Makenna walked up the stairs and led Alannah into her room. The house was so quiet in comparison. Makenna set the bundle down on her bed and the wine on the bedside table.
“You don’t have to keep me company,” Alannah said.
“I have had thirty-five Samhains and I will have many more.” Makenna patted a spot on the deep purple bedspread. “Besides, you wanted to know what sisters are like. Sisters sneak away from parties to drink. When they’re not arguing, of course.”
Alannah sat down. “Would you like to argue first?”
“I imagine you don’t have much arguing left in you after that.”
Alannah pressed her lips into a thin line. “You heard?”
Makenna grabbed the bottle and uncorked it. “Heard. Saw. Was going to interfere, but you seemed to have handle on it.” She took a sip and handed it to Alannah.
“He is arrogant,” Alannah sneered, taking a drink.
“It would seem so.”
“And rude and awful. And he really thought I would go to bed with him!” She took another sip and gave the bottle back.
“What a jerk.” Makenna glanced at her. “He certainly riles you up.”
“In a way no one else ever has. I don’t like it,” Alannah admitted. “I’m not the most positive person, but that doesn’t mean I like being so…angry.”
Makenna hummed in agreement. Her fingers tapped at the bottle before she shifted closer to Alannah. “Was the kiss nice at least?”
“What!”
Makenna leaned back. “That bad, huh.”
“No. I mean, yes. I don’t know. Are you supposed to rate them?”
“If he wasn’t an asshole, would you have liked it?” Makenna asked instead.
Maybe? It wasn’t terrible. She didn’t think. It’s not she had another experience to compare it to. The longer it took for her to answer the more Makenna grinned. She should’ve said no right away. It was better than thinking about it. Why was she even thinking about it?
She shook her head and reached for the bottle. “Let’s talk about something else.”
She didn’t want to spend another second thinking about Odhran and the not-awful, ill-timed kiss.
***
Odhran slumped against the side of the house. He exhaled slowly and pinched the bridge of his nose. What was I thinking? He shook his head. He didn’t even come here to see her and yet when he did, he floundered like a bumbling fool. And the way she had looked at him? He shuddered. He wasn’t well liked, but never before had someone looked at him like he was pond scum. And I kissed her. Odhran touched his fingertips to his lips.
If only she liked it as he had.
But he was vile. Disgusting. Irredeemable. There was possibly no coming back from this. If there was a chance to show her he wasn’t terrible, he blew it.
“Well, this is a surprise.”
Odhran met Riona’s gaze. She didn’t look displeased to see him, but the tension in her shoulders told him she was guarded. Despite what he told Alannah, Riona was the reason he came. She was a gifted witch. Even many of the Fae knew. There were whispers that she would help anyone who came to her. Odhran hoped that extended to him.
He drew himself up to his full height and tilted his head at her. “I hope this is not a bad time.”
“That depends on why you’re here.”
Odhran reached into his pocket and her fingers flexed as if to prepare herself for an attack, but he pulled a clump of dead flowers from his pocket. The same clump Alannah had thrown at him. He held it out to the priestess and she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Taking the clump in her hands, she frowned down at it. She tapped the excess dirt from the roots and inspected them.
“I was hoping you could revive it,” he said.
“May I ask why?”
“I…made an error. Many errors. I would like to correct it if I can.”
Riona looked back up at him. “Strange.”
“What is?”
“Your request. Especially from a child of Valeria. I never would have expected her children to know when they’ve done wrong and try to apologize for it. Especially for someone your mother’s cursed.”
“How did you know?”
She smiled. “All magic has a signature. I know her family’s magic and it is woven into the roots. Although, you did a damn near perfect job of destroying it.”
His shoulders dropped. “You can’t save it?”
“I might. I cannot guarantee anything, but since you are sincere in your request, I will give it a try.”
“I…thank you. Name your price and—”
She held up her hand. “All I ask is that you keep on this path, Odhran. There is no reason for us to remain enemies and I am hoping that bonds can be created between us.”
Ah, yes, because I’m good at that. He nodded. “I will…certainly try.”
Perhaps I can start with Alannah.
Chapter 26
Her head pulsated behind her eyes. She didn’t even want to open them. Quiet snores filled the room, but they weren’t Elliot’s or Mr. Pinkus’. Alannah cracked one eye open. The room was dark, but she could see Makenna’s silhouette clearly. They must’ve fallen asleep after finishing the bottles and the cakes that Makenna had snuck away from the party. Must be why the inside of her mouth felt coated in a film. She swallowed, tried to, but her throat felt dry and cracked.
Headache. Dry throat. She rolled over, careful not to disturb Makenna, and her stomach protested. Nauseous.
Is this what a hangover felt like?
Alannah pushed the covers off. Sweaty clothes clung to her skin, from sleeping right next to Makenna or fever, but a cool breeze made her sigh in relief. She should get up and find medicine. There was bound to be something in a healer’s house, but Alannah couldn’t make herself get up.
Her eyes closed.
Bright sun warmed the room to an unbearable temperature. Or maybe it was just her. Alannah drew in a breath. Sweat dripped from her forehead, but she shivered. A blessedly cool cloth covered her forehead. A hand moved across her upper back. Elliot. Alannah blinked up at him. He gently pulled her upright. Another hand—Makenna’s—brought a warm cup to Alannah’s chapped lips. She didn’t want to drink something warm it would only make her hotter, and she was already burning up.
“It will make you feel better,” Makenna reassured.
Elliot took the cup from Makenna’s hands. “Please drink, Alannah.”
They weren’t going to let her go back to sleep if she didn’t. Her protests didn’t make it out of her mouth. She took a tentative sip. The mint overwhelmed whatever else swirled in the cup, and the sharp aftertaste wasn’t pleasant either. She grimaced.
Elliot laid her back down against the pillows and Alannah’s eyes immediately closed.
“She was feeling fine last night. What happened?” Elliot asked.
“Has she been feeling tired?” Riona’s voice came from far away.
“Yeah, but we both have.”
“I’m afraid this means her time it’s…” Riona hesitated. “It’s running short.”
“We’re not even halfway. How can this be happening now?”
“She used her powers. It’s hard to say how much time that took. But it will only get worse from here.”
“The medicine will get her up on her feet,” Makenna chimed in. “The goddesses might have something for her when you make it to the court.”
“Let her rest now. We’ll make sure you’re prepared to the leave the moment she’s ready,” Riona said.
Alannah felt sleep calling at her. If they were right then she couldn’t afford to sleep, but she couldn’t make herself get up either. She shivered again. Weight gently settled onto her chest. Cloth tickled her chin. A low purr filled her ears. Fingers brushed hair from her forehead.
“Don’t worry, Alannah. I will get you there.”
Oh, Elliot.
The third time she woke, she woke alone. Damp sheets clung to her skin. She felt gross. Alannah pushed the blankets off and sat up. Her arms shook under her weight. This was bad. Very bad. How would she reach the court like this? The door opened and she looked up.
“You’re awake,” Makenna said, stepping into the room with a pitcher and cup in her hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Awful.” Alannah’s voice cracked.
Makenna poured a cup of water and handed it to Alannah. “This should help.”
The water soothed her aching throat. She held the cup in her hands while Makenna poured more water into the cup. “How long was I out?” Alannah asked.
“It’s almost noon so a few hours.”
Alannah groaned. “So much time wasted.”
Makenna rested her hand on Alannah’s forearm. “There was no way you were leaving in that state.”
“It’s going to get worse. How am I going to make it?” Alannah whispered.
“I packed more medicine for you. You dissolve it in water. It will help you get there.” Makenna sighed. “I am hoping the goddesses will have something more for you.”
“Me too.”
“I’ve left a change of clothes in the washroom for you. The water will be cold, but that might make you feel better.”
“Thank you, Makenna.”
Makenna set the pitcher down on the bedside table and turned to leave the room. She paused in the open doorway with her head angled in Alannah’s direction. “I believe you will succeed, Alannah,” she said before leaving the room.
You and everyone else.
Alannah sighed and downed the rest of her water. With shaky hands, she pushed herself to the edge of the bed and swung her legs to the floor. Moving felt like dragging around dead weight. It seemed impossible to move forward from here. That was probably the point. And if she were alone, she might have given up now. Accepted that she made a terrible decision. But Elliot’s life, and the truth of what happened to his friends, hinged on her success. She would get to the court if she had to crawl there.
The cold water invigorated her and washed away the layer of sweat. She stood under the spray after she had finished washing—a monumental task given how much it hurt to raise her arms—and took a moment to steel herself for the next leg of the journey.
With shaky hands, she managed to button every button and pull her hair back into a ponytail. Alannah stared at the dress she had hung on the back of the door. A shame she wouldn’t get to wear it again. She pulled it down and folded it over her arm. Did she have time to wash it? Probably not, but she didn’t want to leave it like this. Alannah walked back into Makenna’s room to strip the bed only to find it already done.
Alannah leaned heavily on the wall as she walked down the stairs. Everyone waited in the kitchen. Elliot and Mr. Pinkus sat at the table, the plates in front of them untouched much to her surprise. Were they waiting for her? Riona stood at the stove while Makenna and Niamh packed food into satchels.
“Feeling better?” Riona asked.
“A little,” Alannah lied not wanting them to feel bad. Or feel sorry. But none of them looked like they believed her. She walked into the kitchen and held out the dress to Makenna. “Thank you for letting me wear it.”
Makenna smiled and took it from her hands. “It was perfect on you.”
“Make sure to eat plenty, Alannah. You’ll need your strength,” Riona said, gesturing to the chair beside Elliot.
Alannah sat down. The food looked delicious—eggs, bacon, and toast with raspberry jam—but it also made her stomach flip. She swallowed hard. A mug of steaming tea sat to the left of the plate. It smelled similar to the same tea from earlier.
“Drink the tea first,” Makenna instructed.
She reached for it and took a tentative sip. With no bitter aftertaste, Alannah downed the tea in less than a minute. Her stomach settled almost instantly making the food a little more appetizing. Everyone had their eyes on her. It unsettled her. Made her uncomfortable. She picked up her fork and speared a piece of egg.
“You can have mine too if you need it,” Elliot said.
“I’m okay, Elliot,” she reassured. “I’m fine. Eat.”
The somber atmosphere left no room for conversation. Only the sound of utensils scraping against porcelain. Alannah cleared her plate, knowing she would never hear the end of it from Elliot and Mr. Pinkus if she didn’t. They were worried. Hell, she was worried too.
Riona wouldn’t hear of her helping to clean up. They had to leave. Alannah didn’t want to. And if she didn’t have to worry about a damn quest, she would’ve stayed. She sat on the stairs and pulled on her boots. Her fingers shook as she tried to lace them. Elliot knelt in front of her to do it.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome.”
When Alannah stood up, Makenna pulled her into a hug. “Come back and see us.”
“I would like that,” Alannah said into Makenna’s hair.
Niamh’s goodbye was more formal and reserved. After all, they hardly spent any time together.
With their backpacks on their backs and a satchel of food in hand, Alannah and Elliot followed Riona outside. Mr. Pinkus trailed behind them. Riona led them outside of the village.
He placed his hands on either side of her head. “I’ve tried. To no avail. Trust me, I do not want to think of you, Alannah. I’ve never had much use for those kinds of thoughts.”
She swallowed. “Those kinds?”
“Perhaps if I give in, sate my curiosity, then I won’t think of you at all.”
“I don’t think—”
“Would you allow me to bed you, Alannah? It could benefit us both.”
The request took a moment to register. Why would…and why would he think…what the fuck? “You—”
“I could rid myself of you in my thoughts and you would be rid of me in turn.”
She gaped at him, still processing what he said. Did this make sense to him? Truly? Her blood grew hot—boiling even—and her heart pounded in her ears. “Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be more vile…more disgusting, you—”
He kissed her. A hand cupped her face, thumb grazing her cheekbones. The other pushed her hair over her shoulder. Despite his quick action, the kiss was surprisingly gentle as if he was unsure of what he was doing. She wouldn’t have expected that from him, but it still pissed her off.
The smack echoed in between the houses. She had never hit someone before. And she didn’t like how it felt.
Odhran stepped back. His cheek pink. The outline of her hand faint against his pale skin. The look on his face…she didn’t think she had ever seen him look devastated before. Or vulnerable. And it didn’t last. As quickly as it had slipped, the mask was back and he looked at her with cool indifference.
“I’m sorry—”
“Why? You said you found me vile, I should’ve believed you.”
“Do you really expect me to think anything else of you? After what you’ve done, how could I?”
He frowned. “I hardly think a few pranks could warrant—”
Her laugh was abrupt. Sharp. Short-lived. “Pranks! Destroying my mother’s flowers was in no way a prank.”
“They were just flowers.”
She felt the fire under her skin again. “They were all that remained of her. But of course, I shouldn’t expect someone like you to understand.”
“What does that mean?”
“Someone as cruel and as heartless as his own mother. Someone who has no idea what it’s like to lose everything.” She took a step forward and he took a step back. “Do you have any idea what it was like to wake up in the morning and try to find a reason to go on only to find nothing? To be alone. Unseen. Unknown.”
“Alannah—”
She took another step and this time she trapped him. His back against the wooden siding. “Have you any idea what it was like to watch my mother waste away. To watch her draw a breath and never exhale again. To strip her and clean her and use all of my strength to carry her to edge and to wake up to her gone because I wasn’t even allowed to bury her. I smelled her on my clothes and heard her voice in my head and the only comfort I had were those damn flowers.”
“I’m sorry, I—”
She laughed. “You’re sorry? Those words mean nothing coming from you.” She shook her head. “Your mother punished the entirety of my family because she was hurt. She made sure we would always be alone. She laid down her curse—her justice—and I’m sure she laughed as she laughed at me in her court. You are cut from the same cloth and I’m supposed to believe you’re sorry?”
“I didn’t know—"
“I was being punished enough. And because I dared to save a person from death you thought I deserved more punishment and pain,” she whispered. “Not knowing doesn’t excuse you, Odhran. It doesn’t mean you can be horrible and cruel and you were. You are.”
He stood silent. Frozen. The mask slowly slipping away once more, but she had no interest in seeing what lived underneath. She had seen enough. Alannah stepped back. This was not the night she had envisioned. Ruined by her blunder and then by him. She should not have stayed. It was a mistake. This was a mistake. Alannah turned her back to him.
He drew in a shaky breath. “Alannah—"
She paused and looked over her shoulder. “Selanna was wrong. There is nothing redeemable about you.”
The sharp intake of breath almost made her pause. Perhaps it her words had surprised him. Or maybe she had even finally said something that hurt him. Although she doubted mere words would be able to reach him.
Alannah didn’t want to go back to the celebration. She wanted to sleep. To hasten the morning so she could leave. She turned to the right to enter Riona’s house and stopped at the sight of someone sitting in a rocking chair beside the door. It wasn’t Elliot, much to her relief. Makenna was sitting there with a bottle of spiced wine in her lap and a cloth bundle.
“Some people can be real asses,” Makenna said, standing up.
“Were you waiting for me?” Alannah asked.
Makenna shrugged. “Perhaps.” She gestured for Alannah to follow her inside.
The door closed behind them, muffling the sounds of the celebration. Makenna walked up the stairs and led Alannah into her room. The house was so quiet in comparison. Makenna set the bundle down on her bed and the wine on the bedside table.
“You don’t have to keep me company,” Alannah said.
“I have had thirty-five Samhains and I will have many more.” Makenna patted a spot on the deep purple bedspread. “Besides, you wanted to know what sisters are like. Sisters sneak away from parties to drink. When they’re not arguing, of course.”
Alannah sat down. “Would you like to argue first?”
“I imagine you don’t have much arguing left in you after that.”
Alannah pressed her lips into a thin line. “You heard?”
Makenna grabbed the bottle and uncorked it. “Heard. Saw. Was going to interfere, but you seemed to have handle on it.” She took a sip and handed it to Alannah.
“He is arrogant,” Alannah sneered, taking a drink.
“It would seem so.”
“And rude and awful. And he really thought I would go to bed with him!” She took another sip and gave the bottle back.
“What a jerk.” Makenna glanced at her. “He certainly riles you up.”
“In a way no one else ever has. I don’t like it,” Alannah admitted. “I’m not the most positive person, but that doesn’t mean I like being so…angry.”
Makenna hummed in agreement. Her fingers tapped at the bottle before she shifted closer to Alannah. “Was the kiss nice at least?”
“What!”
Makenna leaned back. “That bad, huh.”
“No. I mean, yes. I don’t know. Are you supposed to rate them?”
“If he wasn’t an asshole, would you have liked it?” Makenna asked instead.
Maybe? It wasn’t terrible. She didn’t think. It’s not she had another experience to compare it to. The longer it took for her to answer the more Makenna grinned. She should’ve said no right away. It was better than thinking about it. Why was she even thinking about it?
She shook her head and reached for the bottle. “Let’s talk about something else.”
She didn’t want to spend another second thinking about Odhran and the not-awful, ill-timed kiss.
***
Odhran slumped against the side of the house. He exhaled slowly and pinched the bridge of his nose. What was I thinking? He shook his head. He didn’t even come here to see her and yet when he did, he floundered like a bumbling fool. And the way she had looked at him? He shuddered. He wasn’t well liked, but never before had someone looked at him like he was pond scum. And I kissed her. Odhran touched his fingertips to his lips.
If only she liked it as he had.
But he was vile. Disgusting. Irredeemable. There was possibly no coming back from this. If there was a chance to show her he wasn’t terrible, he blew it.
“Well, this is a surprise.”
Odhran met Riona’s gaze. She didn’t look displeased to see him, but the tension in her shoulders told him she was guarded. Despite what he told Alannah, Riona was the reason he came. She was a gifted witch. Even many of the Fae knew. There were whispers that she would help anyone who came to her. Odhran hoped that extended to him.
He drew himself up to his full height and tilted his head at her. “I hope this is not a bad time.”
“That depends on why you’re here.”
Odhran reached into his pocket and her fingers flexed as if to prepare herself for an attack, but he pulled a clump of dead flowers from his pocket. The same clump Alannah had thrown at him. He held it out to the priestess and she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Taking the clump in her hands, she frowned down at it. She tapped the excess dirt from the roots and inspected them.
“I was hoping you could revive it,” he said.
“May I ask why?”
“I…made an error. Many errors. I would like to correct it if I can.”
Riona looked back up at him. “Strange.”
“What is?”
“Your request. Especially from a child of Valeria. I never would have expected her children to know when they’ve done wrong and try to apologize for it. Especially for someone your mother’s cursed.”
“How did you know?”
She smiled. “All magic has a signature. I know her family’s magic and it is woven into the roots. Although, you did a damn near perfect job of destroying it.”
His shoulders dropped. “You can’t save it?”
“I might. I cannot guarantee anything, but since you are sincere in your request, I will give it a try.”
“I…thank you. Name your price and—”
She held up her hand. “All I ask is that you keep on this path, Odhran. There is no reason for us to remain enemies and I am hoping that bonds can be created between us.”
Ah, yes, because I’m good at that. He nodded. “I will…certainly try.”
Perhaps I can start with Alannah.
Chapter 26
Her head pulsated behind her eyes. She didn’t even want to open them. Quiet snores filled the room, but they weren’t Elliot’s or Mr. Pinkus’. Alannah cracked one eye open. The room was dark, but she could see Makenna’s silhouette clearly. They must’ve fallen asleep after finishing the bottles and the cakes that Makenna had snuck away from the party. Must be why the inside of her mouth felt coated in a film. She swallowed, tried to, but her throat felt dry and cracked.
Headache. Dry throat. She rolled over, careful not to disturb Makenna, and her stomach protested. Nauseous.
Is this what a hangover felt like?
Alannah pushed the covers off. Sweaty clothes clung to her skin, from sleeping right next to Makenna or fever, but a cool breeze made her sigh in relief. She should get up and find medicine. There was bound to be something in a healer’s house, but Alannah couldn’t make herself get up.
Her eyes closed.
Bright sun warmed the room to an unbearable temperature. Or maybe it was just her. Alannah drew in a breath. Sweat dripped from her forehead, but she shivered. A blessedly cool cloth covered her forehead. A hand moved across her upper back. Elliot. Alannah blinked up at him. He gently pulled her upright. Another hand—Makenna’s—brought a warm cup to Alannah’s chapped lips. She didn’t want to drink something warm it would only make her hotter, and she was already burning up.
“It will make you feel better,” Makenna reassured.
Elliot took the cup from Makenna’s hands. “Please drink, Alannah.”
They weren’t going to let her go back to sleep if she didn’t. Her protests didn’t make it out of her mouth. She took a tentative sip. The mint overwhelmed whatever else swirled in the cup, and the sharp aftertaste wasn’t pleasant either. She grimaced.
Elliot laid her back down against the pillows and Alannah’s eyes immediately closed.
“She was feeling fine last night. What happened?” Elliot asked.
“Has she been feeling tired?” Riona’s voice came from far away.
“Yeah, but we both have.”
“I’m afraid this means her time it’s…” Riona hesitated. “It’s running short.”
“We’re not even halfway. How can this be happening now?”
“She used her powers. It’s hard to say how much time that took. But it will only get worse from here.”
“The medicine will get her up on her feet,” Makenna chimed in. “The goddesses might have something for her when you make it to the court.”
“Let her rest now. We’ll make sure you’re prepared to the leave the moment she’s ready,” Riona said.
Alannah felt sleep calling at her. If they were right then she couldn’t afford to sleep, but she couldn’t make herself get up either. She shivered again. Weight gently settled onto her chest. Cloth tickled her chin. A low purr filled her ears. Fingers brushed hair from her forehead.
“Don’t worry, Alannah. I will get you there.”
Oh, Elliot.
The third time she woke, she woke alone. Damp sheets clung to her skin. She felt gross. Alannah pushed the blankets off and sat up. Her arms shook under her weight. This was bad. Very bad. How would she reach the court like this? The door opened and she looked up.
“You’re awake,” Makenna said, stepping into the room with a pitcher and cup in her hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Awful.” Alannah’s voice cracked.
Makenna poured a cup of water and handed it to Alannah. “This should help.”
The water soothed her aching throat. She held the cup in her hands while Makenna poured more water into the cup. “How long was I out?” Alannah asked.
“It’s almost noon so a few hours.”
Alannah groaned. “So much time wasted.”
Makenna rested her hand on Alannah’s forearm. “There was no way you were leaving in that state.”
“It’s going to get worse. How am I going to make it?” Alannah whispered.
“I packed more medicine for you. You dissolve it in water. It will help you get there.” Makenna sighed. “I am hoping the goddesses will have something more for you.”
“Me too.”
“I’ve left a change of clothes in the washroom for you. The water will be cold, but that might make you feel better.”
“Thank you, Makenna.”
Makenna set the pitcher down on the bedside table and turned to leave the room. She paused in the open doorway with her head angled in Alannah’s direction. “I believe you will succeed, Alannah,” she said before leaving the room.
You and everyone else.
Alannah sighed and downed the rest of her water. With shaky hands, she pushed herself to the edge of the bed and swung her legs to the floor. Moving felt like dragging around dead weight. It seemed impossible to move forward from here. That was probably the point. And if she were alone, she might have given up now. Accepted that she made a terrible decision. But Elliot’s life, and the truth of what happened to his friends, hinged on her success. She would get to the court if she had to crawl there.
The cold water invigorated her and washed away the layer of sweat. She stood under the spray after she had finished washing—a monumental task given how much it hurt to raise her arms—and took a moment to steel herself for the next leg of the journey.
With shaky hands, she managed to button every button and pull her hair back into a ponytail. Alannah stared at the dress she had hung on the back of the door. A shame she wouldn’t get to wear it again. She pulled it down and folded it over her arm. Did she have time to wash it? Probably not, but she didn’t want to leave it like this. Alannah walked back into Makenna’s room to strip the bed only to find it already done.
Alannah leaned heavily on the wall as she walked down the stairs. Everyone waited in the kitchen. Elliot and Mr. Pinkus sat at the table, the plates in front of them untouched much to her surprise. Were they waiting for her? Riona stood at the stove while Makenna and Niamh packed food into satchels.
“Feeling better?” Riona asked.
“A little,” Alannah lied not wanting them to feel bad. Or feel sorry. But none of them looked like they believed her. She walked into the kitchen and held out the dress to Makenna. “Thank you for letting me wear it.”
Makenna smiled and took it from her hands. “It was perfect on you.”
“Make sure to eat plenty, Alannah. You’ll need your strength,” Riona said, gesturing to the chair beside Elliot.
Alannah sat down. The food looked delicious—eggs, bacon, and toast with raspberry jam—but it also made her stomach flip. She swallowed hard. A mug of steaming tea sat to the left of the plate. It smelled similar to the same tea from earlier.
“Drink the tea first,” Makenna instructed.
She reached for it and took a tentative sip. With no bitter aftertaste, Alannah downed the tea in less than a minute. Her stomach settled almost instantly making the food a little more appetizing. Everyone had their eyes on her. It unsettled her. Made her uncomfortable. She picked up her fork and speared a piece of egg.
“You can have mine too if you need it,” Elliot said.
“I’m okay, Elliot,” she reassured. “I’m fine. Eat.”
The somber atmosphere left no room for conversation. Only the sound of utensils scraping against porcelain. Alannah cleared her plate, knowing she would never hear the end of it from Elliot and Mr. Pinkus if she didn’t. They were worried. Hell, she was worried too.
Riona wouldn’t hear of her helping to clean up. They had to leave. Alannah didn’t want to. And if she didn’t have to worry about a damn quest, she would’ve stayed. She sat on the stairs and pulled on her boots. Her fingers shook as she tried to lace them. Elliot knelt in front of her to do it.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome.”
When Alannah stood up, Makenna pulled her into a hug. “Come back and see us.”
“I would like that,” Alannah said into Makenna’s hair.
Niamh’s goodbye was more formal and reserved. After all, they hardly spent any time together.
With their backpacks on their backs and a satchel of food in hand, Alannah and Elliot followed Riona outside. Mr. Pinkus trailed behind them. Riona led them outside of the village.
