Beyond the Outer Wall (A Plague of Magic Book 1) by Lichelle Slater

Author:Lichelle Slater [Slater, Lichelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-09-19T00:00:00+00:00

Eighteen

Lily was filled with peace as she looked around at the beautiful forest. All day she’d been entranced by the sounds—the cooing birds, the chittering squirrels she’d spotted chasing each other around a trunk, the peaceful roar of the river, and the breeze rustling the leaves. It was so unlike the castle, polluted with the noises of clattering metal, men shouting as they practiced, the rolling of wagons, and the sounds of the market.

Being in the forest was everything she’d dreamed it would be.

The air was so fresh she could smell the water flowing in the river, the cluster of flowers, and the fresh mint at the waters’ edge.

Percy had snuggled up to her side, panting with a big smile on his face from playing with Sand. Sand and Mardai were talking about Sand’s rock collection. And for the millionth time, she caught herself glancing over at Asher, whose eyes were still closed. His side rose and fell with deep breaths of sleep and a tear lingered on his long lashes.

In spite of how cold he’d been to her all day, she couldn’t blame him. His mother was dead, he’d been tortured, and he hadn’t expected to have extra baggage during their escape: her.

“He’s normally very friendly.”

Lily looked to Asher’s father and quickly smiled. “He was polite, more or less, when we first met. He still blames me for being human and the soldiers attacking your land. I didn’t know his mother had been killed. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Mardai gave her a tender smile. “Thank you. He was very close with his mother. It is going to be difficult for him to get over her death. I know you didn’t expect to come with us, but I am grateful you have. You seem like a remarkable woman. I imagine your own parents must be proud?”

She flushed. “I don’t . . . have parents. But thank you.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “I’m sorry. And I mean it. Thank you for taking care of my son.” He looked at the young man with love and adoration. Not even Wester had ever looked at her in that way.

“Lunch is ready. But I don’t dare wake him.” She glanced at Asher.

“Serve everyone and we can eat as he sleeps. He needs it, especially before we get home. He works too hard.” He took out the three bowls and held them out to Lily one at a time.

She did her best scooping even portions while leaving plenty for Asher too. Of course, she had to sneak some bits of meat from her own bowl for Percy to eat. He wagged his tail happily with each bite.

“When we get home, where is Lily going to live?” Sand asked through a mouthful of food.

“With us in the palace,” Mardai answered. “I don’t know what the status is of the homes in our land, if any of the humans destroyed them, and I won’t make her sleep in the mud or barn.” He winked at her.

“Good. You can stay with us, if you want,” Sand offered.

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