Hunger & Cursed Shadows by Jessaca Willis

Author:Jessaca Willis [Willis, Jessaca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessaca Willis

7

TOR

Magic may have disappeared, but apparently some still remains.

It's not long after we leave the Eyve that Ryven and I discover we still possess some relic of power, though it is different from our druid abilities. For the first minute or so as we raced through the forest, worried that Halira might discover our plan and pursue us, our speed was heightened. Neither of us were sure how, and I seemed to last longer than Ryven, so there seems to be some sort of variation, but it's still curious, nonetheless.

"When was the last time you fed?" I ask him after a time.

We're far enough away from the Eyve now that I'm sure no one is following, and therefore we have no use of wandering silently in the dark. I've spent too many years wandering this forest without a companion. I refuse to do it again.

"Fed?" he asks, voice strained. "As in—"

"Yes. This is your nature now, or at least for a time. I suggest you start developing a tougher skin around your identity."

He clears his throat, considering. "You heard about Elder Nebadri's mouse? The one she found dead, killed by a cat?"

Glee overcomes me. I can't help it!

"You sneaky little bastard. That was you?" When he doesn't reply, I have to assume he's doing another one of his stoic expressions and I carry on. Until it occurs to me that we're talking about a tiny, disgusting mouse. "I'd hardly call that a feed. How much blood is even in those things? A drop?"

"It was enough," he grumbles, and I can hear how tight his jaw is clenched.

"Right. Yeah, I'm sure it was," I say, trying not to grimace and failing miserably. "I'm sure that's why you looked completely in control today any time Halira was cuddling up next to you. I'm sure you haven't spent the last few months wondering what my sister would taste like if you bit into her juicy throat and—"

"That's enough."

I scoff, fangs bared. "You're right, it is enough! Enough of you pretending that you're not starving and putting everyone else in danger. Or did you just think you could ignore it and it would go away?”

His silence is all the proof of his stupidity that I need.

"Wonderful. You've developed a fantastic coping mechanism." I roll my eyes and duck under a low branch. Just up ahead, I can barely make out a glowing aura that I have to assume is a village. Hopefully, if his sense of direction is accurate, it'll be the one we're looking for. "When we reach Hulbeck, remind me to find you something before you snap."

Still, Ryven doesn't speak.

I'm only mildly annoyed about it. Soon we'll be in Hulbeck, and I can find someone else to keep my company for the evening. The stories of my sister and what she did for this country have traveled far, and my white hair connects me directly to her. Everyone knows of Halira Devonshire, the Hero of Arcathain—or as they call it now, the United Realm—and they’re well aware of the sister and brother who aided in our small ways.

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