The Wolf and the Rain by Tanya Lee

Author:Tanya Lee [Lee, Tanya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781775392910
Google: GMrrxgEACAAJ
Amazon: B07HTDSJYJ
Publisher: Tanya Lee
Published: 2019-08-22T23:00:00+00:00

23

The North

A month later her injury had mostly healed, although Ava declared her to be “as weak as a toddler with the sweats.”

She could hobble around Ava’s quarters, but her nest was out of the question, and Ava vehemently opposed her leaving the factory for any reason.

“You walk like you were born yesterday. Who wouldn’t rob you?”

Sam thought Ava was probably exaggerating, but humoured her nonetheless. For now.

It was odd to have no structure to her days, to wake up when she pleased and shape each moment on a whim. Perhaps it would have been pleasurable, if she were whole and healthy. As it was, she missed her independence; she missed being productive; she missed the distraction of routine.

At least she had daily visitors. Hakuund and Cassio usually came together. Hakuund had even taken to bringing her treats—a small pastry, a honey stick. Sam was touched that he thought her worth his time and coin. They typically visited in the evening after supper, chatting about nothing for a few minutes and then heading out on mission or to a party. She was fairly certain the two of them never slept. Xenia often arrived with Jackal in tow, although he never had much to say and tended to bow out after a few minutes.

Ava had been standoffish with the drudges at first. Xenia won her over slowly with her charm and infectious smiles, Hakuund with maple loaf. Cassio she actually seemed to approve of from the start. It was Frank that finally quelled her misgivings about Jackal. He seemed to favour Jackal above everyone except Sam. “If the cat vouches for him, I suppose he’s alright,” Ava had eventually concluded, glaring at Frank as though the cat was actively trying to vex her.

The visitor that surprised Sam most of all was Shale. The redhead stopped by every day or two, her visits often coinciding with Xenia’s, with whom she had become fast friends while Sam was drifting in and out of drug-induced sleep. Sam was not sure what had prompted the visits—pity? Curiosity?

Whatever the motivating factor, Sam was grateful for her company. Shale always had stories to share, tidbits of information she collected from all over the Barrow. Sam spent most of her time listening, which suited her perfectly.

Both Shale and Xenia had dropped by that evening. Xenia had even brought an activity: goopy paint. It was a special type of goopy paint, she had explained. When it was applied to skin, the designs would last for weeks. It didn’t take long for Sam to realize that painting with goop was not a skill that she naturally possessed.

“There isn’t really a trick to it. You either have a steady hand, or you don’t.”

“So, I don’t then,” said Sam.

“Nope, not at all,” said Xenia. “She does, though.”

Shale flashed them a coquettish smile. “I’ve always been good with my hands.”

“Here, I’ll draw over your…attempt.” Careful not to smudge the intricate lines she had painted on the back of her own hand and wrist, Xenia popped a pillow under Sam’s elbow and started spinning the goo around in a web-like design.

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