Vision (The Keepers of Astraela Book 1) by Wrenna Stone

Author:Wrenna Stone [Stone, Wrenna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wrenna Stone
Published: 2023-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

24.

EMRYS

Edenberry buzzed with life, but all Emrys could focus on was the lingering taste of bile in his mouth. Images of Thana’s corpse tucked comfortably in her eternal resting place plagued his mind, nearly blocking his view of the townsfolk milling around them.

Through the veil of unwanted recollections, he watched the passersby with disdain. They carried on their way, all grins and laughter. He envied their enjoyment of the sunlit day and how they could put their fears of Darkness behind an oblivious aura. Even Bellus refused to acknowledge the storm brewing inside his chest as it beat angrily upon his face.

For once, he longed for the cool night that would soon be upon them. Then, he could leave behind a neck slick with perspiration and form-fitting clothes that clung to every crevasse of his body.

Unlike the crowds, Mystia and Emrys kept a slow pace. Her motherly side glances were no help while they meandered the town square, especially with how expertly she masked her own grief. Smiles and warm greetings flowed from her lips to many of the townspeople, most of which sported reddened, baggy eyes after what he assumed was a long stay at her tavern.

Even so, she tried not to draw more attention than necessary as they ducked down a side street that led to the outskirts of town.

Emrys peered over his shoulder at Eva, who had kept her distance since leaving the burial site. She had lapsed into near-silence, only muttering quick responses when spoken to instead of peppering the air with questions. He yearned to know what raced within her mind, much like Mystia could do to him.

“She’ll be fine, love,” whispered Mystia, too low for their distracted companion to hear.

Emrys shoved his hands into his pockets, thanking the gods for the flannel shirt tied around his waist that concealed his sweat-dampened ass.

Mystia placed a gentle hand on his arm. “We’ll figure it out. All of it.”

Emrys cast another glance back at their quieter friend. While he wanted to believe Mystia, the flat expression on Eva’s face brought more concern than words could relieve.

They turned a corner into the quiet suburbs. Lingering on the edge of town, the once thriving lawns had been starved of the sun’s nutrients for far too long, until they had wilted to a dull brownish-green.

All except for one home.

A cottage rested at the end of the street, seemingly untouched by the world’s blight. A mix of modern and traditional, it had been the coziest hole on the block even before the Corruption invaded. Its simplistic charm couldn’t be beat. Every blade of grass stood in lush glory, with pots of iridescent flowers blooming in colorful sprays.

Faeran Morfare always had a flair for beauty—and plenty of help from a certain satyr to keep his property so well-preserved.

As they walked the cobblestone path to the front door, Mystia turned to face Eva. “Faeran is a nice man. Keeps me supplied with ingredients for my rarer tonics.”

“Rarer?” asked Eva.

“Off the menu.”

Eva arched her brows.

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